RTHK: Millions of renters at risk as eviction ban expires Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting on Sunday as a nationwide ban on evictions expires, against a backdrop of surging coronavirus cases and political finger-pointing. With billions in government funds meant to help renters still untapped, President Joe Biden this week urged Congress to extend the 11-month-old moratorium after a recent Supreme Court ruling meant the White House could not do so. But Republicans balked at Democratic efforts to extend the eviction ban through mid-October, and the House of Representatives adjourned for its summer vacation Friday without renewing it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said blocking the measure was "an act of pure cruelty... leaving children and families out on the streets," in a tweet late on Saturday. Several left-wing Democrats had spent the night outside the Capitol in protest calling out their colleagues over the failure to act. "We slept at the Capitol last night to ask them to come back and do their jobs. Today's their last chance," tweeted Congresswoman Cori Bush, who has herself experienced homelessness and was joined by fellow progressives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley. With the clock ticking down to Sunday, the country was braced for a heartbreaking spectacle families with their belongings at the curbside wondering where to go. One of those at risk is Terriana Clark, who was living out of a car with her husband and two stepchildren for much of last year, before finding a teaching job and an apartment in Harvey, Louisiana. Jobless again and struggling to pay rent after a bout of illness, the 27-year-old told The New Orleans Advocate she applied to a local assistance programme four months ago, but is still waiting for help. "If it comes, it comes. If it don't, it don't," she told the paper. "It's going to be too late for a lot of people. A lot of people are going to be outside." Up north in Michigan, Mary Hunt, who makes minimum wage driving a medical taxi, likewise fell behind on her rent on a mobile home because she got sick with Covid-19. She was served with eviction papers, and frets over what she will do with her stuff and her five cats and one dog. "How do I choose which cats to keep? It's not going to happen. I'm not going to leave any of them behind," Hunt told National Public Radio this week. "If I lose this house, then they go in the car with me. And people can think I'm a crackpot, but I'm not giving up my family," Hunt said. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-08-01. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. RTHK: Turkey wildfires force more residents to flee homes Wildfires in southern Turkey forced more people to flee their homes on Sunday as pressure on the government grew over its response to the deadly forest fires. Turkey has suffered the worst fires in at least a decade, official data show, with nearly 95,000 hectares burned so far this year, compared with an average of 13,516 at this point in the year between 2008 and 2020. Since the fires broke out Wednesday, six people have died and more than 330 have received medical treatment. A neighbourhood in the tourist city of Bodrum was evacuated, CNN Turk broadcaster reported, as flames were fanned by strong winds from Milas district nearby. Unable to leave by road, 540 residents were taken to hotels by boats, the channel said. There were more evacuations in the village of Sirtkoy in Antalya province, NTV broadcaster reported, with images of grey smoke clouds enveloping homes. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said 107 of 112 forest fires were now under control, but blazes continued in the holiday regions of Antalya and Mugla. Temperatures are set to remain high in the region after record levels last month. The general directorate of meteorology registered a temperature of 49.1 degrees Celsius on July 20 in the southeastern town of Cizre. The mercury is expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in Antalya Monday. Turkey's defence ministry released satellite images showing the extent of the damage with forest areas turned black and smoke still visible. The opposition attacked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan late Saturday after a video showed the leader throwing tea to residents in fire-affected areas. In another video, he is throwing tea to people on the side of the road from a bus. "Tea! It's unbelievable. Those who lose their shame, lose their heart too," main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) spokesman Faik Oztrak tweeted. The government has also been criticised over the lack of firefighting planes, with Turkey forced to accept help from Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Ukraine. Experts warn climate change will wreak further damage in Turkey, causing more wildfires if necessary measures to tackle the problem are not taken. According to European Union figures, Turkey has been hit by 133 wildfires in 2021 so far compared to an average of 43 by this point in the year between 2008 and 2020. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-08-01. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: Tuen Mun centre for minorities opens The Home Affairs Department announced that a new support service centre for ethnic minorities in Tuen Mun commenced operation today. The department explained that the ONE Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities, operating under its funding grant, will provide a wide range of support services for ethnic minorities to enable their early integration into the community. Such services include Cantonese and English language classes, after-school tutorial classes, dedicated programmes for ethnic minority youths, orientation and familiarisation programmes for newly arrived ethnic minorities, as well as integration activities, counselling and referral services. The centre will also provide other services to help ethnic minorities in accessing public services, including Internet access and distribution of multilingual service guidebooks and leaflets on services provided by the Government and non-profit-making organisations. The centre is located on the first floor of Esplanade Place at 101 Yip Wong Road and has a floor area of about 415 sq m. Except for public holidays, the centre operates six days a week from 9am to 9pm and closes on Tuesdays. The new Tuen Mun centre will be jointly operated by the Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service and the New Home Association. The SHINE Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities in Tuen Mun ceased operation today. This story has been published on: 2021-08-01. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Beijing (Gasgoo)- Li Auto, an innovator in Chinas new energy vehicle market, reported another new monthly delivery record today. In July, the automakers monthly deliveries totaled 8,589, increasing by 11.4% month over month and 251.3% year over year and surpassing 8,000 vehicles for the first time. Currently, Li Auto only has one model for sale, namely the Li ONE. By the end of July, Li Auto has delivered 38,743 Li ONEs this year, representing a year-on-year increase of 224.3%, bringing cumulative deliveries of the Li ONE to 72,340 since its market debut. Yanan Shen, co-founder and president of Li Auto, said that the new high volume was driven by the outstanding features and performance of the 2021 Li ONE, whose deliveries started from June 1. The automaker plans to launch several major OTA upgrades before the end of this year. 2021 Li ONE; photo credit: Li Auto Besides, the company is also accelerating the expansion of its direct sales and service network. According to its website, Li Auto had 109 retail stores in 67 cities, as well as 176 servicing centers and Li Auto-authorized body and paint shops operating in 134 cities by the end of July. On July 26, Li Auto received the permission from Hong Kong stock exchange for a listing there. According to the prospectus, it will launch its first X platform-based model in 2022 and two range-extended SUVs on the X platform in 2023. From 2023 on, the company will launch at least two high voltage battery electric vehicle models per year based on its Whale and Shark platforms. Afghan airstrikes kill 21 militants in northern Jawzjan province Xinhua) 15:31, July 31, 2021 A total of 21 militants were confirmed dead as fighting planes struck Taliban positions in Afghanistan's northern Jawzjan province on Friday, army spokesman in the northern region Mohammad Hanif Rezai said Saturday. The sorties targeted Taliban positions and hideouts in Murghab, Hasantabin, Atma and adjoining villages along the road linking Jawzjan to the neighboring Sari Pul province on Friday afternoon, killing 21 insurgents and injuring 10 others, the official said. Taliban militants, who have intensified activities since the start of the U.S.-led forces pullout from Afghanistan early in May and have reportedly overrun about 200 districts, have yet to make comments. (Web editor: Zhange Wenjie, Bianji) Xi Focus: Xi stresses achieving goals set for Chinese PLA centenary Xinhua) 09:19, August 01, 2021 BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for resolute will and determination to work hard in a down-to-earth way to achieve the goals set for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks on Friday when addressing a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, Xi extended regards to officers, soldiers and civilian personnel of PLA and the People's Armed Police Force, and members of the militia and the reserve service ahead of the 94th birthday of the PLA, which falls on Aug. 1. Xi noted that achieving the goals is a significant decision by the CPC Central Committee and the CMC and a critical task concerning China's national security and overall development. Reviewing the CPC's endeavor over the past 100 years, Xi stressed that "the Party commands the gun" and building people's armed forces are vital conclusions made through fierce struggles. On the historic course of fully building a modern socialist country and achieving the second centenary goal, greater importance should be attached to strengthening national defense and armed forces, Xi said. Xi emphasized that the realization of the goals is a profound reform vital for the overall construction of the whole army, calling for transformation in the development philosophy to ensure high-quality development. Underlining the necessity of adapting to the global trend of military development and meeting the requirements for strengthening the strategic capacity of the Chinese armed forces, Xi demanded efforts to push forward the reform of the national defense and armed forces. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Bianji) Economic Watch: China's manufacturing PMI in expansion zone as recovery sustains Xinhua) 09:20, August 01, 2021 BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- China's manufacturing activity continued to expand in July as its economic recovery sustained momentum, official data showed Saturday. The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector came in at 50.4 in July, edging down from 50.9 in June, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below reflects contraction. The growth of China's factory activity slowed in July, but the PMI reading of most industries remained in the expansion zone, NBS senior statistician Zhao Qinghe said, attributing the slowdown to factory equipment maintenance and extreme weather, including high temperatures and floods. The country has experienced unusual extreme weather in July. Torrential rain in central China's Henan Province and Typhoon In-Fa in its eastern coastal areas have disrupted normal production and transportation, causing damage in the country and triggering emergency responses. The sub-index for production stood at 51 in July, down 0.9 percentage points from a month earlier, while that for new orders dipped 0.6 percentage points to 50.9, a sign of slowing production and market demand in the manufacturing sector. The new export order and import sub-indexes decreased to 47.7 and 49.4, respectively. Saturday's data also showed that the PMI for the non-manufacturing sector came in at 53.3 in July, down from 53.5 in June. The sub-index for business activities in the services sector stood at 52.5, up from 52.3 in June. The reading reflected a steady recovery in the services sector, fueled by increasing summer consumption and other factors, said Zhao. The sub-index tracking business activity expectations for the services sector hit 60.1, remaining above 60 for six consecutive months, showing most services enterprises were optimistic about market prospects in the near term. Affected by adverse weather conditions, the growth of construction activities in the country slowed, with the sub-index for business activities dipping to 57.5 in July from 60.1 a month earlier. In a meeting held Friday on economic work for the second half of the year, the leadership stressed that the prudent monetary policy should maintain reasonably ample liquidity and support the continued recovery of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as stressed industries. Efforts should also be made to ensure the supply and stable pricing of commodities, the meeting said. Wen Tao, an analyst with the China Logistics Information Center, said that the Chinese economy has witnessed positive changes this year, as shown by the January-July PMI data, and has a relatively solid foundation for long-term development. In the second half of the year, China's domestic demand will be unleashed at a faster pace, which is expected to boost market supply and demand, optimize the industrial structure and create more job opportunities, Wen said. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Bianji) Chinese communities in New Zealand donate for flooding affected regions in China's Henan Xinhua) 11:02, August 01, 2021 AUCKLAND, New Zealand, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese communities in New Zealand's Auckland have united in a rally to donate for flooding affected regions in China's Henan Province. Within less than one week, the Chinese communities have donated about 278,573 U.S. dollars, including both cash and daily necessities. Alex Zhang, executive vice president of Canton Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, is pleased that the Chinese businesses have initiated the donation. "One of our chamber members, the Magic Lamp, a cross border business, came to us and offered its proposal to donate for the flooding affected Henan province," said Zhang. Within days, daily necessities, including 100,000 bottles of hand sanitizers, 100,000 boxes of milk and 1,000 jars of peanut butter, were donated and delivered to the flood-affected region of Anyang in Henan Province through the help and networks of the Overseas Chinese Charity Foundation of China. "There is a Chinese saying: When disaster struck, help came from all sides. We, as the overseas Chinese, are standing together with our families and friends in Henan. We care for them, and we share the responsibility to help," said Zhang. The central Auckland based Onehunga Chinese Association raised about 4,950 U.S. dollars in just two days. Hao Lianqin, president of the Onehunga Chinese Association, said "Most of our members are elderly people who live on a pension. The amount they donated may not be much, but they were donating from their life savings." (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Bianji) Chinese ambassador expresses hope Japan will implement positive China policies Xinhua) 11:09, August 01, 2021 TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou on Friday expressed wishes that Japan would adopt correct perception of China and implement positive China policies. Kong made the remarks at a speech delivered at a symposium on international relations held here on Friday. Kong said China and Japan, both important Asian countries, shoulder special responsibilities in safeguarding regional peace and stability and achieving prosperity and revitalization. He noted that maintaining sound and steady development of China-Japan relations not only serve the fundamental interests of the two countries but also is the shared aspiration of the regional countries. China always develops its relations with Japan with goodwill and sincerity, Kong said, hoping that Japan can translate its positive remarks on growing steady ties with China into actions and demonstrate them via concrete policies. Kong said that in order to achieve real stability in China-Japan relations, the several important questions should be well addressed. Firstly, is China really a threat to Japan or not? Based on ideological bias, misunderstanding and misjudgement, some people in Japan describe China's development as a challenge and threat to Japan and they provoke anti-China sentiment. These noises should not be allowed to evolve, Kong said, noting that no one can deny China-Japan relations have made great progress and delivered huge benefits to the two peoples. With interests so deeply intertwined and exchanges so frequent, do the two countries have any reasons not to be friends and partners? Kong asked while pointing out that it has long been the political consensus between China and Japan that they are cooperative partners and not threats to each other. Kong expressed the hope that Japan can adopt correct perception of China, look at China's development in an objective and rational way and implement more positive China policies. Secondly, should China and Japan engage in competition or cooperation? Kong said competition cannot be eliminated and it is also unnecessary to be excluded, but it should be fair, open and healthy, and can improve each other and promote each other's development. Some people in Japan advocate cooperating with the United States to suppress Chinese high-tech firms and seek "suspending supplies", "decoupling" and "desinicization" as regards China, Kong pointed out, saying that such a move does not show open and confident mind and violates the principles of market economy and free trade. Kong called for focus on cooperation between China and Japan and continuously expanding shared interests while in cooperation so as to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results. Thirdly, how shall China and Japan handle conflicts and differences? Kong said the four political documents between China and Japan have established rules for dealing with important issues such as Taiwan-related issues, and also affirmed important principles including non-interference in each other's internal affairs. In recent years the two sides have also reached some new consensus on properly handling maritime issues and other sensitive issues, he said, adding that history proves that as long as the two countries act by earnestly following these rules and principles, bilateral relations will move along a steady and sustained path; otherwise, things will go wrong. Kong noted that recently the Japanese side has made notably negative acts on issues relating to Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong, causing serious disturbances to bilateral relations. He hoped that the Japanese side, as China's close neighbor, will earnestly honor its commitments, show basic respect for China's internal affairs, stop harming China's core interests so as to avoid causing more damage to bilateral relations. Fourthly, what responsibilities shall China and Japan undertake? Kong said both sides should actively fulfill their international responsibilities and make due contributions to regional and global development. This has been the political consensus repeatedly affirmed by leaders of both countries, he said, adding that China will never accept some people's one-sided demand for China to follow so-called "rules" made by a handful of countries. Kong said multilateral fields should become the platform for China-Japan cooperation, instead of fight. He hoped that the Japanese side will broaden its vision and mind, join hands with China, take on its responsibilities and actively respond to expectations from the regional and international society. Fifthly, how should Japan make choices in the China-U.S. game? Kong said China has never asked Japan to take sides and never interfered in Japan developing normal relations with the United States. However, the Japan-U.S. alliance should never constitute any damage to China's interests, he noted. While Japan has an alliance treaty with the United States, it also has the peace and friendship treaty with China, Kong said, hoping Japan maintain its strategic autonomy, handle its relations with China and the United States in a balanced and proper way, and play a constructive role in promoting a benign interaction between China, U.S. and Japan. The year 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic ties. The ambassador expressed the hope that both sides will review their original intentions in normalizing the diplomatic relations, learn from experiences of the past 50 years' relations and build more solid, resilient, mature and sound relations, so as to benefit peoples of both countries as well as the region and the world. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Bianji) Stop politicizing COVID-19 origin tracing -- S. Africa's governing party Xinhua) 14:09, August 01, 2021 JOHANNESBURG, July 30 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's governing party African National Congress (ANC) on Friday said that while they support the scientific investigations into the origins of COVID-19, they must not be politicized. Lindiwe Zulu, chairperson for the International Relations Sub-Committee in the ANC National Executive Council, expressed concern over the "politicization" of the inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. "Research into the origins of the virus is important from a scientific and global health policy perspective and it should not be used as a smoke-screen for geopolitical contestation that has nothing to do with ending the pandemic or understanding how to prevent future pandemics," said Zulu. Zulu said COVID-19 has killed many people and resulted in vaccine nationalism by high-income countries. She urged countries to rebuild solidarity "as this is the only way to effectively combat the spread and destruction of the virus." (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Bianji) Xinhua Commentary: U.S. scheme to hype South China Sea issue sanctimonious 14:09, August 01, 2021 By Yan Jie ( Xinhua MANILA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Hyping up the so-called "China threat" is Washington's habitual trick as it needs excuses for transforming the South China Sea into a hunting ground for its geopolitical self-interest. Geared up to form an anti-China clique, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has recently visited three nations in Southeast Asia, during which he kept pointing an accusing finger at Beijing with groundless charges, stirring up new waves in the regional waters. Speaking in Singapore on Tuesday, Austin vowed to challenge what he called China's aggression, reiterated Washington's support for nations involved in disputes with China in the South China Sea, and accused China's claims in the regional waters of having "no basis in international law." Moreover, during later trips to Vietnam and the Philippines, Austin spared no effort in advocating the so-called "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea. To anyone who knows the region's history and current situation, the Pentagon chief's remarks during his visits are totally absurd and ignorant. It is a clear fact that China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea have been formed in the course of a long history and have abundant historical and legal basis. What's more, Washington's claimed threat to the "freedom of navigation" is purely fabricated. While some 100,000 merchant vessels now travel in this busy shipping route annually, not a single ship has ever reported its safety threatened in the South China Sea. If there is any such threat, it must be the increasing U.S. military presence in the region. Under the guise of safeguarding "freedom of navigation," the world's sole superpower frequently sends its warships and aircraft carriers to the regional waters and has conducted a multitude of war games. This time, Austin used the same pretext to persuade the Philippines to recall the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, with the only aim to strengthen the U.S. military presence in the region. More ironically, when urging others to follow international law, the United States itself refuses to join the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is a vivid reflection of Washington's hypocrisy. In sharp contrast, China has always advocated friendly negotiations and consultations on issues concerning the South China Sea, treated its neighbors as equals, and exercised maximum restraint when safeguarding its sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea. In the regional waters, there is no room for confrontation, zero-sum games, or bloc rivalries. The so-called "China threat" is merely one of the many tricks adopted by Washington to deliberately smear China, sow discord between regional countries, and contain China's development. However, Washington's sanctimonious scheme is bound to fail. Instead of just calculating its own geopolitical gains, the United States should do things that are really conducive to regional peace and stability. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Bianji) Interview: China, Thailand support each other in fighting COVID-19: Thai deputy PM Xinhua) 14:20, August 01, 2021 Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks during an interview in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 29, 2021. Anutin Charnvirakul said China and Thailand have had good cooperation on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and the two countries will continue to support each other in this regard. (Xinhua/Wang Teng) BANGKOK, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said China and Thailand have had good cooperation on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and the two countries will continue to support each other in this regard. Expressing his gratitude for China's assistance in fighting the pandemic, Anutin said "the Chinese government has always supported our country to the most extent, and we have received lots of contributions." "I could say loudly that Thai people always feel the wonderful brotherhood between the Chinese and the Thais," Anutin said in a recent interview with Xinhua. "With the good cooperation that we have had with each other, we will continue to help each other to the best we can, and this will continue endlessly," said Anutin, who is also the country's public health minister. China's Sinovac vaccine is the first COVID-19 vaccine that entered Thailand, and has helped the Southeast Asian country kick-start its national inoculation program, with Anutin taking the first shot. The Chinese vaccines are the major vaccines that Thailand is using to inoculate its people, said Anutin, expecting that by the year end, the vast majority of the people could be vaccinated. As Thailand is grappling with the worst wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, with its medical system being overwhelmed, the country needs speedy vaccine rollout to control the situation. As of Saturday, China has provided to Thailand 19 batches of vaccines, according to data from the Chinese Embassy to Thailand. Despite the current COVID-19 situation, Anutin said "the plan to open up our country is still there," hoping that the situation could get better in the next few months and Thailand could welcome tourists from China as ever before. To reboot the tourism-reliant economy and revive the tourism sector, Thailand aims to open up to fully-vaccinated foreign tourists later this year. On Saturday, the country reported 18,912 new cases, the highest single-day tally since the pandemic began, raising the total number of infections to nearly 600,000. Cumulative fatalities have risen to 4,857, up by 178 over the last 24 hours, also a record high. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Bianji) Hostile intention hides in US support for WHO 14:54, August 01, 2021 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily Recently, Washington has been frequently showing its care and support for the WHO, which made a sharp contrast to its habitual indifference to the organization, as well as its past practices of defunding and withdrawing from the organization. Is the US really righting its wrongs and sincerely starting to support the work of the WHO? Not really. What Washington supports is merely the WHOs plan for the second phase of the global study into the origins of COVID-19 which lacks objectivity and a spirit of cooperation. The plan echoes with the lab leak hypothesis made by the US, and is a typical example of the White House manipulating the WHO on some important agenda and topics. Origin tracing of COVID-19 must be evidence-based, led by experts and free from interference. It is a principle agreed by the international society. However, Washington is obviously talking the talk but not walking the walk. It stressed the importance of evidence in origin tracing, but came up with nothing when fabricating the stories of the so-called lab leak in China and the infections of three employees of the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). It couldnt even name the three infected employees. The White House claimed that origin tracing should be led by experts, but it employed the intelligence community to find the origins of the virus and oppressed scientists who made objective and rational voices. It said origin tracing shall be free from interference, but an origin tracing program by the National Institutes of Health of the US, which spotted antibodies against the novel coronavirus in blood samples collected in the country in January the last year, was halted by high-rank officials in the White House who said the program disturbed the origin tracing studies into China and was not in line with the national security of the US. The blood samples collected before January 2, 2020 were sealed from further testing. Such practices exposed not only the habitual double standard of the US in dealing with international affairs, but also its vicious intention to politicize origin tracing and discredit China. What the US has done over the past year mirrors the countrys hypocrisy in its so-called care and support for the WHO. Washington turned a deaf ear to the warning of the WHO when COVID-19 just broke out, and declared national emergency over the virus more than 40 days after the WHO sounded alarm. When the number of COVID-19 infections exceeded a million in the US, American politicians even attacked the WHO, saying the pandemic control response by the organization was a failure. At the most critical moment of the fight against the virus, when the WHO was seeing the most urgent need of funding, the White House decided to defund and withdraw from the organization. It also declared that it could even work to set up an alternative to the UN body instead. Such practices were called a crime against humanity by editor-in-chief of The Lancet Richard Horton. Though the US has been reengaged in the WHO and claiming to support multilateralism, it has never abandoned the strategy of America first and egoism. When the WHO was calling developed countries to offer vaccine support for developing countries, the US was hoarding doses and restricting export of vaccine materials. When the WHO expressed its hope to reinforce global anti-pandemic cooperation, the US was stigmatizing other countries, labeling the virus, politicizing origin tracing and dividing the international society. When the WHO was stressing the importance of quarantining political virus, the US was acting arbitrarily and employing the intelligence community to lead the origin tracing work. The US, passing the buck to China, is trying to turn the dangerous virus into a blackmail, said a Russian media outlet. The genuine support for the WHO is not embodied in what one says, but what one does. To adopt the most strict, comprehensive and thorough control measures after the outbreak of the pandemic is what shall be done to support the WHO, which plays a leading role in the global fight against the virus. And thats how and what China has done. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed that the high speed and massive scale of China's moves are rarely seen in the world and praised China's actions as setting a new benchmark for combating transnational infectious diseases. To offer timely assistance when the WHO is in dire need of funding, materials and vaccines is the genuine support for the organization. China has made two batches of donations to the WHO totaling $50 million, and provided massive medical materials for the international society. It was the first country to promise to make its COVID-19 vaccines a global public good when they are developed. So far, the country has offered more than 700 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the international society. China has always been science-based, professional, serious and responsible on origin tracing, and was the first country to cooperate with the WHO on the global studies of the origins of COVID-19 and achieved science-based conclusions. What China has done defines what shall be done to support the WHO. In February the last year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his gratitude to all the people in China who sacrificed many aspects of their normal lives to prevent the virus from spreading to others. However, the US is today trying to coerce the WHO on some important agenda and topics through political manipulation, so as to authenticate that the lab leak hypothesis is true. This is an injustice for the Chinese people who have made huge sacrifice and contribution, and a disgrace in the history of human civilization. China will never accept it. Scientific issues shall be resolved with scientific approaches. No matter what the US does to call its coercing practices care and support, its hostile intention to discredit, oppress, and contain China through politicizing origin tracing will only become clearer and clearer. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Bianji) SOFIA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Bulgarian officials highly appreciated bilateral military cooperation at an online reception here on Friday. Senior Colonel Wang Zhuo, Chinese defense attache in Sofia, said that Bulgaria was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and the friendly bilateral relations between the two countries have continuously made new developments. In recent years, bilateral military relationship has maintained a good momentum of development, Wang said. Exchanges and cooperation have expanded steadily to more areas across different services, he said. "Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the armed forces of the two countries have carried out active and effective cooperation," he said. "China's Ministry of Defense provided medical aid materials to the Bulgarian counterpart as soon as possible, explaining the profound friendship of mutual assistance with practical actions," Wang said. Admiral Emil Eftimov, Bulgaria's Chief of Defense, said in turn that Bulgaria "highly appreciates" the established level of bilateral military cooperation. "The Bulgarian side appreciates the cooperation between the Ministries of Defense on current topics on the public agenda, such as the fight against the pandemic of COVID-19," Eftimov said. "In the unprecedented conditions of the medical crisis and the subsequent negative impact on the world economy, the donation of medical supplies and materials made by the Chinese side was an extremely timely act of cooperation," he said. By Li Jiangang Illustration: Liu Rui/GT US Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Vietnam later this month to "strengthen relationships and expand economic cooperation" during a trip that will also include Singapore, according to her spokesman on Friday. Just last week, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Hanoi for talks that focused on security and military cooperation between the erstwhile enemies. The intense visits clearly display the US' increased attention paid to Vietnam. All can see America's ratcheted-up efforts to seek courtship with the ASEAN country. Austin's visit was the first to Vietnam by a high-ranking US official since US President Joe Biden took office in January. COVID-19, security and strategic cooperation topped the agenda of Austin's Vietnam trip. Hanoi was concerned with Washington's assistance to Vietnam in containing the spread of COVID-19 during talks. This is understandable as Vietnam is battling a new surge in infections. Another focus was security and military cooperation. However, it could be said there was no major breakthrough made during Austin's visit. The two countries only agreed to promote the Vietnam-US cooperation as per the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation and the 2015 Joint Vision Statement on Defense Relations. In terms of strategic cooperation, Austin expressed Washington's wish to upgrade ties with Hanoi to a strategic partnership in a meeting with Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on July 29. But Hanoi didn't make a clear response. This shows that Hanoi is reluctant to upgrade ties with Washington amid uncertainties in both domestic and external situations and in the context that no actual progress has been made in US-Vietnam bilateral relations. Regarding Austin's visit, public opinion has paid much attention to whether or not Hanoi will be "fooled" by Washington. But the reality has shown that Vietnam's new leadership is sound in governance and adheres to the foreign policy of independence, multilateralism and diversification. Over the years, Hanoi has learned from its experience that political stability comes first and that maintaining stability and safeguarding development are delicately interlocked with each other. It is very clear that Vietnam is rich in wisdom and big picture, and has long recognized that US' wooing is a part of the global strategic competition among major powers. Vietnam will not take US' side. Struggling to achieve a balance between great powers is the most realistic option for Vietnam in the future. Seeing from the current reality, Vietnam is facing a severe pandemic situation. It needs a peaceful and developing environment to achieve the dual goals of promoting pandemic prevention and stabilizing the economy. In fact, it needs China's support to tide over its economic difficulties. It is neither beneficial nor achievable for Hanoi to make trouble with Washington and the West with the South China Sea situation. From Washington's perspective, Vietnam's role and position in US foreign strategy have been stable yet is declining. It is obvious that US-Vietnam relations have passed the warm period after the official establishment of diplomatic ties and the rapid development period under the Obama administration, and have "reached the top." Although the Biden administration's Interim National Security Strategic Guidance, published in March, mentioned Vietnam and Singapore, indicating that the US will try to increase its cooperation with Vietnam for some time to come, the US-Vietnam relationship is not solid or stable. In such a situation, if Hanoi firmly adheres to the "four-nos" policy, which means no military alliance, no affiliation with one country to counteract the other, no foreign military base in the Vietnamese territory to act against other countries, and no force or threatening to use force in international relations, as Hanoi Times put it, even if Washington and Hanoi declare to become a "strategic partnership" at some point, it will be difficult for Washington to exploit Vietnam more in Biden administration's Indo-Pacific strategy. The author is an assistant research fellow of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. COLOMBO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan graduates from the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army have commemorated here the 94th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), a statement by the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka said on Sunday. A reception was organized by the Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka (NDUAASL) in capital Colombo on July 30. Around 30 representatives of the association attended the reception, with the presence of Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne and Wan Dong, the defense attache of the Chinese embassy. Gunaratne, on behalf of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, extended congratulations on the 94th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. An air defense brigade from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a live ammunition drill in areas near the Yellow Sea to celebrate China's Army Day. Aug. 1 marks China's Army Day. DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (L), assisted by his sister Kim Yo Jong, signs a joint declaration with the ROK in Pyongyang, DPRK, September 19, 2018. /Getty A senior official of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday warned the Republic of Korea (ROK) against carrying out a planned military exercise with the United States later this month, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. If the joint drill goes ahead, it will damage the resolve of Pyongyang and Seoul to rebuild relations, said Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and the younger sister of DPRK leader Kim Jong Un. Kim Yo Jong also said a recent decision to restore hotlines between the DPRK and the ROK should not be seen as anything more than reconnecting "physical" ties, and that it would be "thoughtless" to assume that summits are around the corner. Her comments came at a time when Pyongyang and Seoul are in talks to hold a summit as part of efforts to restore relations. Activists stage a rally against the U.S.-ROK military exercise near the presidential Blue House in Seoul, ROK, March 8, 2021. /Getty "I surely see the military drill, which takes place at an important turning point like this, will become an unpleasant prelude to seriously hurting the will of the leaders of the North and South seeking to take the step toward rebuilding trust again and further clouding the path lying ahead for inter-Korean relations," Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by KCNA. "Our government and military will closely watch whether South Korea (the ROK) will carry out their hostile war exercise once again or make a bold decision," she added. "Hope or despair? The decision is not upon us." The DPRK and the ROK on Tuesday reconnected hotlines that Pyongyang severed in June last year. The two sides held their daily liaison phone call on Wednesday after a nearly 14-month suspension. The U.S. and the ROK are expected to hold the annual summertime joint military exercise in August, though Seoul's Defense Ministry earlier said that the two countries were discussing when and how to stage the exercise. (With input from Reuters) "I feel terrible, we are under stress because it's very hot here," said Birder. "The one that started in Muscular on the airport road in Bodrum is still spreading, the others have been put down. As the wind is picking up, it's getting more dangerous again. Some people are very stressed, very sad. On the other hand, I was hearing party music from the shore last night." Firefighters backed by helicopters are battling raging fires across Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean regions, home to some of Europe's most prominent tourist resorts. Record high temperatures and powerful dry winds are hampering their efforts. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for tourists in some resorts. One of the worst-affected areas is Turkey's Bodrum resort. Bodrum resident Melis Birder spoke to VOA Sunday. A child cries fire, fire, as a family drives through the night trying to escape the surrounding inferno in Turkey's Marmaris region. The video has gone viral in Turkey. Thousands of Turkish firefighters are battling for a fifth day against raging fires that are threatening some of Turkey's main tourist resorts. Six people have already died in the fires. The fires are dealing a hammer blow to Turkey's vital tourism industry, still trying to recover from losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Many farmers, too, have been devastated by the fires. This farmer, who didn't want to be identified, in Turkey's Manavgat region, is traumatized by the experience. He says, "I don't care if it's a car or house burned but look at these animals. They lost their lives, they are my life, these were my beauties, these were my hope," he adds, "but a calf was born in all this chaos. I took it from the fire. My children wrapped them in their arms. But its mother died." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saturday in a 30-vehicle convoy, visited some of the worst-hit resorts. He declared the region a disaster zone, promising compensation for those who have suffered losses. Authorities are investigating whether some of the more than 100 fires could be arson, and Erdogan gave a chilling warning to any perpetrator. He says, "If you rip our heart out, I swear, we will rip your heart out, if we find such a connection -- there are already some indications -- we will do whatever it takes." The government is facing growing criticism that the country's fleet of firefighting planes are out of action, relying instead on three rented Russian planes. Erdogan said that more planes had arrived, and more were on the way, from neighboring Ukraine, Russia, and Azerbaijan. Authorities say that most of the more than 100 fires are under control. But some resorts remain under threat, and with temperatures forecast to soar to new record levels in coming days, the fight appears far from over. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 88F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low near 75F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Woburn, MA (01801) Today Sunny to partly cloudy. High 87F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Woburn, MA (01801) Today Mostly sunny. High 87F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Born in Valparaiso and raised in Portage, 21-year-old Ethyl Ruehman said she had every intention of staying in the Region and giving back to the community. She began studying environmental management at Indiana University Northwest in Gary and engaged in a lot of public service, all while working numerous jobs. But after a relationship fell apart, she was unable to find an affordable place to stay and after several tough months of transient living, Ruehman said she made the painful decision to move away to Bloomington, Indiana, where housing was available as part of her studies. "I was priced out of Northwest Indiana," she said by phone last week. While Saturday's expiration of the federal eviction moratorium has shed new light on housing struggles, a recently released study shows that there was already plenty of reason for concern in the Region and elsewhere around Indiana. "Indiana has not prioritized creating affordable housing," said Andrew Bradley, policy director for Prosperity Indiana, which shared details of a recently released report under the headline, "Affordable Housing is Out of Reach in Indiana for Low-Wage Hoosier Workers." "The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a pre-existing housing stability crisis in Indiana, with effects particularly concentrated among renter households, families with children, Black and brown Hoosiers, and low-income households," Prosperity Indiana said in a shared statement with the Indiana Institute for Working Families and Indiana Youth Institute. "Throughout the first year of the pandemic, these Hoosier households were most likely to be affected by job and income loss and least likely to be able to stay current on housing payments. Therefore, they were most at risk of eviction or foreclosure." Wages not keeping up with rents Hoosiers must now earn $13.43 per hour to afford a modest one-bedroom rental home or $16.57 per hour for two bedrooms without spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs, according to a summation of the new report provided by Prosperity Indiana. The typical Hoosier renter earns $14.58 per hour, which is $1.99 less than the hourly wage needed to afford a modest, two-bedroom unit. A Hoosier being paid the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour where it has remained stagnant since 2009 must work nearly two full-time jobs or 74 hours a week to afford a modest, one-bedroom apartment or 91 hours per week for a two bedroom unit, the group says. "The cost of housing in Indiana just keeps rising, which means the state Housing Wage what you really need to earn for your home to be affordable to you keeps going up," Prosperity Indiana Executive Director Jessica Love said. "Unfortunately, the average renter's wage hasn't risen much for Hoosiers, especially when compared to our Midwestern peers," she said. "And this only serves to widen the disparities experienced by the lowest income renters." The report found that the median wage for 10 of the state's top 20 largest occupations is below the stated two-bedroom housing wage, with six of those jobs paying less than what is needed for a one-bedroom unit, Prosperity Indiana said. "Despite Indianas reputation for having a low cost of living, working full time does not guarantee affordable housing for many Hoosiers in Indianas largest occupations," the group said. Valparaiso resident Jonathan Heins works as a mechanical designer and remained employed over the last year while COVID left others out of work, but the 30-year-old said he has temporarily put a hold on his search for affordable housing in the wider Region. "The buying power is not there anymore," he said. While it would be easier to rent a place closer to his workplace in Michigan City, Heins said the cost is just too high these days. This has left him with no other real choice than to continue living with family and saving money until the market becomes more buyer friendly. "I don't have all the things in line anymore to pull the trigger," he said. Watch Now: Riding Shotgun with NWI Paramedics Not much help available Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute The situation is far more dire for extremely low income Porter County residents, 85% of whom are considered to be facing a "severe cost burden" as compared to 27% when all income levels are figured in, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The government defines housing cost-burdened households as those paying more than 50% of their income on housing. LaPorte County is in a similar situation with 81% of its extremely poor facing a "severe cost burden," followed by Lake County at 74%. Jordan Stanfill, CEO at Housing Opportunities, which combats homelessness in Porter and LaPorte counties, said he does not see a lot of options for help in the area. His nonprofit offers 186 affordable ($500 per month) rental units in Valparaiso, Portage, Michigan City and LaPorte, with most tenants paying rent on time and staying put. While rents are high in Porter County and have been going up in neighboring LaPorte County, he said there has not been a lot of turnover. "The rental market is super tight," he said. WATCH NOW: Pastor provides wisdom during Gary for Life call-in Eviction crisis looming This was among the findings of a housing study released earlier this year by the city of Valparaiso, which reported just a 2% vacancy rate among rentals in the city, which consultant Christopher Lankenau said "is extremely low, so theres very much a shortage of rental housing in the area." The study recommended increasing the housing stock at all price points, though found Valparaiso already has more than half of the countys subsidized low-income housing. The issue of affordable housing needs to be taken up at the county or regional level, the consultants said. A further housing crisis looms with the federal eviction moratorium allowed to expire on Saturday. Lake County has seen 4,025 evictions filed since March 16, 2020, followed by Porter County at 620 and LaPorte County at 595, according to an online tracking provided by Legal Services Corporation, which bills itself as the largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans in the nation. Valparaiso resident Michelle Guardiola said she, her two children, her fiance and her fiance's mother had to be out of her rental home of 10 years on Saturday and she has been unable over the past six months to find an affordable alternative. Part of the challenge are the credit problems she developed from falling behind in paying back loans she had to take out to make ends meet as a single mom of two. But she has also found rental costs out of reach in Porter County, even with the assistance she receives from others. "I have nothing right now," she said late last week. "The amount of hoops that people make you jump through to get a place." As part of its shared statement on the issue, Prosperity Indiana said, "After a year of economic disruptions, Indiana has experienced over 41,000 eviction filings at an average rate over 750 per week, despite two eviction moratoria and two rounds of federally-funded emergency rental assistance. "With the addition of a new state law that increases eviction powers and reduces local control over landlord-tenant relations, nearly one-third of the states counties are now above pre-pandemic eviction filing rates, with the highest increases concentrated in Indianas smaller and more rural counties." 5 things to know about COVID-19 misinformation super spreader Dr. Joseph Mercola De Lima commends teachers in Antique for resilience, hard work Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima lauded the teachers in Tobias Fornier, Antique for going the extra mile to let their students experience a proper graduation ceremony amid the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. De Lima, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, said she admires the teachers of Lawigan Elementary School for their sacrifices and dedication to their work. "Kudos to the teachers of Lawigan Elementary School for their dedication to their job and their love for their students. Their effort to creatively set up a mobile stage for graduating elementary students definitely made these young individuals feel that their hard work at school paid off," she said. "Taos-pusong pasasalamat at pagsaludo sa mga mahal nating guro na hindi alintana ang hirap at pagsubok na dala ng kasalukuyang sitwasyon dahil sa pandemya, magampanan lamang ang kanilang tungkulin para sa mga mag-aaral at maiparamdam sa kanila ang halaga ng edukasyon at pagsisikap na makapagtapos," she added. Reportedly, teachers of Lawigan Elementary School set up a mobile stage pulled by a carabao so their Grade 6 and kindergarten students could experience a proper graduation ceremony recently. Since a virtual graduation was not possible, a mobile stage was brought to the students' houses. The teachers were able to give a memorable graduation experience to nine Grade 6 students and four kindergarten students. "Ang mga estudyante ko ay walang cellphone dahil mahihirap lang po sila. Kung mag-virtual graduation po kami, useless lang po talaga ito dahil hindi naman nila makikita at hindi naman nila maririnig," one of the teachers from the school named Rosalinda said. Notably, the teachers gave their own contributions for the mobile stage setup. "Filipino teachers are the embodiment of hard work and sacrifice. They make the best out of whatever little they have. Despite low salaries and lack of supplies, they continue to persevere and dedicate all their efforts to make sure their students feel valued," the Senator from Bicol said. "Marapat lang din na mapakinggan at matugunan ng pamahalaan ang mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng ating mga guro, na doble kayod at sakripisyo upang mabigyan ng de-kalidad na edukasyon ang mga estudyante, lalo na sa mga liblib na lugar," she added. Notably, De Lima co-authored Republic Act (RA) No. 11314 institutionalizing the grant of student fare discount privileges on public transportation and RA No. 10931 promoting universal access to quality tertiary education by providing free tuition and other school fees in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges and state-run technical-vocational institutions. Press Release August 1, 2021 Drilon: Shifting stance on VFA validates position that foreign policy should be a shared power with the Senate The President's ever-changing and shifting stance on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) validates our position that foreign policy, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in Pangilinan v. Cayetano, should be a shared power and responsibility between the President and the Senate and that it cannot be left to the President alone. "Foreign policy is not exclusive to the President. It is a shared power with the Senate. It cannot be left to the President alone since it involves policy issues, and Congress is the policy making body in our system of government," Drilon stressed. Drilon said the latest decision of the President to recall the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), after much hemming and hawing, proves that foreign policy is a function that cannot be left alone to the President. After unilaterally terminating the VFA on February 11, 2020, the President recalled his decision several times in June 2020, in November 2020 and in June 2021 until he decided to retract the termination last Friday. Drilon noted that "the President's latest action comes on the heels of the Supreme Court landmark ruling involving the President's withdrawal from the Rome Statute, wherein the Supreme Court affirms the need for Senate's concurrence in the withdrawal from treaties and international agreements." In Pangilinan v Cayetano, the Supreme Court held: "The President cannot unilaterally withdraw from treaties that were entered into pursuant to the legislative intent manifested in prior laws, or subsequently affirmed by succeeding laws. Treaties where Senate concurrence for accession is expressly premised on the same concurrence for withdrawal likewise cannot be the subject of unilateral withdrawal." That termination of the VFA must be with the concurrence of the Senate is an issue now pending in the SC, Drilon noted. It can be recalled that in 2020, Senate President Vicente Sotto III along with Drilon, Senators Richard Gordon, Panfilo Lacson, Ralph Recto and Miguel Zubiri asked the Supreme Court to render a decision declaring that the withdrawal from or termination of a treaty or international agreement requires the concurrence of the Senate. Meanwhile, Drilon said he sees this as renewed efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations and military alliance between the Philippines and United States, who have shared decades of deeper bilateral relationship and diplomatic ties that are anchored on trust, respect and understanding. Entered into force in 1999, the VFA served as the basis for the resumption of the bilateral military exercises between the Philippines and US and defined the treatment of United States troops and personnel visiting the Philippines. The VFA also serves as the implementing agreement to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, Drilon explained. Through the VFA, the Philippines and the United States were able to share information, surveillance and perform reconnaissance operations in the West Philippine Sea and Mindanao, according to Drilon. "The continuation of the VFA can help the country in so many areas most particularly with regard to the preservation of our rights over parts of the West Philippine Sea," Drilon stressed. The minority leader cited how the VFA has enabled the US to provide support to the AFP in terms of capability building and acquisition of military equipment. Drilon noted that the Philippines has received approximately P34 billion in State Department military grant assistance since VFA took effect in 1999. He also cited that because the VFA was in place, the U.S. military, during typhoons, was able to provide urgent needed and humanitarian relief assistance such as during Typhoon Haiyan. Press Release August 1, 2021 Gov't scrambles for funds for 'ayuda' but is quick to release P16.3B anti-insurgency funds, Drilon laments As the government scrambles for funds for the special amelioration program or ayuda when Metro Manila and other regions revert to an enhanced community quarantine next week, the government had already released up to the last centavo of the P16.3 billion anti-insurgency funds, P4 billion of which went to Davao region, according to Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on Sunday. Drilon lamented how the P16.3 billion could have been used instead for the much-needed ayuda that can put the food on the table of around 4.2 million Filipino families who experienced hunger during the pandemic. Drilon said that a P4,000 per family, the fund, which was lodged under the heavily-criticized National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), can benefit four million Filipino families when Metro Manila and other regions revert to enhanced community quarantine from August 6 to 20 to control the surge in COVD-19 cases in the country. "Nakakalungkot po na may pondo para sa anti-insurgency pero walang pondo para sa ayuda," Drilon lamented on Sunday. Drilon said the government's scrambling for funds can derail the distribution of the much-needed financial relief to poor Filipinos, which they would need when the country returns to ECQ. The Senate chief fiscalizer pushed for the inclusion of the funding for special amelioration program in the 2021 national budget but it was not a priority of the government compared to anti-insurgency. "Hindi po nakinig ang pamahalaan," he said. "It is obvious that the government is giving priority to anti-insurgency over the need for ayuda and other health and social needs of our country necessary for us to move forward with our pandemic response," Drilon stressed. Drilon cited the releases for NTF-ELCAC's anti-insurgency program and said that the government had already dispensed to the last centavo the controversial anti-insurgency fund. In a four-month period, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P16.3 billion for NTF-ELCAC's Barangay Development Program. "Noong March, P3.3 billion; noong April ay P7.68 billion; noong Mayo P2 billion; noong Hunyo P3.41 billion. Mayroong P4B billion po na napunta sa Davao region baka makalimutan natin," said Drilon, citing the data from DBM. "Ngunit itong ayudang kailangang-kailangan natin, wala tayong pera," Drilon said. Drilon said that what we see in the government today strengthens the call for a budget for ayuda in the 2022 national budget. "We must provide for SAP, not for anti-insurgency. I would like to see the 2022 national budget to give priority to 4Ps, the social amelioration program or ayuda, the health and education sectors," Drilon stressed. This as he vowed to oppose any budget for NTF-ELCAC for 2022, which is an election year. Secretary Eduardo Ano recently said that they will propose P40 billion for NTF-ELCAC next year, double its present level of P19.2 billion. Drilon also supports another round of "cash sweep" in order to generate funds to assist Filipinos and businesses heavily-affected by the pandemic, most especially when the country reverts to ECQ again this month. Press Release August 1, 2021 Bong Go said PRRD determined to stamp out corruption; hopeful new generation of leaders will continue the fight for clean governance Senator Christopher "Bong" Go said that President Rodrigo Duterte remains determined to eradicate corruption in the government amid challenges and difficulties faced over the past five years of his term. Go also mentioned that the President remains hopeful that new and younger generations, should they choose to enter public service, will make significant difference by helping fight corruption from within. "Halos bawat linggo may nasu-suspend, natatanggal at nakakasuhan. Sabi naman ng Pangulo, kapag mapatunayang nagnakaw ka, sibak ka! Kahit exasperated na si Pangulong Duterte, hindi pa rin siya nawawalan ng pag-asa. Patuloy pa rin ang kanyang pagtatrabaho hanggang sa huling araw ng kanyang termino," Go said. In his final State of the Nation Address last Monday, July 26, Duterte reiterated his six fundamental promises when he ran for the presidency. "To offer free education and healthcare, fight illegal drugs, criminality and corruption, and the development of infrastructure, including free irrigation and other big ticket projects, per chance, among others, during my term," Duterte said. In his speech, Duterte also suggested that the next president should make drastic changes if they want to get rid of corruption in the government, calling the problem "endemic". "You cannot stop corruption, nobody can stop corruption unless we overturn the government completely," Duterte remarked. "If I were the next president if you think there is a need for you to change everybody in the system, then you declare martial law," he added. Despite this, the Senator assured that Duterte continues to respect the Constitution and the rights of those in civil service. He also expressed his trust and support for the honest, hard-working government employees. "Naniniwala pa rin naman siya na marami pa ring malilinis ang kalooban sa gobyerno. Kailangan din lang ng suporta ng taumbayan dahil kung wala namang nagsusumbong, halos wala namang naiimbestigahan at nakakasuhan," said Go. The Senator also cited some of his efforts to assist the President in the fight against corruption. "Kung kaya't noong hindi pa ako nahalal bilang isang Senador, itinatag ko, kasama ang Presidential Anti-Crime Commission, ang Truth and Justice Coalition. Hanggang sa ngayon, patuloy itong nagsisilbing daan para sa pribadong sektor na aktibong makilahok sa kampanya ng administrasyon laban sa katiwalian sa gobyerno," said Go. The Truth and Justice Coalition was founded in October 2018 as a result of Go and the PACC's initiative to assist the government in fighting corruption by assisting with fact-finding inquiries, lifestyle checks, and other investigations. It collaborates with lawyers, retired public officials, religious leaders, the private sector, and other government institutions to create platforms for citizens to report corruption and reward those who do so. From March 2018 to May 2019, the Truth and Justice Coalition has received 4,135 corruption complaints, 157 of which have been filed in the Ombudsman while 89 were filed in the Department of Justice's Task Force against Corruption. Three thousand forty seven reports have been endorsed to concerned agencies for immediate appropriate action; fact-finding inquiries and lifestyle checks have been conducted for 112 reports; 35 complaints have been concluded, while 299 letters of compliance have been issued. He then asked all Filipinos to join the battle against corruption and assist the President, saying that whoever is the country's leader must be supported in his or her efforts to combat the problem. "Magtulungan tayo. Tulungan natin ang Pangulo at ang gobyernong ito na linisin ang ating 'bakuran' dahil iisa lang naman ang ating gobyerno at iisa rin lamang ang ating Pangulo," said Go. "Kahit sino man ang maupo sa puwestong iyan, kailangan natin magkaisa para magkaroon tayo ng malinis at maayos na pamahalaan," he added. According to Go, the Duterte Administration has been relentless in pursuing a clean government. In 2016, Duterte signed and issued Executive Order No. 2, s. 2016, a Freedom of Information (FOI) measure which guarantees every Filipino "access to information, official records, public records and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development." During his SONA, Duterte also emphasized that an e-governance measure be prioritized. This aims to cut red tape, eradicate corruption, improve transparency, offer safe and convenient service delivery to Filipinos, and promote public input and involvement. Go has such a pending measure in the Senate -- SBN 1738, or the "E-Governance Act of 2020," which mandates the government to establish an integrated, interconnected, and inter-operable information and resource-sharing and communications network. In 2018, Duterte also signed the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act which streamlines the process of starting a business by mandating the creation of a central business portal to receive all business applications and the Philippine Business Databank to serve as a repository of information on all businesses registered in the Philippines. I believe that the security and stability of Algeria and the tranquility of its people are inseparable from the security and stability of Morocco, and vice versa: what affects Morocco will also affect Algeria, for the two countries are like one and the same body. This is because Morocco and Algeria are both suffering from the problems of migration, smuggling, drugs and human trafficking, said King Mohammed VI of Morocco in a speech on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the Sovereigns accession to the throne of the Kingdom. Also, the King who deplored the continuous closure of borders between the two countries regretted that the closing of borders is incompatible with a natural right and an intrinsic legal principle, both of which are enshrined in international covenants, including the Marrakech Treaty, which is the founding text of the Arab Maghreb Union. That Treaty stipulates the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital between the States of the Union, he recalled in this speech where he talked at length of Moroccan-Algerian relations. King Mohammed VI pointed out further that the very gangs which engage in such activities that are the real, common enemy to both Morocco and Algeria. The Sovereign underlined that if the two countries pool efforts and work together to combat these gangs, they would surely manage to reduce their activities and dry up their sources. In a nationwide speech made Saturday on the occasion of the Throne Day, King Mohammed VI of Morocco expressed that: We have every right, today, to celebrate Moroccos achievements in the battle for vaccines which is far from being an easy one as well as the successful roll-out of the national vaccination campaign and the citizens massive engagement in it. King Mohammed VI has also praised the achievements accomplished by the North African country in the global race to secure early vaccines against covid-19 and ensure successful roll-out of the national vaccination campaign against the pandemic. The king expressed the personal nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, describing the issue as a difficult situation for all of us, for me and my family, as for all citizens, because I see Moroccans suffering. Indeed, when I see Moroccans suffer, I, too, feel their pain and experience the same feelings, the king stated in the televised address to the nation. King Mohammed VI paid particular attention to the current public health crisis, raising the issue as the first of several items in his speech. The king extended his thanks to the entire staff working in the health sector in the public, private and military sectors and to the security forces and public authorities. These front-line workers, he stated, have shown dedication and keen spirit of responsibility in their response to the pandemic. Your browser does not support the video tag. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Seguin, Texas (78155) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 88F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Some clouds. Low around 75F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Lori Martin of Hanover, Ont., a contributor to the inaugural edition of the Heart of Harness Racing Calendar in 2012, was the photographer for this years August image featuring driver Ryan Holliday during an intense moment at the start of a race at Hanover Raceway. I have had the honour of being in the very first Heart of Harness Racing calendar, (2012) Zoom contests, The West Grey Spotlight Cover (shot of a Sunshine Beach colt), and twice runner up in the Canadian Horse Journal photo contest. The calendar is such a great way to share these magnificent creatures and how beautiful they are with all those who arent involved in the industry, said Martin. In addition to working alongside her husband Harry to help with their horses, Martin is employed as an Educational Assistant at John Diefenbaker High School in Hanover. It has been a couple of challenging years due to COVID, racing with no fans, limitations on veterinarians when it came to breeding, being in school then pivoting to do online teaching and encouraging the students to engage. All the while keeping myself positive. When we would have our breaktime from school, I would go to the barn and clean stalls and belt out the classics on Cool 94.5 FM. It was a reprieve from sitting in front of a computer all the time. I did take some photos of the grandkids and horses but it was hard not being able to go to the track, and having to stay in my own bubble, explained Martin. The Martins have two homebred racehorses currently trained by Harry - Fear The Shadow and Meilleur Fromage. They also have a broodmare and her 2021 Betterthancheddar filly plus a riding horse, that Harry refers to as a lawn ornament. The Martins have a special connection to Hanover Raceway as Harrys Dad the late Charlie Martin was the last member of the Hanover Bentinck and Brant Agriculture Society, which was instrumental in getting harness racing to Hanover. And it was at Hanover where Lori doesnt miss too many, if any, race days where she captured this impactful moment during the start of a race. I have thousands of pictures of horses both on track and off, and on occasion when the regular track photographer is away, I take the win photos. I love being able to capture the strength and the speed that one sees during a race. This picture shows just how close horses and drivers are when behind the starting gate and the announcer declares them off and pacing. To be driving and not only concentrating on your next move, but to have the hot breath of a horse over your shoulder, to me is fascinating. A well-orchestrated waltz but with the added challenge that any moment you must change your course. These drivers and horses are true athletes, they spend hours perfecting their sport. I am not sure the average person (or politician) understands the work and hours and dedication that goes into having a top-notch steed. Like everyone in the horse racing community, Martin is ecstatic that fans can attend the races in person. I am so glad that 'fans in the stands' has finally come to fruition. It was hard not being able to just hop in the car and go to a track to watch and of course take photos. It truly is a sport that needs the excitement of the fans; it was so sad racing and not having anyone cheering on the horses. My husband I never missed a Battle of Waterloo or North America Cup and to be able to attend these events again well, for me is exciting....Ill be able to again take (more) photos. I am sure when my great great grandchildren go through my possessions, they will wonder why Nana had all these horse photos and masks! Democrance, the UAE-born InsurTech startup, has entered a partnership with MetLife as part of the global insurer's commitment to simplifying interactions with customers through innovation and digitisation. The partnership will offer MetLife customers the comfort of easy access to its wide range of targeted critical illness, accident, and health insurance retail solutions via their mobile devices. In the initial stage, products will be available via SMS and mobile web and eventually included in mobile applications, providing a fully digital insurance experience. The Democrance platform will allow MetLife to quickly and easily deploy intelligent automated processes that drive efficiency, accessibility and deliver insurance solutions to its customers in five minutes or less. Through digitising the Direct to Consumer model, MetLife and Democrance aim to address the customer need for convenience while increasing the potential of distribution partners and MetLife to combine forces, expand their reach, and cross-sell their services. The model also ensures a seamless customer process while offering advanced profiling to personalise financial solutions for end customers. Customers can benefit from access to an insurance solution best suited to their needs via the channel they prefer at the tap of a finger anytime and anywhere. Michele Grosso, Chief Executive Officer at Democrance, said: With financial service customers embracing digital channels and social distancing becoming the norm, banks and insurers today must refine their partnerships to ensure they can jointly respond to changing consumer demands. Through pooling their customer, product, and technology expertise, they can transform the way they serve their shared client base. We are confident that this partnership with MetLife will enable Democrance to deploy its digital platform across the customer value chain to expand customer access to a broad range of need-based products and services. In doing so, we hope to enhance efficiencies further and leverage the existing ecosystem to facilitate superior experiences for banking and insurance customers. Apostolos Ailamakis, Head of Bancassurance and Direct to Consumer at MetLife in the Gulf, said: Continuously enhancing our processes and actively looking for opportunities to simplify and automate manual activities is embedded in the core of our strategy. We are committed to investing in tools that place our customers in the driver's seat. The new partnership with Democrance will enhance our customers insurance buying experience by creating a seamless digital process that caters to their ever-evolving needs.-- TradeArabia News Service Top real estate group JLL said it had played a vital role as the financial advisor to Dubai investment company Neo Capital for the acquisition of a brand-new Grade-A office tower, Share Building, located in Hoofddorp, Netherlands for 43 million ($51 million). The acquisition was financed by a German lender who provided a senior loan of 26 million representing approximately 60% LTV, which has been provided for a five-year term. The building is a brand-new Grade-A office development at Park 20|20 near Schiphol Airport and within a stones throw from Amsterdam. At present it is 76% pre-let to LOreal, the worlds largest cosmetics and beauty company. The remaining space in the building is expected to be pre-let in the coming months. The asset, which comprises 8,121 sq m net internal area across four levels, currently has a Wault B and Wault E of 10 years. The property has a spacious atrium offering natural light and has been extensively designed with the wellbeing of its occupiers as the key priority. Additionally, the asset boasts a sustainable design and impressive environmental credentials including the coveted Breeam Excellent as well as a WELL Silver certification. The JLL debt placement team representing the borrower was led by Claudio Sgobba, Senior Director (Debt and Structured Finance) for EMEA, Karan Mahajan, the Director and Hamish Gordon, Senior Analyst. Hani Obaid, the Partner at Neo Capital, said: "We are very pleased with this acquisition in Hoofddorp that fits well within Neos wider portfolio. The asset is well positioned within a rapidly expanding community to benefit from growth synergies in the market which will produce a stable income stream with good upside potential for our investors." Sgobba expessed delight at working alongside Hani Obaid and Faisal Al Omran, founding partners of Neo, to close an attractively priced facility that is suited for their business plan. "It was a competitive lender selection process with leverage, pricing, and surety of execution, all playing a role in the ultimate decision," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Emirati company G20 has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the US' PharmXGen, so that it will be the exclusive agent to supply and distribute in the Middle East and North Africa the newest Rapid Antigen tests in the world. The agreement was signed by Dr Mubarak Hamad Marzouq Al Ameri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirati G20 company, and Bill Henwood, President of the American company PharmXGen, at the headquarters of the G20 Company in Abu Dhabi. Dr Al Ameri said: We are very pleased to cooperate with the American company PharmXGen, and we will be the exclusive agent for the companys innovative intranasal Rapid Antigen tests, as they achieve speed in showing the test results in a period of time ranging from 3-10 minutes as a maximum, with a 100% efficiency. These tests have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and they are used in the US, the UK, Germany and a number of countries in the world. The new screening tests are very important since they are the fastest in showing the results, whether negative or positive. In fact, the results appear in a maximum of 10 minutes, which allows a rapid gradual return to normal life. Indeed, the new tests will help organising events and activities and speeding up entry to government and private institutions and facilities, whether airports, hospitals, or the headquarters of institutions and departments. Dr Al Ameri explained that the speed of obtaining quick results will give the individuals more confidence and security, and help them to follow the precautionary measures established by the concerned authorities, which promotes a sense of confidence, and allows work and movement in a safe environment. Henwood said: We are pleased to cooperate with the Emirati company G20, which will be the exclusive agent for our products, especially those related to Rapid Antigen tests, as we have succeeded in creating and developing innovations that can show the results within 10 minutes, which is considered the fastest in the world, with a 100% efficiency. He added: "The tests manufactured by the company are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and used in a number of countries, most notably the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, China and other countries, and we are very happy that our tests will be used in the Middle East and North Africa, which will save time, and herald a rapid gradual return to normal life. These tests can be used by travelers, visitors to events and activities and exhibitions, and ordinary individuals who need quick and accurate results. -- TradeArabia News Service Leading Saudi petrochemical and chemical manufacturing company, Sipchem reported an excellent set of Q2 results with top-line and bottom-line coming above consensus estimates. This was likely due to higher-than-expected sales volume amid improving demand, and better cost efficiencies, according to Al Rajhi Capital Research. The company continued to positively surprise analysts with the sharp improvement in production efficiencies (~18% q-o-q decline production costs despite 16% higher revenues in Q2), with gross and operating margins reaching their highest levels. Going forward, Sipchem is expected to continue benefiting from high operating leverage (key feedstock is methane, which is fixed at $1.25/mmbtu, and hence any improvement in product prices would translate directly into profits). Average Methanol prices continued to rise since Q2 2020 and now stabilised at around $400/t in Q3 (higher than the YTD price of $384/t and our forecast of ~$360/t for 2021), mainly aided by tight supply-demand balance and rising oil prices. The demand also looks favourable, driven by rebounding industrial and energy consumption post opening up the economies across the globe. Further, the shutdown of loss-making/lowmargin plants (PBT and GACI) plants may continue to support the margins. Accordingly, Al Rajhi expects the company to distribute a DPS of SR1.5 (yield: 4.5%) for 2021 with a possibility of further upside next year if Methanol prices sustain at the current level. Based on its revised estimates and DCF valuation, Al Rajhi raises its trading price to SR40/sh ($10.67) (SR35/sh. earlier) and remains overweight on the stock.-- TradeArabia News Service Saudi Ceramics, a leading provider of building solutions and ceramic products such as porcelain tiles and sanitaryware, said its revenue for the second quarter hit SR356 million ($95 million), down 7 per cent over last year. However. this figure was less than the SR418 million forcast by Al Rajhi Capital, a leading financial services provider in the kingdom. Lower construction activity due to Ramadan and higher base in Q2 2020, due to pre-Vat buying had affected the top-line, stated Al Rajhi Capital in is review. However, gross profit increased 33.7% y-o-y to SAR137mn due to 1166bps gross margin expansion (26.8% in Q2 2020 and 33.5% in Q1 2021). Margin accretion was aided by an increase in tiles and water heater prices and improving capacity utilization of sanitary ware segment. Al Rajhi Capital pointed out that operating efficiencies, lower provisions, and lower finance cost, on the back of debt reduction, resulted in a more than 9-fold growth in net income to SR63 million. This was better than its estimate of SR60 million. On Saudi Ceramics' future outlook, it said: "We remain bullish on Saudi Ceramics as we expect demand to remain robust. Limited competition from exported tiles provides pricing power to the company, which in turn will further enhance the gross margins and the overall ROCE (return on capital employed)." "We also expect finance cost to remain low, aided by recent debt restructuring; this will boost both profitability and dividend pay-out," said the leading financial services group. "Overall, we expect ROCE to improve to around 13-16% for 2021 and 2022, compared to the ROCE of 10% in 2015," stated Al Rajhi Capital. "Thus, post-Q2 2021 earnings we increase our target price from SAR56/sh to SAR69/sh and maintain our overweight rating," it added.-TradeArabia News Service The global number of cellular IoT subscribers increased by 12% during 2020 to reach 1.74 billion, a new report from the IoT market research firm Berg Insight says. The regional markets Western Europe and North America recorded the highest growth rates at over 15%. By 2025, Berg Insight now projects that there will be 3.74 billion IoT devices connected to cellular networks worldwide. The top ten mobile operators reported a combined active base of 1.49 billion cellular IoT connections at the end of 2020, accounting for 86% of total connections. China Mobile is the worlds largest provider of cellular IoT connectivity services with an estimated 658 million cellular IoT connections. China Unicom and China Telecom ranked second and third with 240 million and 238 million connections respectively. The year 2020 marked the first year since the early 2010s that cellular IoT connections grew slower in China compared to the global average, as the largest player China Mobile reported a negative change in its IoT subscriber base, says Fredrik Stalbrand, Senior Analyst at Berg Insight. Following China Mobiles decision to stop adding new IoT connections to its 2G network in the first half of 2020, it has embarked on a programme to migrate 2G users to NB-IoT and 4G LTE Cat-1 services. Vodafone ranked first among the Western operators and fourth overall with 118 million connections, followed by AT&T with 81 million in fifth place. Verizon, Deutsche Telekom and Telefonica had in the range 2648 million cellular IoT connections. Orange and Telenor were the last players in the top ten with about 18 million and 17 million connections respectively. Apart from Deutsche Telekom, year-on-year growth rates for the mentioned Western operators were in the span 822%. IoT connectivity services account for around 1% of total revenues for most operator groups. Berg Insights analysis of the IoT business KPIs released by mobile operators in different parts of the world suggests that global IoT connectivity revenues increased by around 6% during 2020, while the monthly APRU dropped by 16%.-- TradeArabia News Service Lummus Technology and Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) have won multiple technology contracts from North Huajin Refining and Petrochemical Co for a grassroots refinery and petrochemical complex in Liaoning Province, China. The complex will include one of the largest vacuum residue desulphurisation (VRDS) units in China and one of the largest Novolen polypropylene (PP) plants. Lummus will provide the license and basic engineering for its Novolen PP technology, plus the associated catalysts. CLG will provide the licence and basic engineering for the VRDS technology, plus proprietary reactor internals and catalysts. "Lummus and CLG are uniquely equipped to provide multi-technology solutions for our customers," said Leon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lummus Technology. "By supplying our world-class technologies and services, we can enhance the productivity throughout the entire life cycle of North Huajin's complex, reduce their capital and operating costs, and increase their profitability." "The VRDS technology we are licensing, and the catalysts and reactor internals we are supplying, will help optimise product quality, product yield and run-length over a range of vacuum residue," said Ujjal Mukherjee, Managing Director of CLG. "Our VRDS technology has a very strong market share worldwide, and this award further strengthens our position and leadership in licensing world-class residue desulphurisation technology." Once complete, the VRDS unit will process 5 MMTPA of vacuum residue, providing hydrotreated feed for the downstream conversion unit while simultaneously producing low sulphur bunker oil that meets International Maritime Organisation (IMO) specifications. The Novolen plant, embedded in a compact plot area, will produce 1,000 KTA of polypropylene homopolymers, random copolymers, and impact copolymers making it one of the largest in China with high-end products encompassing the complete portfolio.-- TradeArabia News Service The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) of the United Nations has signed an agreement with Destination Capital (DC), a Thailand-based private equity real estate investment company to support the rejuvenation of the hotel industry. The arrangement supports the relationship DC has with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to promote investment in green and sustainable tourism accommodation and to stimulate re-employment, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The collaboration between UNWTO and Destination Capital is based on DCs adoption of best practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions and operating hotels in a manner consistent with IFCs environmental and social criteria. Against this backdrop, DC acquires and repositions freehold hotels of 150-250 rooms in Thailand and across South-East Asia with the aim of implementing sustainable water and energy systems. It also works to promote gender equality at every level of the hospitality sector, another of UNWTOs core priorities and in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 5. While governments and destinations around the world are working on vaccination programs to accelerate the restart of the tourism, UNWTO is working with the private sector to encourage employers to play their part in the recovery of local communities through job creation and training programs. UNWTO data shows that international tourism arrivals fell by 1 billion in 2020, with the crisis carrying over into 2021. Worldwide, this has placed as many as 120 million tourism jobs directly at risk. Moreover, Asia and the Pacific has been the worst-affected of all global regions, and young workers and women are among the hardest hit by the downturn in tourism employment. In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, DC recognizes the hotel industry not only has a responsibility to re-hire and re-train hotel staff. It is also increasingly under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of energy and water consumption as well as food waste and environmental degradation. DC is committed to retrofitting its hotels to be compliant as green hotels as per the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) standards established by IFC. TradeArabia News Service Masks Required at Friends of Library Summer Book Sale August 6 & 7 PADUCAH - Bargain books and audiovisual materials will once again be available for purchase at the Friends of the McCracken County Public Librarys Summer Book sale this weekend-August 6 & 7 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah. Masks will be required for everyone coming into the building.After a conversation with Purchase Area Health Director Kent Koster, the Friends of the Library Book Sale leadership team decided to require masks to be worn by everyone attending the sale. This directive was made on Friday, July 30.Book sale hours are Friday, August 6 from 9 am to 7 pm and Saturday, August 7 from 9 am to 1 pm at the St. Paul Lutheran Church gym, located on the corner of South 21st St. and Kentucky Avenue. Saturday, August 7 is "Bag Day". Shoppers purchase a grocery bag for $5 and then fill it with as many remaining books and audiovisual titles that will fit in a bag.This is the first large book sale since November 2019 and features more than 20,000 books and audiovisual titles arranged by subject or format and marked down to rock bottom prices. Most hardback books, trade edition paperback books, DVDs and audio books are only $1. Pocketbook paperback publications, music CDs and some children's books are just fifty cents each. Special interest and local collector titles are available at deeply discounted amounts.Sale proceeds benefit the McCracken County Public Librarys collection development and services. Over the last twenty- eight years, Library administration has used some of the thousands of dollars donated by the Friends to improve information access as well as enhancing the librarys summer reading. programs. Friends of the Library donated $30,500 to the Library in 2019 from book sale proceeds.Sale attendees will have the opportunity to join the Friends of the Library at the book sale. Membership forms are also available on the librarys website at www.mclib.net/friends and at the librarys service desks except during the week of the book sale (August 1 - 7).The book sale includes the sale of homemade pastries and other food products to support St. Paul Lutheran Churchs mission projects.Friends of the McCracken County Public Library will accept cash, checks, and major credit cards (minimum charge of $10) for purchases.For more information, contact Friends of the McCracken County Library Book Sale Coordinator Paula Franklin at 270-331-3970 or visit www.mclib.net/friends.On the Net: A formation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army took part in a grand military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei) BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for resolute will and determination to work hard in a down-to-earth way to achieve the goals set for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks on Friday when addressing a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, Xi extended regards to officers, soldiers and civilian personnel of PLA and the People's Armed Police Force, and members of the militia and the reserve service ahead of the 94th birthday of the PLA, which falls on Aug. 1. Xi noted that achieving the goals is a significant decision by the CPC Central Committee and the CMC and a critical task concerning China's national security and overall development. Reviewing the CPC's endeavor over the past 100 years, Xi stressed that "the Party commands the gun" and building people's armed forces are vital conclusions made through fierce struggles. On the historic course of fully building a modern socialist country and achieving the second centenary goal, greater importance should be attached to strengthening national defense and armed forces, Xi said. Xi emphasized that the realization of the goals is a profound reform vital for the overall construction of the whole army, calling for transformation in the development philosophy to ensure high-quality development. Underlining the necessity of adapting to the global trend of military development and meeting the requirements for strengthening the strategic capacity of the Chinese armed forces, Xi demanded efforts to push forward the reform of the national defense and armed forces. With the servicemen of the Russian military contingent from the formations and military units of the Eastern Military District, preparations have started for the exercise Zapad/Interaction-2021, jointly with the units of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). The participants of the joint Chinese-Russian exercise from the Russian side include military personnel of the operational-tactical aviation detachment, whose pilots also made a multi-hour flight over a distance of more than 1.5 thousand kilometers from the point of permanent deployment on multi-purpose Su-30SM fighters. Also, the personnel of the motorized rifle unit deployed in the Transbaikal territory, as well as special forces units and the control apparatus, will take part in the upcoming exercises. The forces of the Chinese side participating in the exercise consist of the PLA Land and Air Forces. Currently, the personnel of the Russian group of EMD troops in the course of daily activities takes part in combat training exercises with the improvement of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In addition, military personnel participate in physical training. In the near future, it is planned to conduct a reconnaissance of the exercise area and a number of practical training sessions with the units of the joint Chinese-Russian group. The joint exercise will be held from August 9 to 13 this year at the Tsingtungxia training ground. The main theme of the exercise is to maintain security and stability in the region with a joint military operation to combat terrorist forces. Koilpillai was reported missing by her boyfriend around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 25 after he found blood inside her home. Police searched the area and found her body hidden outside. Koilpillais car was missing from the house and discovered in Leesburg, Virginia, where Beavers father lives and where Koilpillai had another residence. Summary Chapter 1 began after Britt and Mary Johnson traveled with their children and Britt's emancipator, Moses Johnson, from Burkett Station, Kentucky to Elm Creek, Young County, Texas in 1863. Britt intended to move away from the violence of the Civil War and build his wealth as a freighter on the Texas frontier. Mary homeschooled their three children, 11-year old Jim, nine-year-old Jube, and five-year-old Cherry. Britt worked as a freighter, and the men of Elm Creek warned him of the war-prone tribes who raided the area. The men of Elm Creek journeyed to Weatherford on October 13, 1864. Elizabeth Fitzgerald, a friend and wealthy white widow, sent for Mary and the children to stay with her and her two children Susan Durgan and Joe Carter and granddaughters Lottie and Millie for the day. Chapter 2 continued with the morning of October 13 as hundreds of Comanche and Kiowa warriors descended... Summary Chapter 13 began with Samuels journey to the Indian Agency in Oklahoma via the Illinois Central railroad in April 1865. He met James Deaver, an illustrator for the New York Herald and other newspapers in Chicago. They spoke briefly about their experiences of the Civil War before parting amicably with the chance of meeting again in Oklahoma. The train brought Samuel to southeast Kansas, where he would continue traveling by wagon. The threat of Comanche, Kiowa, or Confederate encounters forced Samuel to accept 20 Union guards. Along the way, Samuel spotted a white captive woman. Distraught, he insisted that the soldiers retrieve her. The captain explained that the tribe would not trade her for anything, and that she most likely did not want to leave them. Samuel met Colonel Grierson once he arrived at the Indian Agency that was situated by a small army post in... Im very pleased the Howard County Public School System continues to move forward with in-person learning this upcoming school year, and I fully support a safe teaching and learning environment for our students, educators and families, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said in a statement. I cannot underscore enough that, especially as we face the delta variant, the best way for our residents to prevent serious illness or death from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated if theyre eligible. Police ask residents with questions about Marylands Safe Haven law to call Department of Human Resources at 800-332-6347 or a local department of social services. Child abuse detectives are still investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to call the Anne Arundel County Child Abuse Unit at 410-222-4733. If people with information wish to remain anonymous they can also contact the Anne Arundel County police tip line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Russia on Sunday congratulated India on assuming the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and said it is "truly impressed" with New Delhi's agenda, which "embraces pressing global issues" including maritime security peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. "Congratulations on #India's taking over the #UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful and effective work. Wishing many happy returns & all the success!" Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev tweeted. Meanwhile, France said it is committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. "Delighted that India is today taking over #UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today's many ongoing crises," Ambassador of France to India Emmanuel Lenain tweeted. This is India's first presidency in the UNSC during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC. The two-year tenure of India as a non-permanent member of the UNSC began on January 1, 2021. During the presidency of the powerful 15-nation UN body, India said it will be focusing on maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism. In a video message, India's Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti on Friday talked about New Delhi's agenda as it will take over the rotating presidency of the UNSC. He said India will be organising signature events in three key areas -- maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism. Ambassador Tirumurti further said that New Delhi will continue to keep the spotlight on counter-terrorism. "Further, as a country which has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, we will continue to keep the spotlight on counter-terrorism. I would like to thank Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) for counting to guide our permanent mission especially during our stint during the security council," he said. This is India's eighth tenure in the UNSC. The first working day of India's presidency will be on Monday, August 2 when Tirumurti will hold a hybrid press briefing in the UN headquarters on the Council's programme of work for the month. (ANI) Also Read: US: UN chief condemns attack against UN compound in Afghanistan Several rockets struck Afghanistan's Kandahar airport overnight, RT reported. No casualties have been reported so far. Violence has escalated in Afghanistan in recent weeks as the Taliban have intensified their offensive against civilians, Afghan defense and security forces. This comes in wake of foreign troop's drawdown from the war-torn country. Last month, three rockets landed in areas near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers. Over the last few weeks, the Taliban captured several districts in Afghanistan including Takhar, the country's northeastern province. The Taliban seized over 193 district centres and 19 border districts, according to the Afghan foreign ministry.' The Taliban have also taken control of 10 border crossing points across the country in Takhar, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Herat, and Farah provinces leading to the complete shutdown of cross-border movements and trade in these areas. The ministry further disclosed that since April 14, nearly 4,000 ANDSF personnel had been killed, over 7,000 injured, and about 1,600 captured by the Taliban. As many as 2,000 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the violence, while 2,200 were injured. (ANI) Also Read: Haldibari-Chilahati rail: First goods train through revived link leaves for Bangladesh Last week, Singapore Airlines (SIA) reported a dramatically narrower net loss of SGD 409 million (USD 302 million) in its first-quarter results for the financial year 2021/22. This is an improvement of 63.6 per cent from the record loss of SGD 1,123 million it suffered at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year. As Singapore reopens its borders, is one of the most admired airlines in the world on its way to wiping away the red ink? In its business update published on July 29, Singapore's flag carrier revealed that for the quarter that ended in June, revenue rose to SGD 1,295 million from SGD 852 million in the corresponding quarter last year, an improvement of 52.2 per cent. This was mainly led by "robust cargo performance" and the absence of impairment charges. Expenditure fell by SGD 319 million or 16.9 per cent to SGD 1,569 million. The airline said in its statement that, "Cargo flown revenue grew by SGD 214 million (+32.4 per cent), as the calibrated resumption in passenger flights contributed to an increase in cargo capacity (+46.9 per cent) and loads carried (+68.2 per cent). Cargo load factor increased 11.3 percentage points to 89.1 per cent, while yields moderated from the exceptionally high levels during the same period last year. Overall, the strong cargo revenue performance for the first quarter reflected the healthy demand fundamentals and an ongoing capacity crunch in the sector." SIA has no domestic routes and with cross border travel restrictions around the world still, very much in place, passenger load factor increased at a more modest pace of 4.6 percentage points year-on-year to 14.8 per cent. Passenger capacity at the end of the reporting quarter rose to 28 per cent of pre-COVID levels resulting in passenger flown revenue of SGD 318 million, up by SGD 277 million compared with the same period (April to June) last year when almost all flights were grounded. The number of passengers carried by the group for the quarter which included low-cost carrier Scoot was 362,000, up from 38,000 a year earlier. The airline added three new Airbus A350s into service in the quarter that just ended and removed two Airbus A330s that were on the lease. As of June 30, the groups' fleet consists of 164 passenger aircraft and seven freighters. With an average age of five years and 11 months, it has one of the youngest fleets in the airline industry. SIA projects that passenger capacity will reach 33 per cent of pre-pandemic level and that it would serve at least 50 per cent of locations it did before the pandemic by the end of September. As global COVID-19 vaccination campaigns gather pace, the airline hopes that international air travel demand will soon recover. However, new variants and fresh waves of COVID-19 infections in key markets remain a concern. It added, "The recovery trajectory will be dependent on government regulations, vaccination rates, and the risk profile of individual regulatory authorities." SIA's planned capacity increase will be helped by the Singapore government's plan to treat COVID-19 as an endemic disease and strategy to reopen the country to travellers. Although Singapore entered the third lockdown on July 22 (which is scheduled to end August 18), the government this week reiterated its plan to gradually allow its residents to return to their pre-pandemic lifestyle in some form. However, this will only be for those who are fully vaccinated which it said are better protected against serious effects of the virus. The plan will start taking shape once a high enough proportion of residents are vaccinated and will see a change of emphasis from case numbers to hospitalisation rate. The latest lockdown was caused by a spike in COVID-19 cases and to ensure a higher portion of its population are vaccinated especially those aged 70 and older. The vaccination rate among the elderly was significantly below the national average. The authorities expect that around 80 per cent of the population would have been inoculated by early September. Being fully aware that Singapore's status as a business and tourism hub is at stake and dependent on international connectivity, the government plans to reopen the city state to international travellers in the coming months. It will allow vaccinated people quarantine-free access to the country although COVID testing may be required. It will start by setting up travel corridors with countries or regions that have vaccinated a high percentage of their population and where the infection is under control. The number of countries that Singapore will open up to is expected to be small initially and based on its condition that vaccination rates must be high and the virus well-managed, these countries are likely to be in North America, Europe and the Middle East. It is also likely that in the early stages of reopening, travellers to and from Singapore will have to travel on a point-to-point itinerary given that travellers will not be allowed to transit in a COVID hotspot. SIA will be a beneficiary from this as many Singapore residents are keen to travel after having been cooped up on their tiny island for more than a year and a half. Furthermore, many expat residents are keen to travel home to their friends and family having not seen them for some time. On its part, SIA has been quick to add destinations back to its passenger network in spite of low load factor of around 15 per cent. It is thus in a good position to capture any new demand as Singapore opens as it can boost passenger numbers and revenue without having to increase flights. If the flights are insufficient to meet demand, it can add more flights as it has excess crew and aircraft capacity. It is also ready to set up new nonstop destinations based on the countries the Singapore government has set up travel corridors with including new long-haul ones. Although the speed at which the airline will recover is not certain, stock analysts at DBS have upgraded SIA shares to a "hold" from "fully valued", confident that it will be able to ride out the COVID downturn due to its strong balance sheet. They reasoned that after multiple rounds of fundraising, SIA has about SGD 14 billion of Pro-forma cash balance and that this provides it "with a firm buffer to navigate through the current crisis and fund the capital expenditure for its fleet renewal programme." (ANI) Also Read: Several rockets hit Kandahar airport as Taliban-led violence rages 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 Fans around Journeys stage included some kids up on their parents shoulders. Even with no Kidzapalooza stage this year (C3 has said it will be back next year), some families have attended anyway and braved the more adult lineup. Call this an exceedingly minor hazard as Lolla conditions go, but its undeniable: The rain of F-bombs from the stage this weekend has been a downpour. Between Kim Petras and Miley Cyrus (another act with kids on shoulders) on opposing stages Thursday, the word bounced around like a Ping-Pong ball. More than 250 festival goers erupted into cheers when they saw Kenny Mason, 26, take the stage. The Atlanta native is a rising rap and hip hop artist whose music became recognized during the pandemic. His latest album Angelic Hoodrat: Supercut was recognized earlier this year by Billboard as one of the top 50 albums released in 2021 so far. Youll have seen funnier Lady Bs than Cochrans, but thats partly a tribute to her determination to build a character who might actually exist. Its quite the naturalistic portrait, and you could argue that Wildes lines are better served by such, even if I think it could use a little judicious comic license here and there. My other complaint about the performance Tuesday night was that some of the cast has a way of swallowing the internal words of Wildes one-liners there arent so much punchlines here as lines that are funny in totem, and unless you spit out every last syllable, they dont all land. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The blast killed two crew members from the United Kingdom and Romania. At 9:23 p.m., in the 6400 block of South King Drive, two men were shot by someone who came up to them on foot and opened fire. A 35-year-old man was shot in the right shoulder and a 36-year-old man was shot in the buttocks. They were dropped off at St. Bernard Hospital and the University of Chicago Medical Center, respectively, and both had been listed in fair condition, police said. Lightfoot has faced a complicated balancing act on the pandemic, which arrived less than a year into her term. She has pleaded with residents to get vaccinated and warned about possible restrictions if the city sees spikes. But she also has made a point of emphasizing her desire to keep the city as open as possible. At times, it has led to some mixed messaging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anhydrous ammonia is a colorless gas that can cause breathing difficulties, burns and blisters, and is fatal if breathed in high concentrations. The CDC says the substance is used as a fertilizer and an industrial refrigerant. Forecasters Sunday said Chicagoans could expect temperatures in the 70s for the latter half of the weekend, a lucky break for those who might otherwise cool off in Lake Michigan when temperatures climb. The late filmmaker Benny Chan's final directorial effort, "Raging Fire," is quite as explosive as critics say, while his peers and collaborators shed tears at the film's premiere on July 28. Action megastar Jackie Chan hugs tearful actor Nicholas Tse on stage at the premiere of "Raging Fire," where they remember the late director Benny Chan, in Beijing, July 28, 2021. [Photo/VCG] After the advanced screening, there was a standing ovation. The premiere for the film soon became more like a star-studded memorial service, with action film mogul Jackie Chan, legendary directors such as Wong Jing, Dante Lam, Raymond Lee, Lau Ho-leung, Li Shaohong, and a star cast including Nicholas Tse, Ray Lui, Qin Lan attending the event. In tears, they remembered how they worked alongside the late director and how big the loss. Hailed as "the king of crime movies" in Hong Kong, Chan made more than 30 films, including many classics like "A Moment Of Romance" (1990), "Who Am I?" (1998) and "New Police Story" (2004). He died of nasopharyngeal cancer at the age of 58 on Aug. 23, 2020. "I have attended almost every premiere of Benny's films, with or without me starring, to support him, so I will not miss this one, however he was not here anymore," the director's long-time collaborator Jackie Chan said emotionally. He revealed they had worked together to prepare for New Police Story 2", "Rob-B-Hood 2" and a new installment of the kung fu film franchise "Drunken Master," but things were never able to be materialized after Benny Chan had passed. Cast members of the "Raging Fire," as well as Jackie Chan and eight Chinese directors pose for a photo to show their support on stage at the premiere of "Raging Fire" in Beijing, July 28, 2021. [Photo courtesy of Dark Horse] After finished watching "Raging Fire," Jackie Chan was thrilled and jokingly lamented, "why didn't he summon me to the project?" Director Wong Jing said: "Chan's passing is too big a loss for the film industry. I wish he could have lived to make more great films like this." Absent from the premiere, the crime thriller's biggest star Donnie Yen now is working overseas on another film, but he talked via phone at the premiere to share his insights. "Benny is the best director for the Hong Kong crime films and made great contributions to this genre. This is his last film and everyone who loves films should not miss this one." An IMAX poster of "Raging Fire," starring action megastar Donnie Yen. [Photo courtesy of IMAX China] The film follows a Yen-played highly respected hardline police officer's investigation to hunt down a ruthless drug trafficking ring; however, things get complicated and bloody after his past unexpectedly comes back to haunt him when a sting operation is attacked by a mysterious group of criminals led by his former colleague, played by Nicholas Tse. The film is filled with non-stop explosive scenes from car chases and gunfights to hand-to-hand combat and more, with some critics and audiences hailing it "the best action crime film of all time." Tse said his career didn't start with being as an action actor, and had no experience in this regard, "So I can only bet on my life and nerve. In many impressive and critical moments through my collaboration with Benny Chan, such as stunts of falling from high buildings, the director was always there for me and with me. He is the milestone and mark for Hong Kong action films. Losing him, is like losing my right hand," the actor said. A still image from "Raging Fire" shows Donnie Yen, who plays a cop, shaking hands with his former colleague and the real villain, played by Nicholas Tse, in the film. [Photo courtesy of Tencent Pictures] "Raging Fire" opened in various formats including IMAX in China on July 30. Flash China urged the United States and Japan on Thursday to honor their commitments on the Taiwan question and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces, as the two allies stepped up efforts to engage with the island through official channels. Media reports said that the first trilateral strategic dialogue among lawmakers from the US, Japan and Taiwan was held by video link on Thursday, at which former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe expressed support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations including the World Health Assembly. Commenting on the dialogue at a regular news conference on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said:"Both the form and content are negative and wrong. In fact, it is the same old tune, and no one cares about it." The Taiwan question concerns the political foundation of China-US and China-Japan relations, and Washington and Tokyo have the responsibility to abide by the principles of the political documents they have signed with China, Zhao said. On Wednesday, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved legislation that could require US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to provide additional information in his report to Congress on efforts to help Taiwan regain its World Health Assembly observer status. China firmly opposes the bill, Zhao said, urging the US to stop reviewing the bill and helping Taiwan to expand its so-called international space. The US should realize the great sensitivity of the Taiwan question, abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, as well as international law and basic norms governing international relations, he added. In addition to pushing for Taiwan-related legislation, the US has recently colluded with Taiwan in various ways, including sending military transport planes to the island. When commenting on the provocative US moves, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Thursday that by playing with fire the US will only burn itself, and by adopting salami-slicing tactics on the Taiwan question it will only "cut its own hand". Wu warned the island's ruling Democratic Progressive Party not to misjudge the situation and invite trouble by taking risks, saying that colluding with the US on its secessionist agenda will only damage the Taiwan people and the DPP itself. Also at Thursday's news briefing, Zhao, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, opposed Blinken's meeting with representatives of the Dalai Lama in New Delhi during his visit to India on Wednesday, and demanded that the US stop providing any support to anti-China separatist activities by "Tibetan independence" forces. The New Zealand government wants to put a stop to so-called conversion therapy. Legislation was introduced to the New Zealand parliament on Friday that would bring in prison terms for those found guilty of the practice. Under the proposed measures, practices intended to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression that cause "serious harm" would carry a prison sentence of up to five years. Practicing conversion therapy on someone below the age of 18, or a person with diminished decision-making capacities would carry a three-year prison term. Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said in a statement that "conversion practices have no place in modern New Zealand." "They are based on the false belief that any person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is broken and in need of fixing," he said. "Health professionals, religious leaders and human rights advocates here and overseas have spoken out against these practices as harmful and having the potential to perpetuate prejudice, discrimination and abuse towards members of rainbow communities." Mr Faafoi said the legislation was not concerned with general religious expressions around sexuality or gender. "The Bill's definition of conversion practice has been carefully designed to ensure health practitioners providing health services will not be captured; nor will people providing legitimate counselling, support and advice," he added. "General expressions of religious beliefs or principles about sexuality and gender will also not be captured." New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last year vowed to ban gay conversion therapy in the country if she was re-elected. Attempts to ban gay conversion therapy in the UK and elsewhere have been met by concerns from religious communities that ordinary practices like prayer will be criminalised. The Christian Institute has said it will take legal action if legitimate expressions of religious belief are outlawed under such a ban. The UK Evangelical Alliance has warned against a broad definition if the UK government moves ahead with its plans. Reposted with permission from Christian Today The blaze generated a large response from fire, police and ambulance crews in the area. Both the New Britain and Farmington fire departments responded to cover the rest of the town because all on-duty fire companies in West Hartford were called to the scene to assist, Priest said. Federal health data released Saturday showed that Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. Yet several Connecticut communities wish to censor the education of our children and whitewash our national identity. They object to the use of words like diversity, equity and inclusion in the classroom or teaching ethnic studies, claiming they amount to student indoctrination. Some of the same people who decry cancel culture advocate canceling free speech. I must say, as a former Connecticut public school teacher for 30 years, I always believed education was about teaching students to expand, not limit, their minds; and to think for themselves, rather than according to their parents or communities. Since the start of the pandemic, frontline state workers, along with private essential workers, have continued to provide vital services despite obvious risks to themselves and their families, said Drew Stoner, the coalitions communications coordinator. At this time, SEBAC has not been approached by the Lamont administration on this matter, but we look forward to carefully considering any proposal that is designed to enhance the safety of both state workers and the public they serve while ensuring a fair and effective system. Health experts say vaccination will be the most effective tool at stopping the pandemic, which has killed 11,532 Virginians and infected at least 538,000. Unvaccinated people have made up 99% of Virginias COVID-19 cases and 98% of serious illnesses and deaths since late January, according to the state health department. Justice Prateek Jalan passed the order after time was sought by the counsel for CBSE. (Photo: PTI/File) New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has granted time to the Central Board of Secondary Education to respond to a plea concerning the methodology of assessment of private class 10 students after the examination was cancelled on account of COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year. Justice Prateek Jalan, hearing a petition moved by the mother of a private class 10 student, passed the order after time was sought by the counsel for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Rupesh Kumar, learned counsel for the Central Board of Secondary Education, seeks ten days' further time to take instructions on the methodology for assessment of private candidates for the class 10 examinations, the judge recorded in the order dated July 29 as he listed the matter for further hearing on August 23. The notice to CBSE in the petition was issued in June when the court granted six weeks' time to the education body to clarify its stand. In her petition, Payal Bahl has submitted that while students have been declared as Pass after the announcement of cancellation of examinations, CBSE has not issued any notification regarding its policy on how marks are to be awarded to private students. CBSE's attitude towards the students who are privately enrolled in class 10 examination is "prima facie violative of the Article 14 of the Constitution of India" and takes away their equal opportunity of proceeding with further education, she contended. It is highlighted that CBSE has already notified that assessment of regular class 10 students was to be based on internal assessment. Washington: Of all the creatures on Earth, humans manipulate their environments the most. But, how far can we push it before something drastic happens? Scientists are calling for a better understanding of past extreme climate change events in an attempt to anticipate future changes. Enter geoarchaeologist and anthropologist C. Michael Barton at Arizona State University. The School of Human Evolution and Social Change researcher, along with Foundation Professor Sander van der Leeuw and an international and interdisciplinary team, published their analysis this week in the journal Nature Geoscience. The paper describes past abrupt climate changes, what led up to the "tipping points" for those events, and what followed. "We've been putting a lot of chemicals into the atmosphere and changing the heat of the atmosphere for a long time, and really intensively for 150 years," Barton said. "And, things are still chugging along. Temperatures are slowly going up globally, but we haven't seen a huge, dramatic shift. However, complex systems are potentially vulnerable if you push too much." Barton studies Earth's many systems - specifically the water cycle and landscapes - and how humans alter these systems. "People tend to look at how far you can push things before suddenly everything changes," Barton said. "And that's what's considered the tipping point." For a complex systems specialist like Barton, almost everything can be viewed as systems or cycles. A tree grows and dies, and the decay returns nutrients to the soil. Water cycles through the Earth in different forms like rain, runoff, and evaporation. Some of Earth's major systems include the hydrosphere (water), the atmosphere (air), and the cryosphere (ice). All these systems are connected. This research on tipping points looks at the history of these systems to quantify small changes that can lead up to an abrupt, massive change, while also measuring how one abrupt change can trigger abrupt changes in other systems. The paper explores prior research with sediment cores in the Gulf of Alaska, dust records in North Africa and ice cores from Greenland. All of this pre-historic data gives Earth system modelers and scientists a better idea of what Earth was really like hundreds of thousands of years ago. Scientists have also been extensively studying Earth's oceans. This includes the current levels of salt and oxygen, changes in circulation patterns, and influxes of fresh water from melting ice sheets. Current ocean conditions can be compared to historic data gathered from the composition of the ocean floor, to make inferences about past ocean currents. The authors note past instances of extreme climate events happening so quickly that humans either had difficulties adapting, or were unable to adapt, to the new environment. For example, about 1,500 years ago, abrupt cooling occurred in Europe, leading to changes in the vegetation. The authors note the cooling may have been caused by a natural phenomenon -- volcanic eruptions. The vegetation and farming changes were so extreme that people experienced famine and societal reorganization. This timing correlates with the transformation of the Eastern Roman Empire. The authors note how climate events centuries ago triggered drastic changes or even collapse in ancient civilizations due to unforeseen societal vulnerabilities. One example is the ancient city of Angkor, which was located in present-day Southeast Asia. The people living in Angkor altered the natural water cycle by diverting water to grow crops. As the city grew, the water system in that region became so strained that it passed a tipping point. The system couldn't handle more intense droughts and floods, and the city of Angkor collapsed. Arizonans know that the last few years have been drier and hotter than usual. Barton said it's not yet clear whether we've passed a tipping point in the Southwest region. It's normal to see slight fluctuations in precipitation and temperature year to year. But recent studies of ancient climate make Barton wonder if the drier weather patterns have become the new normal for our lifetimes. Barton also noted that researchers still don't know why some weather systems change. For example, past monsoon rains have shifted without warning and for unknown reasons. This can be catastrophic for human populations, as those who depend on the monsoon experience intense drought, while others do not have the infrastructure to handle the influx of water. There are still gaps in this field of research. More raw data needs to be collected and quantified, and some existing data lacks the precision and quality needed to create test models and simulate future abrupt changes. The researchers also call for more analysis on the interactions between environmental systems and human societies during periods of climate change. Lastly, improvements in Earth system models will help scientists be able to simulate possible abrupt changes humans may see in the near future. Current models are very good at simulating more gradual climate change, but are not yet able to simulate well-documented past abrupt changes. The authors hope this paper raises awareness of the field, and that more people will understand how analyzing the long-term past could help us in the near future. For example, one component of tipping points research is identifying early warning signals. These are smaller fluctuations in a system before an abrupt change. The authors say these warning signals exist, but when the entire world is the focus, it can be challenging to trace how small changes in one system can warn of an abrupt change in another. There is evidence of past warning signals. For example, there were abnormal shifts in the climates of the North Pacific Ocean region and around Greenland before the major melting of Earth's last ice age. "All the components can change really, really fast," Barton said. "The whole system can drop into a different state... How do we know when we're getting too close?" The authors leave the reader with this final thought: "As humans, we try to anticipate the future. We are now well aware that complex systems, including the coupled social and ecological systems that now dominate our planet, can undergo abrupt changes.... If we cannot model abrupt change in the past, we cannot hope to predict them in the future." Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation is in discussions with European and Israeli space agencies to enhance cooperation and identify potential opportunities to work together. The Secretary in the Department of Space and ISRO Chairman K Sivan held virtual meetings with Director General of Israel Space Agency (ISA) Avi Blasberger and Director General of European Space Agency (ESA) Josef Aschbacher last week. Sivan and Blasberger reviewed the progress of the ongoing activities including cooperation in electric propulsion system for small satellites and GEO-LEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit-Low Earth Orbit) optical link. They also discussed potential opportunities of working together in future including launch of Israeli satellites in Indian launcher and commemorating 75thanniversary of Indian independence and 30 years of India-Israel diplomatic relations through an appropriate event in 2022, an ISRO statement said. Sivan and Aschbacher reviewed the status of ongoing cooperation activities in earth observation, space science, satellite navigation, space situational awareness and human space flight. An ISRO-ESA Arrangement concerning network and operations Cross-support which will enable use of ground station to support each others spacecraft missions, was signed recently. "They agreed to form thematic working groups which will discuss to identify potential opportunities for working together to further enhance ISRO-ESA cooperation", the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency added. "I place @ESA's cooperation with @ISRO high on the ESA international agenda. #India's space portfolio is expanding thus many more cooperation opportunities between our agencies are on the horizon", Aschbacher tweeted. HYDERABAD: Padi Kaushik Reddy from Huzurabad Assembly constituency, who recently joined the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) from the Congress, has been nominated as MLC under Governor's quota. The state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao here on Sunday approved the nomination of Kaushik Reddy as MLC and referred to Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan for formal approval. Kaushik Reddy joined the TRS only on July 21 and his elevation as MLC within 10 days of joining the party proves the significance being given by the Chief Minister to the 36-year youth leader in the party. Kaushik joined the TRS in the presence of Chandrashekar Rao at the Telangana Bhavan. While addressing the meeting on the occasion, Rao assured him of 'bright future' in the party. But no one in the party expected Kaushik to get MLC post within 10 days of joining because TRS heavyweights like Gutha Sukender Reddy, Kadiam Srihari, Madhusudhana Chary, Tummala Nageshwar Rao and several other senior leaders were in the race to bag this post for the past several months and were meeting the Chief Minister frequently with their requests. When Kaushik joined the TRS, there were speculations of party chief fielding him against BJP's Etela Rajendar in the upcoming Huzurabad bypoll. In 2018 Assembly polls, Kaushik unsuccessfully contested on Congress ticket against the then TRS candidate Rajendar. With Kaushik now getting MLC post, it became clear that he will not be in the fray for Huzurabad bypoll and the party chief is looking for some senior candidate who could match the strength and stature of Rrajendar besides caste equations. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Get 25% off of the regular $65 annual All Access rate. With this subscription you will get: Digital access to ElPasoInc.com and archives (value $45) Print subscription home or business delivered (value $65) Book of Lists (annual rate only, value $50) El Paso Inc. Magazine (value $20) El Paso Kids Inc. Special sections - OR - Get 15% off of the regular $45 annual Digital-only rate. With this subscription you will get: Complete digital access to ElPasoInc.com. 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 HMS Queen Elizabeth, with its battle group, entered the South China Sea even after a warning; Beijing says the UK needs a beating down. This comes as the Royal Navy is more actively involved in countering the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in unison with the US. Last Thursday, the British supercarrier and multi-national group arrived at the South China Sea, as Beijing threatens it with missile attacks. They will be engaged in drills to improve interoperability with allies' navies. The presence of the UK carrier becomes the object of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP's) wrath. This drill in the disputed waters to show insurgence to the hegemonic claims of Xi's regime led to public pronouncements that London's defiance means it deserves a good beating for its actions. UK must not emulate US practice of FONOP To give weight to what punishment is coming, an editorial in Global Times states that China boasts that the United Kingdom will get what it deserves. He added that US Navy ships had sailed the 12-nautical-mile limit of Chinese islets in the South China Sea, but the CCP has not fired a shot at any foreign vessels. If the US can do such, it does not mean that other nations can do the same provoking that the Arleigh-Burke class missiles destroyers have been doing through the freedom of navigation operations (FONOP). Doing what the US does is not acceptable, reported the Sun UK. If the UK thinks it can taunt Beijing in the South China Sea as the US Navy vessels do, it's a wretch attempt to imitate and deserves a significant punishment. The UKs new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has set off to the Pacific. It is an act of sheer folly and can only make conflict with China more likely. #NoColdWarhttps://t.co/lX6uHLc3nI CND (@CNDuk) May 23, 2021 Tuning down its heated rhetoric against the UK, Britain demeaned its status by entering illegal claims of the Communist leadership in Beijing. But, Beijing says the UK's presence is a show of provocation which needs a beating down and cannot be disregarded. Read Also: Should Xi Jinping Fear Domestic Problems Than Military Action in the South China Sea? Here's What Analysts Say Furthermore, Beijing said HMS Queen Elizabeth could not defeat China's weaponry and further added that other nations did not do the same to not injure themselves. Beijing strongly condemns Washington China is not happy with another supercarrier entering the South China Sea, especially when times are getting heated. The Royal Navy's location is in the southern parts of the disputed waters, including three Singaporean ships, reports the Straits Times. This stretch of water is 1.3million square miles where several nations are clashing with China over disputed claims. Many nations have participated in FONOPs, like the US and UK, and members of the Quad as keeping the sea lanes open. In keeping with showing China that its claims are against International Law. These efforts made China strongly condemn Washington, tempting a conflict, as a vow to stop Taiwan from becoming independent. Continued demonstrations of what the People's Liberation Army Navy will do to recapture the island enclave, showing how its units intend to crush Taipei's forces. For a long time, Beijing insists on a One China Policy and considers the recognition of Taiwan as an insult to the People's Republic of China. Recently, a US military plane went to Taiwan, and the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has recommended that Taipei get observer status in the World Health Organization (WHO). It bothered the Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian, saying the US is asking for trouble. Beijing says the UK needs a beating down since it is acting as an agent of the US. China will not tolerate it even as the US Navy conducts regular freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea. Related Article: Britain Deploys Two Patrol Ships to Indo-Pacific After China's Nuke Threat to Japan @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. President Xi Jinping of China urged China's military leadership to improve its ties with the Communist Party, while also warning of armed conflict and security issues along the country's Afghan border. China Should Be Prepared for 'Military Struggle' In a recently published article in MSN News, Xi warned on Friday that China must be ready for "military conflict" as the US prepares to leave Afghanistan by September 11 this year. Before the 94th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) founding, Xi made comments on increasing the country's military might. For months, Chinese officials have voiced worry that the United States' departure from Afghanistan is provoking a Taliban comeback and provoking regional instability. Xi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned this week that the U.S. withdrawal may provide Uyghur rebels a base of terror operations from which to launch assaults against the CCP in Xinjiang's western province. President Xi Jinping said "National defense and the military must be placed in a more important position, and the consolidation of national defense and a strong military must be accelerated. We must persist in strengthening the overall planning of war and make preparations for military struggle," according to a published article in South China Morning Post. Read Also: China Builds More Missile Silos Amid the Escalating Tension Between Washington and Beijing Xi Calls People's Liberation Army To Be 'Absolutely Loyal' Xi also urged the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to be "completely loyal" to the Communist Party, according to the CCP's Qiushi magazine, and he stated that China's system of absolute leadership gives the nation a military edge over Western democracies. Moreover, Xi has repeatedly pushed the PLA to prepare for battle in all theaters of war since becoming the president of the Central Military Commission eight years ago. In 2015, Xi oversaw a major reform of China's armed forces to modernize the country's military. On Friday, Xi reiterated this attitude, pushing military and party officials to strive for significant technical advancements in their armed forces. The Chinese President wants to foster high-level scientific and technical independence, speed up research on important core technologies, and create strategic, cutting-edge, and disruptive innovations, according to a published article in Fliying News. Chinese Foreign Minister Meets Taliban Delegation In a recently published article in Hindustan Times, on Wednesday, a Taliban delegation headed by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, amid increasing Chinese worries over the operations of the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which aims to create an Uyghur state. This is the first visit to China by a top Taliban commander since the organization began a major assault to seize territory throughout Afghanistan, coinciding with the fast withdrawal of the U.S. and NATO troops from the country. In 2019, China welcomed a Taliban delegation that met with Deng Xijun, the special envoy for Afghanistan at the time. Chinese officials have previously met with Taliban leaders as well as representatives from Afghanistan, the United States, and Pakistan, but little progress had been made in attempts to reach a political solution. Related Article: Taliban, Chinese Officials Meet Ahead of US Withdrawal From Afghanistan @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Progressive members of Congress have written to President Joe Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, urging the CDC to use all available power to prolong the eviction moratorium. House Failed To Pass Legislation Extending Eviction Ban In a recently published article in The Hill, House Democratic leaders failed to muster enough votes on Friday to extend the federal eviction prohibition just two days before it was due to expire, sending the house into long summer vacation with no clear way forward on the subject. Following hours of inaction on the House floor as Democratic leaders sought to rally support for the legislation, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer attempted to pass a measure by a unanimous agreement that would have extended the moratorium until Oct. 18, but Republicans opposed. Furthermore, nearly $47 billion in federal housing assistance to states during the epidemic has been delayed to reach tenants and landlords due to payments, putting more than 3.6 million Americans in danger of eviction, some in as little as a few days, according to a published report in Oregon Live. Read Also: Eviction Moratorium Ends July 31. Here's Biden Administration's Solution and Who Will Qualify for Financial Assistance Lawmakers Urged CDC To Act Several Democratic lawmakers stated in their letter that the looming eviction issue is a question of public health and safety, and it requires an immediate government reaction in the face of the continuing pandemic and increasing outbreaks of the Delta variant throughout the country. Before it is too late, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must use every power at their disposal to prolong the eviction moratorium, according to a published article in MSN News. The legislators stated in their letter that they would continue to work on legislation to address the expiration moratorium, as well as to get billions in previously authorized funds out to assist tenants and landlords, a process that has been sluggish to start. Meanwhile, Biden would have supported the CDC extending the prohibition, but the Supreme Court has made clear that this option is no longer available, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who also called on Congress to act. States Where Eviction Moratorium Will Remain In a recently published article Associated Press, Eviction moratoriums will be in effect until the end of the year in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, California, and Washington, DC. However, evictions may start on Monday in other parts of the country, resulting in a year's worth of evictions across many weeks and ushering in the biggest housing crisis since the 2008 financial crisis. The eviction restriction was enacted to limit the spread of the virus among those who were thrown out on the streets or into shelters. During the pandemic, Congress authorized almost $47 billion in federal housing assistance to states, but it has taken a long time to reach tenants and landlords who owe money. Attempt To Extend the Eviction Moratorium Democrats rushed to write a measure and gather the votes in time to react. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi urged her colleagues to approve legislation to extend the deadline, calling it a "moral obligation" to safeguard tenants and landlords who are due money. Meanwhile, the National Apartment Association and many others filed a federal lawsuit this week seeking $26 billion in damages as a result of the moratorium's effect. Despite behind-the-scenes fighting all day, Democratic legislators had questions and reservations about the ban and were unable to gather enough support to prolong it. Related Article: House Eviction Moratorium: Biden Asks Congress Another Extension @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As Taliban insurgents try to wrest control of three key towns in southern and western Afghanistan from government troops, fighting is raging. Taliban Fighters Entered Parts of Three Key Cities In a recently published article in BBC News, Parts of Herat, Lashkar Gah, and Kandahar have been overrun by Taliban militants. Since it was stated that nearly all foreign soldiers will leave by September, they have achieved fast advances in rural regions. However, despite concerns about a humanitarian catastrophe and the ability of government troops to hold out, the fate of these important cities may be critical. Fundamentalist Islamist militias are said to have already taken control of up to half of Afghanistan's land, including lucrative border crossings with Iran and Pakistan. Insurgents were said to be within a few hundred meters from the governor's office in Lashkar Gah on Saturday, but they had been driven back by nightfall. It was their second try in less than a week. On Friday, Afghan troops inflicted heavy losses on terrorists, according to a published article in The New York Times. Read Also: Peace Talks: Afghan Officials Meet Taliban Negotiator Taliban Attacks are Getting Worse After seizing swaths of the countryside, Islamist militants are targeting major metropolitan centers, putting the city at the heart of Britain's lengthy operation in Afghanistan in jeopardy. Despite American airstrikes and attempted counter-attacks by Afghan government troops, Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, is one of three cities under the persistent insurgent onslaught, according to a published article in Independent. Needless to say, thousands of people who fled to the city from neighboring villages and towns are now crammed into a small number of neighborhoods as violent confrontations continue. Over the years, militants have attacked the Helmandi capital on many occasions. Locals, though, believe the situation is worse than it has ever been, with the Taliban appearing eager to seize control. Walid Mir Mohammed, a 48-year-old businessman, said "They are in the city center and it seems only a matter of time before they take over. They seem more organized than before and they keep going forward despite bombing by planes," according to a published article in FBC News. Taliban Takes Over Districts in Afghanistan For the Taliban, capturing Kandahar, the country's second-biggest city, would be a major symbolic as well as strategic triumph. Taking it, together with Lashkar Gah, would give the Afghan government a stranglehold on the southern Pashtun heartland that would be tough to loosen. However, Taliban tactics have not been solely concentrated on the south since the current war started as foreign troops withdrew. There have been persistent efforts to take over regions in the north and west, the traditional home areas of their Northern Alliance rivals Tajik, Uzbek, and Hazara. Kabul, the capital, is becoming surrounded on all sides. Fighting is raging in five districts of the third besieged city, Herat, in western Afghanistan, including the region where the airport is located. Some parts have been retaken by government troops, but the UN complex in the city came under fire on Friday, killing one of the guards. Related Article: Taliban Executes 22 Afghan Commandos; Group Denies the Execution @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Inmates in US jails got $783.5 million in stimulus payments, with about 560,000 individuals imprisoned for the full 2020 tax year receiving the payments. Incarcerated Individuals Received Stimulus Checks In a recently published article in FOX News, as part of the American Rescue Plan, the federal government provided $783.5 million to imprisoned people. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) disclosed that the money went to 560,000 people who were imprisoned for the whole tax year 2020 in response to public records request from the Republican organization American Crossroads. The American Rescue Plan, which was passed in March, provided $1,400 in stimulus funds to individuals earning less than $75,000 per year. Senator Tom Cotton said that earlier this year, every single Democrat in the Senate voted to provide stimulus cheques to dangerous felons in jail. He also added that sending money to convicted murderers and rapists has nothing to do with reducing the pandemic or boosting the economy. Now, the same individuals who gave these prisoners hundreds of millions of dollars as presents want to spend billions more on a bill that is even larger and more politicized, according to a published article in MSN News. Read Also: Fourth Stimulus Check 2021 Status Update: Lawmakers See Its Positive Impact to Economy, Wants $2,000 Checks Released Monthly Dead People Received Stimulus Checks The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration said in a June 2020 report that economic-impact payments were given to individuals who were deceased or incarcerated. 1.2 million payments totaling $1.6 billion were made to the deceased. According to the IG investigation, the IRS was informed at the time. Two inmates in California jails filed a federal class-action lawsuit in August 2020 against then-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin over the payment restriction. According to the Inspector General, the IRS subsequently explained that deceased individuals and those in jail should not have been included in economic-impact payments. IG said in its report that "In response, IRS management noted that payments to these populations of individuals were allowed because the CARES Act does not prohibit them from receiving a payment," according to a published report in Daily Advent. U.S. District Court Ruled Incarcerated Persons Could Receive Payments In October, US District Court Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton decided that individuals who are imprisoned may receive compensation. Excluding people from stimulus funds simply because they were imprisoned was "arbitrary and capricious," she said. Meanwhile, Colin Scholl and Lisa Strawn, both imprisoned, claimed in their lawsuit that the Internal Revenue Service has no legal basis for withholding, retracting, or requesting that others intercept stimulus payments to incarcerated people. Democratic Senator Argued Imprisoned Persons Should Receive the Payment In a published article in Law Enforcement Today, during the debate on whether or not prison prisoners should get stimulus payments on the Senate floor, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin made a dramatic argument that not providing jail inmates stimulus money might result in black children with imprisoned parents going hungry. The issue of prisoners getting pandemic money was a key problem that Republicans sought to solve during the development of the American Rescue Plan. The reason for this is because both of the 2020 stimulus legislation resulted in jail prisoners getting stimulus money owing to an error in previous laws that did not include language prohibiting this. Related Article: Stimulus Checks Sent To Wrong Bank Accounts @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Namyang Dairy Products' largest shareholder Hong Won-sik wipes away tears, during a press conference held May 4 at the company's headquarters in Seoul while making a public apology and announcing his resignation as chairman of the company. Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun Hahn & Company considers legal action against dairy firm By Park Jae-hyuk Namyang Dairy Products' largest shareholder Hong Won-sik and his family members have drawn criticism for abruptly trying to delay the sale of their shares to Hahn & Company, hinting at potential regret about a previous decision regarding the deal. The dairy producer announced Friday that it had decided to postpone an extraordinary shareholders meeting to Sept. 14. The meeting was initially supposed to be held Friday for Hahn & Company executives to join Namyang's board of directors and for the private equity firm (PEF) to pay 310 billion won ($270 million) to acquire a 53 percent stake in the firm from its owner family. The surprising announcement prompted Namyang's stock price to fall 7.66 percent that day from the previous session's close. While Namyang said in its regulatory filing that both buyer and seller needed more time to finalize the contract, Hahn & Company refuted this, warning the seller of all possible countermeasures, including lawsuits, in an apparent effort to avoid damage to its reputation among institutional investors worldwide. "The deal was supposed to be closed July 30, and it must be finalized no later than Aug. 31, so it is difficult for us to understand the reason behind the seller's decision to delay the shareholders meeting," the PEF said in a statement Friday. "We do not need more time to close the deal, because we are already prepared to make payment." The buyer added that it was also ready for a screening of the merger by the antitrust regulator. Namyang declined to comment on the issue, saying the conflict just involved its incumbent largest shareholder and the potential buyer. Hong and his family members have yet to disclose their stance. The entrance to Namyang Dairy Products headquarters in Seoul is seen in this May 28 file photo. Yonhap gettyimagesbank By Anna J. Park The benchmark KOSPI is expected to continue undergoing corrections in August amid the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, market experts forecast Sunday. This prediction follows a sluggish performance in July driven by a foreign investors' selling spree. The index closed at 3,202.32 Friday, the last trading day of the month, down about 100 points or 2.55 percent, from 3,296.68 at the end of June, and ending its eight-month long winning streak. This was the longest winning streak for the KOSPI in four years. While solid exports and strong earnings by companies are buttressing the benchmark figures, the eight-month bullish run appears to be losing steam. The increased spread of the Delta variant is seen as one of the main triggers of the correction, along with uncertainties over a regulatory crackdown on Chinese platform companies by Beijing. Overseas investors have been reducing the number of "foreign shares" in their portfolios lately and Korean stocks were no exception. The percentage of local stocks held by foreign investors fell to 34.1 percent at the end of July, the lowest since August 2016 when it also reached around 34 percent. The buying power of retail investors is also weakening. They net-purchased about 25.9 trillion won in local stocks in January, but this fell to 9 trillion won in July. Due to such concerns, market analysts believe the KOSPI will be "stationary" this month, moving within a boxed range. "The KOSPI has already factored in positive expectations about companies' future performances during the past several months. The main benchmark can expect an upturn if it gets momentum other than good corporate performances during the second quarter," said Chung Yong-taek, head of research at IBK Securities. gettyimagesbank Against this backdrop, growth stocks based on strong profits are expected to have a more positive performance in August. "Growth stocks are expected to take the lead in August's stock market, as the attractiveness of cyclical stocks has continued to fall," Ha In-hwan, an analyst at KB Securities, said. "However, some sectors, such as secondary batteries and eco-friendly industries, as well as some bio and consumer stocks, will continue to be relevant," the analyst added. Kim Hak-gyun, the head of research at Shinyoung Securities, also stressed that growth stocks will hold more relevance in the current market, when economic growth momentum has slowed. "As the economy is slowing down, the weight of the market will move to growth stocks for the time being," he said. Korea Investment & Securities forecasts the KOSPI to move between 3,140 and 3,340 points in August. "The further spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19 is lowering expectations of an economic recovery, while uncertainties over monetary policies remain," Kim Dae-jun, an analyst at Korea Investment & Securities, stated in his latest report. "Thus, it is now better to focus on each company's profit, rather than on macroeconomic indices, when it comes to investments," the analyst added, recommending stocks in the IT, communications and health management sectors. Samsung Securities also forecast the KOSPI to move between 3,100 and 3,350, with researcher Kim Yong-goo saying, "Solid corporate performances in exports and profits will buttress any further falls, while fears of stagflation will limit upper moves." In this July 1 file photo, containers are piled at the Port of Busan. Yonhap South Korea's exports jumped 29.6 percent on-year in July to a record high, extending their gains to a ninth consecutive month as the global economy maintained a recovery, data showed Sunday. Outbound shipments came to $55.4 billion last month on strong auto and chip sales, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The monthly export volume marked the highest level since South Korea started compiling related data in 1956. The country's exports over the first seven months of 2021 came to $358.7 billion, also setting a fresh high. Imports climbed 38.2 percent to $53.6 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $1.76. It marked the 15th consecutive month for the country to post a trade surplus. The July exports came in line with what the market had been expecting. According to a poll by Yonhap Infomax, the financial arm of Yonhap News Agency, the country's July exports were expected to have risen 29.4 percent on-year. Overseas sales of chips, the mainstay export product of Asia's No. 4 economy, shot up 39.6 percent over the period to reach $11 billion on the back of growing demand from data centers. Exports of automobiles also gathered ground, rising 26.4 percent on-year in July to hit $4.1 billion, the data showed, following the eased supply shortages of automotive chips. Sales of high-end models, such as SUVs and electric cars, also improved. Other major winners included the petrochemical industry, whose outbound shipments moved up nearly 60 percent to $4.7 billion, as the COVID-19 pandemic led to more production of packages and sanitary items around the globe. Among emerging industries, exports of rechargeable batteries increased more than 30 percent on-year to reach $790 million. Outbound shipments of bio-health products grew 27.2 percent, as the delta COVID-19 variant led to steady demand for virus test kits. By destination, exports to China shot up 15.7 percent amid the stronger economic indicators from Asia's No. 1 economy, which led to more shipments of chips, petrochemical goods and display products. Outbound shipments to the United States moved up 32 percent, as major infrastructure projects led to more demand for South Korean machines. Shipments of auto parts also increased over the period amid the recovery in the production of major assembly lines. Amid the eased virus measures in the European Union, exports to the world's top economic bloc shot up 44 percent on-year in July. The ministry said South Korea's exports are anticipated to maintain their growth down the road, citing the recovery of global trade despite the virus pandemic. Last week, the central bank said South Korea's economy grew 0.7 percent on-quarter in the April-June period, after a 1.7 percent expansion in the first quarter. The bank said South Korea is also on track for a 4 percent expansion this year on the back of the strong recovery of domestic demand and robust exports. (Yonhap) By Park Ji-won Korea's first generation of abstract painters, Lee Joon, died of old age at 101 on Friday, according to the National Academy of Arts. Born in Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province in 1919, Lee went to Japan at the end of the 1930s and graduated in 1942 from the Pacific Art School, a private Western painting school attended by many Korean painters, such as Gu Bon-ung, Lee In-seong and Nam Gwan. After graduating and returning to Korea, he became a professor at Ewha Womans University between 1954 and 1984, teaching Western painting there. Lee is considered as one of the pioneers of abstract painting in Korea. In the 1970s, his works started to include characteristics of geometric paintings, such as various colored shapes and lines. His works not only featured abstract patterns, but also made reference to modern historical events that occurred on the Korean Peninsula, such as the Korean War and the partition of Korea. Even until recently, he held solo exhibitions throughout the country. He received a presidential award at the National Art Exhibition of 1953 and was also given the third-grade Dongbaeg Medal of the Order of Civil Merit in 1977 for his artistic achievements. He was also awarded the Eun-gwan Order of Cultural Merit, or the second-highest category of cultural merit, in 1995. Those who wish to pay their respects to Lee can visit Seoul National University Hospital. The funeral runs until Monday morning. North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un presides over the first workshop of the commanders and political officers of the Korean People's Army (KPA) held in Pyongyang from July 24 to 27, in this photo released by the country's state-run Korean Central Television, Friday. Yonhap Joint exercise emerges as key variable in thawing inter-Korean relations By Jung Da-min Whether South Korea and the United States will carry out their annual summertime joint military exercises scheduled for August could affect the development of inter-Korean relations, according to North Korea watchers, Sunday. Inter-Korean relations, which had been stalemated for some time and were exacerbated by North Korea blowing up a building housing the inter-Korean joint liaison office in Gaesong in the North in June 2020, have shown signs of a thaw with the two countries restoring communication hotlines, July 27, the 68th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon Sung-mook, a senior researcher at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, said a reconciliatory mood between the Koreas has not been automatically created with the restoration of the hotlines, adding that the North could demand a cancellation of the exercises as a "corresponding measure" to it responding to the South's peace efforts by restoring communications. "The North responded to the South's call for the restoration of communications July 27, the day which the North claims as an anniversary of its victory (in the Korean War). There is the possibility that the North has demanded the South cancel its joint military drill with the U.S.," Moon said. "At the eighth congress of the North's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, the country's leader Kim Jong-un said there were two preconditions for inter-Korean talks the first was the cancellation of South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises and the second was stopping the introduction of advanced weapons from the U.S." Pyongyang has long denounced the exercises, calling them a rehearsal for invasion. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said at a workshop for commanders and political officers of the Korean People's Army (KPA) held in Pyongyang from July 24 to 27 that "the hostile forces systematically keep bolstering up their capabilities for making a preemptive attack on the DPRK and increase armaments while intensifying all sorts of frantic and persistent war drills for aggression," according to the country's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The DPRK, or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea. But Moon said he believes inter-Korean relations will not improve much even if the South accepts the demand, as the North did not show any commitment to improving inter-Korean ties in recent years when the South and U.S. replaced their springtime Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises, and the summertime Ulchi Freedom Guardian drills with scaled-down ones. Members of a liberal civic group hold a press conference in Seoul, Monday, calling for the joint summertime military exercise between South Korea and the United States to be cancelled to boost President Moon Jae-in's peace process on the Korean Peninsula. Yonhap While ruling bloc figures are expressing hopes for another reconciliatory mood on the Korean Peninsula and a resumption of the stalled nuclear talks between the U.S. and North Korea, some are calling for the joint summertime exercise to be cancelled to "boost the mood for talks." A high-ranking Ministry of Unification official told reporters Friday that he thinks the joint exercise should be postponed, citing the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in both South Korea and the United States, and the possible resumption of engagement policies toward the North. "We think this is the right time to fully engage with North Korea through cooperation between South Korea and the United States," he said. But members of the country's conservative bloc oppose the idea, saying the matter of the joint drill should be dealt with separately from efforts to boost any reconciliatory mood between the Koreas, as the former is about maintaining national security. "The Republic of Korea-U.S. joint exercises have already been conducted with just command post training using simulations without the actual mobilization of troops, and even this was not conducted properly in the first half of last year," said Rep. Hwangbo Seung-hee, a spokeswoman of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), Sunday. "With such a cancellation of military exercises, it is has become difficult for the troops to maintain actual combat capability while the verification of the South Korean military's capabilities to lead joint operations has also become difficult." Military helicopters at U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, are seen in this March 8, file photo. Yonhap Kim Yo-Jong / Yonhap The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned Sunday that annual summertime military drills between South Korea and the United States will cloud the future of inter-Korean relations. Kim Yo-Jong issued the warning in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, just days after the North restored long-severed communication lines with the South and raised hope for a new round of detente between the two sides. Residents wait for a COVID-19 test in a temporary center at Seoul Station, Sunday. Yonhap Those aged between 18 and 49 to get shots from Aug. 26 By Jun Ji-hye The country has seen another death of a COVID-19 patient in their 20s, with concerns growing that the number of fatalities among unvaccinated young people could increase further as the fourth wave of coronavirus infections is showing no signs of abating. This was the second death among young patients in their 20s this week, and the fifth this year. The fatality rate for virus patients in their 20s has been lower than that of the elderly; however, amid soaring cases every day, this could increase, as most young people are yet to be vaccinated, while older people in their 60s and above have mostly received shots. The elderly were given priority status in the country's vaccination program. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Sunday, the nation added 1,442 new COVID-19 cases for Saturday, including 1,386 local infections, raising the total caseload to 199,787. New daily cases have remained above 1,000 since early July, due to a resurgence in the greater Seoul metropolitan area. Infections have also appeared to be spreading to other parts of the country in recent weeks due to increased travel by people during the summer vacation season. The KDCA said the patient in his 20s died Friday after having undergone medical treatment at a hospital since March 15. "The patient had an underlying condition," a KDCA official said. The fatality rate here for patients in their 20s is lower 0.01 percent than that for the entire population at 1.05 percent. Among the 2,098 fatalities, as of Saturday, five were in their 20s, with two dying just last week amid the fourth wave of infections. As the number of new daily cases has been hovering between 1,300 and 1,800, the ratio of critically ill patients under the age of 40 has also increased to 22.7 percent, almost double the 12.77 percent tallied at the beginning of last month. "The government has said that the number of hospital intensive care beds is still sufficient, but there could be a limit to the capabilities of medical workers," said Chun Eun-mi of Ewha Womans University Medical Center. "If the number of patients in their 20s keeps increasing, their hospitalization could be delayed, and some of them could become critically ill." Haeundae Beach in Busan was quieter than usual for summer, Sunday, amid the ongoing fourth wave of COVID-19 infections. Yonhap A senior Japanese Embassy diplomat in Seoul has been recalled home after causing a stir with remarks disparaging South Korean President Moon Jae-in's efforts to improve relations between the two countries, a Japanese paper reported Sunday. Hirohisa Soma, deputy chief of mission at the embassy, has been criticized both in Seoul and Tokyo after telling a South Korean reporter during a lunch meeting last month that Moon's efforts to improve ties with Tokyo were tantamount to "masturbation." On Sunday, Japan's Nikkei Shimbun newspaper reported that Soma has been ordered to return home, saying the No. 2 post at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul has usually been replaced every two years and it's been over two years since Soma took the job. Soma's remarks have added to tensions between Seoul and Tokyo over the long-simmering issues of Japan's wartime forced labor and sexual slavery, as well as its restrictions on exports of key industrial materials to South Korea. The gaffe has been cited as one of the reasons that affected Moon's decision not to visit Tokyo for the opening of the Olympic Games, which dashed hopes for a potential summit with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on the occasion. (Yonhap) By Kumar Vikrant What does freedom mean to you? It's a frequently asked question, and the answer usually depends upon the current predicament an individual is facing. When this same question was asked to a group of students in an English reading and writing class, in which I was serving as a teaching assistant at the time, the answers varied along the lines of: being able to sleep, happiness, no work, no assignments, having money, having food and having a pet. In my opinion, true freedom and liberation can only be attained through discipline; all else is secondary scaffolding to add meaning to our lives. At first glance, freedom and discipline may not appear to go hand-in-hand. In fact the two may seem a strange dichotomy. In most people, the word discipline invokes unpleasant images of captivity or being trapped in a cage being forced to do things we don't want to do. Nevertheless, if one stops and thinks clearly, we realize that discipline actually breeds freedom. Most of us were indeed taught in our childhood to maintain discipline and order. Nevertheless, most of us might never have understood the essential nature of discipline in achieving success, and eventually, freedom. Establishing a functional value structure in life is crucial for focusing on our goals and succeeding at them. Discipline keeps us on track, vigilant and makes us assertive to say no to the things that may not align with our objectives. The law of incremental progress dictates that if one keeps making even infinitesimally small strides towards a goal, one will eventually reach it. Let's be honest; given our wretchedness and proclivity towards wasting time with meaningless pursuits, we may only work diligently with low efficiency. But that sure beats the heck out of zero. What is the fuel that drives incremental progress? It is consistency, in other words, discipline. Emotional stability, happiness derived through meaningful pursuits and success, mastering new skills, finding meaning in purpose, mentoring youngsters, making people smile through compassion, physical wellbeing, and loving our dear ones are all various forms of freedom, the combination of which forms the pinnacle of liberation and life satisfaction. Discipline is like a sturdy boat, which keeps you safe even in the stormy sea of life. Chaos will always knock on our door. But a disciplined individual creates meaning out of suffering to lead a good life. No wonder we would like to be able to sleep, rest, and be free from work, similar to what my students proclaimed in that English class. However, with some experience, one would soon realize that the dragon of life does not hand out freebies. We have to earn them. Most successful people are often ultra-disciplined. Discipline is also a sure-shot way to create meaningful schedules to boost our productivity and efficiency. One can only marvel at how efficient ultra-productive people can genuinely get. Working our ways out through discipline also relieves stress, since one can plan most possibilities ahead of time in combination with visualization techniques. Last but not least, discipline commands respect. Often our role models and people we admire are highly disciplined individuals. Most people like sports. We adore athletes. Why? A part of our being respects the enormous discipline such high-performance athletes adhere to in order to deliver their quasi-superhuman performances. As the ancient Stoics taught, self-discipline opens the world to us. Learn to see what is in your direct control, take action and attain liberation through discipline. Kumar Vikrant ( ) is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Korean society should not tolerate hate speech South Korean archer An San deserves praise for winning three gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics. The 20-year-old athlete has become the first archer ever to snatch three gold at a single Olympics, and emerged as the country's first triple gold medalist at a Summer Olympic Games. Congratulation on her outstanding performance! Her Olympic success was attributed to her concentrating to the best of her ability. She showed her can-do spirit to the world, helping Korean archery prove itself as the world's best. It is not just her personal honor, but also an opportunity for the country to raise its national prestige in sports. An's achievement is all the more meaningful because she has made it despite misogynistic attacks made against her. Regrettably, she has become the target of online abuse from certain men since she grabbed her second gold in the women's team event July 25. Some male internet users flooded her social media account with hate speech. They called her a "feminist" because of her short hair, attendance at a women's university and past use of online slang with "anti-male undertones." Even worse, the online attackers demanded the Korea Archery Association strip An of her Olympic titles, while calling for her to apologize. However, it is fortunate that women and lawmakers have come out in support of An, condemning the misogynistic comments made about her. Many women posted photos showing their own short hair on social media, and messages encouraging her. It is nonsense to argue that a woman is a feminist only based on her appearance. More worrisome is that the male attackers have a wrong perception about a feminist and feminism. A feminist is an activist advocating equal gender rights. Therefore anyone standing up for feminism should not be subjected to hate speech, but applause and encouragement. In this sense, the male netizens' online abuse of An could be seen as no less than a hate crime against women. The authorities and civic society should not tolerate such hate speech. We also have to consider the harsh socioeconomic and political conditions which have made young adults, particularly men, feel frustrated about a lack of job opportunities. Some experts point out that such conditions have led the young generation to vent out their pent-up anger in the form of animosity against the opposite sex. It is urgent to work out comprehensive measures to prevent such a gender conflict from turning into a more serious social conflict. If we fail to do this, South Korea, the world's 12th-largest economy, will not have a bright future. An's case should serve as a wake-up call to address the problem. The funeral procession headed towards the East Gate / The Illustrated London News, Dec. 30, 1911, Public Domain By Robert Neff In the early hours of Aug. 2, 1911, much of the population of Seoul gathered in the streets to pay their final respects to Lady Eom, the consort of ex-Emperor Gojong. Addie Lea Jordan had traveled from Jemulpo (part of modern-day Incheon) by train and rickshaw to witness the funeral of a woman she knew nothing about. In fact, few non-Koreans knew much about her at all. Lady Eom / Wikipedia Image Public Domain Some accounts claimed she was "born of a family of a class lower than that of the yangban order" in either Seoul or Chungcheong Province. As a young girl she served in the palace and, because of her beauty, quickly caught the attention of the Korean monarch who favored her, allowing her to rise steadily through the ranks of palace women. Of course, she also caught the attention of Queen Min who, in a jealous rage, had her chased from the capital and forced to take refuge in a temple in Chungcheong Province. Some newspapers in the United States claimed she started out as a slave but eventually became a power in the court "a palace politician of great skill." At least one newspaper in Japan suggested she was a sorceress who subsequently became the hairdresser to Queen Min but was later dismissed due to the queen's jealousy. According to another authority, Lady Eom began her career as a washerwoman and seller of strong drinks. She was, according to the same authority, "a woman of wonderful intellect." Almost all accounts agree that following the murder/assassination of Queen Min, Lady Eom returned to Seoul and joined the Korean monarch during his year-long stay in the Russian legation. In 1897, she gave birth to Prince Yi Eun. Some American newspapers including the Washington Post resurrected the story (despite it being disproven many years earlier) that Lady Eom was actually Emily Brown an American missionary who, after marrying the Korean emperor, "received the name of [Eom], which, in the Korean language, means 'Dawn of the Morning' or 'As beautiful as the Rising Sun.'" The articles went on to add that she "was the Emperor's favorite wife, and her son was made the heir apparent, and, but for the annexation of Korea by Japan, he would have become Emperor on the death of his father." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 5, 1911 / Courtesy of Newspapers.com The Washington Herald suggested: that Lady Eom (Emily Brown) "was anxious to be crowned Empress at the ceremony which made the King an Emperor, but this programme aroused so much opposition it was deferred. For many years she evaded one of the two most powerful factions dominating Korean politics, scoring many victories over the opposition." There were over the years allegations printed in the newspapers that Lady Eom (Emily Brown) had survived a number of assassination attempts. Of course, these reported attempts were false, because there was no Emily Brown! Not only was Lady Eom's past uncertain, so too were the circumstances of her death. Over the previous year, American and British newspapers reported that Lady Eom and other members of the royal family were "to all intents and purposes, prisoners in small portions of their palaces." The Seoul correspondent of the Asahi claimed "Japanese physicians were strictly forbidden to approach the lady during her illness." The crown prince (Lady Eom's son) at the funeral / The Illustrated London News, Dec. 30, 1911, Public Domain At first it was reported that she died from "heart failure" some suggest it was from the shock of seeing her son who had been sent to school in Japan in a Japanese uniform and eating Japanese food. The true cause seems to have been from typhoid. Adding to the confusion surrounding Lady Eom is the speed in which her funeral was held. The reasons behind this may have been the contagiousness of the disease and the summer's heat. The funeral began at 5 a.m. and, judging from Addie Lea's account, she was quite impressed with its size and the people's apparent devotion to the deceased imperial consort. "On both sides of this highway, from the city to the tomb, were people in the best clothes, native dress. I never saw so many people in all my life, yet there was no jostling, soldiers every twenty feet, the whole five miles, who kept the comers on one side of the street and the goers on the other. We saw everything, even the mourners with their tear-stained faces, and the eatables that were put into the grave, twenty carts full. The floral designs were mostly made of feathers and silver and gold." It is a shame she did not describe the actual start of the procession from the palace and its progress through the streets, so we have to depend on other sources to fill in her blanks. As the procession departed, "it was witnessed by the young Korean prince [her son], who was greatly affected, and hundreds of Court ladies who were weeping bitterly." The procession was led "by a number of Buddhist priests playing dirges" which were followed by six large horses (made from paper) which were "provided for the spirit of the deceased to ride on; three are saddled and three left bare." Then came the hearse, carried by 120 men (another account claims it was 280) wearing sackcloth who marched slowly and repeated a doleful chant, upon which stood a man with a bell who acted as the master of ceremonies. This was followed by 2,000 men Korean and Japanese officials and other important personages. The funeral procession nearing the tomb site / The Illustrated London News, Dec. 30, 1911, Public Domain By Park Jae-hyuk Microsoft Korea introduced its organizational culture and various positions in the company through its Teams business communication platform, Friday, for jobseekers here who are looking for regular jobs and internship openings. The two-hour online event, called "Unbox, Explore, Celebrate," was held to identify talented jobseekers who are well-suited for the era of "hybrid working," according to the U.S. tech giant's Korean subsidiary. "Because hybrid working is free from physical environments, such as locations and devices, and maximized flexibility has become the form of futuristic working, human beings have become more important than ever before," Microsoft Korea Country Manager Lee Ji-eun said in a press release. "Amid the extreme unemployment crisis caused by the prolonged pandemic, we hope that our job fair becomes an opportunity for young, talented people to grow further." During the event, Lee and Microsoft Korea employees shared about their experiences and explained the company's recruitment process in detail. In particular, a technology expert and a corporate trainer introduced Microsoft's newest technologies, as well as ways to learn skills needed in the era of hybrid working, through its online learning platform, Microsoft Learn. Microsoft Korea's new employees also talked about their work. The company said that participants in the event will be able to participate in its "HackaLearn" event, which will be held online for two weeks from Aug. 2. The "HackaLearn" which comes from a portmanteau of "hackathon" and "learn" has been designed to develop and share new technologies, by letting programmers and designers collaborate intensively on software projects, according to Microsoft. gettyimagesbank Companies build more wealth, advance to wider range of industries than those in 2000s By Yi Whan-woo Korea is going through its second startup boom, with more companies in a wider range of industries than the previous ones in the early 2000s. Some companies, such as Kakao, Celltrion and Naver, are characterized by building up their wealth in a short period of time to join the list of chaebol, or family-owned conglomerates that have dominated Korea's industry for decades with government support. Kakao stands at 18th place, Celltrion 24th and Naver 25th on a ranking list of business group released by the Fair Trade Commission this spring. Other startups are noted for pioneering new markets and growing the overall pie, as seen by Woowa Brothers with its app service Baedal Minjok accounting for the largest share of the food delivery market, scaled at more than 20 trillion won ($17.38 billion). Another group of firms stand out for attracting massive investments, with e-commerce giant Coupang being an example. Dubbed as the Amazon of Korea, the company raised a cumulative 9.39 trillion won in investments since it was founded in 2010, including 5 trillion won through its listing on the New York Stock Exchange. "The number of newly established corporations has increased and social interest in startups has grown, such that a second venture boom doubled the previous record of Korea's first venture boom in the early 2000s," the Ministry of SMEs and Startups assessed in a report released this month on the changing startup ecosystem. In this April 30 file photo, Disneyland in California is crowded with visitors. AP-Yonhap Walmart announced Friday it is again requiring some American employees to wear face masks, while Disney mandated non-union U.S. employees get vaccinated. The moves come as U.S. officials redouble efforts to encourage more vaccinations in response to the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19. The world's largest retailer, Walmart said it will again require employees to wear face masks at stores in areas of the United States with high rates of COVID-19 transmission. The chain, which has become something of a bellwether for safety protocols in the United States during the pandemic, said it would also post signs at stores to "strongly encourage" customers to wear masks or face coverings, the company said on its website. The company cited revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which on Tuesday said vaccinated Americans in high-risk parts of the United States should resume wearing masks indoors, as infections caused by the Delta variant rise. Walmart workers in areas of high transmission "are required to wear a mask or face covering while working indoors, regardless of vaccination status," the company said. The policy will be set by region, following CDC analysis on transmission rates, the company added. The guidance will be updated each Monday when the CDC releases new data. Walmart's July 2020 face mask requirement made such rules mainstream among retailers and throughout corporate America at a time when the virus was spreading quickly and there was little political consensus around masks. The CDC in May lifted mask guidance for people who were fully vaccinated, and Walmart dropped the requirement for customers the following day. Many other companies soon followed. Walmart's announcement comes as large businesses make similar moves as worries have risen over the Delta variant. Later Friday, Disney announced its new vaccination requirement for non-union employees, adding it was in talks over extending the policy to union employees as well. COVID-19 vaccinations provide "the best protection against severe infection, we are requiring that all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. working at any of our sites be fully vaccinated," Disney said. Disney announced earlier this week it was again requiring face masks in indoor spaces at its U.S. theme parks. More companies have also begun to require employees be vaccinated. On Wednesday, Google and Facebook said workers returning to offices will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Twitter has also shifted policies, closing its New York and San Francisco offices and pausing additional reopenings, a spokesperson said. (AFP) In this illustration provided by SpaceX, design of the SpaceX Starship human lander is shown which will carry the first NASA astronauts to the surface of the Moon under the Artemis program. AP-Yonhap The federal government Friday rejected an appeal by billionaire Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin to get in on NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon by using rival Elon Musk's SpaceX. NASA in April awarded the $2.9 billion contract for a lunar lander to the more established SpaceX, which also offered a cheaper price than the bids from Blue Origin and Dynetics, a subsidiary of Leidos. The two losing companies appealed the contract to the Government Accountability Office on the grounds that there should have been multiple contracts and that the proposals weren't evaluated correctly, but the agency rejected their request. The decision will allow ''NASA and SpaceX to establish a timeline for the first crewed landing on the moon in more than 50 years,'' NASA said in a statement Friday, calling a moon landing a priority of the Biden administration. Friday's ruling found that even though NASA originally said it was going to give multiple contracts, it didn't have enough money and that awarding only one contract was legal. Plus, it found NASA's evaluation of all three bids ''was reasonable, and consistent with applicable procurement law regulation and the announcement terms,'' according to a statement by GAO lawyer Kenneth Patton. SpaceX's bid had the highest rating while the other bids ''were significantly higher in price'' with the space agency deciding it couldn't afford to give out multiple contracts as originally planned, the GAO announcement said. Blue Origin, which has been trying to get Congress to require a second lander contract, still hopes NASA will change its mind and provide ''simultaneous competition,'' said company spokesperson Linda Mills. ''We stand firm in our belief that there were fundamental issues with NASA's decision, but the GAO wasn't able to address them due to their limited jurisdiction,'' Mills said in a statement. ''We continue to advocate for two immediate providers as we believe it is the right solution.'' The lunar lander is part of the agency's beyond-Earth exploration plans, refocused on the moon by the Trump administration. The Artemis program involves a new huge rocket that would launch four astronauts aboard an Orion space capsule to the moon's orbit. The lander would take two astronauts to the moon's surface, where they'd explore for about a week, hook back up with Orion in lunar orbit and return to Earth. The SpaceX lander, called Starship, ''includes a spacious cabin'' and can be expanded to a fully reusable launch system for travel to the moon, Mars and other places, NASA said when it awarded the contract. A test flight of the capsule, without astronauts aboard, is scheduled for this year, with a test flight by astronauts to the moon _ but without a landing _ planned for 2023, according to NASA. (AP) People camp out on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to highlight the upcoming expiration of the pandemic-related federal moratorium on residential evictions, in Washington, U.S., July 31. Reuers-Yonhap Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting Sunday as a nationwide ban on evictions expires, against a backdrop of surging coronavirus cases and political fingerpointing. With billions in government funds meant to help renters still untapped, President Joe Biden this week urged Congress to extend the 11-month-old moratorium, after a recent Supreme Court ruling meant the White House could not do so. But Republicans balked at Democratic efforts to extend the eviction ban through mid October, and the House of Representatives adjourned for its summer vacation Friday without renewing it. Several left-wing Democrats spent the night outside the Capitol in protest calling out their colleagues over the failure to act. "We slept at the Capitol last night to ask them to come back and do their jobs. Today's their last chance," tweeted Congresswoman Cori Bush, who has herself experienced homelessness and was joined by fellow progressives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley. With the clock ticking down to Sunday, the country was braced for a heartbreaking spectacle families with their belongings at the curbside wondering where to go. One of those at risk is Terriana Clark, who was living out of a car with her husband and two stepchildren for much of last year, before finding a teaching job and an apartment in Harvey, Louisiana. Jobless again and struggling to pay rent after a bout of illness, the 27-year-old told The New Orleans Advocate she applied to a local assistance program four months ago, but is still waiting for help. "If it comes, it comes. If it don't, it don't," she told the paper. "It's going to be too late for a lot of people. A lot of people are going to be outside." Up north in Michigan, Mary Hunt, who makes minimum wage driving a medical taxi, likewise fell behind on her rent on a mobile home because she got sick with COVID. She was served with eviction papers, and frets over what she will do with her stuff and her five cats and one dog. "How do I choose which cats to keep? It's not going to happen. I'm not going to leave any of them behind," Hunt told National Public Radio this week. "If I lose this house, then they go in the car with me. And people can think I'm a crackpot, but I'm not giving up my family," Hunt said. A man walks along a street in a neighborhood of single family homes in Los Angeles, California, July 30, a day before a nationwide ban on evictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic since 2020 is set to expire. AFP-Yonhap Part Time Cook Review Statements of Faith, Core Values, Statement of Purpose and Qualifications for Employment. Are you in agreement with them? The Cooks purpose is to assist the Food Services Supervisor in food preparation, inventory of food donations, manage kitchen helpers and volunteers, and maintain proper hygiene of kitchen, dining room and food storage areas according to state regulations. The kitchen needs to demonstrate Gods love in practical, tangible ways to the men staying here and to guests who come for meals. The cook is the point person to facilitate well-balanced, nutritious meals that are well presented and good tasting. RESPONSIBILITIES Work in a spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance with all other staff members Prepare well balanced, nutritional meals to be enjoyed by people of all ages for all Mission meals Plan menus and order food and supplies Value all donated product according to guidelines and report that to the Director of HR & Community Outreach Operations Supervise and direct kitchen work therapy participants Ensure that the Food Service department abides by all health and food regulations Properly inventory, store and rotate food stocks and related food service items Ensure security of dining room guests, all food service areas, food stock and equipment Notify the Food Services Supervisor of needed supplies Immediately report any equipment or facility problems to Food Services Supervisor Ensure that all people are treated with courtesy and respect On an as needed basis, drive ministry vehicle to pick up donated food items Participate in the spiritual growth and Christian instruction of those who Hope Ministries serves. This can include (but is not restricted to) personal mentoring, the sharing of Scripture and Biblical encouragement, and praying with program participants. This may be in a structured setting (i.e., a classroom or chapel), or unstructured, with individual clients as the need arises. Perform all other duties as assigned by Food Service Supervisor and Director of HR & Community Outreach Operations QUALIFICATIONS Needs to have knowledge of institutional cooking for groups of 100 or more and the ability to do the necessary functions. Spiritual Qualifications: Must have a lifestyle that demonstrates moral and ethical adherence to the teachings of the Bible and an expressed desire to minister to those who are poor, needy, and homeless. Work Schedule: This is a part-time position working 26 hours/week Wed-Fri from Noon-6PM and Saturday from 9:30-6PM. The direct supervisor of this position is the Food Services Supervisor. Review Statements of Faith, Core Values, Statement of Purpose and Qualifications for Employment. Are you in agreement with them? To apply, you must send both resume and cover letter by mail or email to: Hope Ministries ATTN: Cole Lindholm (Director of HR) 5075 E. University Ave. Suite B Pleasant Hill, IA 50327 clindholm@hopeiowa.org recblid nfewvpye4q5qqaojpveqgaas4t6bv9 Job Title Extension Staff Assistant/Communications Coordinator- Boone County Physical Requirements Lifting, pushing, pulling objects up to 50 pounds; sitting for long periods of time. Shift Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m.); occasional nights, weekends or holidays may be required. Job Summary Job Title: Extension Staff Assistant/Communications Coordinator Boone County Location: Burlington, KY As an Extension Staff Assistant/Communications Coordinator, you will be responsible for directing communications strategies and objectives while providing administrative support to the Extension office. General duties include enhancing media exposure of Extension, providing leadership and expertise in the area of communication, office management, customer service, record keeping and newsletters, and program support while conducting yourself in a professional manner. Specific duties will include, but are not limited to, maintaining social media, filming & editing video of programs, developing & maintaining websites, designing newsletters & reports, maintaining data bases & mailing lists, office receptionist, word processing, filing, and providing support for county agents & program assistants. You will report to the County Manager and there will be a high level of interaction with the general public. Bachelors degree in communications or related area preferred. State law may require a national and state criminal background check and a letter from the cabinet for health and family services stating the employee is clear to hire based on no findings of substantiated child abuse or neglect found through a background check of child abuse and neglect records as a condition of employment or involvement in this program. Salary Range: $15.00-$17.00 Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, Office 365, Teams, Skype for Business; Zoom; QuickBooks; organizational skills; and time management. Preferred Education/Experience Previous experience working in an administrative support role. Bachelors degree in Communications or related area. Deadline to Apply 08/16/2021 University Community of Inclusion The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen. recblid qh1i2in7ar400ao2jsrxrfo5ptcqac General Function Conduct on-site inspections of buildings for code compliance; review residential and commercial building plans and specifications for compliance with established building codes and ordinances; assist staff in the application and interpretation of adopted codes; perform a variety of plans examination tasks; respond to inquiries from developers, contractors and the general public regarding building code compliance issues, receives, evaluates and processes building and land use applications in accordance with established procedures. Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Note this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.) Performs on-site inspections of residential and commercial buildings; verifies field conditions of submitted permits for accuracy with submitted plans. Writes correction notices, issues stop work notices, and performs other functions to ensure that each aspect of building construction is in compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and approved building plans. Inspections typically involve plumbing, mechanical, heating, ventilating, structural and similar installations in commercial and residential structures. Reviews residential and commercial building plans and specifications for compliance with established state, local, and international building codes and ordinances; approves plans as appropriate and issues permits. Ensures plans and specifications are in compliance with the regulations for Barrier Free Facilities and Energy Code requirements. Provides information to the public, contractors, developers, engineers and architects regarding building code issues; interprets construction codes and ordinances. Assists in receiving and processing permits; issues building permits; receives plans for review. Provides assistance to other staff in the review of building plans and specifications. Provides assistance to the Building Official in interpretations of the state, local and international codes. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays current of new trends in the field of plans examination and building code compliance. Participates in the review, modification, and adoption of new building codes and ordinances Maintains professional, pleasant, and cooperative attitude at all times while displaying patience and flexibility, which may be required under difficult and stressful conditions. Other Duties Regular attendance is an essential requirement. Performs related work as assigned and/or required. Physical Requirements: Requires ability to operate a motor vehicle, digital camera and cellular phone. Requires negotiating construction sites, climbing stairs, ladders and/or scaffolding, climbing into attics or crawl spaces, walking through overgrown vegetation and/or wooded areas in a variety of weather conditions. Finger and hand dexterity required for keyboard use. Position requires sitting and standing for extended periods of time. Working Conditions: Work is performed in the field approximately 80% of the time, requiring extensive driving and exposure to the elements. Balance of work is performed primarily in an office environment, but also requires driving to meetings and making site visits. Attendance at meetings may require working evening hours. Qualifying Education and Experience (Minimum Requirements) Associate degree in construction management, architecture, engineering or a related field is required, or any combination of education and experience equivalent to a High school diploma or G.E.D. AND two (2) years experience in Building or Fire Code permitting, plan review, inspection or code enforcement in areas of land use, building construction, fire code regulations or a closely related field. A Valid Washington State Driver's License is required and must be obtained prior to date of appointment or another date set by the City. ICC Building Inspector, Plans Examiner, and/or any other certifications showing competency as a building inspector or plans examiner. Must maintain certifications during employment. Special Requirements Must practice excellent customer service skills. Must become an International Code Council certified building inspector or plans examiner within 6 months from hire date. Knowledge of: Principles, practices, methods and techniques of reviewing building plans and specifications. Requirements of the Washington State and International codes Modern methods and procedures of building construction Principles of structural engineering Methods and techniques of conducting on-site building inspections Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers. Procedures of record keeping and permit systems. Skills & Ability to: Analyze, interpret and accurately check building plans, calculations and specifications. Interpret, apply and enforce applicable building codes, ordinances, and regulations. Maintain complete and accurate records of plan, calculation and specification checks. Perform on-site building inspections. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public and professionals. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Work independently. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the Microsoft Office system. Perform basic math calculations. Examination Process and Required Documents Applicants can apply on-line at http://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs, or application packets may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Cobweb, or by calling (360) 473-5348. Open continuously until filled, first review is August 16, 2021. Required Application Materials: City application and personal rsum are required. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be returned to the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. The City of Bremerton is NOT responsible for errors of any kind with faxed or e-mailed application packets. Original signature is required on paper application forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training. Appraisal of Experience and Education/Training: At this initial review, application packets may be evaluated entirely on the basis of information you provided in the completed City application form. Applicants should include all relevant information on the City application. Applicants education, training, and experience will be assessed. The passing score is 70%. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to participate further in the examination process. Meeting or exceeding qualifications does not guarantee the applicant will be invited to participate in the oral examination process. Oral Examination: A panel will evaluate the applicants training, experience, and ability to perform the job. Placement on the eligibility list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows: Appraisal of application packet regarding Experience and Education/Training - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40% Oral Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60% Applicants must achieve a score of 70% or better on each portion of the exam in order to be placed on the hiring list. Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score. Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW. NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants with disabilities who will need special accommodation for examination must advise Human Resources no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made. (360) 473-5348. LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is non-exempt under the laws of Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions. Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the Teamsters Local 589. Civil Service: The classification is excluded from the City's Civil Service System. Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head. Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with Human Resources Policies. This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee. It is subject to change by the City, with the approval of Human Resources, as the needs of the City and requirements change. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is the policy of the City of Bremerton to offer equal employment opportunity to all individuals. The City of Bremerton will administer all actions with respect to employment practices in compliance with federal, state and local laws, and will not discriminate in any employment practice on the basis of age (40+), sex, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, marital status, military status, or the presence of any physical, mental or sensory disability. ADA Statement The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act. This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton. Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided. The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. recblid ts29ybbu7wd544m5njec9qfg3trrhb Senior Maintenance Worker Somerset County Park Commission is hiring a Senior Maintenance Worker to assist with maintenance of recreation and park facilities, transport and operate a portable stage and sound system, and assist with special events. 2 yrs exp req. Ability to work weekends and evenings. Must have a valid CDL. EOE. Please apply by clicking within! recblid 8my4i7kubdt8tltm8szvcmpy7da1dn General Function The Civil Engineer III classification covers two separate positions within the Engineering Division; a Utility Engineer who performs a variety of activities in support of utility operations and project management for delivery of Capital Projects, and the Development Engineer responsible for managing the Development Review Section of the Engineering Division. The current vacant position is for Development Engineering. Development Engineering functions include review and approval of plans submitted by third party developers for work in the City right-of-way, along with management and oversight of staff who assist with plan review, and performing permitting and inspection. The Development Engineer must possess a strong understanding of Stormwater Engineering and the City's NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit requirements as they relate to development. Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Note this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.) The Development Engineer provides oversight and direction to Engineering Technicians to ensure that work in the right-of-way (utilities and roads), along with proposed development (plats, commercial, multi-family and single family residential) complies with applicable City codes, ordinances and regulations. The Development Engineer requires a thorough understanding of stormwater regulations, as they function as the City's Stormwater Engineer. The Development Engineer reviews and approves submitted stormwater plans and reports to ensure all proposed development is in compliance with the City's code and all permit requirements. Interprets and explains city, state and federal codes, ordinances, specifications, policies, procedures and standards to developers, elected officials and the public. Reviews and approves development proposals. Approves permits, conducts pre-construction meetings and explains permit conditions to applicants. Responds to inquiries and complaints from the public and applies applicable codes, specifications, and standards. Ensures that appropriate information is provided, and issues are resolved. Other Duties Regular attendance is an essential requirement Performs related work as assigned and/or required Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit for long periods at a computer workstation and type for extended periods of time. Requires ability to walk job sites and may include lifting 20-30 lbs. May require opening manhole lids and removing catch basin grates to inspect utilities. Must be able to speak clearly and receive both written and verbal instruction. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. Working conditions: Office work is performed at a computer workstation in an air-conditioned office. Fieldwork may be performed under a variety of adverse weather conditions including hot weather, rain or snow. Qualifying Education and Experience (Minimum Requirements) Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited college or university and five years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience. A valid Washington State Driver's License is required. Knowledge of: City, state and federal regulations, codes and ordinances pertaining to public works engineering and construction. Supervisory principles and practices. Principals, practices, methods and techniques of civil engineering including but not limited to road, street light, sanitary sewer, water, and storm drainage design. Plan layout and design. Water, Sewer, and Storm Drainage development and design standards. CSI and WSDOT Standard Specifications. Standard construction practices. Standard construction inspection techniques. Construction Contract Management. Basic computer skills including Arc GIS/ESRI. Skill in: Reviewing engineered plans for clarity and completeness. Compiling project design specifications. Understanding and applying City Codes and Ordinances. Performing engineering calculations. Supervising subordinate staff. Ability to: Plan, organize and schedule multiple concurrent work assignments. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Research and prepare detailed recommendations and written reports. Analyze and identify problem areas and develop solutions. Work concurrently on a wide variety of tasks and functions. Interpret and assess field data for use in design of public works projects. Design and prepare engineering plans, specifications and estimates for public works projects. Get along with others and be part of a team. Special Requirements Washington State Professional Engineering License (or ability to obtain a license within six months). Examination Process and Required Documents Applicants can apply on-line at http://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs, or application packets may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Cobweb, or by calling (360) 473-5348. Required Application Materials: City application and personal rsum are required. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be returned to the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. The City of Bremerton is NOT responsible for errors of any kind with faxed or e-mailed application packets. Original signature is required on paper application forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training. Appraisal of Experience and Education/Training: At this initial review, application packets may be evaluated entirely on the basis of information you provided in the completed City application form. Applicants should include all relevant information on the City application. Applicants education, training, and experience will be assessed. The passing score is 70%. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to participate further in the examination process. Meeting or exceeding qualifications does not guarantee the applicant will be invited to participate in the oral examination process. Oral Examination: A panel will evaluate the applicants training, experience, and ability to perform the job. Placement on the eligibility list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows: Appraisal of application packet regarding Experience and Education/Training - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40% Oral Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60% Applicants must achieve a score of 70% or better on each portion of the exam in order to be placed on the hiring list. Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score. Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW. NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants with disabilities who will need special accommodation for examination must advise Human Resources no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made. (360) 473-5348. LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is non-exempt under the laws of Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions. Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the Teamsters Local 589. Civil Service: The classification is excluded from the City's Civil Service System. Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head. Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with Human Resources Policies. This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee. It is subject to change by the City, with the approval of Human Resources, as the needs of the City and requirements change. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is the policy of the City of Bremerton to offer equal employment opportunity to all individuals. The City of Bremerton will administer all actions with respect to employment practices in compliance with federal, state and local laws, and will not discriminate in any employment practice on the basis of age (40+), sex, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, marital status, military status, or the presence of any physical, mental or sensory disability. ADA Statement The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act. This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton. Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided. The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. recblid 0rqj54dg06tgi4c9ylerwd6gsvqdkr Job Title: Specialist, World Languages Office: Office of Teaching and Learning Date Posted: 7/30/2021 Salary Range: 1-5 / $82,007 - $92,534 NTE Date: N/A Position Overview The Office of Social Emotional Academic Development works with the Chancellor to ensure coherence in the educational experience for our students, families, and schools. Our goal is to initiate change and lead DC Public Schools into the highest performing school district in the nation. We are currently in the process of creating our next strategic plan. After engaging with over 3,000 internal and external stakeholders to help shape the future of DCPS, our draft strategic priorities include: Promote Equity: Define, understand, and promote equity to close achievement gaps and interrupt institutional bias. Empower Our People: Recruit, develop, and retain a talented, caring, and diverse team. Educate the Whole Child: Provide rigorous, joyful and inclusive academic and social emotional experiences for all students. Ensure Excellent Schools: Increase the number of high quality schools across the district by defining blended autonomies for schools and creating opportunities for innovation. Engage Families: Deepen partnerships with families and community. The mission of the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) is to deliver high-quality instructional resources, enhance classroom practice and scale effective programs to increase DCPS student achievement and prepare all students for success in college, career, and (see application details) spans four core competency areas: Curriculum; Professional learning; Enrichments and interventions; and Formative assessment. Team members support school-based staff in implementing DCPS's existing academic programs while simultaneously working to rethink and redesign school programming, academic and curricular resources and educator professional development. The Inner Core division is responsible for leading OTLs work in the following subject areas: Visual/Digital Arts, Music, Health, Physical Education, and Global Education. The division also oversees the work of the Fillmore Arts Program. The team leads the development of curriculum, assessment, and interventions and provides professional development for teachers. Additionally, the team collaborates with external organizations, such as industry partners, institutions of higher education, non-profit groups, governmental agencies, international organizations, and professional societies. The Specialist, World Languages is responsible for implementing policies, structures, and resources that will help support and improve world language instruction across the district. The Specialist will work closely with the Manager, World Languages and other internal offices to ensure alignment of all initiatives with other identified district priorities. Building and maintaining relationships with external organizations, such as businesses, universities, education-oriented non-profits, and charter schools, will be crucial to the success and sustainability of these initiatives. The Specialist, World Languages will report to the Manager, World Languages. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned. Provides support to schools through national best practices research, formative progress monitoring, and connections to external partners and learning opportunities for school leaders. Develops and strengthens resources for evaluating and supporting world language programming; manages the analysis and presentation of data and progress reports for senior management team and external audiences; communicates progress to key stakeholder groups; and incorporates their input. Identifies resources needed to support world language programming and interventions, secures grant opportunities, and establishes industry, university, and non-profit partnerships to attain program goals. Stays aware of innovations, developments in policy, and research; and advises Manager, World Languages on proposed legislation, policies, and directives affecting world language programming and strategy. Supports design and implementation of world language professional development. Responds effectively and completely to urgent requests from school leaders and teachers. Participates in routine school visits to assess effectiveness of professional development, content, and program supports. Supports the vision of, and meets regularly with, the Manager, World Languages. Qualifications Bachelor's degree and three to five years of related work experience. Master's degree preferred. Previous exposure to or experience in the education sector a plus. Previous experience with developing partnerships strongly preferred. Fluency and teaching experience in a world language in a K-12 setting preferred. DCPS Values STUDENTS FIRST : We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do. : We recognize students as whole children and put their needs first in everything we do. COURAGE : We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success. : We have the audacity to learn from our successes and failures, to try new things, and to lead the nation as a proof point of PK-12 success. EQUITY : We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds. : We work proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps by interrupting institutional bias and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds. EXCELLENCE : We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions. : We work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable for exemplary outcomes, service, and interactions. TEAMWORK : We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically. : We recognize that our greatest asset is our collective vision and ability to work collaboratively and authentically. JOY: We enjoy our collective work and will enthusiastically celebrate our success and each other. Description System ID 715026 Category General Management Relocation Type No Employment Status Full-Time Unit Description Sodexo Energy & Resources is seeking an Operations Manager 1, Multi-Service to join our team in supporting the portfolio of a premier Global Energy producer in Houston, TX! This Multi Service Operations Manager will be responsible for event operations throughout the entire facility. Key Responsibilities: leads hourly team of 12 employees who oversee av and event staff; ensuring upkeep and cleanliness of grounds throughout the facility; overseeing events throughout the facility; provides supervision of two or more core services at a client site to ensure client satisfaction; implements strategies to meet Client and Company objectives and achieve profitable growth; ensures high customer satisfaction through developing team members and delivering quality services; directs daily operation of two or more core services at a site to ensure employees have appropriate equipment and resources to perform their jobs and meet goals and deadlines; supervises day-to-day work activities by delegating authority, assigning and prioritizing activities and monitoring operating standards; establishes a safe work environment for employees by providing safety-related training and equipment maintenance and by ensuring compliance with Sodexo safety and loss prevention programs and with standards and procedures for the handling and storage of hazardous materials and/or waste and complies with all government regulations; establishes operating standards, implements quality improvements and communicates them to employees; and/or all other duties as assigned. Is this opportunity right for you? We are looking for candidates who have: a proven track record of successful Facilities Management leadership experience as demonstrated by articulated results and accomplishments; exceptional customer service, relationship building and communication skills; strong leadership skills with a focus on staff development and team building; a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields is preferred. Learn more about Sodexo's Benefits Not the job for you? At Sodexo, we offer Facilities Management positions in Corporate, Schools, Universities, Energy and Resources, Government and Agencies, Health Care and Senior Living locations across the United States. Continue your search for Facilities Management jobs. Working for Sodexo: How far will your ambition, talent and dedication take you? Sodexo fosters a culture committed to the growth of individuals through continuous learning, mentoring and career growth opportunities. Make an Immediate Impact. Sodexo is the North American leader for Quality of Life Services. More than 150,000 Sodexo employees work to improve the quality of daily life for our 13,000 client sites in North America. Sodexo partners with clients to help them attain their strategic vision by developing Facility Management service solutions that increase the effectiveness of their people, enhance their business processes and optimize their infrastructure, which deliver tangible outcomes. Our client portfolio spans multiple markets across the nation including education, corporate services, health care and government services, which means we can offer a career full of variety, challenge and tremendous growth opportunities. Position Summary Provides supervision of two or more core services at a client site to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Implements strategies to meet Client and Company objectives and achieve profitable growth. Ensures high customer satisfaction through developing team members and delivering quality services. Key Duties - Directs daily operation of two or more core services at a site to ensure employees have appropriate equipment and resources to perform their jobs and meet goals and deadlines. - Supervises day-to-day work activities by delegating authority, assigning and prioritizing activities and monitoring operating standards. - Assists in the development of new business service(s) for the client and implements the service program(s). - Establishes a safe work environment for employees by providing safety-related training and equipment maintenance and by ensuring compliance with Sodexo safety and loss prevention programs and with standards and procedures for the handling and storage of hazardous materials and/or waste and complies with all government regulations. - Manages the budget by controlling costs (e.g. labor, inventory, equipment, materials), complying with budget requirements and making adjustments when necessary. - Establishes operating standards, implements quality improvements and communicates them to employees. - Promotes and supports workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives. Qualifications & Requirements Basic Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience Basic Management Experience - 3 years Basic Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in facilities (e.g., maintenance, plant operations, engineering services, grounds, custodial/environmental, or transportation) or food (e.g., food services or operations, concessions, retail sales, store operations, or vending) services Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer. Requirements See Job Description Salary $82,971.20 - $139,838.40 Annually Location Arlington *METRO-accessible*, VA Job Type Full-Time Department Human Resources Department Job Number 1124-22A-HRD-BL Closing Continuous Position Information Arlington County's Department of Human Resources is looking for a well-rounded, human resources professional to join our award-winning Human Resources Departmen t as a Senior Labor Relations Consultant to provide critical human resource support to the County's new collective bargaining and labor relations efforts. The successful candidate will join a team of professional analysts who provide consultation and technical guidance regarding employee relations and total compensation to all levels of employees in the County Government. This position will be responsible for analyzing compensation and benefit scenarios during contract negotiations. Additionally, this position will provide support and assist with managing ongoing employee relations efforts and dispute resolution for unionized employees. Specific duties include: Promoting positive employee relations and mitigating employee complaints through early employee engagement/intervention strategies; Developing alternatives/options for consideration during the preparation and contract negotiation stages; Conducting meetings with the Labor Relations Administrator (LRA), employees, department representatives, and union representatives to negotiate both formal and informal resolution of complaints; Providing administration of the dispute resolution processes outlined within collective bargaining agreements; and Providing compensation analysis, salary surveys, benchmarking, and budget formation, including the development of multi-year cost projections in preparation for contract negotiations. The ideal candidate for this position will have the ability to address concerns, build productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders, have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a broad knowledge of labor relations. Selection Criteria Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Employment and Labor Law, Public or Business Administration; or related field plus extensive professional experience in labor relations, collective bargaining, compensation, job and organizational design and/or Human Resource Management. Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. Desirable : Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following: Senior employee management relations experience in an environment with a formalized dispute resolution and/or grievance process; Serving as a Labor Relations Specialist or similar role within a Local, State, Federal, or other government relations environment; and/or Experience providing compensation analysis, benchmarking, and budget formation, including the development of multi-year cost projections. Special Requirements Please attach a cover letter or use the space within the Supplemental Questionnaire to detail your experience with the following: Serving as a Labor Relations Specialist or similar role within a Local, State, Federal, or other Public or Private environments; Senior employee management relations experience in an environment with a formalized dispute resolution and/or grievance process; and/or Providing compensation analysis, benchmarking, and budget formation, including the development of multi-year cost projections. Additional Information Work Hours: Flexible and telework options typically between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Note: This recruitment is open until the position is filled with a preferred filing date of August 30, 2021 . Applications submitted by this date will receive first consideration. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Qualified applicants in this first group will be referred to the hiring manager and interviews will be conducted on a regular basis throughout the recruitment with candidates whose qualifications best fit our needs. Applications received after August 30, 2021 may be considered only if a hire is not made from applicants received by the preferred filing date. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when enough qualified applications have been received. An online application is required. Each section of the application must be completed. A resume will not substitute for the completed application. Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Arlington County Government employee benefits depend on whether a position is permanent, the number of hours worked, and the number of months the position is scheduled. Specific information on benefits and conditions of employment can be found on the Arlington County Human Resources Department website: (see application details) Permanent, Full-Time Appointments All jobs are permanent, full-time appointments unless otherwise stated in the announcement. The following benefits are available: Paid Leave : Vacation leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. Leave accrual increases every three years until eight hours of leave are earned biweekly for twelve or more years of service. Sick leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. There are eleven paid holidays each year. Health and Dental Insurance : Three group health insurance plans are offered - a network open access plan, a point-of-service plan, and a health maintenance organization. A group dental insurance plan is also offered. The County pays a significant portion of the premium for these plans for employees and their dependents. A discount vision plan is provided for eye care needs. Life Insurance : A group term policy of basic life insurance is provided at no cost to employees. The benefit is one times annual salary. Additional life insurance is available with rates based on the employee's age and smoker/non-smoker status. Retirement : The County offers three vehicles to help you prepare for retirement: a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan (401(a)), and a deferred compensation plan (457). The defined benefit plan provides a monthly retirement benefit based on your final average salary and years of service with the County. You contribute a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to this plan. General employees contribute 4% of pay; uniformed public safety employees contribute 7.5% of pay. Employees become vested in the plan at five years of service. The County also contributes to this plan. For general employees, the County also contributes 4.2% of pay to a defined contribution plan (401(a)) . The County also matches your 457 contribution, up to $20 per pay period, in this plan. The 457 deferred compensation plan allows you to set aside money on either a pre-tax (457b) or post-tax (457 Roth) basis up to the IRS annual limit. New employees are automatically enrolled with a pre-tax contribution equal to 2% of your base pay. Other Benefits: The County also offers health, dependent care, and parking flexible spending accounts; long-term care insurance; tuition assistance; transit and walk/bike to work subsidies; a college savings plan; wellness programs; training opportunities; and a variety of other employee benefits. Permanent, Part-Time Appointments: Part time employees who work ten or more hours per week receive paid leave and benefits in proportion to the number of hours worked per week. Limited Term Appointments: Benefits are the same as permanent appointments except that the employees do not achieve permanent status. Temporary Regular Appointments: Temporary regular employees who work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health, dental, and basic life insurance as described above. They are also eligible for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Temporary Seasonal and Occasional Appointments: Temporary employees who work on a seasonal basis or variable hours receive sick leave, but do not normally receive other paid leave or benefits. Exceptions are noted in individual announcements. Senior Software Engineer - Apple Media Products Seattle , Washington , United States Software and Services Summary Posted: Jul 29, 2021 Weekly Hours: 40 Role Number: 200271844 Apple Media Products (AMP) first delighted users with downloadable music in April 2003 with the opening of the iTunes Store. Since then, AMP has delivered countless innovations around the digital delivery of audio and video, and in 2008 revolutionized smartphone app distribution with the launch of the App Store Being the source for so much digital content requires maintaining relationships with a vast number of providers, from record labels to movie studios to app developers. The Digital Supply Chain Engineering team (DSCE) is responsible for ensuring that new content is uploaded, processed, cataloged, and available on our storefronts when the provider expects it to be, and with the highest quality. We are looking for an experienced software engineer to join our team dedicated to system evolution across DSCE. As with any software that has lasted more than 15 years, there are always opportunities to leverage new technology to improve performance, use fewer resources, simplify operations, and more. Our mission is to make engineers more productive while building efficiency and quality into our systems. This is a high-leverage, high-impact role that will expose you to all the systems Apple uses to process digital content for delivery to well over a billion people worldwide! Key Qualifications Fluency in Java 11 and related tooling Protocol-level understanding of HTTP Understanding of TCP/IP, networking, and maximizing throughput of very large files Experience building REST APIs with JAX-RS/Jersey Experience building manageable and reliable systems in a service-oriented architecture Experience with Cassandra Working knowledge of authentication and authorization fundamentals Preferred: Experience with Kafka Experience with Spark Knowledge of cryptographic APIs and proper use of cryptographic primitives Experience & passion for tools and techniques to drive operational quality improvements Experience & knowledge of OpenTelemetry and/or Zipkin Description The Apple Media products team is looking for a Software Engineer to join the Asset Repository team. We are responsible for storing and delivering the many petabytes of files used by the content import, management, processing, and distribution systems. Our systems store, track, and deliver every app, song, movie, and video - both streamed and downloaded. Come help build and run the services and systems that underlie the growth of the App Store, Apple TV+, & Apple Music. We're a team of consummate tech geeks who love figuring out how things work and trying to make them better. Sometimes it's a little tweak, sometimes it's a fundamental shift - usually it's somewhere in between. We brainstorm on whiteboards, share ideas at team lunches and pot-lucks, build prototypes, present proposals to teams, embed for a while to help them get started, check the metrics, and repeat! Education & Experience BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent with relevant industry experience. Additional Requirements This position is in a small team that is tightly focused on a specific set of critically important systems. Your ability and self-motivation to learn new technologies, and promote novel solutions to the problems at hand, is important to success. The team is remotely distributed across the continental US, so strong communication skills are necessary. Description - We are looking for a safety conscious Equipment Operator to join the team at Blue Ridge Landfillin Chambersburg, PA. In this position you will be operating equipment such as bulldozers, wheel loaders, excavators, and off road dump trucks. You will be responsible for routine inspection and maintenance on the equipment such as checking oil, water, and tires. This is a 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 - Ability to lift 50lbs repeatedly throughout the day. 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) Location: 3300-RAD East Valley Hauling Job Title Roll Off Driver Primary Location Apache Junction, Arizona Employee Type Employee Job Description Now Offering a $2,500 Stay On Bonus!!! Waste Connections of Arizona is looking for a safety conscience Roll Off Driver to join the team in Apache Junction, AZ. The ideal driver will have a self-motivated, go getting attitude, that is looking to excel and grow with our GROWING company! Why work for Waste Connections? ~Competitive Compensations~ ~Safety Bonuses - Get rewarded for your safe habits~ ~Yearly Boot Stipend - Get your boots covered~ ~Benefits Plans - Keep yourself healthy~ ~Matching 401(K) - Connect to your future~ What we do: We provide trash and disposal services to the local community. You, a vital piece of the team, would be responsible for safely operating a Roll Off Truck delivering dumpster containers to customers, while providing the best service in the industry. This includes duties such: Safely driving a Roll Off Truck into a variety of environments (Residential, Construction, Commercial, etc.). Determine the best, convenient drop off location for dumpster, to avoid property damage. Cautiously operate hydraulic hand controls to lift/load Dumpster on/off truck. Secure the Dumpster Load, cover appropriately and account for weight shift before departing Ability to read route sheets and service each customer identified on the sheet or assigned by the dispatcher. Perform daily pre and post trip inspections. Interact courteously with your customers Other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. What we work with: Trash is heavy! Sometimes we have machines aid our efforts. Other times we do not. And this is a service provided year round - Rain, snow or shine. Hot or cold. Be prepared to work in all environments, around heavy diesel equipment. Not to mention dirty ones. Plan for the following labor: Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work with consistent walking; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 75 pounds. Exiting/exiting high set truck. Walking. Moderate noise level. Work environment involves some exposure to physical risks such as moving mechanical parts. Which require following basic safety precautions. Exposure to outside weather, including frequent wet and/or humid conditions, as well as exposure to fumes and vibration. At the end of the day, we go home knowing we leave a smiling customer! Minimum Job Requirements Must be at least 18 years of age with a satisfactory driving record. Class A or B CDL Ability to work Monday - Friday starting at around 5:00 am. Approx. 45-50 hours a week, with overtime possibilities. Physically comfortable with demands of the job To be considered for any of our current openings you must complete an application at www.careers.wasteconnections.com . Application information and additional instructions can be found once you select your position of interest. We offer excellent benefits including: medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, long term & short term disability, life insurance, 401K retirement and unlimited opportunities to "Connect with Your Future". Waste Connections is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran) Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The Ministry of Health and Wellness informs the public that vaccination sessions for the administration of 1st dose will be carried out as from Monday 02 August 2021 from 09 00 hrs to 15 00 hrs. The vaccination programme for personnel who are already registered with the Economic Development Board (EDB) via website vaccination.edbmauritius.org will be vaccinated from 09 00 hrs to 10 30 hrs. The vaccination programme will be open to all Mauritian citizens aged 18 and above from 10 30 hrs to 15 00 hrs in alphabetical orders as follows: A-F (Monday and Thursday) G-N (Tuesday and Friday) O-Z (Wednesday and Saturday) District judges also have the discretion to grant 30-day stays to people who have yet to present certification of their assistance request, if the magistrate is convinced that an aid application has been or will be submitted. They used one accomplices FedEX account to print the address labels and rerouted the packages to that persons and another accomplices addresses in Allentown. FedEx and Walmart intercepted a delivery in May 2018 before it reached one of the addresses. An Air Force veteran who served during the Korean War, Kellner also served as part of the Airborne Radar, monitoring the United States Air Defense Identification Zone from attack of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Darlene said he acted as a satellite, detecting Soviets from the skies before satellites were used in the military. He was the crew chief, responsible for getting everyone off the plane and into the sky during an emergency. 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!!! State Assam, Nagaland sign border pact to resolve conflict at Tzurangkong (L) Signing of the border agreement between Nagaland and Assam delegation at Chumoukedima Police Complex, Saturday and (R) Mokokchung district and police officials along with Assam counterparts overseeing the withdrawal of police personnel on Saturday afternoon. (NP/DC Mkg) Staff Reporter/Correspondent DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG, JUL 31 (NPN) | Publish Date: 7/31/2021 1:22:46 PM IST Both States to withdraw police forces from border Surveillance to be carried out using UAV, Sat imagery Hours after the chief secretaries of Assam and Nagaland signed an agreement to disengage their respective police forces at Dessoi valley reserved forest/Tzurangkong valley to de-escalate tension in the border area, police forces of both state begun the process of withdrawal to their original positions in order to maintain peace and tranquillity. According to official sources, total withdrawal of police forces at the Tzurangkong border under Mokokchung district could take a day or two. The agreement was arrived at the meeting held at Chumoukedima Police Complex Saturday, between Nagaland chief secretary J. Alam (IAS) and Assam chief secretary Jishnu Barua (IAS), in presence of Nagaland deputy chief minister Y Patton and Assam education minister Ranoj Pegu. The meeting resolved that disengagement and withdrawal of police forces would be completed within 24 hours after signing of the agreement. Both sides agreed that urgent and effective steps were required for defusing the stand-off between the security forces of Nagaland and Assam in and around Aosenden village and Vikuto village. The villages were identified in Assam as Jankhona Nala/Nagajankha and compartment No. 12 respectively. Both the states have also agreed to monitor the area by surveillance using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and satellite imagery with a view to maintain status quo. It was also decided that both the superintendents of police (SPs) of Mokokchung district and Jorhat district will ensure orderly withdrawal of their respective police forces and shall be responsible for it in the instant case. It may be recalled that Assam Police had reportedly intruded into Nagaland side and destroyed farm houses and cultivation at Aosenden village as well as setting up outpost near Vikuto village both under Tzurangkong area. When contacted, DC Mokokchung Limawapang Jamir informed Nagaland Post that he along with SP Mokokchung and other officers drove to Mariani (Assam) and met with their counterparts soon after signing of the agreement. He disclosed that both sides agreed to set up a joint committee to oversee the withdrawal/dismantling of police outposts/camps. The committee includes-- ADCs of Mangkolemba and Jorhat; Addl SPs of Mokokchung and Jorhat; Border Magistrates of Tzurangkong and Mariani; SDPOs of Mangkolemba and Titabor. Patton lauds: Meanwhile, taking to media persons after the signing of the agreement, deputy chief minister and minister in-charge of Home, Y Patton informed that Union Home minister Amit Shah had categorically asked both Nagaland and Assam governments to resolve the border disputes at the earliest. As a follow up of this directive, both the states signed the agreement to de-escalate tension by withdrawing the police forces. Today it was for Aosenden and Vikuto villages under Tzurangkong valley. Other border issues will also be taken up by both the state governments soon, Patton said. He, however, clarified that Nagaland Police will not withdraw from their outpost unless Assam Police also did likewise as agreed upon. On complaints of checking and harassment on travelers from Nagaland while crossing Assam, Patton said he had raised this issue at Saturdays meeting and had asked the Assam delegation to look into the matter and to do away with such checking. Patton said he also raised the issue of night curfews imposed in Sibsagar district from time to time. Patton said he urged upon Assam government to lift the curfew as Nagas living near the border were facing hardship. Meanwhile, the Assam education minister Ranoj Pegu said despite Nagaland and Assam having decades old border disputes, both states had been maintaining peace. Pegu lauded the statesmanship of union home minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of Assam and Nagaland for taking the initiative to resolve the border dispute. Pegu said he assured Patton to positively look in to the issues raised by him in order to ensure good relations between the two states. When asked what steps the Assam had taken to resolve border issue with Mizoram after the recent conflict, Pegu said: Mizoram issue is very much different and cannot not be equated with that of the Assam Nagaland issue. He said whatever issues involved with the Assam-Nagaland borders, both government were in talking terms and ready to discuss and resolve issues. Pegu further appealed to the citizens of both the states to continue maintaining peace and tranquillity. The meeting was also attended by DGP Nagaland TJ Longkumer, principal secretary home Abhijit Sinha and commissioner Nagaland Rovilatuo Mor. Regional Assam Police summons six Mizoram govt officers Hailakandi/Guwahati, Jul 31 | Publish Date: 7/31/2021 1:47:18 PM IST The Assam Police has summoned six Mizoram government officers, including deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Kolasib district, to appear at the Dholai police station on Monday, officials said. A source in the Assam Police on Friday said the summonses were issued on July 28, two days after the bloody gun battle between the police forces of Assam and Mizoram at Lailapur in Cachar district, in connection with a case registered at the Dholai police station. ...A reasonable and credible information has been received that you have committed the alleged cognisable offence, the individual summons issued by the Cachar Deputy Superintendent of Police Kalyan Kumar Das mentioned. This direction is issued in exercise of powers conferred u/s 41A of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, it added. The six officials against whom the summonses were issued include Kolasib Deputy Commissioner H Lalthlangliana, its Superintendent of Police (SP) Vanlalfaka Ralte, Additional SP David JB, Vairangte Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) C Lalrempuia, 1st Indian Reserve Battalion Additional SP Bruce Kibby and Vairangte Sub-divisional Police Officer Thartea Hrangchal. When contacted, Cachar SP Ramandeep Kaur confirmed the development, but did not share details. Assam Police personnel and a civilian were killed while defending the constitutional boundary of the state with Mizoram and more than 50 people injured, as the festering border dispute between the two northeastern states erupted into a bloody conflict on July 26. State Police forces withdrawn from Aosenden village Nagaland and Assam police personnel dismantle a makeshift camp at Aosenden village, Sunday. Correspondent MOKOKCHUNG, AUG 1 (NPN) | Publish Date: 8/1/2021 12:19:01 PM IST A day after signing of the agreement to withdraw police forces within 24 hours, both Nagaland and Assam governments have pulled back their police personnel from Aosenden village under Tzurangkong range on Sunday. Officials sources informed Nagaland Post that the dismantling and withdrawal process of forces from Aosenden village was completed on Sunday in the presence of Additional SPs of Mokokchung and Jorhat, SDPOs of Mangkolemba and Titabor, border magistrates of Merangmen and Mariani and OC of Mariani police station. Meanwhile, the process of dismantling and withdrawal of troops at Vikuto village shall commence on Monday. Presenting the mid-term fiscal review statement in Parliament on Thursday, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said Treasury was only left with US$6,8 million after importing 11,8 million doses and 7,2 million syringes. He, however, indicated that he was hopeful of using the countrys Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to access additional funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But his is subject to approval by both Parliament and the IMF, and fears are that the process might take long. MPs immediately took him to task demanding that he should have proposed a supplementary budget in the review statement instead of leaving the matter hanging. By yesterday morning, Zimbabwe had recorded 3 532 deaths and 108 860 infections since the pandemic struck in March last year. President Emmerson Mnangagwas administration has set an ambitious target of vaccinating at least 60% of the adult population, which means the country requires 20 million doses to meet the target. Ncube said the US$100 million COVID-19 war chest was funded from the 2020 budget surplus. The southern African country is using vaccines from China (Sinopharm and Sinovac), Russia (Sputnik V) and India (Covaxin), for which an individual need two doses. To date, Zimbabwe has taken delivery of 6 785 000 doses of the four vaccines, while 1 645 599 people had received the first dose by yesterday morning, with 767 910 fully vaccinated. MPs last Thursday quizzed Ncube on why he failed to propose a supplementary budget for procurement of more vaccines. Hon minister, you said that you had budgeted US$100 million for 12 million vaccines and yet government policy says that by December, you want to achieve 60% which is herd immunity. If you talk of 60% headcount, we are roughly saying that we need another additional US$83 million to the US$100 million spent, Dzivarasekwa MP Edwin Mushoriwa (MDC Alliance) said. Mushoriwa demanded to know where additional funds to procure vaccines would come from given that no supplementary budget was proposed in the budget review statement. In response, Ncube said: When we think we have run out of money, surely we will come to the House, and I can say already, as we consider how to spend some of the SDR funds, we may want to make an allocation for further vaccine acquisition. So, we could cover that through a portion of SDRs, but we all have to agree through this august House. On SDRs, an important question was asked about factoring these. I have not as yet factored the SDRs legally. Of course, I voted Mr Speaker Sir in favour of the allocation because every governor of a member of the IMF has to vote, so I voted last week. I hope you will agree with me that we need those SDRs and I voted in favour. Have we factored it into the equation? Not yet. Legally, we can only factor it in once we get a note from the IMF that we have been awarded and the amount is known, Ncube said. On the issue of a supplementary budget, Ncube said: I must say that when we get SDR allocations, as I said earlier on, the US$1 billion, I need to come back to Parliament to seek permission on how we should spend that. That really would constitute a supplementary budget. In a statement yesterday, the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (Zimcodd) said without a supplementary budget, the fiscal review left a lot to be desired as it failed to capture many peoples expectations. Firstly, no further light was given about the procurement of vaccines. The minister highlighted that government had budgeted US$100 million for vaccines and to date, about US$93,2 million has been utilised. With the country still far from its primary goal of attaining herd immunity, the balance (US$6,8 million) for vaccine purchases seems inadequate in covering the need. Apart from COVID-19 funds, the budget also failed to explain how government was paying for grain purchases from farmers. Although some of these purchases are said to be covered through reallocation of budget votes from areas of less economic importance, the budget review is not sufficient without a supplement. An example of missed opportunities to have been catered for in the supplementary budget is the preparation for the reopening of schools. Government is pushing for schools reopening, but with zero spending on personal protective equipment for teachers, and masks for underprivileged children mostly in rural areas, Zimcodd said. Newsday PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa's move to give luxury vehicles to members of the controversial Political Actors' Dialogue (Polad) is part of an elaborate plan to delay elections while consolidating his stranglehold on Zanu-PF, it has been revealed. Mnangagwa on Friday handed over 19 Isuzu D-Max twin cab trucks to Polad members at an event in Harare. Sixteen of the cars were given to Polad "principals" and three to the secretariat, which is the Office of the President and Justice ministry. He said the Polad members would use the cars for political work and also for their party activities. Polad insiders have told this publication that the "political work" will include selling the idea of postponing by-elections or even the 2023 elections indefinitely. MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora is already pushing through Parliament for the indefinite postponement of by-elections that were due last year citing the Covid-19 pandemic. Mnangagwa indicated on Friday that Mwonzora had been invited to join Polad even though he was not a presidential candidate in the 2018 elections, a prerequisite for joining the platform. The two held a private meeting at State House in June where they discussed the indefinite suspension of elections, among other things. Polad members said Mnangagwa and Mwonzora were in agreement about delaying elections for self-preservation purposes. The Zanu-PF leader is said to be keen on delaying the polls to contain his deputy Constantino Chiwenga while the MDC-T leader wants more time to build his party. There are reports of a growing faction in Zanu-PF that wants Chiwenga to challenge Mnangagwa in the 2023 elections and delaying the polls through potential constitutional amendments that would be supported by MDC-T to ensure their plan does not succeed, the Polad insiders said. "It is now clear, Mwonzora's request for suspension of by-elections is Mnangagwa's plan," a Polad source said. "Mnangagwa is against both the byelections and 2023 elections. He wants to extend his rule uninterrupted through some working arrangement with the Polad members." The Polad member said they were being promised positions in government as pay back for supporting the election delays. "Mwonzora will join Polad and use his presence in Parliament to propose amendments to the constitution. "He will whip his MPs to support and with Zanu-PF holding the majority, the amendments will pass," the Polad insider added. "This will have to happen before September (next month) when Mnangagwa is expected to visit Britain. "This will help him convince the world that he likes peace and he has joined with other political parties for the sake of peace." Polad members, who include Lovemore Madhuku, that received cars from Mnangagwa, will be despatched to provinces to preach peace and unity. Madhuku yesterday took to Twitter to defend the government's decision to give them cars. He said he would use the car to build his NCA party, which did not win a single seat in the last elections. "The vehicle is from the government of Zimbabwe," Madhuku tweeted. "I am a political leader in Zimbabwe. I lead a party called NCA. "The NCA believes in the Polad philosophy. I believe in the Polad philosophy. The vehicle will help me to spread the Polad approach and build the NCA." Mwonzora's spokesperson Lloyd Damba dismissed claims that his boss was working with Mnangagwa to postpone elections. Damba said Morgen Komichi, who started the debate in Parliament on the indefinite postponement of elections, presented an MDC-T position. "Komichi is national chairman; he is simply stating the party position that elections under this environment will not be feasible," he said. "We will be cry-babies after losing because the environment is not level." He insisted that Mwonzora was not going to join Polad. Chiwenga, who doubles as Health minister, first postponed byelections in December last year citing the outbreak of Covid-19. Standard In his hands was $8 he planned to use to pay for his dinner, and someone in the store told him to come inside as his food was ready. Then I turned around, and thats when I felt pain, he said. Two men were killed and a woman was critically hurt in a pair of motorcycle crashes just a over a span of five deadly hours in Brooklyn this weekend. The first fatal wreck happened on the Brooklyn-bound side of the Williamsburg bridge just before 9:40 p.m. Saturday. (NEW YORK DAILY NEWS) This is the time to fix it and fix it good so families like Nelson and his wife and his children and many like him will never, ever go through something like this ever again, Castro said Saturday, according to The Associated Press. One person is in custody, but police did not specify whether he or she is believed to be the shooter. Even if we are successful in quote-unquote out-organizing voter suppression, which is a ridiculous premise on its face, Republicans are already laying the groundwork to overturn the results of any state election that they, frankly, do not like in states where they have taken power, she added. To streamline this process, Ive directed [the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance] to work with their vendor to disburse payments as quickly and efficiently as possible [so] we can deliver billions of dollars in rental assistance to New Yorkers who have been struggling to pay rent due to no fault of their own, he added. The issue is not whether one agrees or disagrees with Israeli policies; I disagree with some, just as I disagree with some American policies. The key question is whether singling out part of the nation-state of the Jewish people for a boycott is moral, legal and proper. Thomas Friedman, a frequent critic of Israel, put it very well when he said, Criticizing Israel is not anti-Semitic, and saying so is vile. But singling out Israel for opprobrium and international sanction out of all proportion to any other party in the Middle East is anti-Semitic, and not saying so is dishonest. Over the years, Terry Jo Duperrault changed her name and, in Alone, the memoir she co-authored, said that in the years after the tragedy, she managed to carve out a full life, with meaningful work and children of her own. As the crowds made their way from Berlins Charlottenburg neighborhood through Tiergarten park toward the Brandenburg Gate, police warned via loudspeaker that they would use water cannons if protesters did not disperse. By Sunday evening, police had arrested some 600 people, according to German media, and protesters were still marching through the city. About half of the patients were under 12, Mestre said, and the rest were older and eligible for the vaccine. But none of the patients with COVID-19 at Nicklaus Childrens on Friday were vaccinated. Most children who get COVID-19 do not need hospitalization, Mestre said. Jeremy Levitts July 29 guest column, Before attacking race theory, learn what it is about, states that critical race theory is conservative Americas new boogeyman. He says that 400 years of Eurocentric history was designed to miseducate Americans... CRT, according to Mr. Levitt, is not anti-white, Marxist, partisan, irrational, or extraordinary. He asserts that CRT snubs meritocratic and colorblind hypotheses... The law, says this law professor, can serve as an instrument of liberation... There were a lot of people there that had regrets that they wish that they had known more before they votedThere's three of them that voted [for Biden] that feel terrible about it. I said you know what? I said you didn't know about this but you thought you were voting for something. I said you didn't get to vote. I said China did our voteWhen we get through this and the Supreme Court pulls down this election -- like I've been telling everybody -- when they do this, it's going to be a great uniting and that gives me hope[B]y the night of the 12th or the morning of the 13th, if everyone has seen it, including the administration that's in there now that didn't win, maybe, you know, Biden and Harris would say, hey, we're here to protect the country and resign!" My Pillow guy and former crack addict Mike Lindell on what will happen after he broadcasts his cyber-symposium on the 2020 election the return of Trump on August 13. Paris, 1 August 2021 (SPS) - Sahrawi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Salem Ould Salek said that the involvement of Morocco in the "Pegasus" spyware scandal did not surprise the Sahrawi leadership, noting that Rabat tramples on international legality for decades. "Spying is a crime against the Sahrawi government, it is one aspect of the war that Morocco has launched since 1975 against our country," Ould Salek said in an interview with the French magazine Marianne. "Pegasus is causing a wave of indignation in the world. But we are not surprised. Morocco has been trampling on international legality for decades! Pegasus is the softest aspect of the occupation that we suffer from," said the head of Sahrawi diplomacy. "Even those who support the Moroccan regime in its perilous military adventure - this is the case of France and Spain, in particular - are spied on. "Today, Morocco doubts everyone, its neighbors, its allies, and its friends." "After forty-five years, neither the international community nor the European Union nor the African Union have recognized the sovereignty of Morocco over Western Sahara," said the Sahrawi minister. (SPS) 062/700 DANIA BEACH Deputies rushed to a home in Dania Beach on Friday, where they found a man and woman dead in an apparent domestic-related shooting, the Broward Sheriffs Office said. Im hearing theyre backed up because they have staffing issues with people loading and unloading the planes, he said. They just dont have enough of them. The planes are piling up. And as the day goes on it gets worse and they cancel the flight. Thats what my sources at the airport are telling me. Hutson a previously convicted felon for his role in an opioid pill mill operation had a deal to cut his sentence down to 18 months if he turned himself in to authorities on Jan. 2, 2020. He had been given time to get his personal and family affairs in order, but he never surrendered. Two of the negotiators said Sunday morning that action could come soon. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said on CNN, We really are just about finished. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said on CNN that there will likely be text today and by this evening, hopefully we can start the process. Like Schumer, both said the bill could be finished this week. Claudy Gassant was found dead Saturday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic where he recently had been living. The discovery came on the same day Gassant was expected to be in South Florida for a conference on Haitis widening insecurity. His death was described as suspicious. In March, the House passed two bills with bipartisan support that would give these immigrants a chance at a brighter future. The American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (FWMA) both offer solutions that will allow undocumented immigrants a chance to continue living and working in our country. The American Dream and Promise Act focuses on Dreamers and would give them and others with temporary legal status an earned pathway to legal status, while the FWMA would be used to give a pathway to citizenship for undocumented agriculture workers, who make up the majority of Floridas farmworkers. A third tower, Champlain Towers East, wouldnt be completed until 1994 as the partners were slowed by yet another recession and became embroiled in lawsuits with contractors and battles with the city of Surfside over the projects scope and distance from the shoreline. It was his third and final building, according to a recent Miami Herald story. Gibraltar and La Linea de la Concepcion, the town the other side of the border in Spain, are looking at ways in which the two places could collaborate through culture for the benefit of their citizens and artistic communities. On Thursday La Linea's Councillor for Culture, Encarnacion Sanchez, and deputy mayor Mario Fernandez, paid a visit to Gibraltar for a meeting with the Minister for Culture, John Cortes MP, who was accompanied by the CEO of Gibraltar Cultural Services, Seamus Byrne, and Ministry representative Lianne Ignacio. Among the new initiatives they discussed were an art exhibition depicting the works of Gustavo Bacarisas and Cruz Herrera in 2022, which would involve the Bacarisas Gallery and the Cruz Herrera Museum, and future exchange projects featuring literature, photography, and dance. It was agreed that a transborder cultural working group would be set up with representatives of the Ministry of Culture and La Linea council to explore these ideas and possibilities further. Marbella has long had an association with the jet-set and the rich and famous from all walks of life. Now a new book will lift the lid on the town's criminal element who chose Marbella to run their enterprises. Authored by Rainer Helin, the son of a notorious member of the Estonian underworld, the book opens the door to a glamorous lifestyle fuelled by drugs, beautiful women, Ferraris, yachts, and high-society parties attended by some of Europe's biggest criminal families. Rainer, the son of Toomas Helin - a man known as the 'Estonian Pablo Escobar' - was born in Zurich in 1992 and came to live in Marbella in 1995. After graduating from Tallinn University with a degree in Audio-visual Media from the Baltic Film and Media School, he spent several years working as a copywriter. This first book, The Drug Lord's Son, is a true account of his childhood, which was spent between Marbella, Malta and Mallorca. The politely spoken 29-year-old, who was educated at Aloha College, decided to publish his memoirs following his father's sudden death in Marbella earlier this year. "Writing the book, which I started several years ago, was something that helped me come to terms with the death my father. I was not in touch with him for the last seven years, but he actually called me a few days before he died, which was his way of asking for forgiveness and trying to make amends. This helped me remember him and my childhood in a bittersweet light," Rainer explains to SUR in English. Life of luxury Also known as the 'drug baron of Marbella', Toomas Helin fled post-Soviet Estonia and headed to Marbella for a life of luxury, but his empire would be shattered after he received a seven-year jail sentence for drug-related crimes in 2005. Estonian police considered him to be the leader of the Linnuvabriku crime group, the second most influential after the Albanians, although this was never proven during his trial. During his criminal career, Toomas was also suspected of smuggling a tonne of cannabis from Africa into Europe. The case gained notoriety because bail was set at 1.5 million Estonian kroons, the largest bail ever set in Estonia at that time. He was also suspected of stealing more than 60 luxury cars from Germany and selling them in France and Spain, making a reputed profit of 4 million euros. However, Rainer says that, although his father was a criminal, he was not necessarily a bad man. "My father was not so well known internationally, but in Estonia he had an infamous reputation, although he was a very private man. I grew up alongside the criminal underworld of Marbella, but my father did his best to keep our family as far away from that as possible," the author declares. Rainer was a "naive teenager" when he realised what his father did for a living. He claims that he was not proud of his father's status and had no intentions of following in his footsteps. "I would never go as far as to say I am proud of his reputation, but there are always two sides to every story. Maybe he wasn't the best husband, but he definitely tried to be a good father, although I never wanted to take the same route as him," he says. Rainer now has a family of his own and he is determined to put his father's chequered past to rest, which he claims can be difficult to do, especially when visiting Estonia. "Just because someone's father was a criminal does not necessarily mean that his children are the same, although we do have to sometimes pay the price for their notoriety," he concludes. His name was Vicente Villena Chacon. He was born in Malaga on 10 December 1919, was not married and had a son. When he disappeared, in the Neuengamme Nazi concentration camp, he was 24 years old. And that's all that is known about him. The trail began to disappear from the moment that he passed through the doors of that old brick factory built 30 kilometres from Hamburg which was converted into the biggest concentration camp in north-west Germany. It is also one of the least-known. The trail came to an end at 9.53 on an unknown date during 1944. That's the time shown on his wristwatch, with its white dial and silver metal strap; the one the Nazis forgot to destroy when they fled from the Neuengamme camp, which is now waiting to start ticking again in the hands of one of Vicente's relatives. With it are a handful of yellowed documents and a ring, which is probably gold, engraved with a V embraced by another symbol which has yet to be deciphered. Just like the rest of Vicente's life. "We have no other information about him. A month ago, going through some archives in Bordeaux, we discovered Vicente's existence and that he had been born in Malaga. Everything else is unknown," says Antonio Munoz, a researcher at the Social Sciences Institute in Lisbon and visiting researcher at the Rovira i Virgili university in Tarragona. Two years ago he joined the Arolsen Archive as a volunteer. It is a centre of documentation about the Nazi holocaust in Germany which is trying to piece together what happened to thousands of people like Vicente, from items they left behind. This research, which is almost forensic, has enabled about 20 Spanish families to find out what happened to their relatives. "Some of them didn't even know that their relatives had been in a concentration camp," says Munoz, who is hoping the few threads which have been found so far about Vicente's story will lead to further information. They can only hypothesise about Vicente's earlier life, based on some police documents. Because of his age (24) he "probably" fled to France after fighting in the Civil War. A police record from Bordeaux dated 21 May 1944 identifies him by name and origin before he was locked in a train convoy heading for Germany with 2,003 men of 17 different nationalities. Like Vicente, 194 were Spanish. Three, in fact, were from Malaga: Rafael Aguilera Calle (born 25 August 1914), Francisco Rodriguez Espada (17 December 1907) and Jose Torres Nieto (13 February 1913). Extreme conditions The conditions of that journey to the horror of Germany were so extreme that of the 2,004 who were being transported, 838 died on the way, 163 disappeared and 189 are identified as 'Situations non connues' (situacions unknown). 814 arrived at Neuengamme. One of them was Vicente, as shown on his arrival form at the camp, on 24 May 1944. Behind him were three days with no food, no water, no space and no hope. The testimonies which have reached historians confirm that most Spanish inmates had previously fought in the Civil War, were linked with anti-fascist, communist and anarchist movements, and they were labelled by the French authorities as 'undesirable foreigners'. In the convoy, which consisted of 20 wagons, they had to take turns to take naps, standing up and holding onto the bars of the small windows. Anyone who fell was almost guaranteed to die. When they asked for water, the German guards pointed directly to the prisoners' urine buckets. At the Neuengamme camp, which held around 500 Spanish prisoners, living conditions were not much better. Once there, the SS divided the prisoners among some of the 85 labour sub-camps, depending on their professions. The last document remaining about Vicente is, precisely, from that moment: Prisoner number 32,008. Profession: baker. "Could he have been sent to work in the kitchens, because of that? We don't know. Often, it made no difference, they might as well send you to dig ditches," says Munoz. He is unable to confirm whether Vicente was one of the 9,500 prisoners who, after the factory was destroyed, walked to the Sandbostel camp in what were known as the 'death marches'. Nor does he know whether he might have survived. There are just his belongings: a few documents, a ring and a watch which stopped at 9.53 and now awaits a new home with Vicente's family. And with it, comes his memory. 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. Top architecture and engineering firm Dewan has invited architects and engineers from across the globe to submit building design proposals for a shelter home for girls on a site along the Tigris River in Iraq. The winner will walk away with the annual Dewan Award for Architecture. The award challenges submission teams to design a project addressing Iraqs homeless crisis among young girls. Winning proposals will provide shelter, but also showcase how art and creativity can enrich residents' physical and mental health, education, and potential to rise as leaders in their communities. Now in its fourth year, the Dewan Award for Architecture is part of a global competition focused on tackling pressing societal issues facing Iraq and reinforces its mission to empower emerging architects and promote design as a tool for social good. It encourages submissions to engage with the surrounding environment, including the Tigris River, one of the worlds most important natural resources dating back to Mesopotamiuan civilizations. "Year after year, the Dewan Award for Architecture has demonstrated how fresh perspectives across the industry can comprehensively tackle some of Iraqs most pressing challenges," remarked its Founder & Chairman Mohamed Al Assam. The first place winners will walk away with a $6,000 or a six-month externship at Dewan, renewable for one year; while the second place winners will be awarded with $3,000 and a trip to the 2021 Award Ceremony; and third place submissions with $1,000 and a trip to the 2021 Award Ceremony (flights and hotel included). "Our 2021 contest encapsulates architectures power beyond designing physical structures; it is also an essential discipline for developing more equitable, sustainable, and progressive communities," he stated. "Dewan will continue to hold these values close as we continue to work with partners in the Middle East and across the globe to develop quality and sustainable social infrastructure," he added. Al Assam called upon multidisciplinary teams to submit their proposals in the company's official site by November 20. The entries will then be shortlisted and the winners announced at the Annual Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony by the end of this year. The award is sponsored by Tamayouz, an organization that recognizes the world's most innovative architecture and engineering projects through its Excellence Awards for which the late Zaha Hadid once chaired the judging panel, he stated. This years selection jury will be chaired by the University of Cambridges Architecture and Urban Studies Professor Wendy Cambridge, he added.-TradeArabia News Service The Department of Tourism in Philippines recently held a virtual networking event for trade partners from the GCC in a move to understand the current GCC market and the way forward. As the GCC is way ahead of other regions in terms of vaccination drives, it is looking at better summer travel. At the event, SanJeet, Director, Durga Das Publications and Market Representative for the Middle East, shared the current realities in the Middle Eastern market, followed by an address by Daks Gonzales at the Head Office of Product and Market Development, Philippine Department of Tourism Middle East. Verna Esmeralda C Buensuceso, CESO III Assistant Secretary for Product and Market Development Department of Tourism from the Department of Tourism in the Philippines, expressed her gratitude to those taking time off to attend the event and enjoy the Filipino cuisine. She reiterated the importance of understanding the market at present and shared the various initiatives taken by Government of Philippines to ensure safety and rebuild the confidence of the travellers, especially from the Middle East. Leading CEOs from the Middle East attended the event, including Nasir Jamal Khan Al Naboodah Travel & Tourism Agencies LLC, Jamal Abdul Nazar Cozmo Travels, Asim Arshad Orient Travel & Tourism Agency, Arshad Munir SATA, Tarique Katri Seera, Deepak Rawat MakeMyrip, V. Jayaram Sharaf Travels, Mathew DCosta Dnata, Sumit Archarya BCD Travel, Manu Mehrotra Al Tayer Travel Agency, Suresh Ahuja Trans Arabian Air Travel, and Sai Rattan SNTTA. The CEOs presented some very interesting facts about expectations, especially from the side of the locals in the UAE and KSA as key markets for DOT Philippines. Verna Esmeralda C Buensuceso also spoke about the many concerns travellers had and opening the country in phases once the vaccination drive picked up, which was one of the main concerns of travellers. The constant change in rules & regulations and the need to keep travellers up to date were also areas that DOT Philippines would be working on, she concluded. TradeArabia News Service The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines said that boosting air connectivity is a priority of the DOT under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for 2016 to 2022, highlighting the completion of Clark Airport's new terminal building. DOT has pledged its support for the continuity of the infrastructure programme of the Duterte administration, saying it is a big boost to tourism activities in the country. Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat made the commitment recently, as she joined President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Senator Bong Go, Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Secretary Vince Dizon in inspecting the completed New Terminal Building of the Clark International Airport, which is considered to be part of the legacy of the Duterte administrations ambitious Build, Build, Build programme. Having world-class air, land and sea infrastructure such as the Clark Airport will help Philippine tourism bounce back sooner, Puyat said. The operations and management of the Clark Airport will be overseen by the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD), a consortium between Changi Airports Philippines, Filinvest Development Corporation, JG Summit Holdings and Philippine Airport Ground Solutions (PAGSS). Tourist arrivals in Clark Airport totalled 1.98 million in 2019, which dropped to just 494,387 in 2020 and 51,584 in the first half of 2021 because of travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Estimated tourist receipts stood at just PHP6.23 billion ($124.5 million) in 2020 and PHP2.32 billion for far in 2021, a notable reduction from the recorded PHP19.66 billion in 2019. The Department stressed that the fastest way to restore tourism to pre-pandemic levels is to ensure that tourism destinations and establishments comply with the necessary health and safety protocols, and to continue expanding the connectivity between tourism markets and destinations. The DOT had spearheaded convergence initiatives such as the Transforming Communities towards Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism (TouRIST) Program, the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) and the Leveraging Infrastructure Program for Airport Development (LIPAD) in the effort to promote accessibility of more tourism destinations and increased mobility in the country. TradeArabia News Service France has issued an order adding Bahrain to its list of "green" countries for travel. This change comes into effect from August 1, a Bahrain News Agency report said. As indicated on the website of the French Ministry of the Interior, people who usually reside in Bahrain and travel to France can enter the French national territory without any restrictions. However, the folowing health control measures apply: * If one has been vaccinated, he/she must present proof of the vaccination status and a declaration attesting to the absence of symptoms of Covid-19 infection and contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19. * If one is not vaccinated (or vaccinated with a vaccine not recognised by the European Medicines Agency), he/she must present to the transport company and to the border control authorities a certificate of recovery, dated more than 11 days and less than six months or, a negative PCR test dated less than 72 hours before departure. Meawhile, the French Ambassador to Bahrain Jerome Cochard has expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and all government agencies across the Kingdom for implementing effective precautionary measures and promoting vaccination, which remains free of charge for everyone. - TradeArabia News Service Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air is set to launch daily flights to Turkish capital Istanbul starting from tomorrow (August 2). Thanks to its growing popularity and relaxed entry restrictions, Istanbul has merged as one of the airlines favourite destinations for Bahrain and GCC customer base. Gulf Air began the summer season with flights to 80% of its pre-pandemic network and is now trying to restore services to all cities in its original 2019 destination network. The airline has also announced that it has successfully launched all of its seasonal destinations for the summer of 2021 with direct flights to Mykonos and Santorini in Greece, Malaga in Spain and Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt as well as recently resuming Tbilisi in Georgia. The airline currently flies to and from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, Muscat, Cairo, Amman, Casablanca, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Athens, Istanbul, Tbilisi, Larnaca, Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, Dhaka, Colombo, the Maldives and several destinations in India and Pakistan. Announcing the direct flights to Istanbul, Gulf Airs Acting CEO Captain Waleed Abdulhameed Al Alawi said: "We continuously take a closer look at market demands and monitor the trends of traffic from and to different points of our network. With constant changes in rules and regulations, we increase frequencies as we see fit to offer greater flexibility to our passengers." "Being agile and adaptive to market needs is essential now more than ever and we're proud to be flexible to such changes," he stated. Back in May, the airline announced that all its flights would be operated by 100% vaccinated crew including pilots and flight attendants. We have started internal vaccination campaign for our operating crew and front line staff since December 2020 and are proud to be one of the first airlines in the world to able to provide peace of mind to all passengers flying to any destination of its growing network," noted Al Alawi. "Moreover, recently Gulf Air announced offering complimentary Covid-19 travel insurance coverage to all ticket holders including health and quarantine expenses in the unexpected circumstances of being diagnosed with or contracting Covid-19 during passengers journeys," he added. Lucknow, Aug 1 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday visited Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) here to enquire about the health of ex-UP chief minister Kalyan Singh. Mr Shah took to twitter to share the information. "Went to SGPGI Lucknow today, to enquire about the health of Shri Kalyan Singh ji, a source of inspiration for all of us," Mr Shah said in a tweet in Hindi. "Babuji has a great contribution in the politics of the state and the country. We always take inspiration from his dedication to the ideology. I pray to God for his speedy recovery," he added. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied Mr Shah during his visit to SGPGIMS. Meanwhile, SGPGIMS Director Professor RK Dhiman, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that former CM Kalyan Singh's health is stable. There is some improvement in his health after 72 hours of dialysis. But next 3 to 4 days are very important for Kalyan Singh's health. His heart and brain are working perfectly, he added. Mr Singh was admitted to SGPGIMS on July 4 and since then, his condition continues to be critical. Several senior BJP leaders, including party president JP Nadda and defence minister Rajnath Singh, also visited the hospital to enquire about the health of Mr Singh. Mr Adityanath too visited numerous the hospital several times. UNI MB GK SHK1625 Dhaka, Aug 1 (UNI) The first goods train carrying stone from India through the revived HaldibariChilahati rail link arrived at Chilahati railway station in frontier Nilphamari district of Bangladesh Sunday. The train with 40 wagons carrying 2500 metric tons of stone was received by Abdur Rahim, Paksey Divisional Engineer-2 and Project Director, at 1335 hours BDT. Officials of Indian High Commission in Bangladesh were also present on the occasion. Earlier, the train left Damdim station of Alipurduar Division in Northeast Frontier Railway on Saturday night. Sources said, Haldibari-Chilahati route will provide a shorter route for transport of goods into Bangladesh from Assam, West Bengal, Nepal and Bhutan. This rail link is expected to enhance rail network accessibility to the main ports, dry ports and land borders to support the growth in regional trade and to encourage economic and social development of the region. Economic activities of the South Asian countries will also be benefitted from this rail link, which remained stalled for about 56 years. The HaldibariChilahati rail link between India and the then East Pakistan was operational till 1965. This was part of the Broad Gauge main route from Kolkata to Siliguri. Travelling by train to Assam and North Bengal continued through the then East Pakistan territory even after the partition. However, Indo-Pak war in 1965 effectively cut off all the railway links between India and the then East Pakistan. The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link was inaugurated on 17 December last year during the virtual bilateral summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. However, due to the Covid pandemic, regular train services could not be started in the section since then, said a statement by the Northeast Frontier Railway. At present, five rail routes connect Bangladesh and India namely Petrapole-Benapole, Gede-Darshana, Singhabad-Rohanpur, Radhikapur-Birol and Haldibari-Chilahati. UNI MAZ SY 1440 Islamabad, Aug 1 (UNI) Pakistan has expressed hope that India would act fairly during its month-long tenure as the president of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Foreign Office spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, responding to a query from Dawn, said, "Pakistan hopes that India will abide by the relevant rules and norms governing the conduct of the Security Council Presidency. India, which is currently a non-permanent member of UNSC for a two-year term, would be holding the presidency of the powerful 15-nation body for the month of August. Doha, Aug 1 (UNI/Sputnik) Jordan decided to temporarily close the Jaber border crossing with Syria amid an escalation of the security situation in south-western Syria, a Jordanian Interior Ministry official told the official Jordan News Agency (Petra). The Jaber crossing will remain closed for the movement of goods and passengers until "appropriate conditions" are created, the ministry official said on Saturday. The Jaber border crossing was closed amid the pandemic, but the Jordanian and Syrian authorities decided to resume its operation at the end of July. However, the planned reopening did not occur because of hostilities between armed groups and government forces in the Daraa Governorate. A source in the Syrian military told Sputnik on Thursday that the Syrian government forces had launched an operation to neutralize terrorist groups refusing to lay down arms in Dara'a despite peace agreements reached by local authorities. On Thursday, militants in Dara'a fired rockets at Red Crescent workers when they were assisting locals during an evacuation. According to UN data, hostilities in Dara'a have led to the death of at least eight civilians, including children, and have displaced some 2,500 people. UNI/SPUTNIK ASN Pune, Aug 1 (UNI) Maharashtra reported its first case of Zika virus infection after a 50-year-old woman from Purandar area in Pune district tested positive for the virus. A state health department in a statement issued on Sunday said that the woman has recovered from the virus and she and her family members have no symptoms at present. According to the health department, several cases of fever were reported from Belsar village in Purandar tehsil near Pune from the beginning of July. Five samples were sent to National Institute Of Virology (NIV), Pune, for testing and three of them tested positive for Chikungunya. Thereafter, an NIV team visited Belsar and Parinche villages between July 27 and July 29 and collected blood samples of 41 people. Out of these, 25 tested positive for Chikungunya, three for Dengue and one for Zika virus, the release added. The state's quick response team visited the area yesterday and spoke to local residents about the precautions they must take. The health department will also conduct a door-to-door survey in the village. The Pune district administration has requested people not to panic. It has said that the case was detected owing to the proactive work by the teams on the field. The administration said it is working hard to contain the spread. Prior to this, only Kerala had reported cases of Zika virus infection this year. The southern state currently has 63 cases of the infection. The infection is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which are also carriers of Dengue and Chikungunya. Some common symptoms of a Zika virus infection are fever, body aches, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. Symptoms generally last for 2-7 days and most people infected do not develop symptoms, according to the World Health Organization. UNI SP KAZ GK 1617 Halls Sophie Garner-MacKinnon has been named the 2020-21 Gatorade Connecticut Softball Player of the Year, according to a release from Gatorade. Garner-MacKinnon is the first Gatorade Connecticut Softball Player of the Year to be chosen from Hall High School. Fall Students at WKCTC Could Get $1,500 Stimulus By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - West Kentucky Community and Technical College is offering students up to $1,500 via its stimulus funds.School officials announced this week that it will distribute about $3.2 million to eligible students who are enrolled in courses this fall semester. The money comes from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, part of the American Rescue Plan passed in March,Eligible students must:Be seeking a certificate, diploma, or degree.Have completed the 2021-2022 FAFSABe enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours.Grant awards will range from $1,000 to as much as $1,500 for qualifying students. The money can be used for education-related expenses or emergency costs related to COVID, including tuition, food, housing, healthcare, or childcare.WKCTC has already forgiven more than $1 million in student debt. By bringing student account balances from Spring 2020 - Spring 2021 to zero, the college has removed many financial barriers for students who want to continue their educational journey."We know some of our students have had to make difficult decisions such as deciding whether to use their money to go to college or support themselves or their families," said WKCTC President Anton Reece. "Putting education on hold is not an easy choice for students, their families and even our community. Funds like those available through the federal emergency relief fund don't happen every day. If ever there was a time to a pursue a college degree, now is that time."Fall classes at WKCTC begin August 16. Murray Schools Delay Opening By One Week By West Kentucky Star Staff MURRAY - The Murray Independent School District has decided to delay the start of their school year by one week.In a Friday Facebook post, Superintendent Coy Samons said the decision was made after reviewing current COVID-19 case data for Murray and Calloway County, and after consulting with health care providers and district administrators.As of Friday, Calloway County's incidence rate per 100,000 cases was 29.3, which puts it in the state's red category.The first day of K-12 classes has been moved to Thursday, August 12, and the first day of preschool classes will be Thursday, August 19. The first day for staff is now August 11.The five days of missed classes will be added to the end of the school year. As of now the last day of the Murray school year will be May 20, 2022.The district's reopening plan can be seen at the link below, and includes two levels of mask protocols:Level 1 - students, staff and visitors have the option of wearing masks as desired, but are highly recommended for anyone who is not vaccinated.Level 2 - All students, staff and visitors are required to wear a mask on school property and when indoors. Masks may be removed if outside and 6 feet of social distancing can be observed.On the Net: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. PHOTO:(Senate Television via AP) Paul Campaign: Missed Filing Deadline Not Uncommon By The Associated Press LOUISVILLE - Kentucky Sen. Rand Pauls office says it has always attempted to comply with finance regulations.Pauls former presidential campaign was fined $21,000 by the Federal Election Commission for improperly handling contributions.A statement from Paul says it's not uncommon for large national campaigns to have a missed deadline that is then rectified.The statement says the campaign filed honestly and returned all excess contributions.The FEC said Pauls committee didnt refund or redesignate contributions of $165,749 within 60 days of former President Donald Trump winning the 2016 Republican nomination. Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-03 03:36:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TIRANA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-eight Albanian nationals, including police officers, high ranking officials and prosecutors, have been arrested for international drug trafficking, corruption and abuse of office in a mega-operation between Albanian and Italian police, Albanian authorities said on Friday. Arben Kraja, head of Albania's Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), told a press conference that the two-year Italian-led investigation operation found that those arrested had operated in Albania, Italy, Montenegro and Spain and belonged to four international criminal groups mainly involved in drug trafficking. Kraja announced that investigations found the involvement of high ranking public officials, prosecutors, police officers and administrators of the local government in criminal activities. In his remarks, SPAK Prosecutor Vladimir Mara noted that the four criminal groups were involved in trafficking six tons of narcotic substances, namely cannabis sativa, heroin and cocaine in the direction of Italy worth millions of euros. Albanian officials served as guarantee for the narcotics to arrive in Italy securely either by land or sea, Mara noted. "We have also confiscated 11 private properties in the cities of Vlora, Kavaja and Tirana, including land, businesses and restaurants," Mara said. Ardi Veliu, general director of Albania's State Police, underlined that during this operation, police forces have also confiscated 60 million euros (around 71 million U.S. dollars). Following the press conference, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Albania Luigi Soreca praised the important operation against organized crime and international drug trafficking. "Fight against organized crime and money laundering are top priorities for the EU and for Albania on its EU accession path," Soreca tweeted. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 17:24:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close As torrential downpours hit China's Henan Province earlier this month, many young people have joined the rescue work, via online platforms. The death toll from recent torrential rains in Henan Province had risen to 99 as of Thursday noon. More than 13.91 million people in 150 county-level regions had been affected by the latest round of downpours since July 16. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 21:29:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A forest fire burns near the town of Manavgat, east of the resort city of Antalya, Turkey, July 31, 2021. Turkey is under the shock of unprecedented forest fires that killed four people and injured scores of others in its coastal touristic southern provinces, while authorities are investigating claims of sabotage. (Xinhua) ISTANBUL, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is under the shock of unprecedented forest fires that killed four people and injured scores of others in its coastal touristic southern provinces, while authorities are investigating claims of sabotage. Over 70 wildfires have been reported since Wednesday across the country. Scorching heat and strong winds have fanned the fires in different regions as 4,000 firefighters battled the blazes, aided by helicopters and planes, local media have reported. Around 100 firefighters and over 80 civilians were injured, mostly from smoke inhalation, emergency authorities have announced. Many residential areas, villages, and tourism facilities have been evacuated because of the fires, which also caused many farm and wild animals to perish. Most of the blazes have been brought under control, but several fires were still raging on Saturday in the southwest and south of the country for a fourth consecutive day. Officials launched an investigation into suspicions that the fires that broke out Wednesday in four locations in Manavgat, a Mediterranean tourist hotspot in Antalya province, were the result of arson. Forest fires are regular occurrences in summer in Turkey. However, eyewitnesses have reported wildfires erupting at several different points simultaneously, drawing suspicion. Press outlets and commentators have pointed the finger at Kurdish rebels of the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party. Sympathizers of the organization classified as terrorists by Turkey also hailed the fires on social media. "We won't know for sure until an official announcement is made, but this year many forest fires have started at the same time in many different areas, which may be caused by arson," Aydin Tufekcioglu, a forestry scholar, told Xinhua. The professor of forest ecology from Coruh University in the northeastern province of Artvin also didn't rule out natural causes, explaining that scorching heat and strong winds make a bad combination for fires. "There are strong winds in southern Turkey, which makes fighting the fires nearly impossible, and blazes engulf hectares in only minutes," Tufekcioglu said. "It (fire) began slowly, but it got quite big because of the winds that intensified the flames, and it threatened several residential areas," Barcin Yildiz, an insurance salesman who was vacationing there, told Xinhua from the resort town of Marmaris, in southwestern Mugla province. "I've heard of forest fires in this region but never that big," he said. "It was terrifying." Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 23:20:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- China reported 328 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in July, close to the total of such cases reported in the previous five months, a health official said Saturday. Several places in China have recently seen cluster infections linked to imported cases, said Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission (NHC), at a press conference. In July, 14 provinces reported new locally transmitted confirmed cases or asymptomatic cases, Mi said. As the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread globally, China is facing mounting pressure to guard against the importation of the virus. Since the beginning of July, China has seen an average of 27 daily new imported cases, Mi said. Data released by the NHC showed Saturday that more than 1.63 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered in China by Friday. As of Wednesday, a total of 150 million people aged 60 and above in the country had been vaccinated against COVID-19, said He Qinghua, another official from the NHC, at the press conference. As China is gradually pushing ahead with the vaccination program among minors aged between 12 and 17, around 12.48 million of the population in this age group had been inoculated as of Wednesday, the official said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-31 23:30:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Zanzibar's Minister of Trade and Industrial Development Omar Said Shaaban (L) and Chinese Consul General in Zanzibar Zhang Zhisheng attend the handover ceremony of the COVID-19 vaccines at the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on July 31, 2021. Tanzania's Zanzibar on Saturday received a batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines and syringes donated by China. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua) ZANZIBAR, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's Zanzibar on Saturday received a batch of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines and syringes donated by China. Zanzibar's Minister of Trade and Industrial Development Omar Said Shaaban, Chinese Consul General in Zanzibar Zhang Zhisheng and other officials from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar attended the handover ceremony of the vaccines at the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. This is the second batch of vaccines donated by China to Zanzibar after it made the first donation for frontline health workers about a month ago. Speaking after the handover ceremony, Shaaban, who represented the government of Zanzibar, said the vaccines will play a major role in helping Zanzibar fight the pandemic. "Donation of the vaccines will continue to cement the friendly relations forged many years ago between China and Tanzania's Zanzibar, " said Shaaban. Arrangements will be made for the distribution of the vaccines, said Shaaban, adding that priority for vaccination will be given to frontline workers and those with underlying health issues. For his part, the Chinese envoy said China will always stand with the Zanzibar people in their fight against the pandemic. Apart from the vaccines, the Chinese government has donated various medical equipment and supplies to Zanzibar for fighting COVID-19 since the beginning of this year, according to Zhang. "We will keep sharing experience and providing assistance according to our capacity," said Zhang, adding that politicization and disinformation regarding COVID-19 and vaccines is another virus that must be avoided. Noting that China has provided over 700 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to countries across the world, especially the developing nations, Zhang said the fight against COVID-19 needs solidarity and cooperation all over the world. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 00:54:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on July 14, 2020 shows the Golden Bauhinia Square in south China's Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) A spokesman of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government urged the United States and EU authorities to respect the rule of law and refrain from making any attempt to influence Hong Kong's courts in exercising their independent judicial power. HONG KONG, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Saturday expressed deep regret as some officials of the U.S. State Department and the European Union (EU)'s office on foreign affairs and security policy made irresponsible remarks on the conviction and sentencing by the High Court of the HKSAR against an offender under the national security law in Hong Kong. The HKSAR government deeply regretted and rejected remarks by officials from the United States and the EU which were blatantly trampling on Hong Kong's judicial strengths, let alone their usual politically motivated interference into the internal affairs of China's HKSAR, a spokesman of the HKSAR government said. Every country has a right to safeguard national security and take resolute actions against any offenses, the spokesman said. Officials in the United States and EU repeatedly smeared the national security law since its enactment, alleging that the legislation was being abused in Hong Kong without any evidence or substantiation, the spokesman said. Their unjustified stance on Hong Kong affairs clearly shows their arrogance and double standards, the spokesman said. The national security law clearly stipulates four types of offenses endangering national security and the penalties and law-abiding people will not unwittingly fall foul of the law, the spokesman said. After the implementation of the national security law, Hong Kong people's rights and freedoms under the HKSAR Basic Law as well as the relevant provisions of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as applied to Hong Kong continue to be protected, the spokesman said. Among others, the media and the general public continue to exercise their right to monitor the government's work and the freedom of criticizing policies, the spokesman said, noting that there is no basis for the officials in the United States and the EU to suggest that Hong Kong people's rights and freedom have been undermined. The spokesman urged the United States and EU authorities to respect the rule of law and refrain from making any attempt to influence Hong Kong's courts in exercising their independent judicial power. Such behaviors are detrimental to relationships with the HKSAR on a wide range of subjects of mutual concern and benefits, the spokesman said. Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 07:24:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close In this combo photo taken on July 22, 2021, the left part shows Yan Ze displaying pears; and the right part shows Yan Ze (1st R) talking with workers at a warehouse in Yanman Village, Qixian County, north China's Shanxi Province. Yan Ze, 26, returned to his hometown after graduation in 2017 and began his career as a salesman selling pears. Now, his company owns a pear base that covers an area of more than 20,000 mu (about 1,333.3 hectares), with an annual output of more than 40,000 tons. As China announced victory over poverty earlier this year, more and more young Chinese return to hometowns to start their own planting businesses. With professional skills and novel ideas of management, they are bringing new vitality to China's rural economic development. (Xinhua/Yang Chenguang) Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 07:24:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close In this combo photo taken on July 20, 2021, the left part shows Liu Shuang in an orchard; and the right part shows Liu Shuang checking Yuluxiang pears in the orchard in Xiyang County, north China's Shanxi Province. Born in Xiyang County, Liu Shuang took her father's advice and returned to her hometown after her school days with bachelor's and master's degrees from Wageningen University in the Netherlands and a Ph.D. degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. She focused on improving the quality of the local pears which boasts both good taste and high economic value. She decided to give full play to her professional training and built an e-commerce platform for the planters to expand the market. As China announced victory over poverty earlier this year, more and more young Chinese return to hometowns to start their own planting businesses. With professional skills and novel ideas of management, they are bringing new vitality to China's rural economic development. (Xinhua/Chai Ting) Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 08:22:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON -- The United States registered over 100,000 daily COVID-19 cases on Friday, the highest record since early February this year. A total of 101,171 new cases were reported across the country on Friday, according to the data updated Saturday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (US-Coronavirus-Variant) - - - - DAMASCUS -- A deal to end the recent flared up tension in Syria's southern province of Daraa was reached on Saturday under a Russian mediation, a war monitor reported. The deal will see an end to the military showdown in Daraa, where the army and local armed men have been engaged in heavy battles over the past few days, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (Syria-Russian mediation) - - - - LIMA -- The government of new Peruvian President Pedro Castillo will implement an economic policy that will promote private and public investment, Economy and Finance Minister Pedro Francke said on Saturday. According to Francke, one of the new government's priorities will be job creation, after the COVID-19 pandemic caused around 2.2 million Peruvians to lose their jobs. (Peru-Economy-New government) - - - - MOSCOW -- A Su-35S fighter suffered an engine failure in the Khabarovsk Territory in Russia's Far East, while the pilot ejected safely, the Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday. "On July 31, 2021, during scheduled training flights in the Khabarovsk Territory, a Su-35S fighter jet suffered an engine failure," the ministry's Zvezda broadcasting service reported. (Russia-Plane crash) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 10:22:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A man donates money to help flood-hit people in central China's Henan province to restore life and production, in New York, the United States, July 31, 2021. So far, around 500,000 U.S. dollars have been raised by various entities in New York, said Frank Zhang, president of Henan Chinese Associates U.S.A. Inc., a mutual support group for people with Henan origin. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) NEW YORK, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Americans in New York are donating money to help flood-hit people in central China's Henan province to restore life and production. So far, around 500,000 U.S. dollars have been raised by various entities in New York, said Frank Zhang, president of Henan Chinese Associates U.S.A. Inc., a mutual support group for people with Henan origin. A task force has been established to handle issues related to raising money for disaster relief in Henan with multiple Chinese American groups on board. The task force alone is expected to raise 200,000 dollars by this weekend, Zhang told Xinhua on Saturday. More than 200,000 masks were shipped from Henan to New York and handed out to Chinese Americans at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Zhang. "When we faced difficulties, we got help from Henan. Now, we should come forward and make our contributions to disaster relief in Henan," Zhang added. More than 9.3 million people in Henan have been affected by recent heavy rains and floods. Over 1.1 million local residents have been relocated to safer places. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 13:48:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Flights in Afghanistan's Kandahar airport were suspended early Sunday after rockets struck the nation's second main international airport Saturday night, a local official confirmed. "The initial information found Taliban militants fired three rockets on Kandahar International Airport and two of them struck the runway late Saturday night. Local authorities were inspecting and trying to repair and reopen the runway as soon as possible," the official told Xinhua anonymously. The attack did not cause casualties, the source said. Kandahar city, the capital of the southern Kandahar province, has been the scene of fierce clashes recently as Afghan government security forces continued heavy fighting to prevent Taliban militants from advancing. The militants were trying to overrun the city after capturing several suburban districts in the province in recent weeks. On Saturday, three civilians were killed and 10 civilians, including two women and two children, were wounded during heavy battles in Kandahar city, Dawood Farhad, director of main government-run hospital in the city, told Xinhua earlier on Sunday. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 15:42:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close An air defense brigade from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted a live ammunition drill in areas near the Yellow Sea to celebrate China's Army Day. Aug. 1 marks China's Army Day. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 15:59:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's National Meteorological Center on Sunday renewed its blue weather alert for heavy rainfalls and severe convection in parts of the country. From 8 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Monday, thunderstorms, strong winds and hail are expected in parts of provinces including Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, Anhui and Jiangsu, according to the center. During this period, heavy rainfalls are expected to lash certain areas of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Taiwan and Shanghai. Parts of these regions will experience downpours with up to over 70 mm of hourly precipitation, according to the forecast. The center has advised local authorities to prepare for rainstorms, thunderstorms and gales and be vigilant against possible flooding, landslides and mudslides. It also recommended halting outdoor operations in hazardous areas. China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 16:06:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. and Chinese regulators should enhance communication on the supervision of China concept stocks and work out proper solutions, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said Sunday. These efforts, in the spirit of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, should help create positive expectations for policies and foster a sound institutional environment for the market, said the CSRC. A CSRC spokesperson made the remarks when commenting on the recent statement of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requiring Chinese companies seeking listings in the United States to disclose more information. It is an inevitable choice to strengthen regulatory cooperation between the Chinese and U.S. capital markets, both important markets in the world and increasingly interconnected, the spokesperson noted. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 16:10:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A worker transfers packages of China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine at the Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aug. 1, 2021. A plane carrying a new batch of China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine touched down in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Sunday, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A plane carrying a new batch of China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine touched down in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Sunday, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said. A new batch of vaccine arrived on Sunday morning, he said during the launch of a vaccination drive for the adolescent group aged from 12 to 17. Hun Sen said China is the key vaccine supplier to Cambodia and expressed his sincere thanks to China for donating and selling vaccines to the Southeast Asian nation regularly and timely. The Chinese Embassy to Cambodia confirmed the vaccine's new arrival, saying that it was the fifth time that China had donated the jab to Cambodia. "China and Cambodia are good brothers and friends in a community with shared future," the embassy said. "China will continue to provide unswerving support to Cambodia in its vaccination drive and fight against the COVID-19." On Saturday, a shipment of 300,000 COVID-19 rapid test kits that China donated to Cambodia also arrived in the kingdom, the embassy said. Cambodia launched an anti-COVID-19 inoculation drive for adults on Feb. 10 and for the adolescents in the 12-17 age cohort on Aug. 1. As of July 31, some 7.3 million adults, or 73 percent of the 10 million targeted adult population, had received at least one dose of the vaccines, the health ministry said. Hun Sen said the kingdom is targeting to vaccinate 12 million people, including 10 million adults and 2 million adolescents, or 75 percent of its 16 million population by November. Cambodia logged 671 new COVID-19 infections including 265 imported cases on Sunday, pushing the national total caseload to 77,914, the health ministry said, adding that 23 new fatalities were reported, taking the overall death toll to 1,420. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 16:30:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called on Taliban to undertake a full investigation and provide answers concerning a recent attack on the UN's compound in western Afghanistan, the mission said on Sunday. On Friday, armed militants attacked a main UN compound during heavy battles in Herat city, capital of western Herat province, killing one security guard and injuring several others. The mission wrote on Twitter that perpetrators for "the attack that killed an Afghan guard needs to be held accountable." The city has been the scene of heavy fighting since early Thursday after Taliban launched a massive attack and tried to overrun the Afghan city. On Sunday, battles in the city resumed and entered its fourth day after reinforcement joined Afghan security forces and local Public Uprising Forces to prevent Taliban from advancing. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 16:40:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's inclusive finance loans expanded by 3.26 trillion yuan (503.86 billion yuan) in the first half of the year, 832.4 billion yuan more than the same period last year, the People's Bank of China said. The balance of inclusive finance loans stood at 24.76 trillion yuan at the end of June, up 25.5 percent year on year and the growth rate was 1.3 percentage points higher than that at the end of 2020. Of the total, the inclusive finance loans to small businesses increased by 2.65 trillion yuan, 673.4 billion yuan more than the same period last year. The balance of such loans stood at 17.74 trillion yuan by the end of June, up 31 percent year on year. The balance of inclusive finance loans for farmers' agricultural activities stood at 6.59 trillion yuan, up 13.6 percent year on year. The balance of start-up guarantee loans was 229.3 billion yuan, up 32.9 percent year on year. The balance of student loans totaled 123.8 billion yuan, up 11.2 percent year on year. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 16:51:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Sunday lowered the kingdom's economic growth forecast to 2.5 percent in 2021 from its earlier projection of 4.1 percent, due to the COVID-19. The economy in the Southeast Asian nation is mainly driven by garment and footwear exports, tourism, real estate and construction, and agriculture. "Due to disruption caused by the COVID-19, our growth is projected at only 2.5 percent, down from the earlier prediction of 4.1 percent," the prime minister said here during the launch of a vaccination drive for the adolescent group aged from 12 to 17. Hun Sen said this year's growth relied on agriculture as other sectors, particularly tourism, are still hit hard by the pandemic. He said since the start of the COVID-19 in January last year until now, the government had released a stimulus package of more than 1 billion U.S. dollars to minimize socio-economic impacts caused by the pandemic. Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon said last month that the kingdom exported 4.45 million tons of agricultural products in the first half of this year, up 84 percent year-on-year. Exported to 62 countries and regions, the agricultural products were worth more than 2.57 billion U.S. dollars during the January-June period this year, he said. Cambodia has been enduring the third wave of COVID-19 community transmission since Feb. 20. The kingdom reported 671 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, pushing the national total caseload to 77,914, the health ministry said, adding that 23 new fatalities were reported, taking the overall death toll to 1,420. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 17:32:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close XINING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Qinghai Province on Sunday initiated a five-year fishing ban in parts of the Qinghai section of the Yellow River and its tributaries. The ban, which will be effective until July 31, 2026, covers the main stream of the Yellow River in Qinghai, two lakes and nine tributaries of the country's second-longest river, said the Qinghai provincial agriculture and rural affairs department. Dubbed "the water tower of China," Qinghai is home to the Sanjiangyuan (Three-River-Source) area, where the three major rivers -- the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Lancang River -- originated. Located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Qinghai is also home to many rare plateau species of aquatic wild animals that are endemic to China. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 17:33:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- From investors to businesses, stakeholders have been more optimistic since the national security law in Hong Kong took effect; -- Over the past years, Hong Kong's closer financial ties with the mainland, which feature bond and stock trading programs, have cemented its status; -- "There is no better place in Asia to operate the regional office of a multinational than Hong Kong," a businessman from the United States said. HONG KONG, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- One year after the introduction of the national security law in Hong Kong, the international financial hub has retained, if not enhanced, its global appeal with the restoration of a peaceful business environment. Guests pose for a group photo during a ceremony themed on National Security Education Day in south China's Hong Kong, April 15, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai) COMPETITIVE AS BEFORE Hong Kong remains a competitive and attractive financial center, Nicolas Aguzin, chief executive of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), has said. "It is home to open, globalized and transparent markets, robust infrastructure, internationally-aligned regulatory regimes, the rule of law, the free flow of information and capital, and a deep pool of talent," said Aguzin, who joined HKEX in May after working in Hong Kong for nine years at JPMorgan. From investors to businesses, stakeholders have been more optimistic since the national security law in Hong Kong took effect on June 30, 2020. Photo taken on July 31, 2021 shows the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in south China's Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) A sequence of positive changes has taken shape. There was neither a capital flight nor exodus of foreign firms, and quite the opposite, major global financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, have maintained or planned to increase their presence here. "The law has proved effective in restoring law and order and guaranteeing a stable and predictable environment, where investment is protected and companies feel more secure to operate," said Liang Haiming, a Hong Kong-based economist. Figures do not lie. Over 300 billion Hong Kong dollars (38.6 billion U.S. dollars) flowed into Hong Kong from July to October 2020, and there was also a capital net influx for the whole of 2020. As one of the major bourses in the world, HKEX witnessed an over-50-percent year-on-year increase in IPO fund-raising in 2020, while assets under management here amounted to nearly 35 trillion Hong Kong dollars (4.5 trillion U.S. dollars), up 21 percent from the year before. The IMF recently reaffirmed Hong Kong's status as an international financial center, citing its resilient financial system as well as the policies and regulatory frameworks. Hong Kong was also the third-largest recipient of foreign direct investment last year, according to a report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Photo taken on July 31, 2021 shows the statues on the square of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in south China's Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) BEST OF MANY ADVANTAGES As a gateway to the mainland, Hong Kong has over the past decades thrived on the rapid growth of the world's second-largest economy and become one of the most prosperous regions in the Asia-Pacific. Hong Kong's success largely hinges upon "one country, two systems," said Charles Li, a renowned banker who worked for big financial institutions including HKEX, JPMorgan and Merrill Lynch, respectively, over the last two decades. While foreign investors here find better access to the enormous and ever-expanding mainland market, mainland companies see Hong Kong as a springboard for their global journey and a superior fund-raising platform. Aerial panoramic photo taken on Sept. 12, 2020 shows the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in south China. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Over the past years, Hong Kong's closer financial ties with the mainland, which feature bond and stock trading programs, have cemented its status. At the end of 2020, mainland enterprises accounted for more than half the companies listed here and held 80 percent of aggregate market capitalization. "The more integration, the more benefits," said Hong Hao, chief researcher at BOCOM International. While many parts of the world are still struggling with COVID-19, Hong Kong has bounced back thanks to a fast-recovering mainland economy. Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, highlighted opportunities brought by a new five-year plan of the country, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. "The HKSAR government has strong confidence and ability to fully utilize Hong Kong's unique advantages and competitiveness, and grasp the enormous opportunities... leading Hong Kong's economy to prosperity," he said. Aerial photo taken on July 1, 2021 shows boats cruising at the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Li Gang) "STRONG HEARTBEAT" Responding to a recent U.S. government warning about doing business in Hong Kong, Jim Thompson, a businessman from the United States, who has operated a business in Hong Kong for 55 years, said the U.S. intervention was pointless. "Most of us think it's a ridiculous and unnecessary effort on the part of the United States. We don't need a warning from U.S. President Joe Biden or his advisers because we know what we're doing," said Thompson, chairman of logistics company Crown Worldwide Group. While the United States has imposed sanctions on Hong Kong over the past year, including freezing assets of its officials and revoking its special trade status, Hong Kong is largely unscathed. Most businesses here remain unchanged. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said Hong Kong is still a critical facilitator of trade and financial flow between the East and West, and it has a crucial role to play as an international business hub. Hong Kong has one of the best infrastructures in Asia, an internationally-recognized system of commercial law, and a more open and sophisticated digital infrastructure than many of its Asian peers, the chamber said. People dine at a restaurant in a department store in Central area of Hong Kong, south China, July 31, 2021. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu) After doing business here for decades, Thompson remains a staunch believer in Hong Kong. "Businesses like to operate in a stable environment, with a fair rule of law and a non-corrupt and safe operating atmosphere to have comfort," Thompson said as he welcomed the restoration of stability by the national security law. "There is no better place in Asia to operate the regional office of a multinational than Hong Kong," he said. Hong Kong "has always had a very strong heartbeat and that beat remains very strong today," said the businessman. In 2020, some 9,000 overseas and mainland companies operate in Hong Kong, over 40 percent of which have their regional headquarters or offices here. Business registrations also grew steadily in the first half of this year, adding to evidence of investors' confidence in Hong Kong. (Video reporters: Zhang Yichi, Fang Dong, Wan Houde, Lau Chin Wai, Qiu Bo, Lin Ning, Annie Cheung, Leung Ka Chun; Video editor: Zheng Xin) Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 17:47:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) reported three new imported cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, taking the total tally to 11,987. The new imported cases involved patients arriving in Hong Kong from Cambodia and the United States. A total of 28 cases have been reported in the past 14 days, and all were imported, according to the CHP. Hong Kong launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive on Feb. 26, and more than 5.66 million doses have been administered so far. Some 3.22 million people, or about 47.4 percent of the eligible population, have taken at least one shot of the vaccine, and more than 2.43 million people have been fully vaccinated. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 18:32:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SANAA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- After days of deadly fighting, the Yemeni army has recaptured a chain of strategic mountains near the southeastern tips of the Houthi-held capital Sanaa, a government military source said Sunday. "The army forces backed by Saudi-led coalition warplanes pushed back the Iran-backed Houthi rebels from the chain of Al-Abzakh mountains in Rahabah district southwest of Marib Province," the source in Marib told Xinhua. According to pro-government local media, the army during the week-long fighting also recaptured many areas north and east of Al-Abzakh mountains in Rahabah district. "The rebels fled, leaving behind heavy weapons. Now most of Rahabah district is under the army control," the source said on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported 29 Saudi-led airstrikes on Rahabah district over the past two days, without providing further details. The Houthis began in February a major offensive on Marib in a desperate attempt to seize control of the oil-rich province, the government's last northern stronghold. The United Nations has warned that the offensive on Marib, which hosts nearly 1 million internally displaced people, could lead to a major humanitarian catastrophe. Yemen's civil war flared up in late 2014 when the Houthi group seized control of much of the country's north and forced the internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of Sanaa. The Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in the Yemeni conflict in March 2015 to support Hadi's government. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 18:33:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Aug. 6, 2020 shows Victoria Falls at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. (Xinhua/Wanda) Zimbabwe has reopened the Victoria Falls land border with Zambia for fully vaccinated tourists to allow the smooth flow of tourists between the two neighboring countries. HARARE, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe has reopened the Victoria Falls land border with Zambia for fully vaccinated tourists to allow the smooth flow of tourists between the two neighboring countries. The development follows the successful rollout of a vaccination program that has seen more than 60 percent of residents in the border town of Victoria Falls being vaccinated. Victoria Falls town is home to the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe's prime tourist destination, and one of the world's seven natural wonders. The adjacent Kazungula border post with neighboring Botswana has also been opened, with the majority of visitors being vaccinated. Tourists take photos in Victoria Falls National Park, Hwange District, north western Zimbabwe, Feb. 26, 2020.(Xinhua/Shaun Jusa) Despite the reopening of tourist activities in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe remains under Level 4 lockdown and other land borders remain closed. Earlier this week, following requests from players in the tourism sector, the cabinet resolved to reopen the two border posts to allow tourist activities to resume between the countries. Before the pandemic, more than 350,000 people each year visited the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls which is shared with Zambia to witness the natural wonder. With global travel restrictions and national lockdowns, however, tourist activities were halted for the most part of 2020. Due to its heavy reliance on international tourists, Zimbabwe has been the hardest hit with hospitality industry, and the sector is estimated to have lost at least 1 billion U.S. dollars in potential revenue in 2020. Following the successful rollout of vaccines in the resort town, players in the tourism sector are optimistic that the tourism and hospitality industries will return to normalcy. Victoria Falls's vaccination drive was launched in March with Sinovac vaccines purchased from China, and the tourist destination has become the first city in the region to archive herd immunity. Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary for Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said Friday night that since Victoria Falls has since achieved herd immunity, President Emmerson Mnangagwa had directed that restaurants in the resort city allow sit-in customers. Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 19:01:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. and Chinese regulators should enhance communication on the supervision of China concept stocks and work out proper solutions, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said Sunday. These efforts, in the spirit of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, should help create positive expectations for policies and foster a sound institutional environment for the market, said the CSRC. A CSRC spokesperson made the remarks when commenting on the recent statement of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requiring Chinese companies seeking listings in the United States to disclose more information. It is an inevitable choice to strengthen regulatory cooperation between the Chinese and U.S. capital markets, both important markets in the world and increasingly interconnected, the spokesperson noted. The purpose of ongoing regulation of certain industries by Chinese authorities is to ensure both development and security and promote sustained and sound development of market entities, according to the spokesperson. The CSRC will keep in close touch with relevant authorities when making and implementing regulations and step up coordination between investors, enterprises and regulators to further improve the transparency and predictability of policy measures, said the spokesperson. China has always been open to enterprises' choice of listing places and supported firms in choosing both domestic and international markets in accordance with laws and regulations. No matter where an enterprise is listed, it should comply with laws, regulations and regulatory requirements of the place where it goes public or operates in, the spokesperson said. "The prospects of China's capital market are predictable, with sustainable and healthy development," the spokesperson said, adding that Chinese economy has sustained steady recovery since the beginning of the year, seeing prosperous development of a large number of outstanding enterprises and continuous increase in high-quality investment targets in the capital market. As long as listed companies are operating well with high quality and constantly improving business ecology, they will naturally appeal to investors, said the spokesperson. Firmly sticking to the basic state policy of reform and opening-up, China will continuously deepen opening-up in the financial sector, said the spokesperson, adding that more pragmatic measures for opening-up will be introduced in the next stage to promote the high-quality development of China's capital market. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 19:19:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NANJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's space-tracking ship Yuanwang-3 returned to its homeport in east China's Jiangsu Province Sunday after completing a new round of maritime monitoring missions. During the missions, Yuanwang-3 ensured Fengyun-3E meteorological satellite's entry into planned orbit. Commissioned on May 18, 1995, Yuanwang-3 is a second-generation Chinese space-tracking ship. It has undertaken more than 90 maritime tracking and monitoring tasks for spacecraft, including the Shenzhou spaceships, Chang'e lunar probes and BeiDou satellites. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 19:37:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Passengers walk in the arrival hall of Kuwait International Airport, in Farwaniya Governorate, Kuwait, Aug. 1, 2021. The Kuwait Airport started on Sunday to receive vaccinated expatriates after months of entry ban. (Xinhua) KUWAIT CITY, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Kuwait Airport started on Sunday to receive vaccinated expatriates after months of entry ban. Abdullah Al-Bakhsh, monitor of Projects and Planning in the Engineering Department of Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said in a statement that the first flights carrying expats arrived at midnight. The Kuwait Airport has received eight flights carrying 739 people on board in nine hours since the entry ban was lifted, he added. Ibrahim Al-Sayed, an Egyptian resident who arrived in Kuwait from Cairo by transit through Lebanon, told Xinhua that the arrival procedures were very simple and he met his family members who were waiting for him at the airport. Alia Noor Al-Ddine from Lebanon also reunited with her husband in Kuwait. Al-Ddine said she had been forced to move between Dubai and Lebanon to follow up on her work and now she returned to Kuwait after a long wait. For Suad Ghandoura, also an Egyptian resident, her joy was indescribable when she saw her children after months of separation. Things were very smooth and there was no difficulty during the entry process, especially since she has got the second dose of vaccine, Ghandoura said. Abdullah Al-Sanad, spokesman of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health, said on Friday that Kuwait would receive vaccinated expatriates from Aug. 1. Arrivals must present the result of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure, he added. When they land in Kuwait, they must be quarantined at home for seven days, if they want to end the quarantine early, they must have a negative PCR test result on the third day, the spokesman noted. According to Deputy Director-general for Kuwait International Airport Affairs Saleh Al-Fadaghi, the health authorities limit the number of arrivals at the airport to about 1,000 per day. Kuwait decided in February to stop the entry of non-Kuwaitis to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 20:14:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iran's spokesman of the foreign ministry on Sunday dismissed Israel's allegations about a recent attack on an oil tanker managed by an Israeli-owned company in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman. Saeed Khatibzadeh made the remarks against the accusations levelled by Israel of Iran's alleged involvement in the oil tanker attack. "These accusations and statements are condemned ... and baseless," Khatibzadeh said. The attack on Thursday was reportedly launched by an explosive drone and killed two crew members. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 21:24:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ATHENS, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sixteen people were injured and dozens of homes burned as a forest fire ripped through Greece's Achaea region on Sunday. The fire -- which broke out near Patras located west of the capital Athens on Saturday afternoon -- spread rapidly due to strong winds and reached coastal areas within a few hours. The injured were transferred to hospitals due to respiratory problems. People in nearby villages were told to evacuate. A total of 290 firefighters and 77 trucks, assisted by eight planes and helicopters, were dispatched to extinguish the fire, the Fire Service said. Fifty-six wildfires had broken out in Greece on Friday and Saturday, aided by a combination of dry weather, a heatwave and strong winds. Most of the fires were put out early on, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis said. Authorities warned that the heatwave currently scorching Greece could fuel wildfires throughout the country. According to meteorologists, the heatwave is expected to peak Monday, with temperatures ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius, and could last until at least Friday. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 21:40:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LANZHOU, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- After rainstorm-triggered floods ravaged central China's Henan Province recently, a 150-second video circulating online raised public concerns about the hardships of disadvantaged groups facing natural disasters. The video shows several methods and platforms designed for the hearing impaired to seek help in emergencies, such as websites for translating sign language online, voice-to-text software and short-message alarms. The video was created by Du Yinling, a sign language instructor in Beijing. She said that hearing-impaired people, including herself, are more helpless than healthy people when facing the flood. They cannot communicate with others through written words during such emergencies, and their cochlear implants and other hearing aids may be easily damaged by water, said Du. "They may miss out rescue operations due to their inability to speak or hear." Last year, the 34-year-old uploaded a survival guide for the physically challenged group during the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, her video has gained greater response on social media, garnering more than 16 million views. "We should not forget people with disabilities. They are facing more difficulties than us," a Weibo user named "Juno" commented. "No one should be left behind." Zheng Yutong, a 19-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, shared the video on WeChat and called for more attention to barrier-free services for the disabled. "When facing a sudden disaster, those who cannot see or hear might not receive warning information in time, those with intellectual or mental disabilities may not understand the meaning of warnings, and those with physical disabilities may not be able to evacuate timely," said Zheng. China has 85 million disabled people, Zhang Haidi, chairperson of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, told a press conference in Beijing on Thursday. Mobile applications have played a vital role in helping the disabled survive disasters. For example, "Voice of Hand," an application targeting the hearing-impaired, launched free assistance on July 21 for users affected by heavy rains. The APP provides two types of services. One is "call on behalf," which can help them make real-time phone calls and send messages for help, and the other is an online translation service helping them to communicate with people who do not understand their sign language. Meanwhile, community support has become the most trusted way of rescue for the disabled. Community workers and volunteers provide one-to-one and door-to-door services to those in need and set up WeChat talk groups to solve their daily problems. Civil affairs departments across China have also promptly initiated rescue operations, replenished emergency supplies and provided financial assistance to disaster-hit areas. Xin Kedong, president of the School of Disabilities Education at Gansu Open University, deems these changes reasonable. He believes that they indicate a sign of improvements in the country's social welfare for the disabled in recent years. "With the gradual advancement of the construction of urban barrier-free facilities and barrier-free access to internet services, the emergency response for disabled people has become more exclusive, and the society is more inclusive for people with disabilities," Xin said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 21:42:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- When extremely heavy rainstorms devastated central China in July, it was hard not to notice the troops of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on dams, reservoirs and riverbanks -- the most dangerous areas in the battle against floods. They rushed to the forefront answering the Party's call, fixed dam breaches, evacuated residents in danger, and blasted barriers to release floodwater. The Party's flag flew over the field, and banners on their trucks read "People First, Life First." This provides a glimpse of how the PLA is fulfilling duties in the new era. A strong country must have a strong military, as only then can it guarantee the security of the nation, said Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Over the past few years, the PLA is redoubling the efforts to build a peace-loving world-class military that obeys the Party's command, can fight and win, and maintains excellent conduct. In his latest speech, Xi reiterated that the Party must command the gun. Firmly following the Party's leadership is the fundamental reason why the PLA triumphed over all kinds of trials and tribulations, and advanced from victory to victory, according to Xi. MODERNIZATION FOR PROTECTING PEACE China aims to basically complete the modernization of its national defense and the people's armed forces by 2035, and fully transform its armed forces into world-class forces by the mid-21st century. Major structural changes took place in the armed forces after late November 2015, when Xi unleashed a sweeping military reform. He attaches great importance to military training. Combat capability was established as the "sole and fundamental" benchmark of the military. Only those capable of fighting can stop battles, and only those prepared for war don't have to fall into war, said Xi. "We must put all of our mind and energy in honing the combat capability, and ensure that we are fully prepared, able to fight and capable of winning any time the Party or the people are in need," said Xu Dawei, a military officer, whose brigade works on drone technology. As China keeps building up its national defense and armed forces, the defensive nature of the country's national defense policy remains unchanged. "This is written into the National Defense Law, becoming a basic, abiding and long-term policy we uphold," said He Lei, a national lawmaker and former deputy head of the Academy of Military Sciences. International public security goods were also provided during the PLA's recent exchanges and cooperation with its counterparts around the world. Over the past 30 years, China has sent over 40,000 peacekeepers to 25 UN peacekeeping missions, according to a white paper on China's United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations released last September. China is the second-largest contributor to both peacekeeping assessment and UN membership fees, and the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, said the white paper. China never seeks hegemony or expansion and firmly opposes hegemonism and power politics, Xi said. Instead, the Chinese military has tasked itself with the mission of building a community with a shared future for humanity, taking an active part in international disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in the wake of COVID-19. Since February this year, China's armed forces have provided 25 batches of COVID-19 vaccine assistance to armed forces of over 20 countries including Pakistan, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Sudan. The Chinese military will always be a staunch defender of world peace, said Xi. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 21:51:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A number of Albanian families, who had been detained by the al-Qasd militia in Syria, arrived in Beirut's airport after midnight and were transferred to their country under the supervision of the Lebanese General Security, the National News Agency (NNA) reported Sunday. Abbas Ibrahim, chief of the Lebanese General Security, supervised the transfer of the 19 members of the Albanian families in the presence of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama who came to Lebanon to accompany the families back to Albania on a private jet from Beirut's airport. Ibrahim held a joint press conference at Beirut's airport with Rama, saying this is a continuation of previous operations carried out at the request of Albania to recover a group of women and children who had been detained for a long time in al-Qasd camps in northeastern Syria. "After two years of long negotiations, the children and women have returned," he said. For his part, Rama praised Ibrahim for his great efforts to help the release of the Albanian families, vowing to continue the work to release other Albanians from the camps. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 22:03:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that Iran was behind the deadly drone attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman last week. "I declare unequivocally: Iran carried out the attack against the ship," Bennett said at the start of a weekly cabinet meeting. He added that Israel has intelligence evidence of Iran's involvement in the attack on the oil tanker Mercer Street. Israel expects the international community to exert pressure on Iran that "made a serious mistake," the Israeli leader said. No group or government has yet assumed responsibility for the attack. In a press conference on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh dismissed the Israeli allegations that Iran carried out the attack as "baseless." Zodiac Maritime, a London-based firm owned by the Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, said in a statement on Friday that the attack on its oil tanker Mercer Street on July 29 killed two crew members, a Romanian national and a British national. Iran and armed groups associated with it have been blamed by Israel for using drone attacks to target its ships in the Gulf in previous cases. The latest incident marked the first time that such an attack resulted in fatalities. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 22:36:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Cambodia received a new batch of China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday, which will boost its vaccination drive that targets 12 million people, or 75 percent of its 16 million population by Nov. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 23:49:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- August 1 marks the 94th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). As the world undergoes profound changes unseen in a century, the PLA will safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests and never seek expansion or spheres of influence. China's national defense aims to deter and resist aggression; to safeguard national political security, people's security, and social stability; to oppose and contain "Taiwan independence"; to crack down on proponents of separatist movements such as "Tibet independence" and the creation of "East Turkistan"; to safeguard national sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and security; to protect China's maritime rights and interests; to safeguard China's security interests in outer space, electromagnetic space and cyberspace; to protect China's overseas interests, and to support sustainable development of the country. The Chinese nation has always loved peace. Since the beginning of modern times, the Chinese have suffered from aggressions and wars, and have learned the value of peace and the pressing need for development. Therefore, China will never inflict such sufferings on any country. Since its founding in 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has never started any war or conflict. Since the introduction of reform and opening-up, China has been committed to promoting world peace, and has voluntarily downsized the PLA by over 4 million troops. China has grown from a poor and weak country to be the world's second-largest economy neither by receiving handouts nor by engaging in military expansion or colonial plunder. Instead, it has developed through the hard work of its people and its efforts to maintain peace. China has made every effort to create favorable conditions for development through maintaining world peace and has equally endeavored to promote global peace through its own development. China sincerely hopes that all countries will choose the path of peaceful development and jointly prevent conflicts and wars. China is committed to developing friendly cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. China respects the rights of all people to independently choose their own development path, and stands for the settlement of international disputes through equal dialogue, negotiation, and consultation. China is opposed to interference in the internal affairs of others, abuse of the weak by the strong, and any attempt to impose one's will on others. China advocates partnerships rather than alliances and does not join any military bloc. It stands against aggression and expansion, and opposes arbitrary use or threat of arms. The development of China's national defense aims to meet its rightful security needs and contribute to the growth of the world's peaceful forces. History proves and will continue to prove that China will never follow the beaten track of big powers in seeking hegemony. No matter how much it might develop, China will never threaten any country or seek any sphere of influence. In the meantime, China has the resolve and ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow the secession of any part of its territory by anyone, any organization, or any political party by any means at any time. The "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and their actions remain the gravest immediate threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the biggest barrier hindering the peaceful reunification of the country. China makes no promise to renounce the use of force, and reserves the option of taking all necessary measures. This is by no means targeted at our compatriots in Taiwan but at the interference of external forces and the very small number of "Taiwan independence" separatists and their activities. The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China and safeguard national unity at all costs. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 04:12:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KHARTOUM, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Saturday welcomed an Algerian initiative calling for holding a direct meeting between leaders of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to reach a solution for the differences over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Saturday met in Khartoum with the visiting Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra. "The leadership in Sudan has welcomed the Algerian initiative calling for holding a direct meeting between the leaders of the three countries to resolve their differences over the GERD," Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Sudan's Foreign Minister, said after the meeting. She said the meeting also reviewed the Libyan file and the role of the neighboring countries and their cooperation in ensuring peace, security and stability in Libya. Ramtane Lamamra, for his part, said his meetings with the Chairman of Sudan's sovereign council, the prime minister and foreign minister reviewed bilateral relations with the focus on the current challenges and the contribution of the two countries in facing them. Lamamra arrived in Khartoum on Friday in a two-day official visit. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 19:17:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RABAT, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI urged neighboring Algeria on Saturday to work together for the normalization and development of the two countries' relations. "The security and stability of Algeria and the tranquility of its people are inseparable from the security and stability of Morocco, and vice versa," Mohammed VI said during his throne day speech to the nation. He also called for opening the two countries' borders. Relations between the two North African countries have been marred by several conflicts over territorial disputes after they gained independence from France. Their borders have been closed since 1994 amid tensions over the political status of the Western Sahara region. Algiers supports self-determination for the Sahrawi people there, while Rabat insists that Western Sahara is part of Morocco's territories. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 19:58:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian army said on Sunday that it recently killed 89 highly dangerous extremists in the northeastern province of North Sinai. The military also detected and destroyed 404 improvised explosive devices and four explosive belts, seized 73 machine guns and destroyed 52 vehicles used by the extremist militants "in carrying out their terrorist operations," the Egyptian army said in a statement, without identifying the exact period of the recent raids. Eight soldiers were killed or wounded in the confrontations, according to the statement. Bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, North Sinai has for years been a hideout for militants loyal to the Islamic State regional terrorist group. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 20:03:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Egypt expressed full solidarity with the Tunisian people's confidence in the country's presidency to overcome the current political crisis, said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in a statement on Sunday. Egypt also stressed "the necessity to avoid escalation and refrain from violence against state institutions," and praised the role of Tunisian national institutions in maintaining the country's security and stability. Ahmed Hafez, spokesman of the ministry, also expressed Egypt's aspirations for the Tunisian people to overcome the ongoing challenges and move forward towards building a better future. On July 25, Tunisian President Kais Saied said he has sacked prime minister Hichem Mechichi and suspended all activities of the Assembly of People's Representatives, the country's parliament. Saied said he will temporarily head the government until he appoints a new prime minister. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 21:41:50|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COTONOU, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Benin's President Patrice Talon has urged his fellow citizens to work harder and make the country strong. He made the statement Saturday in his address to the nation on the eve of the 61st anniversary of Benin's Independence Day, in the economic capital of Cotonou. Talon said that Benin, as a nation taking its place increasingly on the international scene, may speak with a strong voice. "But we absolutely have to work over and over again to develop and empower ourselves so as not to depend on the charity of others but to ensure their own autonomy," he said. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, Benin on Sunday celebrated its 61st Independence Day in a sober way, without the usual events such as the military and civil parades. As of Sunday, the country registered a total of 8,394 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of whom, 8,136 people have recovered, and a death toll of 108. Benin reported its first positive case on March 16, 2020, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 23:21:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Sunday said it was clear that the country was making progress in bringing the COVID-19 pandemic under control. Kennedy Malama, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health in charge of Technical Services, however, said the risk of contracting the virus remains high as there was still person-to-person transmission taking place in communities. "We are encouraged by the current positive outlook of the COVID-19 situation in our country. However, this is not the time to be complacent but heighten adherence to the public health and social measures," he said in a statement on the COVID-19 situation. The country has witnessed a reduction in positivity in the last two weeks as well as hospitalizations and deaths, according to the official. The country's cumulative cases stand at 196,293 following 477 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours. The new cases were picked from 6,014 tests done while 17 people died, bringing the total deaths to 3,406. A total of 870 patients were discharged during the same period, bringing the total recoveries to 188,106. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-02 05:15:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and visiting Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra discussed on Sunday bilateral ties and multiple regional issues. During a meeting in Cairo, Sisi stressed his country's keenness to develop cooperation with Algeria in various fields, in a manner that reflects the depth of the brotherly bonds between the two peoples, according to a statement of the Egyptian presidency. For his part, the Algerian foreign minister demonstrated Algeria's interest in strengthening cooperation with Egypt and exploring new cooperation areas. They also expressed keenness to support political coordination and promote security and information sharing in the fight against terrorism and extremism that threatens the entire region. They exchanged views on a number of regional issues of common interest, especially the situation in Libya, stressing the need to support the institutions of the Libyan state and the current efforts to achieve its security and stability and to preserve its unity and sovereignty. Sisi and Lamamra also discussed developments of the situation in Tunisia, affirming that the two countries support all efforts that would maintain stability in the North African country. The latest developments of the disputed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) file were also touched upon, the statement said, adding that Sisi stressed Egypt's firm stance to protect its historical rights to the Nile waters and preserve its water security. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-02 05:24:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Assistant Secretary-General and Coordinator of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Raisedon Zenenga on Sunday confirmed the Mission's support for the Libyan Interior Ministry's priorities. Zenenga made his remarks during a meeting with the Libyan Interior Minister Khaled Mazen in Libyan capital Tripoli, the UNSMIL said in a statement. During the meeting, the two officials discussed the ministry's priorities and progress made on elections security, rehabilitation of police services and infrastructure, as well as formation of the Joint Police Forces to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, it said. Zenenga commended the role played by Libyan Ministry of Interior leading up to the reopening of the coastal road, and expressed UNSMIL's continued support for the advancement of the ministry's priorities, the statement added. For his part, Mazen expressed concern about the continued challenges in dealing with illegal migration, human trafficking and smuggling of drugs and weapons, and highlighted constraints faced by the ministry due to the absence of a national budget. Ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011, Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos. The Libyan Government of National Unity was appointed a few months ago to end years of political division and prepare for the general elections to be held later this year. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-02 05:44:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Sunday condemned vandalism of Libya's water supply systems. "UNICEF deplores vandalizing water systems which cut off children and their families from water, increasing the likelihood of water-borne diseases spreading in the affected areas," UNICEF said in a statement. According to UNICEF, several acts of vandalism affected the water supply to a number of Libyan cities over the past few days. "When access is cut off, children are often forced to rely on unsafe sources, which increases their risks of contracting diseases, especially in very young children," said Cristina Brugiolo, UNICEF Deputy Special Representative to Libya. UNICEF said that assailants' repeated attacks on the Man-Made River's main systems threatens the water security of the entire country and puts millions of lives at immediate risk of losing access to safe water. The Man-Made River, the largest water supplier in Libya, provides 60 percent of all freshwater used in the country. UNICEF called on national and international partners to make the pressing issue of protecting the water infrastructure a priority and step up security measures including the potential deployment of civil forces at the well fields. "The urgent allocation of necessary resources to carry out maintenance will ensure continuity of adequate water supply and sanitation services," UNICEF said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-07-30 23:27:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People are on their way back to work in Munshiganj on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh, on July 31, 2021. Thousands of people, mostly garment workers, Saturday used ferries and even walked to reach back to their places of employment in the industrial belts in and around Bangladesh capital Dhaka as the government decided to allow export-oriented factories to resume production on Aug. 1 amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown. (Xinhua) DHAKA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government has decided to allow export-oriented factories to resume production on Aug. 1 amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, according to a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Friday. According to the notification, export-oriented factories will remain out of the purview of the lockdown from 6:00 a.m. local time on Aug. 1. Bangladeshi authorities decided to impose a strict lockdown from July 23 to Aug. 5 after relaxing restrictions for a week on the occasion of Eid al-Adha festival which was celebrated here on July 21. Bangladesh reported 13,862 new COVID-19 cases and 212 new deaths on Friday, taking the national tally to 12,40,115 and the death toll at 20,467, the Directorate General of Health Services said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 13:30:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- COVID-19 infections in Mongolia increased by 992 over the past 24 hours to 165,147, the country's health ministry said Sunday. A total of 6,075 samples were tested across the country in the past day, and the latest confirmed cases were all locally transmitted, the ministry said in a statement. Meanwhile, five patients aged 61-80 died from the disease in the past day, pushing the national death toll to 847. The Asian country launched a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign in late February, aiming to cover at least 60 percent of its population of 3.3 million. More than 2,177,100 Mongolians have so far received their first dose, and over 1,981,290 have been fully vaccinated. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 14:21:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MAHMUD-E-RAQI, Afghanistan, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Four Afghan civilians, including two women, were killed and one civilian wounded after a mortar shell fired by Taliban militants struck a house in the country's eastern province of Kapisa on Saturday, local police confirmed on Sunday. "The incident occurred late on Saturday in Nijrab district. The family household was damaged, and the wounded was shifted to a district hospital," provincial police spokesman Abdul Shaeq Shurash told Xinhua. The district has been the scene of heavy clashes between the Taliban militants and the security forces in recent days. The government security forces evicted the Taliban from Nijrab after the militants briefly overran the district in late July. Afghan civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts as more than 1,650 civilians were killed and over 3,250 others wounded due to fighting in the first six months of 2021, according to a report of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 16:42:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close YANGON, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar formed a Republic of the Union of Myanmar Caretaker Government, according to an order by the State Administration Council on Sunday. Under the order, the new caretaker government will be led by Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing as prime minister and Vice Sen-Gen Soe Win as deputy prime minister. The caretaker government body comprises of union ministers, union attorney-general, permanent secretary of office of the caretaker government. Since Feb. 1, the state power has been held by Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing after the declaration of state-of-emergency in Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing, in his televised message on Sunday, pledged to hold the multi-party general elections. The Union Election Commission cancelled in July the results of the previous multi-party general elections held on Nov. 8 last year. The National League for Democracy won a majority of seats in both houses of the Union Parliament in the previous general elections. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 17:58:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported on Sunday 8,735 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the Southeast Asian country to 1,597,689. The death toll climbed to 28,016 after 127 more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH added. For the third consecutive day, the Philippines has reported over 8,000 daily new cases of COVID-19. The Philippines, which has a population of around 110 million, has tested more than 15 million people since the outbreak in January 2020. The Philippine National Police began enforcing strict border controls in the boundaries of Metro Manila on Sunday to restrict the movement of people coming in and out of the capital. Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano said only "authorized persons" can enter Metro Manila and its adjacent provinces. "The implementation of strict border controls in Metro Manila Plus areas is critical to stopping the spread of the Delta variant," Ano said. Metro Manila Plus, which includes Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces, is home to over 28 million people. The Metro Manila Development Authority has imposed a 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew to keep people out of the streets. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 19:05:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan government was reviewing a primary materials reserve strategy to cope with food emergencies amid drought and deteriorating security, Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported on its website on Sunday. "Minister of Industry and Commerce Nisar Ahmad Ghoryani chaired a meeting held in Kabul earlier this week to review the strategic reserves of primary materials needed by the citizens," the ministry said in a statement. Representatives of Afghan private sector also shared their views and suggestions with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce leadership on "how the government and the private sector cooperate in providing the primary materials needed in crisis and emergency," the statement read. Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Hashmatullah Ghafuri and Khan Jan Alokozay, deputy to Afghanistan Chambers Federation, have also attended the meeting, according to the statement. The meeting was held as foodstuff and oil prices were remarkably rising amid heavy fighting between the Taliban militants and government security forces nearly in half of Afghanistan's 34 provinces. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-08-01 05:52:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Julia Pierrepont III LOS ANGELES, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Toastmasters International, a U.S. headquartered nonprofit educational organization with purpose of promoting communication, public speaking and leadership, launched its latest club this week in El Monte, a community near Los Angeles, formed by a group of Americans who referred to themselves as "Lao Wai," or "foreigners" in Chinese. The club, called "Lao Wai Jiang Zhongwen" Toastmasters, or Chinese-speaking foreigners Toastmasters, is a Mandarin language club for advanced Chinese language learners who want to practice their Chinese and public speaking. "When we first started this club on our own in 2017, the idea was just to get together with like-minded individuals, and people who have been to China or who were doing business there and to speak Chinese together," Angela Efros, vice president of New Business Development for HG Plus Consulting, and club president and co-founder of the Chinese language club, explained to Xinhua Friday. "It's such a big part of our lives." More than fifty members and guests gathered to celebrate the new club's launch and were joined by prominent elected officials, including U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu. Mike Eng, member of the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board, and member of San Gabriel City Council Jason Pu also attended the ceremony to congratulate the members for their civic spirit and present Certificates of Merit to club founders and officers. "Tastemasters has a glorious tradition of getting people to speak publicly in all kinds of challenging settings - people who have become CEOs, non-profit executives and even elected officials," Congresswoman Chu told the assembled club members. Toastmasters International started with young people and extends to all ages. It was founded in 1924 in California by Ralph C. Smedley and today, through its 16,200 clubs, serves over 364,000 diverse members in 145 countries and regions worldwide. Club members of "Lao Wai Jiang Zhongwen" Toastmasters "wanted to improve their Chinese language public speaking skills and being part of Toastmasters would push us all to the next level," Efros explained. "Even though I'm fluent in Mandarin, like a lot of us are, I've held back from taking more gigs or giving speeches in public," Efros told Xinhua. "Toastmasters will change that for all of us." Many members felt there are exciting cultural benefits that could only be shared and appreciated when one learned the native language of another country, like China. "I think learning a new language helps to understand people on an entirely different level," club member Natalie Ronquillo, a South California-based marketing manager, told Xinhua. "There is something really special about communicating in someone's else's native language that makes the effort well worth it!" It doesn't just help with communication, she contended, but also "It helps understand a culture - whether it's understanding a joke or a fun 'saying,'" and things like China's many interesting proverbs. Wayne Lee, president of Powertec and club treasurer agreed. He added that though translations are adequate for everyday use, communication in the original Chinese provides "a window into the culture and minimizes misunderstandings" that can be caused by meanings getting lost in translation. "Learning Chinese is important as China and the Far East become a more central epicenter of social and economic growth," he told Xinhua. The Chinese language toastmasters new club leadership team consists of some of the original club founders from 2017 as well as other new members. Their once modest networking goals had evolved to something far more timely and significant, the members said, and they intend to put their toastmaster training to good use. As tension grows between the West and China, it's essential for more people to learn Mandarin as many of the Chinese have learned English. This will help diffuse any confusing rhetoric, said club treasurer Lee. "In a time of such turmoil, those of us who are fluent in Mandarin and in a position to help improve communication and cross-cultural understanding need to step up our game and become better bridges between our two cultures and communities," asserted Efros. "What you are doing with this club is truly special," Congresswoman Chu told the assembled members. "You are getting people to come in to practice together, with native speakers, and in the process you will be able to maintain better ties between the U.S. and China." Enditem The CBN also directed banks to set up teller points to meet legitimate forex requests The Central Bank of Nigeria has said it will commence the refund of the N35 million minimum capital deposits to applicants of Bureau De Change licenses. According to a statement signed by the apex bank's Director of Financial Policy and Regulations Department, Ibrahim Tukur, the bank will also commence the refund of licensing fees. A non-refundable licensing fee of N1 million and a minimum capital of N35 million are parts of the requirements for granting licenses to BDC operators. The new development comes after the apex bank banned the sale of forex to the BDCs on grounds of illicit operations and graft. The bank advised the BDC promoters to write to the bank's Director of Financial Policy and Regulations Department, requesting for their refund. "The request should be accompanied (with) the Telex copy of the capital deposit of N35million; Account details for the refund which should be the same as the account from which the capital deposit originated from and a copy of the bank draft/telex for payment of licensing fee of N1 Million(if any)". Also a hardcopy of the letter of request to be submitted to CBN head office, Abuja or Lagos in an envelope clearly marked "Refund of BDC capital deposit " at its top left corner. There is an option of sending the softcopy of the writing in advance of the hardcopy to fprdlicensing@cbn.gov.ng The apex bank directed all commercial banks to stop receiving the capital deposits on its behalf. "In addition all Deposit Money Banks are hereby directed to henceforth stop accepting instructions from customers to transfer capital deposit of N35 million to the designated CBN account for the purpose of applying for BDC licenses. Teller Points Meanwhile, the CBN has directed all Deposit Money Banks to set up teller points at designated branches across the country to fulfill legitimate forex requests. Before now, the BDCs have been the major go-to for all Nigerians seeking forex for business, study, or pleasure. The directive was contained in a memo by the CBN to the deposit money banks and signed by the Director, Bank Supervision Department of the apex bank, on Wednesday. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Banking Currencies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It directed all banks to attend to people seeking forex for personal travel allowance, business travel allowance, tuition fees, medical payments and SMEs transactions, among others. "In this regard, DMBs are also required to adequately publicise the locations of the designated branches and make necessary arrangements to sell FX to customers in cash and/or electronically in compliance with extant regulations. "DMBs are strongly advised to ensure that no customer is turned back or refused FX provided that documentation and all other requirements are satisfied. Equally, undue delays, rationing and/or diversion of FX is strongly discouraged whilst DMBs are required to establish electronic application and alert systems to update customers on status of their FX requests." The bank said that a toll-free line had been set up at the CBN for bank customers to escalate unresolved complaints related to their FX requests. The memo assured that CBN would continue to closely monitor banks' conduct and compliance with the directive in order to ensure an efficient FX market for all legitimate users. Khartoum / Manama Sudan's federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maryam El Sadig El Mahdi returned to Khartoum on Thursday, concluding a successful four-day visit to Bahrain, during which she met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and a number of senior Bahraini officials. The bilateral Sudanese-Bahraini talks expressed the strong and deeply rooted bonds linking the two sisterly countries, the Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported on July 29. The FA Minister flew to the Bahraini capital of Manama on Monday, in response to an official invitation from her counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. In the evening, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received her at the Al Sakhir Palace in Manama. The king hailed the official opening of the Sudanese embassy in the Kingdom, and reiterated Bahrain's support to Sudan's efforts to strengthen peace, stability, and development. On Tuesday, El Mahdi had the opportunity to meet with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) visiting Manama. El Mahdi briefed the WHO official on the health situation in Sudan, in particular the recent rapid spread of COVID-19 in Red Sea state. She requested the UN health organisation to provide the Sudanese with electronic programmes that helps the federal Health Ministry to follow up the developments in the country. The next day, she spoke with the Bahraini Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, the FA Minister, and the Minister of Finance, mainly about the COVID-19 pandemic. The Crown Prince expressed the readiness of his country to support Sudan in combating the coronavirus by providing the Sudanese medical sector with 10 oxygen generating devices. During her meeting with Fawziya Zainal, Speaker of the Bahraini House of Representatives, on Wednesday, El Mahdi praised Bahrain's support for the empowering of Arab women. She pointed to the need to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and mutual visits to exchange experiences. She said that the conditions in Sudan are now favourable for women to be given their full share in the transitional Legislative Council - that is still to be formed. The Sudanese FA Minister also inaugurated the new premises of the Sudanese Embassy in Bahrain. opinion If one of the dividends of democracy is that leaders should always give account to their true employers, the people, many have wondered why the Abia State government is silent on the alleged irregularities in the recovery of the state's share of the Paris Club Refund, Shola Oyeyipo writes If there is anything the people of Abia State are currently demanding from the Abdulrasheed Bawa-led Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), it is to thoroughly investigate how a whopping sum of N11billion was allegedly deducted from the Paris Refund to the state through consultancy services, and bring those responsible for the diversion of the funds to justice. The bubble busted recently, when the anti-graft agency invited the state's immediate past Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, following a petition allegedly filed by a company called Ziplon Nigeria Limited, over a contract it entered with the state government in 2014, which the government had allegedly breached. Also invited was his predecessor, Mr. Phillip Nto. Oriaku alleged that the former governor, Senator Theodore Orji, had signed a consultancy contract with two companies, Ziplon Nigeria Limited and Mauritz Walton Nigeria Limited, to be paid 20 per cent and 30 per cent fees, respectively, on Paris Club refunds received from the federal government. The implication was that for any money received under this heading, 50 per cent would be paid as fees to these consultants. He further revealed that before he was appointed a commissioner in 2015, some N8.2billion was received as Paris Club refund by the previous government. Strangely, there was no record of what happened to the money. Under his watch, he went on, the government received N22billion, out of which the consultants were asking for N11billion as fees. According to his account, when he refused to pay the said sum, he was dragged before the EFCC. While stakeholders in the state were waiting for the state government to clear the air on the issue, it kept mute until a former Managing Director of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Otti, challenged it to disclose all it knows about the allegations. Otti, who had contested the governorship position of the state, in a statement, alleged that the Commissioners of Finance during the tenures of Orji and incumbent governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu had confirmed that the two "consultants" had an agreement to collect about 50 per cent of the refund due the state, which agreements, he said were "questionable," "dubious" and "unreasonable." The banker-turned politician noted that "even in a difficult task of recovery of bad debts through a consultant, the maximum compensation applicable all over the world is between two and five per cent. "So, what brought about the rate of 50 per cent?" Otti queried. He stressed that Ikpeazu should explain why, on assumption of office, he did not terminate the agreements allegedly designed to defraud or shortchange the state. Otti, who also noted that the "consultants" have dragged the state to a Federal High Court in Abuja and the EFCC, with respect to the agreement, in a statement titled: 'Abia Paris Club Refunds: Stealing on An Industrial Scale,' insisted that silence on the part of the Ikpeazu's government on a matter he referred to as "stealing on an industrial scale," cannot be golden. The former bank MD raised some pertinent questions and made demands he expected the government to respond to, thus: What was the role of a consultant, and in this case, consultants, in the process of the federal government making refunds to state governments? He also wanted to know if there was any other place in the country where consultancy fees were more than five per cent of refunds and wondered why anybody would ordinarily sign away 50 per cent of his money as fees to consultants. Otti acknowledged that the agreement was signed by the previous government, but argued if the agreement had been cancelled by Ikpeazu, the contractor wouldn't have had the legal basis to institute an action in court nor petition the EFCC. He also asked the Ikpeazu's government to disclose the steps it took to confirm what the previous government did with the N8.2billion refund, since the former Finance Commissioner claimed he did not see any record of how it was used. Otti also charged the state government to take more than passing interest in the matters before the EFCC and the High Court to ensure that the matter was not only muddled up but expanded to include recovery of looted funds from the treasury of the state. He noted that from Oriaku's revelations, it was clear that Ikpeazu was aware of the existence of the so-called consultants and the alleged questionable agreements they had with his predecessor on behalf of the government with a view to crippling his government and shortchanging the people. He argued that the consultants would not have had any locus or grounds to approach the EFCC against the state if the governor had on assumption of office ensured the termination of the contract entered into by his predecessor. He concluded thus: "The state government should take interest in the matter before EFCC which borders on recovery of funds for one of the consultants and expand the matter to recovery of looted funds in the name of consultancy fees for the benefit of the state. Finally, let me state that this intervention, as usual, is selfless and aimed at reminding those in leadership positions in Abia that silence in this kind of matter is not golden. The government at every point must be accountable to the people. The government should therefore come clean and explain what it knows about this matter to Abia people." Otti had hardly concluded his statement when the governor's Chief Press Secretary went agog, abusing him and calling him names. A few hours later, the state Commissioner of Information took over, lampooning and insulting him for daring to ask his boss questions about his stewardship and social contract with the people. Interestingly, they said practically everything except that they failed to answer the simple questions Otti posed. And since those questions remain unanswered till date, they will continue to be asked and the public will continue to wait for their answers. Last month, the Enugu Zonal office of the EFCC arrested Oriaku and some officials of the Abia State government on matter. It was gathered that the officials were detained and later granted administrative bail. However, the invite by the EFCC has forced the state House of Assembly to wade into the issue. But it is being frustrated as Oriaku has shunned the invitation extended to him by the ad-hoc committee set up by it to probe the issue. It was later gathered that he had, through his legal counsel, responded in a written statement and given reasons why he could not honour the invitation. Angered by the development, the state assembly has threatened to issue warrant of arrest on the invitees should they fail to appear before it. At committee's sitting last Monday, a member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency and Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Hon. Emeka Okoroafor, said: "We are doing our constitutional mandate as it concerns public fund and anyone one who fails to come, then we will apply to the Speaker for warrant of arrest to bring them here to do what is needful." The chairman added, "His argument was that after he left office, he did know whether the amount was paid and that matter is in different courts. It was based on the controversy and the report that we received from the law firm, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Co, and many petitioners that we decided investigate Obinna Oriaku's claim." He added that the invited people who should help in the fact-finding mission, adding that many of them refused to honour the invitation. "We will be left with no other option than to do what the constitution demands that we should do," he said. Analysts have argued that Abia State is one of the states in the South that has been badly governed since the return of democracy in 1999. Most said is that the state is also receives so much in federal allocations as an oil producing state. In spite of its relatively huge earnings from oil proceeds every month, the state's debt profile, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO), has more than doubled from N33.53billion in 2015 to N70.57billion by March 31, 2021. Yet, they believe that there is nothing in terms of development to justify this huge debt. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Despite the bailout funds and Paris Club refunds from the federal government all totalling over N36billion, the state has taken its record of indebtedness to its workers to an unconscionable high. For instance, as at June 2021, teachers in primary and tertiary institutions and health workers are being owed outstanding salaries ranging from 19, 27 to 31 months. With teachers' salaries, both at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels outstanding for several months, many wonder what the government is expecting from the educational sector and kind of products are it is expecting from schools whose teachers are not being paid. Another serious concern is the non-payment of salaries to health workers in the state even during this period of medical emergency, where health workers elsewhere are paid extra allowances to keep them focused on saving lives. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had threatened to terminate the training of medical students at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, over protracted industrial action. The first Vice President of NARD, Dr. Aromo Adejo, in an interview disclosed that NARD would instruct all relevant agencies to stop training medical doctors at Abia Teaching Hospital and withdraw their accreditation forthwith. It is believe that not only would the N11billion that was allegedly siphoned through the consultancy, comfortably cleared all the salary arrears being owed to these workers but also address the infrastructural deficiency in the state. analysis Sexuality education in our clime is erroneously viewed as promoting unhealthy sexual relationships among young people which unfortunately is not the case. Sexuality education seeks to equip young people with life skills and values needed to determine and enjoy their individuality. It views femininity/masculi The glimmer of hope that the country will have a free and fair election in 2023 general election had been dashed by our senators. Section 52(3) of the electoral amendment bill 2021 which provides for electronic transmission of election results from the polling unit received a kiss of death by the APC senators after a rowdy session in the Senate. In 2015, when President Goodluck Jonathan introduced the card reader which was part of the drive to checkmate multiple voting, detect election fraud and ensure free and fair election, the APC which was desperate to clinch power commended the bold initiative. There is no gainsaying the fact that APC was the beneficiary of the card reader machine in 2015 general election. The election victories recorded by the party across the country could be credited to such technological innovation. Little wonder many Nigerians expected the National Assembly to maintain the momentum by passing the section 52(3) of the electoral bill into law, and pave the way for electronic transmission of results. By its name, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should act independently according to the laws that established it. For the Senate to insist that INEC should collaborate with Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the possibility of adequate network coverage in the country and seek for its approval before it adopts electronic transmission of result raises serious suspicions on its part. The million-naira questions begging for answers are: why did majority of APC senators vote against the electronic transmission of result? Are they acting on the script of their party to frustrate any genuine efforts to have a credible and acceptable poll in 2023? It is either the ruling party plans to rig the 2023 as suspected or is jittery that the transmission of result electronically will expose it to serious defeat. The civil society organisations and Nigerians should wake up and reject this glaring rape of our democracy. - Lawal Adamu Usman, Kaduna State Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in one of his final engagements while in the United Kingdom held an an audience with Malawi Congress Party diaspora at the Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel in London. Speaking to Nyasa Times, Nic Thindwa who is the Communications Director of Malawi Congress Party Diaspora Network (MCPDN), an umbrella arm of all the regional diaspora groups said: "the President responded to the request from the party members to have time to engage and discuss party matters. While an open meeting for everyone could not be arranged, the President offered to meet some of the leaders of the group." Leader of delegation , who is also MCP Global Chairperson Chalo Mvula welcomed the President before diving into key issues that were core to the meeting agenda. In his speech, Mvula said that there has never been better time for the diaspora to play a crucial role in the development of Malawi than this, when the world is rocked with a pandemic and the world has become one global village due to globalisation of people and services. Mvula said Government should eliminate the resistance to diaspora efforts to contribute to and more meaningfully participate in national issues. "The obstacles diaspora face include perceptions that we only want to be involved because we are desperate for positions, that we are condescending in our approach and undermine the efforts of comrades on the ground, that we are too far away from the action to make any meaningful impact on the ground," Mvula said. He argued that the majority of diaspora participation are for the sake of building Malawi, based on patriotism - since most of these members are already well-settled in the diaspora Mvula further said the diaspora is prepared to be central to government trade and investment options by being middlemen in the attraction of foreign direct investors and tourism ambassadors in the communities where they live and network. The MCP Diaspora leaders committed to partnering with government in order to champion awareness campaigns for the diaspora on the business opportunities available in Malawi and their associated processes. "In partnering with government and agencies like Ministry of Trade and Industry, Diplomatic Missions, and through regional networks, we will secure for the diaspora community incentives and tailored business opportunities. "In partnering with government through various envoys in the diaspora, we will help secure trade links, investments, franchises, public-private partnerships, human, material and financial resources for business in Malawi," added Mvula. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Malawi Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. President Chakwera said involving the diaspora has always been his plans because he has an understanding of the great and vibrant skillsets at hand. Chakwera commended MCPDN for coming up with an idea of skill transfer and exchange programmes saying he will make sure his government capitalise on that by arranging for the skilled diasporas to be coming to Malawi and equip locals with knowledge on short term basis. Malawians in Ireland asked the Malawi leader to consider opening an embassy there, a request the president welcomed as an interesting idea and will consult the Foreign Office to do some feasibility studies on Ireland. The other members of the MCP Diaspora leaders that attended the meeting were: Thoko Patterson, Pastor Nelson Ngulube, Mphatso Mainala, Allan Mandindi, Felix Banda and Patricia Chinoko. analysis Two hundred and fifty months! Administratively, my full time United Nations service totals 20 years and 10 months at the end of this month - July 2021. At a personal level, the 250 months represent a lifetime of learning, passion, service, friendships and some frustrations. Working for the UN is like being at the university of life - every day is a learning experience - learning-by-doing, new concepts, and adapting to new situations, and interests. Working for the UN is not just a job - it's service. I have learnt from brilliant scientists and professionals. I have also acquired invaluable knowledge from many at the community and grassroots levels. The unbridled enthusiasm of many interns with whom I have worked has been rewarding. Dull moments are few and far-between. Being paid toFocusing on integration do what I enjoy - making a difference - is priceless. Supporting UN member states in their efforts for collective action to global challenges with massive national impacts is rewarding. Negotiations may be long, arduous, fractious, and frustrating, but it was well worth it to be in the room and be witness to historic and landmark decisions such as the 'Future we Want' and the '2030 Agenda'. Frustrations of divergent views and special interests are overshadowed when the outcomes - the 2030 Agenda, Paris Climate Change Agreement, and many others - redefine how we should contribute to changing the trajectory of the world in which we all live. Working for the UN is a privilege, and my greatest honour was being appointed by the Secretary-General as the founding Africa Regional Director of the UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO). It's an honour that I share with just but a few because it's not every day or every year that the UN establishes a new office! The work of the UN sustainable development system is to provide the whole-of-UN-system action in engaging with the whole-of-Government and with partners and stakeholders in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and also, the African Union vision - Agenda 2063. I'm taking early retirement at the end of July 2021 after two years as UNDCO Africa Regional Director during which I established the Regional Office in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, and the Dakar Office for West and Central Africa; and built a team of 12 staff committed to translating into action UN member states' resolutions, and the Secretary-General's vision to transform lives and opportunities for all in all countries. Our work is focused at the country level, supporting 53 Resident Coordinators (RCs) and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) in 54 countries across Africa in their work with governments, partners and stakeholders to resolve social, economic and environmental problems, including climate change; and to transform people's lives and national economies in harmony with our environment. The work of the UN sustainable development system is to provide the whole-of-UN-system action in engaging with the whole-of-Government and with partners and stakeholders in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and also, the African Union vision - Agenda 2063. The commitment at all levels is to leave no one behind in such transformation, taking integrated action on social, economic and environmental issues and opportunities. My team's work involved visiting RCs and UNCTs across Africa to better understand the environment in which they work, the support they need to effectively respond to the expectations of governments and their people. However, the COVID-19 pandemic upended our business model over the past year-and-half, forcing us to conduct most of our engagement on online platforms such as Teams and Zoom. Ground-truthing UN reform through country visits and directly engaging RCs and UNCTs, government officials, funding partners and stakeholders has been impossible during this current COVID-19 environment. Undertaking field trips to engage directly with communities and experience first-hand the UN at work on the ground was curtailed by the pandemic. This is one important area of our work that online platforms can never accommodate. Despite the challenging impacts of COVID-19 on lives and livelihoods; and how we work at regional level, RCs and UNCTs across Africa have made tremendous progress in translating UN resolutions; and the Secretary-General's vision of a 21st Century UN sustainable development system that is "focused more on people and less on processes, more on results for the most poor and excluded, and less on bureaucracy, more on integrated support to the 2030 Agenda and less on 'business-as-usual.'" I was privileged to have been in such outstanding company, not only in the context of DCO, but all members of the UN family across the world who - individually and collectively - are responding to making a difference at country, regional and international levels. Sustainable development is today's human story. It's no less compelling than emergencies and disasters whose images always convey urgency and galvanize action. Focusing on integration As I reflect on my two decades in UN service, I realize that the main thread of my work has been on integration - tackling the interlinkages of social, economic and environmental issues central to human well-being today and across generations. In the 18 years that I was with the UN Environment Programme, I coordinated both regional and global environmental assessment and reporting work; supported the General Assembly's Second Committee consultations on sustainable development issues; and directed its regional presence work, supporting the integrated implementation of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs through its regional offices. Working on four global and about 10 regional environmental assessments, I was exposed to diverse views and interests. I got to understand and acknowledge that science and policy are interdependent; and that science can be negotiated when it comes to policy decisions and action. Climate change and policy making are a good example. Consensus evolves, and can be frustratingly glacial until competing interests are accommodated or not at all. For example, it took almost three decades for sustainable development to be universally embraced. With its roots in environmental discourse, sustainable development was often perceived as an environmental agenda to limit economic development. The world has since accepted that integrating the three dimensions of sustainable development - social, economic and environmental - is central to transformation, leaving no one behind. Lesson from the field Hard data and information tell a story, but cannot beat a human story. And people like stories to which they can relate. In January 2020, for example, I visited the community in Fabidji in Niger, which is involved in strengthening social cohesion among farmers and herders in the Dosso and Maradi regions. The women, participating in this Peacebuilding Fund-supported project being implemented by UN Women and FAO, were excited to talk about their experience and how they were resolving tensions and conflicts. The project helped train women as conflict mediators; and created 346 Dimitra clubs (men and women dialogue groups), providing for the effective participation of women, including Fulani women, in village assemblies (such participation is not culturally tolerated). The role of 600 women mediators in conflict prevention and management, and in land commissions is now increasingly accepted. Women's inheritance rights are also increasingly recognized in communities. During the January 2020 field visit, some of the women conflict mediators excitedly spoke to us about their success, the positive impacts among communities, and the need for ongoing UN support. Their focus was on successful delivery and impact on their lives. They never spoke about quality planning and project documents. These are internal workings of the UN system, and of no interest in their lives. I believe that their expectation is for the UN to deliver and to get them to their destination - a better life. Reflections on the work ahead Beyond the health and socio-economic responses to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on lives and livelihoods, I believe that it's important not to lose the pandemic's lessons - that we are in one world; that we are all in this together; and that neighbour now not only means next door and shared national boundaries, but also manifests across regions. The whole-of-UN-system response to the COVID-19 pandemic in support of countries and people across Africa is an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The COVID-19 response has been about now, controlling the spread of the virus, saving lives and livelihoods, repurposing resources for the now, and ensuring that countries get on track to recover better, pulling up all who fell behind and those left even further behind. While the COVID-19 response was turbo-charged, sustainable development generally seems to be on a two-stroke engine, giving the impression that we have time: We don't! The 2030 Agenda and Africa's Agenda 2063 are action documents. It's important that they are not perceived as more long-term rather than urgent. They should not be a source of delayed action or inaction. Sustainable development is today's human story. It's no less compelling than emergencies and disasters whose images always convey urgency and galvanize action. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa International Organisations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. I believe that a compelling human story about sustainable development should always convey urgency and galvanize action, including massive financing, which is currently limited. Telling that compelling story is one of the major challenges that we face in our collective efforts to deliver on the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The SDGs have to be delivered daily in order to achieve transformation. People want their daily bread today - not tomorrow, not next year, and certainly not in 2030 or 2063! The 2030 Agenda and SDGs are best before 2030. Yes, planning is critical for success; and quality plans and frameworks are just as important. I believe, however, that quality documents do not change people's lives - action does. While financing sustainable development is a huge challenge; and delivery on the ground and transforming lives, leaving no one behind seem onerous, I believe that challenges galvanize action, and that the RCs and UNCTs in Africa and across the world are up to the challenge. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve with women and men from all corners of the world and from many diverse cultures, and alongside so many talented and experienced colleagues - Resident Coordinators and UN Country Team members, Regional Directors, and UN colleagues across the world - who are in service to make a difference at country, regional and international levels. Mr. Chenje is the outgoing Regional Director, Regional Office for Africa, UN Development Coordination Office. With more than 30 years' experience in sustainable development, both in and outside the UN, Mr. Chenje joined UNEP in Nairobi, Kenya, in the year 2000, where he served in various capacities, including as Africa Regional Coordinator for environmental assessment and early warning; Head of integrated global environmental assessment and reporting; Head of Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs at UN Headquarters in New York; and Director of the Regional Presence Office. He has also served as Deputy Chief Officer at the UN Secretariat of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol in Montreal, Canada. In 2019 he was appointed the Regional Director for the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) Regional Office for Africa based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, till his retirement in July 2021. analysis As political parties and candidates step up their election campaigns to canvas votes, Zambian Women and Youth Movements are also set to launch and present their respective Women and Youth Manifestos to the Presidential Candidates. The women and youth manifestos reflect the collective voice of Zambia's women and youth, the manifestos are therefore truly the . These manifestos outline a clear development agenda and the pressing needs and priorities from the point of view of Zambian women and youth. Those seeking political leadership, particularly as the country heads towards the 2021 general elections, need to respond to and address the needs identified in the manifestos. Women and youth are collectively standing up and making their voices heard, through the manifestos' call to action and pleas, which cannot be ignored. Furthermore, the voices reflected in the manifestos come from sections of society that tend to be excluded from decision-making processes, despite making up the majority of Zambia's population. The manifestos are the result of a consultative process, involving a cross-section of women and youth represented by groups and organisations at national and provincial levels. The participants who contributed to the manifestos represented different sectors including; political parties, civil society, public institutions, private sector, and tertiary education. In addition, the aspirations of young people and women with disabilities were also integrated. Following the consultative and inclusive processes, the Women and Youth manifestos are ready to be presented to Zambia's Presidential Candidates for the 2021 general elections. By presenting these Manifestos to the Presidential Candidates, the Zambian Women and Youth are seeking solidarity from and a demonstration of commitment by these candidates by way of having them (the Candidates) sign these Manifestos. The signing ceremony will be witnessed by a representation of Women and Youth Groups that have been pivotal to this initiative. The signing of these manifestos, by the presidential candidates, must also be seen as a re-affirmation of what their respective political parties already committed to. Previously, during the consultative process, the preliminary findings of the women and youth's contributions were presented to the relevant organs of the respective political parties when they (political parties) were also developing their election manifestos. It was pleasing to note the readiness and willingness of these political parties to integrate the issues coming from the consultations into the manifestos. The Zambian Women and Youth look forward to their collective voices, contained in these manifestos be heard, and the issues addressed. Following the general elections, the Women and Youth Manifestos will serve as tools for social accountability and continued strategic engagement as the commitments made by the candidates will be systematically tracked. The women and youth manifestos have been facilitated and supported by Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) in collaboration with the Zambia National Women's Lobby (ZNWL) and the Centre for Young Leaders in Africa (CYLA) within the framework of the USAID funded Southern Africa Political Parties and Dialogue (SAPP&D) Programme . The Young Women in Action (YWA), an organisation also working with political parties in Zambia was instrumental in providing a platform to engage some political parties that DWF is not working with. The initiative has also been made successful with active participation and commitment of a wide range of women and youth-gugu@democracyworksfoundation.org groups/organisations as well as political parties. These manifestos can be accessed on the following links: DWF, CYLA, ZNWL, and YWA. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Women Governance Children By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. We would like to take this opportunity to thank, in advance, these Candidates for their willingness to carry the Women and Youth Agendas as they seek public office! Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) is a southern African non-profit organisation focused on democracy development in the region. With headquarters in South Africa, DWF works through its country offices to provide tools to develop resilient democracies. DWF is legally registered in Zambia as a non-profit organization. For media engagement and interviews, contact the DWF team: Zambia: Natasha Bwalya Mutumba, Country Project Manager, nmutumba@democracyworksfoundation.org South Africa: Gugu Makhubo, communications manager Government buildings in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia. Protests and political turmoil have rocked Tunisia this month, a decade after the Arab Spring demonstrations - but the underlying causes have been in the making for years. Uprising on the street, parliament suspended and an economy in tatters - Tunisia is in turmoil after protests erupted over a new wave of COVID-19 and an age-old way of doing politics. The north African nation has been hailed as a beacon of hope in the Arab Spring, but a decade on and demoralised Tunisians returned to the streets to demand change at the top and an end to deep-seated inequalities across society. Here is a rundown of what stoked the turmoil and the chances for a roadmap out: What is the root cause of the protest? The drivers of today's crisis are not new, having sparked uprisings throughout Tunisian history. The most famous was in late 2010, when vegetable seller Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire after police confiscated his produce cart, sparking mass demonstrations over unemployment, corruption, and state repression. Despite transitioning to democracy, widespread disquiet went unaddressed. Economic development was scant, especially outside the country's northern regions, said Larbi Sadiki, a political scientist who has studied marginalisation across Tunisia. In 2019 research for the Brookings Institution, Sadiki found deep disparities in access to healthcare, natural resources, clean air and water, income, employment, and education - with Tunisia's coast much better-served than its south. "Inclusive economies do not exist at all," Sadiki told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. According to official data from 2019, some coastal areas had just over 10% unemployment, while southwestern and southeastern regions had more than double those rates. "These inequalities have not changed; it'sSo will those inequalities change? still more of the same," said Sadiki. What's that got to do with today? Inequality was a constant cry in this week's rallies. "They [the politicians] have a lot of money and we have nothing," said protester Monia Jardezi, a 50-year-old widow. "People are dying." Fadil Aliriza, editor-in-chief of media organisation Meshkal, said multiple grievances exacerbated the malaise. "There's a whole host of different protest movements that have been converging," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "There have been protests around the issues of consumer prices, police violence, the targetting of poorer neighbourhoods where working class people feel economically marginalised." Public anger had also been building over austerity measures introduced while Tunisia negotiated with lenders for a $4 billion loan to help stabilise its economy. As part of those talks, Tunisia proposed cutting its public sector wage bill and swapping subsidies for more targetted aid. Has COVID played a role? Yes - and in more ways than one. The pandemic has crushed Tunisia's tourism sector and successive lockdowns have kept restaurants and cafes closed. Unemployment has jumped from 15% pre-pandemic to 17.8% this spring, according to the World Bank, which said women and young people were disproportionately affected by rising joblessness. As food prices shot up and earnings fell, families ate less. Aliriza said government assistance packages were riddled with arbitrary blindspots, for instance bypassing families that lacked a male head of household. "COVID has been absolutely devastating," he said. "People lost their jobs but didn't get any help." Amnesty International pointed to inequalities in Tunisia's vaccine rollout, with no priority for vulnerable populations including some health workers, prisoners and the homeless. It also feared "undue political interference" meant some officials were vaccinated before health workers. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tunisia Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Daily new infections peaked on July 12, and deaths hit a new daily high 10 days later at 204. "There is nothing in the country," said Salah Omrani, a 23-year-old unemployed man from a poor neighbourhood in Tunis. "With coronavirus, there is nothing - no vaccines, no oxygen, no intensive care. We have nothing here," he said. So will those inequalities change? Saied says "wrong economic choices" led to major financial crises and has pledged to tackle corruption and embezzlement. Imen Ouni, 33, a medical assistant who joined protests this week, said she retained hope in the face of despair. "It won't be worse than the last 10 years - we can't live with just freedom and then die of hunger," she said. Yet in the longer term, change could be hard to win. "These are structural problems of poverty, marginalisation. Are these going to be fixed in one month or one year? Impossible," said Sadiki. "The next generation is going to be paying the taxes of these bad policies." Fridays For Future and Extinction Rebellion climate protests are set to resume in coming weeks ahead of November's COP26 summit * Activists shift focus from coal to gas production * Extinction Rebellion to launch more London protests next month * International school strike planned for September 24 Climate activists will try to shut down gas terminals and protest fracking plans in several countries this weekend, as a post-lockdown push to influence the agenda ahead of November's COP26 climate summit in Scotland kicks off in earnest. The school strikes and city-stopping actions that pushed global warming to the top of the political priority list before the COVID-19 pandemic are also set to resume in coming weeks. The grassroots Extinction Rebellion group has said it will launch two weeks of actions against new fossil fuel investments in London next month. The Fridays For Future student movement, meanwhile, has called a global school strike for Sept. 24, which falls during the U.N. General Assembly where leaders will discuss their responses to climate change. "Global citizens are at the beginning of an escalation of actions and activities that will be culminating at the COP (climate summit)," said Asad Rehman, a spokesman for the COP26 Coalition, an umbrella for unions, aid agencies, faith and green groups working on climate justice. A global day of protest for climate equity will take place on Nov. 6 in the middle of the COP26 summit, added Rehman, who is also director of anti-poverty charity War on Want. However, coronavirus, cost and climate change concerns will prevent some activists from travelling to the main demonstration in Glasgow, where the conference will take place. This weekend, up to 3,000 activists from Germany's Ende Gelaende, a green civil disobedience movement, plan to blockade the Brunsbuttel liquefied natural gas terminal in a bid to stop operations. "It's going to be the biggest mass action since the lockdown began," said spokeswoman Ronja Weil. Campaigners will also take to the streets in a dozen countries including Argentina, Ireland, Bolivia and Canada. In a strategic shift, they are targeting gas rather than coal plants, and linking actions in the Global North and South. Their target, according to Esteban Servat, who co-initiated the Shale Must Fall group which called this weekend's protests, is European multinationals "that are doing abroad what they cannot do at home - namely fracking". Servat, an Argentinian scientist, says he fled his country for Germany because of "intense persecution and death threats" after leaking a government report that linked contaminated water tables to fracking. Another protest at Scotland's Mossmorran gas plant complex on Sunday aims to "amplify the struggle of local communities", which have to contend with pollution, noise and gas flaring, said Benji Brown, a spokesman for Climate Camp Scotland. "Even where I live in Edinburgh, which is 20 miles away, you can see (the plant) light up the sky at night," he said. The action also intends "to create space for the climate movement in Scotland to regroup and rebuild momentum in the run-up to COP26", he added. COP26 host Britain is putting pressure on other countries to commit to ending the use of, and funding for, coal power. But natural gas - a less carbon-intensive fossil fuel - is being supported by some governments as a "bridge" to a cleaner energy mix. ONLINE COLLABORATION Around the world, COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions have pushed much climate activism online since early 2020. But while governments have since made fresh promises to green their economies, climate-heating emissions are still rising. At the same time, headlines about heatwaves, floods and wildfires have flashed by with dizzying speed, as climate change impacts accelerate. "There is a growing frustration about the lack of adequate climate action, which has been hidden by the pandemic," said Wendel Trio, director of Climate Action Network Europe. Vaccine inequity and online link-ups during the pandemic have spurred greater coordination between activists in wealthy nations and developing countries, he added. "This global movement will use the COP26 momentum to bring climate action and equity back to the forefront, in whatever way necessary," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. But the pandemic is still shaping how protests happen. Ende Gelaende, for instance, insists on testing, face masks and social distancing for its actions. Extinction Rebellion spokeswoman Nuala Gathercole Lam said the pandemic had been "a big obstacle" - although the group has continued to mount actions like a blockade of print works used by Rupert Murdoch's News UK group in 2020. FOSSIL FUEL FINANCE As Britain's COVID-19 restrictions have eased, Gathercole Lam said "fresh waves of climate activists" were getting involved as the group prepares to take to the streets again in the week of Aug. 23 to oppose fossil fuel finance. Despite a recent report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) calling for an end to new fossil fuel investments, about $600 billion has gone into new gas fields, pipelines and LNG facilities under development, according to analytics firm GlobalData. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Climate Africa Petroleum By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. That is fuelling fears that the chances of pegging global warming to the Paris climate accord's most ambitious limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times may be dwindling. To meet the goal, emissions would need to fall by 7.6% every year until 2030, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. While greenhouse gas emissions did drop by about 6% in 2020 due to the global economic disruption caused by the pandemic, the IEA expects them to rise again to a record high in 2023. Since last year, gas has been responsible for more European emissions than lignite coal, according to an analysis of EU Emissions Trading System data by the Ember think-tank. Extinction Rebellion's Gathercole Lam said members would next month demand an end to "all new investment in fossil fuels immediately". "We'll be in the City of London where much of the money flows into the fossil fuel industry, taking action there," she added. (Reporting by Arthur Neslen. Editing by Megan Rowling. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers the lives of people around the world who struggle to live freely or fairly. Visit http://news.trust.org) opinion Transcending the colonial fabrication of race is a radical idea that works against tribalism of all forms. Now, as opportunists whip up ethnic hatred, South Africa again needs this ethic. The death toll in the recent riots and the campaign of sabotage that accompanied them is now said to be at more than 330. National attention has overwhelmingly focused on Phoenix, the largely South Asian and working-class township in Durban where 16 deaths have now been recorded. This has generated considerable focus on the relationships between South Asian and African people. The pro-Jacob Zuma forces have actively and often effectively sought to exploit the situation by inflaming it at every opportunity. There has been a constant circulation of fake news and inflammatory statements on social media, often carefully calculated to incite as much fear and anger as possible. Unfortunately, many politicians, journalists and intellectuals have been swept up in the frenzy and contributed more heat than light. There is a febrile atmosphere in which paranoia is festering, the crudest racial language has been used and there appears to be impunity for openly circulating threats to murder people at random, even children. Much of this is wildly divergent from ordinary life in Durban, in which there are all kinds of everyday conviviality along with enduring divisions. Committing to non-racial politics It may be useful to step back and offer some wider context to the situation in Durban. We all know that the apartheid system used South Asians as a "buffer" race between whites and Africans and offered South Asians better treatment than Africans in significant respects. This escalated with the failed attempt to win consent for the tricameral system in the 1980s. We also know that for a long time South Asians and Africans were politically organised on a segregated basis with South Asians in the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and Africans in the African National Congress (ANC). The racist views expressed by Mohandas Gandhi, the founder of the NIC, during his time in South Africa are well known too. So too are the anti-South Asian viewRacism's creeps of Anton Lembede, the founding president of the ANC Youth League. Membership of the ANC was solely for people defined as Africans by the apartheid state until 1969. People who would not have been classified as African under apartheid were only allowed to be elected into leadership after the 1985 Kabwe conference. The ANC's commitment to non-racialism after this point was not absolute. Figures like Peter Mokaba and Fikile Mbalula expressed openly anti-South Asian views. There have also been forms of chauvinism against people designated as coloured by the apartheid government, perhaps most notoriously expressed by Mzwanele Manyi. But a more serious commitment to non-racialism was forged elsewhere. In the Congress tradition it was the South African Communist Party and later Umkhonto weSizwe and the ANC underground that built non-racial forms of politics. People such as Yusuf Dadoo, Lenny Naidu and Phyllis Naidoo offered exemplary commitment. The emergence of the Black Consciousness movement in Durban provided a major challenge to thinking about race in terms of colonial categories, and a sharp generational break between younger South Asian activists and the older generation in the Natal Indian Congress. The Black Consciousness movement considered all people who were not classified as white to be Black. In other words, blackness became a political identity. In 1972, Rubin Phillip, who is of South Asian descent, was elected as Steve Biko's deputy in the South Africa Students' Organisation (Saso). Phillip, who went on to become an Anglican bishop inspired by the radical educationalist Paulo Freire, the Black theology of James Cone and the liberation theology of Gustavo Gutierrez, remains politically active today. In 1973, younger and still more radical figures took centre stage when Saso famously organised a rally in support of Frente de Libertacao de Mocambique (Frelimo) or the Liberation Front of Mozambique at the storied Curries Fountain sport ground in Durban. The young Turks arrested after the rally included people such as Aubrey Mokoape, Muntu Myeza and Patrick Lekota; and Strini Moodley and Saths Cooper, both of South Asian descent. In the early 2000s, Moodley, who has since died, would often regale young activists with stories of the tensions between the young radicals in the Black Consciousness movement and Fatima Meer, the doyen of the Natal Indian Congress. In fact he said that they used to break up her meetings, which they saw as "flat-footed tribalism". Nineteen seventy-three was also the year of the Durban strikes, and the beginning of the revival of Black trade union movement. Along with white radicals such as Rick Turner and David Hemson, young South Asian radicals, including Omar Badsha, were also swept up in the ferment. In 1985, Jay Naidoo, who also had political roots in Saso, was elected as the secretary general at the launch of the Congress of South African Trade Unions in Durban. The trade union movement mobilised millions of people at its height and was a powerful force in building a popular non-racialism. People of all races joined the United Democratic Front (UDF), launched in Cape Town in 1983. The UDF also mobilised millions of people and, although it was not without its challenges and disagreements, was also a powerful force in building popular non-racialism. There was also significant South Asian participation in smaller but still significant political formations. Abu Baker Asvat, a founding member of the socialist and Black Consciousness party the Azanian People's Organisation, came to be known as "the people's doctor". He was held in very high regard in the Black Consciousness circles of the 1980s. But he is seldom spoken about today because it is widely thought that Winnie Madikizela Mandela ordered his murder in 1989. Many people prefer to gloss over this history because it remains potentially racially explosive. The non-racial political tradition formed in all these organisations was always imperfect, but it was a major political achievement, and one that drew in all the leading South Asian intellectuals and many ordinary people. Of course, it is not true, as many often imply, that South Asians were uniformly opposed to apartheid. There were, as in the African communities and those designated as coloured by the apartheid government, many collaborators, and many ordinary South Asians internalised the colonial system of racial hierarchy and deferred to whites while considering themselves superior to Africans. Racism's creep But now much of what was achieved in the past, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, has been eroded. There has been some economic deracialisation among elites in KwaZulu-Natal. The rich spend their time together in places like Zimbali in Durban and Camps Bay in Cape Town. There has also been some deracialisation among the very impoverished who often live close to each other, share the intimacies of neighbours and are increasingly forming families together. But many middle-class and better-off working-class South Asians continue to live in little racial bubbles. Racism is not uniform in these little bubbles, but it certainly exists and is not always challenged with sufficient directness and vigour. These days the leading strata of South Asian society tends to identify itself as South Asian rather than Black, and with the globalisation of South Asian culture through Bollywood there is often a much stronger identification with India than there was in the past. But there are push factors as well as pull factors towards a greater sense of a South Asian identity. The key push factor is the rise of a crude and open anti-South Asian politics. The most noxious personality driving this today is Julius Malema. The fact that the ANC has not shown any willingness to hold the line against a turn to a politics of crude chauvinism has made many South Asian people feel anxious, fearful for the future and no longer certain that de facto citizenship guarantees de jure citizenship. Fears are often expressed that Malema may turn out to be "another Idi Amin". At the same time South Asians are sharply divided by class, religion and ethnicity. There is no overall leadership, and the leaders that claim to speak for various groups are often self-appointed. In some cases, they are common opportunists. In the absence of any kind of progressive leadership there is no organised way to oppose and isolate racists, and this creates fertile ground for reactionary forms of politics to emerge. The most alarming development in the turn to the Right is the entry of the fascist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party in India, into South African communities. This follows a similarly ominous development in Mauritius. The BJP has a presence in Phoenix. A party that has its roots in Nazism and is an unapologetically Hindu supremacist organisation can only do terrible damage to the social fabric in South Africa. But without significant organising and credible intellectual and political leadership, there is no clear basis for coherent opposition to entry of a fascist form of Indian politics into South Africa. The non-racial project rapidly decayed after 1994 for two primary reasons. The first was that it had always been rooted in the practice of political work, and especially mass politics. But party politics became an unseemly scramble for personal power and the demobilisation of community organising and the co-option of the trade unions meant that there were no longer opportunities for ordinary people to participate in political work, and to learn and grow in political organisations. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The second reason for the rapid decay of the non-racial ideal was its co-option by liberalism. Desmond Tutu coined the phrase "rainbow nation", and Nelson Mandela, who had gone to prison before the emergence of mass-based forms of non-racial political organisation and participation, enthusiastically picked it up. The radical idea of non-racialism was largely abandoned but the term "non-racialism" was swiftly incorporated into the liberal rainbow nation idea. White liberals were thrilled and used this Disneyesque form of facile multiculturalism to prevent Black people from speaking and acting against racism. But non-racialism was fundameRacism's creepntally a different idea, and practice, to "rainbowism". Non-racialism meant militant anti-racist action in the present, work to build solidarity on the basis of anti-racism in the present and a vision of a future in which the idea of race, a colonial fabrication, would eventually be transcended so that, in the famous words of Robert Sobukwe, there would be "only one race to which we all belong, and that is the human race". "Rainbowism" meant that people were still divided into races, which were now said to have magically become equal and racism dispensed with overnight. The student movement of 2015 issued a very direct challenge to the enduring coloniality of the academy. But it made a major mistake in uncritically accepting the appropriation of the radical idea of non-racialism - an idea central to the thought and practice of people like Biko and Sobukwe - by liberalism in the form of "rainbowism". The result was that the proverbial baby was thrown out with the bathwater. The decay and then abandonment of non-racialism is not taking us into a better future. On the contrary, it is taking us into all the dangers and crudities of racial, ethnic and religious mobilisation by opportunists, people known in the academic literature as "ethnic entrepreneurs". We see this with the entry of the BJP into South Africa, the emergence of the Patriotic Alliance and the ways in which the pro-Zuma forces seek to whip up ethnic and racial sentiment. It is urgent that the non-racial tradition is restored, and that it is restored in organisation and struggle. If we fail to restore the non-racial tradition there will only be more violence, incitement and hatred. Radio programmes made for and by young people are helping to address sensitive social issues like teen pregnancy, abuse and child marriage * In rural Africa, many rely on radio for information * Project trains young Malawians to cover sensitive subjects * Shows address child marriage, abuse and teenage pregnancy When Doreen Sakala fell pregnant as a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Malawi, she felt alone and worried about her future - until one day she switched on the radio. She was stunned to hear young people discussing the educational challenges faced by pregnant teenagers in the southeastern African country, where youth-led radio is helping tackle taboos from child marriage and sexual abuse to HIV. "Listening to the radio opened up my eyes to the opportunities I can have if I work hard in school," Sakala, now 20, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from the Mudzi Wathu radio station in central Malawi. In many parts of rural Africa, radio is the only source of information. Across the continent, 54% of African youth use radio as their main news source, according to a pan-African survey by the South African-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation. Five years after Sakala first began listening to the "Let's Shine" radio programme, she felt she was ready to go back to complete her secondary school education, and dreams of training to become a doctor. "I want to finish my education ...(so I can) assist my baby and people in my community," she said. The radio show that inspired her, which is made by and for young people, is part of an initiative led by Developing Radio Partners (DRP), U.S.-based charity that works with local radio stations in low-income countries. It is estimated to have reached three million youth since it went on air in 2017 in Malawi, where teenage pregnancies, child marriages and sexual violence have increased since the pandemic began last year. Charles Rice, the head of DRP, said the rate of child marriages had declined in communities where the organisation is working with local stations. "It really demonstrates the power that radio and well-trained reporters can have on critical social issues," he said. ROLE MODELS About 400 youth reporters have been trained so far to research and host radio shows with nine stations across the country, covering culturally taboo topics including sexually transmitted diseases and contraception. "We don't just train the reporters how to do journalism, we also provide them with life skills, and then they become role models for all youth in their communities," Rice said. For many vulnerable youth, radio can inspire them to make necessary changes or seek help, said Meclina Chirwa, 32, who works as a presenter at Lilongwe-based Timveni Radio, which has also sought to address sensitive issues. "On a daily basis, we receive over 200 calls ... We reach out to people that we can't reach physically," she said. "We've had several scenarios where girls have been calling to complain of abuse they are facing in their homes and we've followed up ... some of the girls ended up being in our care and support," she added. Far from Malawi's big cities, the chief of Nzenje village near the Zambian border, said teen-led radio shows have contributed to the dissolution of six child marriages, with another three currently in the process of being dissolved. Child marriage is illegal in Malawi, a country of about 18 million people, but convictions are rare and the practice remains common. "While some rules protecting children are in place, most leaders have not been enforcing them ... these radio programmes have brought light to us when we were in the dark," said the village chief, Lawrence Lungu. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Malawi Children Media By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Despite facing ridicule from her peers when she returned to school five years after her baby was born, Sakala said she is determined to fight for her education, particularly because she knows she is not alone. "Other students were talking behind my back but I knew the reason why I was there so it was easy to ignore them," she said. Chiko Moyo, a radio trainer for DRP, said the aim of the radio shows was not just to reduce the number of unwanted teen pregnancies, but also about showing teenage mothers their lives are not over. "It's a question of mindset," said Moyo. "If you can change someone's thinking, you can change how they act." Writing by Kim Harrisberg @KimHarrisberg; Editing by Helen Popper. Please credit the Thomson Reuters analysis Within the framework of the Southern Africa Political Parties and Dialogue (SAPP&D) Programme, Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) in Zambia in partnership with the Zambia National Women's Lobby (ZNWL) and the Centre for Young Leaders in Africa (CYLA) embarked on a Youth and Women Manifesto initiative in October last year. The initiative was meant to collate and aggregate the aspirations of the youth and women groups in Zambia on a wide range of development and policy priorities for presentation to political parties ahead of the August 2021 elections. This Youth and Women Manifesto initiative was conceptualized as one way of contributing to the realization of inclusive politics and development which is one of DWF's core values as well as SAPP&D programmes strategic objectives. This is also in line with the ZNWL mission that seeks to advance the inclusion, representation, and participation of women at all levels as well as CYLA, as it is a platform that advances the agenda for the youth across Zambia's political spectrum. The development of this women manifesto benefited from the collective efforts and contributions of various organizations, groups, and individuals that have a common agenda to advocate for meaningful inclusion of youth and women in all spheres of life in Zambia. In addition to the aforementioned lead partners, a number of organisations under the women's movement of Zambia and youth-focused organisations are also part of this collective initiate as highlighted in the list below. The youth and women manifesto reflect the collective voice of the young people and women of Zambia. Through these manifestos, women and the youth in Zambia are outlining their pressing needs and priorities that they aspire to be addressed by those that are seeking political leadership particularly as the country heads towards the 2021 general elections. The manifesto development process involved the facilitation of consultative meetings with a wide range of youth and women groups as well as other relevant organizations across all ten provinces of Zambia. These were organized both at provincial and national levels to solicit their inputs into the manifesto. These target groups reflected the diverse sectors in which youth and women are involved including political parties, civil society, public institutions, the private sector as well as that tertiary education. Efforts were also made to ensure that the aspirations of young people and women with disabilities are integrated. This process culminated in the production of the You Download: Zambia Youth Manifesto Download: Zambia Women's Manifesto th and Women Manifesto documents. After a long, consultative and inclusive process, the Youth and Women manifestos have been finalized. The Youth and Women movements would now like to present their respective Manifestoes to and seek the endorsement of the Presidential Candidates prior to the 12th August 2021 elections. List of organizations that are part of the Youth and Women Manifesto Initiative Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) Center for Young Leaders in Africa (CYLA) Zambia National Women's Lobby (ZNWL) Youth and Women in Democracy Initiative (YWDI) Proactive Youths for Positive Change (PYPC) Young Women in Action (YWA) Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia (AAAZ) Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) National Youth Development Council (NYDC) Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) Vision Zambia Initiative (VZI) Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ) Young Emerging Farmers Initiative (YEFI) Zambia Alliance of Women (ZAW) Youth for Parliament (Y4P) United Teachers Union of Zambia (UNITUZ) Zambia Empowerment Hub for Entrepreneurship and Skills Training (ZEHEST) Non-Governmental Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) She Entrepreneur (SHE) Young Volunteers for Environment Zambia (YVE) Volunteers Welfare for Community Based Care of Zambia (VOWAZA) Zambia Federation of Associations of Women in Business (ZFAWIB) University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Youth Development Organization (YDO) Vilole Images Restless Development Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zambia Governance Women By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Youth Sexual Health in Zambia (YHSZ) Action Governance Forum (AGF) Mporokoso Bwafano Development Organization for Peoples Empowerment (DOPE) Mapesho Womens Club Mansa District Women Development Association Monze District Women Development Association Graduate Women Zambia (GWZ) Advocacy on Human Development (AOHD) Women for Change (W4C) Community for Human Development (CHD) Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) Community Youth Concern (CYC) Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Disability Rights Watch (DRW) National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) Women in Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Lusaka West Women's Association Zambia National Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ZNASLI) Zambia National Association for Disabled Women (ZNADWO) analysis South Africa's COVID-19 vaccine rollout programme, outlined by the Ministry of Health, had three phases, starting with the most vulnerable population. Phase one included all the frontline healthcare workers. They received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Phase 2 vaccinated people over 60 years old and those in congregate settings. The third and final phase, now under way, covers the remaining South African population. The programme got off to a shaky start in February 2021. It encountered a number of setbacks such as supply, logistics and governance issues, but has gained momentum in recent weeks. As many as 200,000 doses are being administered daily. By the end of July 2021, almost 2.9% of the South African population had been fully vaccinated and 7.5% had their first of the two Pfizer doses. Despite this uptake, many South Africans are still hesitant to take the vaccine. The circulation of misinformation about it poses the danger of hampering efforts to control the pandemic. In this article, we aim to dispel some of the myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines. Myth 1: The COVID-19 vaccine will affect a woman's fertility This myth was sparked when a social media post was shared in December 2020 by Dr Wolfgang Wodarg, a physician and former chief scientist for allergy and respiratory therapy at Pfizer, and Dr Michael Yeadon, a pulmonologist. They claimed that the spike protein on the coronavirus was the same as the spike protein that is responsible for the growth and attachment of the placenta during pregnancy. The fear was that, as a result of the vaccine, the immune system would not be able to differentiate between the two spike proteins and would attack the placental protein. This is untrue. The overall makeup of the placental protein is very different from the coronavirus spike protein. Additionally, during the Pfizer vaccine tests, 23 women volunteers became pregnant after taking the vaccine. Furthermore, the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh the risks of infection for pregnant women. Myth 2: I've had COVID-19, so I don't need a vaccine Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can occur even in individuals who have previously contracted the virus. But receiving the vaccine can provide protection against severe COVID-19 complications. The level of protection that is achieved from natural immunity after being infected by the virus is unknown. But scientists believe that the vaccine provides better protection than natural infection. Myth 3: COVID-19 vaccine side-effects are dangerous Several studies have been conducted since the start of the pandemic that have measured South Africans' perceptions of vaccine issues. A recent study by the University of Johannesburg and the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa found that of the respondents who did not want to be vaccinated, 25% were concerned about side-effects. Most of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild. They include low grade fever, sore arm and fatigue, and these usually subside after one to three days. Rare side effects such as blood clots have been reported from the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The chances of experiencing this side effect are low. The risks of blood clots as a result of COVID-19 infection are 8-10 times higher than risks associated with the vaccine. Doctors are aware of this concern and are trained to identify and treat the condition quickly. A recent article by Healthline - a medically reviewed and fact checked website - compared the benefits and risks of being vaccinated with those of contracting COVID-19. Lung damage is a complication of COVID-19 while muscle fatigue can be a side effect of the vaccine. This risk-benefit decision is left to the individual to make, but vaccinations have been proven to be safe. Myth 4: Vaccines have a microchip that will track and control an individual This conspiracy theory has been propagated by anti-vaxxers who believe that the American business magnate, investor and philanthropist Bill Gates will implant microchips to track people's movement, using the vaccine as the method of delivery. This is untrue and has been clarified by Gates in the media. This myth gained traction when a video was shared on Facebook making false claims about the optional microchip on the syringe's label of the COVID-19 vaccine. This microchip's purpose is to confirm that the injectable and the vaccine are not counterfeit and haven't expired. It will also confirm if the injection has been used. People commenting on the video appeared to have misinterpreted the technology as an injectable. But the microchip is part of the syringe label and not the injectable substance itself. Myth 5: The COVID-19 vaccine development was rushed, so it may not be effective Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The vaccine was developed very quickly. This was possible because the vaccine technology had been in development for many years. When the genetic information of SARS-CoV-2 was identified, the process could begin quickly. There were sufficient resources to fund the research and social media made it easier to recruit participants for the clinical trials. Because SARS-CoV-2 is contagious, it was easy to tell whether the vaccine worked or not. Myth 6: The COVID-19 vaccine can alter my DNA The messenger RNA vaccine (Pfizer) and the viral vector vaccine (Johnson and Johnson) cause your body to develop protection, so that when you are infected by SARS-CoV-2, your body is prepared to fight the virus. DNA is located in the nucleus of your cells and the vaccine material does not enter the nucleus. So it does not alter the DNA. Social media plays a huge role in propagating myths and conspiracy theories. Before you share any information, you should ensure that it is from a scientific and reputable source. Neelaveni Padayachee, Senior Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand and Varsha Bangalee, Senior Lecturer, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Egypt's Permanent Representative for the United Nations Mohamed Edris marked on Friday the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons marked on 30 July. The day is organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in cooperation with the Group of Friends United Against Human Trafficking, which Egypt has contributed to its establishment, a statement by the foreign ministry read. The event gathered countries' representatives, UN authorities concerned with human trafficking and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) concerned with providing assistance to the trafficking victims. A part of the event focused on listening to the testimonies of the human trafficking victims so that they contribute to spreading awareness of the forms of this crime and the way to ask for assistance to face it. The Egyptian Cabinet on Friday also displayed Egypt's efforts to combat human trafficking over the past half decade on the occasion of the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons marked on 30 July. Among these efforts is the launch of the national strategy to combat human trafficking 2016-2021, the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons in 2017. Egypt also launched a national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of human trafficking in May 2019, under the slogan "Together against Human Trafficking". The campaign aimed at defining all forms of this crime in Egypt, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, exploitation of homeless children and trafficking in human organs. The campaign urged citizens to report such cases and informed them of these crimes' penalties. Egypt Today The exercise was largely peaceful in most parts of the state but gunmen invaded Ugwuachara Central School, Ebonyi Local Government Area, shooting sporadically. At least two persons were injured on Saturday in Ebonyi State as the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) turned violent in Ebonyi Local Government Area. The exercise was largely peaceful in most parts of the state but gunmen invaded Ugwuachara Central School, Ebonyi Local Government Area, shooting sporadically. Many persons were said to have sustained injuries from the gunshot while others took to their heels. The gunmen, believed to be working for a top politician in the state, allegedly carted away the electoral materials. The local government had been identified as a flashpoint before the exercise as major stakeholders from the area failed to agree on consensus candidates for the election. A resident of the area said supporters of top politicians in the area continued to shoot sporadically all through Friday night at Ugbodo in preparation for the congress. A source who witnessed the shooting at Ugwuachara said the gunmen stormed the area in a bus while voting was going. "At 5 p.m., I drove from police junction Ugwuachara through Tina Nweze street to Ugwuachara Central School. I was trying to access a small market there to buy ginger for my wife. "On getting to Ugwuachara Central School, I saw a black Hiace bus with tinted glass and a saloon car. I didn't pick the reg numbers because their plates were covered, besides the multitude in the field participating in the APC ward congress. "All of a sudden gunmen numbering about ten emerged from the bus with AK-47 rifles and gunfire ensued. There was chaos as I was caught in the melee, I managed to hit the Abakaliki Mile 4 road and crossed to the other side "I packed somewhere and rushed to where I could get a clear picture of the scene. I saw gunmen suspected to be Ebubeagu operatives fleeing the scene while others started returning fire. "At that point, the unknown gunmen entered their vehicles and drove out while Ebubeagu entered their own vehicle and pursued them. "Then some people who ran towards my side told me that two gunmen were brought down," he said. "When I emerged from my hiding place, I drove towards police junction trying to access my house but started hearing the sound of gunfire again along Tina Nweze street and people who where fleeing the street told me that Ebubeagu were confronting the unknown gunmen who fled through Haraca by Expressway. "On my way home I saw a woman lying in her pool of blood and when I asked onlookers, they told me that one of the people pursuing the gunmen hit a bike carrying the woman and her leg got shattered." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Ebubeagu is the security agency set up by the state government. The source, who pleaded anonymity, said he drove the injured woman to the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital where he also saw some members of Ebubeagu who brought some of their men to the hospital. "When I got to Accident ward AE-Fetha I noticed the presence of Ebubeagu operatives and when I enquired I was informed that they rushed their colleagues who suffered bullet wounds from the incident to the hospital," he said. PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm the claim that two person were killed during the shootout. The police spokesperson, Loveth Odah, did not respond to requests for reaction. The Commissioner for Internal Security, Stanley Okoro Emegha, said he was not aware of the shooting. He said the congress was largely peaceful and successful in most most parts of the state. Nigeria is currently experiencing a spike in infections attributed to the highly transmissible Delta variant discovered in the country a few weeks ago. Nigeria on Saturday recorded 497 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases as new infections continue to increase amid fears that the third wave of the pandemic has already hit the country. The new figure indicated a slight decrease from the 590 reported on Friday as the biggest daily figure since March. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control disclosed this on Saturday night, noting that the total number of cases in the country has risen to 173,908. The centre added that the 497 new cases were recorded in 17 states and the federal capital territory, FCT. In an update on its Facebook page, the NCDC said no new death was recorded from the disease, indicating that fatality toll remains 2,149. Eight people died from the disease on Friday. Nigeria is currently experiencing a spike in infections, a development that has been attributed to the highly transmissible Delta variant discovered in the country a few weeks ago. Breakdown A breakdown of the NCDC data showed that roughly a third of the new cases on Saturday were from Lagos. The commercial city recorded 211 out of the 497 daily total. Akwa-Ibom State came second with 80 new cases while Kwara recorded 73 cases. Osun State in South-west Nigeria ranked 4th on the log with 29 cases while Oyo and Rivers had 17 cases each. Cross River recorded 15, Anambra nine and Ogun eight. Ekiti recorded six new cases, the FCT, Bayelsa and Plateau states recorded four each. Bauchi and Nasarawa states also reported two while Kaduna recorded the lowest figure of one alongside Jigawa State. With the recent increase in daily cases, active cases have risen to 6,755 in Nigeria. Meanwhile, according to the NCDC data, of the over 173,000 new cases, 164,994 people have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals across the country. Nigeria has tested over 2.4 million samples out of its estimated 200 million population. As part of plans to curb further spread of the disease, the federal government has warned against mass assemblies for political activities. analysis Sticky post President Muhammadu Buhari and other global leaders gathered in London for a two-day Global Education Summit that aims to raise US$5 billion for education globally. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted school systems, resulting in school closures in 2020, with many schools turning to virtual learning where it was possible. A recent report found that in low middle-income countries, less than a third of students are back to having in-person lessons. It is therefore more important than ever to shift our gaze to the impact of the pandemic on the education of our children and their short- and long-term health. The goals of the summit are great and there is no doubt that Nigeria's education system will benefit from some of the funds that will be raised. But will more money solve the problems in the system? Over the last decade, the nation's education system has faced one incredible challenge after the other and in most other societies, education would be at the top of the political agenda. One in five of the world's out-of-school children is in Nigeria. This is a statistic that should keep our political leaders awake at night and not least, our President. Nigeria's Education Crisis The problems plaguing Nigeria's education system include but are not limited to strikes in higher institutions, school closures due to the pandemic, which led to the West African Examination Council (WAEC) delaying final exams, causing many students to lose out on entries to the next level of education and the existing inequity between public and private schools. This inequity was further highlighted as activities in public schools ground to a complete halt while many private schools were able to switch to virtual learning. In addition to all that, kidnappings of staff and students from schools have escalated from lone incidences such as the kidnapping of 276 school girls in Chibok that caught the world's attention in 2014, to almost weekly occurrences. The education crisis should be front page news in the Nigerian media, the subject of protest and agitation and the burning topic on everybody's lips. But it is not! Why? Is it because the catastrophic consequences of little or no education on the health, wellbeing and future of our children are not immediately obvious? It may be that young people are not sufficiently represented in the current administration and are therefore unable to speak up on matters affecting them. Whatever the reasons are, we cannot ignore the tragic consequences of an education crisis on the well-being of the nation. Impact of Education on Health As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Nigeria, we might again be faced with the question of the value of public health and social measures to limit the spread of the virus. The reality of our education system and its impact on our children's education should be obvious, but what is its impact on the health of our children? (1) Mental Health -- Schools are increasingly becoming unsafe. Children who have experienced kidnappings as direct victims or witnesses could suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This could be harder to diagnose in young children who cannot express their emotions easily. However, the impact will manifest one way or another. The inequities in access to education, especially between public and private schools is becoming very evident. COVID-19 laid these differences bare, especially when we look at the gaping digital divide and how access to virtual learning was impossible for many school children. What is the impact of this in the long term? Will more money solve this? Probably not. (2) Increased exposure to violence -School closures or absenteeism for any reason increased children's vulnerability to violence, whether physical or sexual. Parents were unable to leave work to supervise their children, leaving them with limited adult supervision and in many cases, the extended periods in the home was the risk factor, especially where access to protective services was disrupted. Older children may also be exposed to drug abuse, which is a rising problem in Nigeria. Will more money solve this? Probably not. (3) School meals in Nigeria (Nutrition) -- The government has a national school feeding programme to provide meals to help children stay in school and reduce malnutrition, particularly children from low-income families. While this is a great programme, it has not been rolled out in every school, with some states doing better than others. Malnourished children will struggle with learning, engagement and critically, growth, as poor nutrition negatively impacts a child's ability to learn. Will more money solve this? Yes, if well channelled. (4) School dropouts and impact on health -- This can affect long-term productivity and health seeking behaviour. Child dropouts could be required to engage in physical labour which could affect their health and leave them prone to chronic diseases. In addition, girl child dropouts are at risk of child marriage which will have lasting consequences on their education and well-being. Will more money solve this? To an extent, if well targeted, however decisive policy action and legislation is needed to ensure girls can continue their education. (5) Poor health protection for children -- Many Nigerian schools have poor emergency management and response systems. Although risk of COVID-19 is lower in children, it is not at zero and may get worse with new variants. Yet, many schools do not have regular water supply for handwashing and children learn in over-crowded classrooms or live in crowded boarding facilities. There have been reports of children contracting and even dying from cholera. Will more money solve this? Yes, if well targeted. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Education Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. While more money may help solve some of the problems in our education system, we must also focus on implementing and sustaining interventions that require political will. The impact of our poor educational system has become an existential issue, unfortunately, a vast number of Nigerians do not readily perceive this. The decisions we make today about the education of our children will have huge implications, not only on the health of our children, but also on the very existence of our national constructs. As the Government of Nigeria's delegation at the Summit returns, the Ministry of Education must get to work immediately. The Government needs to urgently declare a national emergency on the challenges our schools face. The public must be aware of the impact of a poor educational system on the health of children and use their voices to remind our government of their responsibility. We may still have a window of opportunity to turn this challenge around, so now more than ever, our political leaders must seize the opportunity to do what is right for the future of our children. With Mondays enforced as off-days from work in conflict-ridden Cameroon, gathering at dog meat eateries to consume the delicacy and drink alcohol has become a weekly pastime. It is a pleasantly cold and invigorating Monday morning in the mountain town of Buea, about 70km from Cameroon's economic capital of Douala. At dawn, the streets are conspicuously empty. At about 9.30am, some young boys as well as middle-aged men and women start making their way into the courtyard of a dilapidated wooden building in Paramount Street, one person at a time. Their objective? Eat hot dog meat and drink alcohol. But on this day, they have arrived before the two large aluminum pots of dog meat steaming in the centre of the courtyard are ready. The aroma of the freshly slaughtered and spicy dog meat is enthralling. As the eaters wait impatiently, some swallow several times as they salivate, while others gulp down their favourite tipple. Minute by minute, the crowd grows bigger and noisier, until the meat is ready. On a normal Monday prior to the onset of the Anglophone crisis, these people would be busy in their various workplaces. But since late 2016, Mondays have been forcefully declared and observed as an off-day following orders by Anglophone activists seeking to create an independent state they refer to as Ambazonia. Mondays, and some other special days, have seen English-speaking North West and South West regions come to a halt with the aim of turning those places into "ghost towns" in protest against decades of real and perceived socioeconomic and cultural deprivation by the Francophone-dominated government. The government of 88-year-old President Paul Biya, who has been at the helm of the country for close to four decades, responded with force. It deployed the American and Israeli-trained Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), an elite unit of the army that has been indicted for gross human rights violations. The BIR's response was brutal, radicalising many youths and pushing even moderates to extremes. Since then, tens of militia groups have sprouted up in a bloody conflict that has its roots in colonial power dealings between Britain and France, and at one point Germany. An unrelenting army has been engaged in unending deadly gunfire exchanges with resolute armed separatist fighters, with civilians caught in the crossfire. The separatists remain poised to "restore the statehood of Southern Cameroons [Ambazonia]" and have employed several schemes including the "ghost town" approach, which has seriously damaged the economic fabric of the two regions. The Cameroon Employers' Union reported that around R7 million had been lost by July 2018 owing to the drawn-out conflict. Buildings and cars that have gone against this order have become the targets of arson attacks and violent reprisals from separatists. In one instance, the victims were workers at state-owned agro-industrial company Cameroon Development Corporation. Armed militiamen confronted the plantation workers while they were on duty and placed their hands on tree trunks before chopping off their fingers. In order not to be subjected to such gratuitous violence, many people like the Monday dog-meat eaters have been obliged to put their safety over work. 'Nutritional and medicinal' "Dog meat is ready" handwritten on a rickety board lets patrons know the meat is cooked. With plates in hand, people queue to be served before the two pots are empty. But local chef Jude is not moved by the crowd surrounding him and his two assistants. The priority is given to 404 club members who pre-ordered through a WhatsApp group he created to bring together lovers of dog meat. 404 is the code name for dog meat, said to have been conceived as a commendation of a dog's ability to run as fast as the historic French-made Peugeot 404 car. "Every Monday, when I begin preparations, I post in the WhatsApp group which has over 80 members. People will then place orders for special parts like the head, tail, heart, kidneys and liver. Once dog meat is ready, I begin serving those people before moving to others," he said. For a slice of meat, the minimum price is just over R26 and it is accompanied by a few fingers of plantain. Jude sells on average two to three dogs worth of meat within two hours every Monday. The informal dog meat eatery is patronised every "ghost town" day by people from all walks of life. Remi A, a Buea denizen who works at a commercial bank, has just secured his plate. "Our bank doesn't open its doors on Monday. So, to get rid of boredom after the weekend, I never miss an opportunity to come here or to go wherever I can lay my hands on dog meat," said Remi. "I am first of all a lover of dog meat because it is nutritional as well as medicinal. And the guy here is a professional when it comes to preparing dog meat." No end in sight With the long, drawn-out conflict lingering on and "ghost town" far from ending, 404 operations on Mondays in strategic spots across the North West and South West region have become a favourite pastime. Joshua Ebot*, an ex-separatist fighter who has yet to give himself up to a regional centre of the government-created national disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration committee, has got on the bandwagon. Ebot passionately enforced "ghost town" as an active combatant before deserting his militia group in nearby Muyuka by the close of 2018. Now, the ex-combatant who is in his early twenties understands the pain people have been going through on "ghost town" days and is making a contribution to fight boredom through the sale of dog meat. "When I left Amba because our commanders repeatedly failed to keep to their promises, I decided to go into 404 business because I have also loved cooking," the ex-fighter said. He is content with the activity because he is able to make ends meet. But Ebot has yet to break completely from his criminal inclinations as some of the dogs he cooks are people's pets, which he steals from the neighbourhood. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Cameroon Conflict By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. There are indications the "ghost town" and the dog meat trade may last longer as there is no end in sight for the bloody conflict. It has turned the lives of more than three million people upside down. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Nigeria had registered 66 899 refugees who had fled the violence in Cameroon by May 2021. Meanwhile, 712 800 have been uprooted from their homes and are now living as internally displaced people, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Local rights groups estimate that since the conflict erupted, more than 5 000 soldiers, separatist fighters and civilians have been killed. As the violence persists, people in the restive regions have experienced illegal arrests and detention, extortion, rape, arson attacks, abduction and torture. Separatist fighters and government forces have taken turns to commit these atrocities. People such as Remi have been living one day at the time in the troubled regions. But as the belligerents are giving them a hard time, they also find time on Monday "ghost town" for some semblance of normality in the dog meat delicacy. For the second time in two years, migrants in Johannesburg have witnessed the destruction of their enterprises. Many don't know if they can pick up the pieces again. When a phone call woke up Lukmon Alade just after 1am on Sunday 11 July, he didn't think that he would be standing in the torched remains of his panel-beating workshop just a few hours later. This was the second time in as many years that Alade, 46, had to see his business looted and torched. The same thing happened in September 2019 following two weeks of xenophobic violence in Johannesburg. The workshop he had rebuilt on Main Reef Road in Denver, east of Johannesburg, became one of the first targets as a mob from the nearby Denver and Cleveland hostels descended on the street, looting and vandalising businesses in the area. Alade, originally from Nigeria, has been living in South Africa for the past 15 years. He says he can't make sense of why some businesses on Main Reef Road were targeted other than their being owned by migrants. His workshop and the factory next door, which is owned by a man of South Asian descent, were looted and torched. The Bangladeshi-owned supermarket across the street was also looted and vandalised but spared being set alight. Another panel-beating shop nearby that was left untouched is owned by a South African, according to Alade. "They came here because they know I'm a foreigner. There's a place there and they didn't loot it but they came here." Alade estimates the damage to his business, including about 20 torched vehicles, to be more than R10 million. He claims he is uninsurable because insurers designated it a high-risk area. "They [the looters] put me to zero. They stole everything - all the machines, all the tools. They stole everything before they put the place on fire," he said. "I don't know where to start. I don't know what to do but I have 25 workers who are depending on me. I don't know what I'm going to do." Insurance complexities The South African Special Risk Insurance Association (Sasria), which was established in the wake of the 1976 Soweto uprisings to provide cover for any damage caused during riots, strikes, civil disobedience and terrorism, estimates the costs of the week-long riots and looting to be in the billions of rands. Cedric Masondo, Sasria's managing director, says by 19 July the association had already received claims amounting to about R1 billion. "But based on what we've seen in terms of damages, our view is we are looking at anything between R10 billion and R20 billion. But this is guesswork. Bear in mind, our numbers will always be much less than what is the true value for two reasons: not everyone buys Sasria and our exposure to an insured [party] is limited to R500 million." Masondo says while some business owners only take out standard insurance, others add Sasria coverage as well. And those who don't have either are now in "a tough situation". "That's tough, it's very serious. I get what they're saying, because for you to have Sasria you need to have what we call underlying insurance. So if the insurance companies don't want to insure that place, that person won't have access to Sasria by default," he explained. "I don't know whether it is possible, but I know the government is talking about or thinking about something for the uninsured. But I don't know. It becomes difficult because these are foreigners. I feel really sorry for them." Acting minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in a statement that work was under way to assess the cost of the damage to property and that the South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) would be collating data on Gauteng after already providing estimates for the province. "Sasria will conduct an assessment on the full extent of the damage and the economic cluster of ministers are consolidating proposals for the government package of intervention, including for small businesses that are mostly uninsured," she said, without providing further information. End of the road But unlike large corporations that will mostly be covered by Sasria, small businesses in high-risk areas and those owned by migrants will struggle to recover their losses. Some will close their doors forever. Alade says he hopes to go back to Nigeria soon, where he will try to raise some money so that he can return and set up another business. But this time it will be in a safer area. "If I hear Denver, I will run away. Never again will I do anything here. "I came here that night and to see your business burning - I can't tell you how it feels. I never slept since then. Yesterday was the first time I slept since seeing my business burn," he said four days after surveying the destruction. Denver Takeaways and Supermarket, which is owned by Bangladeshi migrant Antar Ahmed, also suffered serious damage. Ahmed estimates that stock worth more than R300 000 was stolen along with eight fridges, the card machine, microwaves and a meat slicer. Yet the business opposite his was left untouched. "I came here at 2am on that Sunday. I saw there were people everywhere. I can't do anything about that so I left and only came back later," he said. "My shop was also attacked in 2019, but this time it is much worse. That time they just took some stock and ran, but this time they took everything. "I'm not sure if I'm going to keep doing business here. It is too dangerous. Actually, right now I am looking for a new place for my business," he said. 'This time it's worse' In neighbouring Malvern, rows of businesses on Jules Street were also looted, vandalised and torched but more indiscriminately, with both South African and migrant-owned shops targeted. As with Alade's business, many of them had suffered major damage in September 2019. Christian Ndubuisi, 47, originally from Nigeria, estimates his losses at between R2 million and R3 million. Nine cars were torched in his workshop and it happened just as he and his business were recovering from the xenophobic attacks two years ago. "It was bad in 2019, really bad," said Ndubisi, "but this time it's worse. The shop is closed and I don't know if it will open again. I have four people working for me and I don't know what is going to happen to them. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Business Conflict By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "It is so difficult for me. It really hurts. I was at home on Sunday night when I was phoned and told they are attacking my business. I couldn't come here immediately because it was not safe. But it hurts to see your business destroyed. I have nothing left." Ndubuisi says he is unsure what the future holds for him and his family; his wife is unemployed. Karamoko Vafing, originally from Ivory Coast, only started his panel-beating workshop on Jules Street earlier this year. He had been excited about his business slowly growing during the Covid-19 lockdowns, until it was completely destroyed during the violence. "The business was up and down and up and down but it was growing. I just managed to survive and now this. Only God will know what I will do next," he said. "It's difficult, my brother. They never touched me but the business is destroyed. They burnt 11 cars. The whole office is gone, the compressor, the tools, a couple of laptops, even the spares are gone." Like so many other businesses, Vafing's was uninsured and his customers who brought their cars to his workshop did so at their own risk. "We are happy because at least they [the looters] also touched the government. Before they used to say the foreigners this and the foreigners that, but now they went for the government as well." One of Vafing's customers, Cameroonian Paul Eyong, lost two cars in the violence. "We don't have insurance," he said. "We buy these cars from auctions and try to get them fixed and then sell them again. So this is tough. When you lose in life, you really lose." Titular del @Minsa_Peru: La primera ola del #COVID19 empezo en marzo del 2020 y decayo hacia setiembre. A partir de octubre y noviembre inicia el recrudecimiento y la segunda ola que ha sido mas grande e intensa. Ahora estamos en el punto mas bajo de decrecimiento. pic.twitter.com/vdQvZ60juM 09:47 | Lima, Aug. 1. The health sector's head commented that the above-mentioned vaccination drive did not take place this weekend because there were not enough doses, but the amount slated to arrive on August 1 and 2 will be enough to hold a new Vaccinathon. "A Vaccinathon will be held next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, thanks to the doses set to arrive on Sunday (today) and Monday to vaccinate people aged 40 and above, as well as those who have not received the second dose, whatever their age," he said in remarks to TV Peru local channel. A new batch of one million Sinopharm doses will arrive today, while half a million Pfizer doses will come on Monday, August 2. Cevallos placed special emphasis on the need to vaccinate those who lagged behind and those who need their second dose, because he noted a single dose does not ensure complete protection in severe cases of the disease. Nevertheless, he stressed the need to explore the possibility with the laboratory of the supply of doses in August instead of September. "Assuming (leadership at) the Ministry of Health means to me a great challenge and a commitment to the people, who for years have suffered from lack of access to adequate health care," the Cabinet member wrote on Twitter. 12:17 | Lima, Aug. 1. According to the Cabinet chief, the dialogue series began this morning with a meeting with the Peru Libre (Free Peru) party. Similarly, the Accion Popular (Popular action) group has been invited to a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, August 3, at 8 a.m. "We are going to dialogue with all political forces represented at Congress, those who have already accepted my invitation. Even Admiral Montoya has accepted it, but the date is still not confirmed," he said in remarks to Uno daily. The government official stated that everyone should show willingness to dialogue, because the country and problems of Peruvians are ahead of everything, adding that differences should not lead to disagreements that keep them away from dialogue. The Taliban are pretending to throw a ginger fit should Turkey deploy troops to protect the airport Telegenic air attacks like the one that killed Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani outside Baghdad airport in January 2020 may well be increasingly on show in theatres like Afghanistan, where the American boots on the ground are now being withdrawn, or Iraq, where the combat mission is supposedly coming to an end. Wait and watch what the US does next. The United States has conflictual equations with China, Russia and Iran. Pakistan is not in conflict with the US but is clearly in Chinas embrace. All these countries have borders with Afghanistan. Did the US spend $2 trillion over 20 years with the benign intent to provide tranquility for these countries on their Afghan borders only to confront these powers elsewhere? Turkey, or, to be more precise, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has now been roped in to supervise Kabul airport. The Taliban are pretending to throw a ginger fit should Turkey deploy troops to protect the airport. Since the Taliban have to be kept in good humour, Turkey has decided to deploy contractors, engineers, etc. But who will provide them armed protection? The Americans, of course, and clearly from the air. The Americans will obviously have plans to keep an eye on the Bagram airbase too. I have vivid recollections of the US bombing Serbia for 72 days, carving out the state of Kosovo and leave behind what in those days was globally the largest US base, Bondsteel, abutting Macedonia. What great urge did the US have in carving out a Muslim state in what was the holiest real estate for the southern Slavs of Serbia, ethnic cousins of the Russians? Well, the first purpose was to hit the Russians where it hurt them. The second was to build bases which radiate power. This is not the pattern on display now. Turkey is being given a toehold in Afghanistan, which has the potential of opening vistas across Central Asia, an expansive oil rich block of Turkik speaking people. As in the Balkans, here too the historical, entrenched interests of Russia will be posed in competition. When a vision of the Ottoman Empire being revived was dangled before President Erdogan, he wasted no time in turning up for prayers in the main square of Tripoli in November 2011. The Ottoman dream which faded in the West Asian theatres may well be credible in Central Asia where there is Turkik continuity. Mr Erdogan is unlikely to leap for this elusive carrot, but he may begin to focus a little more time on this theatre. This will be welcome to Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The last two will welcome the extreme Islam of the Taliban blending with the Akhwan ul Muslimeen (Muslim Brotherhood), of which Mr Erdogan is now an unabashed leader. This will be expected to be a bulwark against Iran. Binoculars will also be fixed on Chinas Uighurs and Russias Caucasus. So long as imperialism has a central role for Israel in West Asia, Iran will remain the target. Little wonder then that American ground forces are being relocated. Just the other day, the US announced the closure of its bases in Sayliyah, Qatar. The base being activated in the utmost secrecy now happens to be in Jordan, out of the range of Iranian missiles. There is another very good reason to have Mr Erdogan ration some of his time away from West Asia, where the growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood is causing anxiety to Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Egypt, whose suppression of the Brotherhood cannot last eternally. Riyadh is shaken in the south with the advances made by the Houthis from Yemen and has not forgotten the occupation of the Mecca masjid in November 1979 almost at the same time as the Iranian revolution toppled the Shah in Tehran. For two weeks the mosque was occupied by the anti-monarchy extreme Islamists. Eventually, French troops had to help Saudi soldiers. Since then, the Saudi royal family have had nightmares about a secret anti-monarchy cult, not different from the Brotherhood. There is a tendency to exaggerate the external danger of Shia Islam. The truth is that the Akhwan, or the Brothers, with roots inside the kingdom are much more of a danger. In the latest turn in Tunisia, the Brothers may well be the main target. The Brothers in Egypt will have a huge morale booster if Mr Erdogan without other distractions goes full throttle in his Muslim Brotherhood avatar. The revival of the Brothers in Egypt will be of considerable help to Hamas, which is another name for the Brothers. This will be a thorn in the side of Israel. Notice how many capitals have an interest in the Turkish role in Kabul. It is not fanciful that one chapter of the Afghan saga may be coming to a close. But what has always puzzled me is the singular lack of interest in the origin of the catastrophe when the iconic Tajik leader Ahmad Shah Massouds exceptional intelligence gathering on Al Qaedas operations in Afghanistan hinted at the possibility of 9/11. In August 2001, he alerted the European Union in the course of an address in Brussels that the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance had learnt that Al Qaeda were planning some action on the American mainland. On September 9, two days before the attack on the Twin Towers in New York, Massoud was assassinated in his hideout on the Tajik border. The two Tunisians, disguised as journalists, detonated their vests as soon as they began their interview with Massoud. The passports of the two assassins had been forged in Brussels at about the time Massoud alerted the European Union about the possible attack on the US mainland. Since the Syrian theatre began to quieten down in 2018, there have been reports of militants being flown to northern Afghanistan, exactly the location from where the out-of-work Mujahideen had fanned out to Kashmir, Egypt, Algeria and Syria. So, is Afghanistan headed for chaos or, as a Marxist analyst predicts: A Quad is taking shape -- Iran, China, Russia and Pakistan. If this is correct, has India opted for the wrong Quad? An antibody cocktail given to Donald Trump when he contracted Covid-19 and now widely used in the United States has been conditionally recommended in Australia. The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce has made a series of recommendations about the use of casirivimab plus imdevimab, or REGEN-COV, made by US company Regeneron. The body, which compiles the latest information from peak health authorities managing treatment of the virus in Australia, has put forward REGEN-COV for patients hospitalised with moderate to critical COVID-19 who have no detectable virus antibodies. Such patients have multiple health risk factors including comprised immune systems. In these people, the taskforce advises, the risk of death is "probably reduced". REGEN-COV, given by injection, is made of two monoclonal antibodies mixed together - hence the term "cocktail". They mimic natural antibodies and stop the virus doing as much damage. An antibody cocktail given to Donald Trump when he contracted Covid-19 has been conditionally recommended in Australia. Source: Ken Cedeno/Polaris/Bloomberg It is not currently approved by national drug regulator the Therapeutic Goods Administration. However pharmaceutical company Roche Australia is trying to have the antibody cocktail made available. "Roche is exploring opportunities to make the investigational antibody cocktail available in Australia and will work with the government on a potential supply agreement if approved for use in Australia," a spokesperson told AAP. AAP understands Roche is waiting for approval and that this could come through within weeks. The company's efforts come as severe cases in NSW rise. On Saturday, NSW Health reported 53 people in intensive care, including 27 ventilated. There have been 14 deaths in the state's current outbreak. The federal health department confirmed on July 29 there had not yet been an application to the TGA for the drug's approval in Australia. Story continues The department said it was aware of the recommendations made by the National Covid-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce. "We are actively monitoring COVID-19 therapeutic development that is occurring both in Australia and around the world and are meeting with pharmaceutical companies to discuss progress and the application process," a spokesperson told AAP. "We are also part of a network of international regulators that meet regularly to discuss the development of COVID-19 therapies." The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce has made a series of recommendations about the use of REGEN-COV. Source: Regeneron via AP The research body advises against the use of REGEN-COV for COVID-19 infected people who have antibodies to the virus. In mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, it recommends the drug's use in research settings only and notes there is no available evidence on the use of the antibody cocktail in children, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women or frail, older people. The US drug regulator approved the Regeneron therapy for emergency use in COVID-19 patients in late 2020 in an attempt to prevent hospitalisations and worsening disease in patients with mild to moderate symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration authorised the therapy in adults and children 12 and above and who are at high risk of severe illness because of age or medical conditions. It is unclear whether the Regeneron drug was what helped former US President Trump recover from the virus. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. Max Whitlock defended his pommel horse title and Rebeca Andrade succeeded Simone Biles as vault champion on a night of gymnastic firsts at the Olympics on Sunday. Ukraine-born Artem Dolgopyat assured his place in his adopted country's history by winning the floor exercise to claim Israel's first ever gymnastics medal. And then Nina Derwael hopped up onto the uneven bars to end Belgium's wait for gymnastics hardware, the world champion taking gold with American all-around champion Sunisa Lee in bronze. Not to be outdone Andrade, who took silver behind Lee in the all-around, was Brazil's first female gymnastics champion. While Dolgopyat, Derwael and Andrade were all breaking new ground, for Whitlock it was a glorious case of history repeating itself. The Rio 2016 champion had qualified in only fifth place behind Taiwan's Lee Chih Kai, but turned the tables in style with a technically difficult and finely executed routine earning a significant score of 15.583, .183 clear of Lee. Japan's Kazuma Kaya took the bronze. - 'Million times harder' - Whitlock, who also won floor gold at the Rio 2016 Games and horse bronze at London 2012, said: "This was the most nervous I have ever been for any competition I have ever done in my entire life. "I always said it: retaining titles is 10 times harder than chasing it. Today proved that to me. It's a million times harder. "It's the feeling of knowing you have done it before and that feeling of winning Olympic gold is crazy. You kind of want to experience that again, but you know how hard it is to do that." He added: "I am sorry if I'm talking rubbish, but I don't even know how to feel, what to feel or what to say. It's crazy." There was heartache for Rhys McClenaghan of Ireland who arrived with hopes of earning his country's first ever gymnastics medal only to fall off the apparatus seconds into his performance. Earlier on the floor, Dolgopyat had finished level on points with Spain's Rayderley Zapata but won the tiebreak with a higher difficulty score. Story continues China's Xiao Ruoteng took the bronze. Dolgopyat, who moved from Ukraine to Tel Aviv when he was 12, won only Israel's second ever Olympic title in any sport after Gal Fridman's 2004 windsurfing win in Athens. The 24-year-old came into the final as favourite by topping the qualifying standings. After Russian team gold winner Nikita Nagornyy was marked down after over-rotating and stumbling on his trademark triple pike tumble, Zapata looked destined for the title. But Dolgopyat turned the Spaniard's gold into silver when his routine matched Zapata's score of 14.933, and with their execution mark also the same, it went down to the difficulty level, with Dolgopyat taking the title by just 0.100. Andrade meanwhile had come through injury hell to climb the podium in Tokyo, overcoming three visits to the operating table for right knee anterior cruciate ligament surgery to fulfil her Olympic dream. "I couldn't imagine myself up there on the podium. I think I matured a lot. I got better from the injuries," she said. She opened with a Cheng followed by an Amanar to deny Mykayla Skinner, who took Biles's place in the final after the American superstar pulled out with "the twisties", a condition where gymnasts lose the ability to orientate themselves in mid-air. Biles was in the stands watching the gymnastics competition go on without her having pulled out of the team and all-around, vault, uneven bars and floor. She will confirm her participation or not in Tuesday's beam in the next 24 hours. nr/mw Aug. 1 marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Atomic Energy Act of 1946, which was the first law addressing the development and control of nuclear power in the United States. The quiz below, from the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio, provides an opportunity for you to test your knowledge of the Atomic Energy Act, the history of nuclear power and weapons in the United States and the advent of the atomic age. 1) Which explosion of an atomic weapon ushered in what was referred to as the atomic age? A. The Trinity explosion B. The Hiroshima explosion C. The Nagasaki explosion D. The Castle Bravo explosion 2) What federal government organization was established by the Atomic Energy Act of 1946? A. The Strategic Air Command B. Department of Energy C. Atomic Energy Commission D. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Nissan India on Sunday has announced that it sold 4,259 units of passenger vehicles in the domestic market in July 2021. This was the automaker's highest domestic monthly sales in the last three years, claims the Japanese company. (Also Read: Maruti Suzuki sales | Toyota sales | Hyundai sales | Skoda sales | Tata sales | MG sales) Nissan India has registered 443% sales growth last month compared to the same month in 2020. It sold 784 units in the domestic market in July 2020. Not only domestic sales but export numbers too increased for the Japanese car brand in July 2021. It shipped a total of 3,897 units last month, up 64% from July 2020 when it exported 2,375 units. A majority of Nissan India's domestic sales was contributed by the Magnite compact SUV. The automaker claims that it has sold more than 20,000 units of the compact SUV since its launch. Not only the domestic market, but Nissan Magnite has boosted the automaker's export numbers as well. In recent times, Nissan India has started exporting the Magnite SUV to Nepal. Speaking about the sales performance, Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said that customer sentiments have improved with the opening of most of the markets. "Nissan has achieved its highest sales in the last three years, we have increased the production of Nissan Magnite with the plants' third shift operations and are able to serve the pending bookings earlier," he also added. Srivastava also added that the auto manufacturer is witnessing a shortage of semi-conductors and components. However, the company aims to reduce the waiting period for the consumers in an attempt to improve sales, especially for the Magnite compact SUV, as he also said. Nissan Magnite comes in the segment that is most competitive with various products from different OEMs. The car gets a stylish design and available at aggressive pricing. The effects of unregulated chemicals A lot of chemicals are in use today, and tracking them all is incredibly difficult. Today, more than 80,000 chemicals are registered with the National Toxicology Program. When the program was founded in 1978, 60,000 of those were grandfathered into the program with minimal information, and nearly 2,000 new chemicals are introduced each year. Many scientists believe that the safety testing for health and environmental risks is not strong enough and that the rapid development and introduction of new chemicals challenges the ability of organizations to test long-term risks to human health. Citing his love for all things Swiss, amateur yodeler, Shep Swiss Cheese Wooley, has gone public about a notice of violation handed down by the Home Owners Association of Reservoir Tip Ranch Estates. The order, issued last month, expressly forbids Wooley from practicing his yodeling technique outdoors, or indoors if any windows are open. A spokesperson for the Reservoir Tip HOA, Stef Gneckk, explained. Wooley is not a well man. You have no idea what it is like to be pruning a rose bush on a soft summer evening only to be scared speechless by that hollering nut. I almost lopped off my index finger. The guys a menace. There he is now. Wooley appeared in his front yard wearing his bathrobe and lederhosen. He nibbled on a hunk of Swiss cheese while he watered his flowers. He waved toward Gneckk and smiled warmly. Dont let that cheesy grin fool you, Gneckk said. Youll see. With that, Gneckk retreated indoors. In person, Wooley is an unprepossessing man with a pale countenance. His legs and knobby knees glowed a luminous white between his lederhosen and his black socks. He held a hunk of Swiss cheese in his mouth when he shook hands, then held it like an apple as he talked. At Chavez Pass, Pawlowicz took aerial photos that will allow him to make a detailed topographic map with 3-centimeter (1.18 inches) contour intervals so accurate that hydrologists will be able to better calculate the water flow runoff patterns over the land and better predict results of the erosion control construction. Peter Pilles also collaborated with Chris Caseldine of ASU, who is deeply interested in this heritage ASU project at Chavez Pass and supplied the group with updated maps. Caseldine is researching the ceramics found at Chavez Pass and has identified new varieties that may provide information on cultural relationships within the Chavez Pass area. He additionally provided descriptions and photographs of the ceramics to investigate as part of the project. As the camp was shutting down early due to the forest fires, forest archaeologist Pilles summarized the broader significance of the project that will continue in the fall and, he added, hopefully over future years. SAN DIEGO (AP) Two organizations tapped by the Biden administration to recommend which migrants should be allowed into the United States to seek humanitarian protection said Friday that they are halting their work with the government and demanding an end to the Trump-era ban on asylum imposed during the coronavirus pandemic. The withdrawal of the International Rescue Committee and HIAS from a consortium of groups assisting the Biden administration is a blow to the government's effort to join advocates in helping those deemed particularly vulnerable as they wait in Mexican border cities, including women with children and LGBTQ people. Both groups had been part of a consortium chosen by the Biden administration to refer a limited number of asylum-seekers waiting along the Mexican border to U.S. authorities so they could be exempted from a public health order that former President Donald Trump put in place in March 2020. Under the order, nearly all single adults and many families at the border are quickly expelled from the United States without a chance to seek asylum. Despite pressure from advocacy groups that say the emergency measure is not justified on public health grounds, the Biden administration has deferred to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and kept it in place except for children who are traveling alone. Palestinian citizens of Israel do have the right to vote. But many rights in Israel are determined not by citizenship but by nationality. If youre not Jewish, Israeli law says explicitly that many rights dont apply to you. And despite international law and U.N. resolutions mandating the right of Palestinian refugees like all people to return to their homes after a war, Israel refuses to allow dispossessed Palestinians to return home. But Jewish migrants from anywhere in the world whether or not they have ties to Israel are welcome to full citizenship. Israel worries when people ask those questions. Because the answers raise more questions about the legitimacy of Israel as a democracy or our best friend in the Middle East. Questions like: How can we be such close allies with a country whose prime minister said, Ive killed lots of Arabs in my life, and there is no problem with that? That leads to asking members of Congress why they send $3.8 billion of our tax money directly to the Israeli military every year. Shouldnt we condition that aid on ending human rights violations or cut it altogether? U.S. public opinion has changed dramatically on the subject, especially among Jews and Democrats. (Xinhua) -- Hyping up the so-called "China threat" is Washington's habitual trick as it needs excuses for transforming the South China Sea into a hunting ground for its geopolitical self-interest. Geared up to form an anti-China clique, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has recently visited three nations in Southeast Asia, during which he kept pointing an accusing finger at Beijing with groundless charges, stirring up new waves in the regional waters. Speaking in Singapore on Tuesday, Austin vowed to challenge what he called China's aggression, reiterated Washington's support for nations involved in disputes with China in the South China Sea, and accused China's claims in the regional waters of having "no basis in international law." Moreover, during later trips to Vietnam and the Philippines, Austin spared no effort in advocating the so-called "freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea. To anyone who knows the region's history and current situation, the Pentagon chief's remarks during his visits are totally absurd and ignorant. It is a clear fact that China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea have been formed in the course of a long history and have abundant historical and legal basis. What's more, Washington's claimed threat to the "freedom of navigation" is purely fabricated. While some 100,000 merchant vessels now travel in this busy shipping route annually, not a single ship has ever reported its safety threatened in the South China Sea. If there is any such threat, it must be the increasing U.S. military presence in the region. Under the guise of safeguarding "freedom of navigation," the world's sole superpower frequently sends its warships and aircraft carriers to the regional waters and has conducted a multitude of war games. This time, Austin used the same pretext to persuade the Philippines to recall the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement, with the only aim to strengthen the U.S. military presence in the region. More ironically, when urging others to follow international law, the United States itself refuses to join the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is a vivid reflection of Washington's hypocrisy. In sharp contrast, China has always advocated friendly negotiations and consultations on issues concerning the South China Sea, treated its neighbors as equals, and exercised maximum restraint when safeguarding its sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea. In the regional waters, there is no room for confrontation, zero-sum games, or bloc rivalries. The so-called "China threat" is merely one of the many tricks adopted by Washington to deliberately smear China, sow discord between regional countries, and contain China's development. However, Washington's sanctimonious scheme is bound to fail. Instead of just calculating its own geopolitical gains, the United States should do things that are really conducive to regional peace and stability. Fortunately, Wachter rallied and now is on the mend. Maslonka said she's almost to the point of getting off of supplemental oxygen while resting, but will still need it for awhile when doing even the slightest activities. Wachter is eager to go home, possibly later this week. For now, she's trying to get the word out to people to get vaccinated so they don't wind up like her. "Now, knowing what I do, I would get the shot," she said, noting that she plans to get vaccinated once it's recommended for her. People who have had a COVID-19 infection generally have to wait 90 days before they can get the vaccine. "I could have saved myself and my family so much by having gotten the vaccination," Wachter said. Maslonka said it's "disheartening" to see patients such as Wachter in the hospital knowing that with the vaccine, COVID-19 hospitalizations now are almost totally preventable. But those who are unvaccinated are very susceptible to it, especially the delta strain of the disease, which is much more infectious. On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed the level of community transmission as high in 37 of Nebraska's 93 countries, including Lancaster and Otoe. Kirchhoff said she thinks dancing is part of any culture, but that people can shy away from dance as a fine art because they dont understand what it means. People are looking for what its about, but my feeling is that dance is an innate part of living and being alive and being interactive with other people, Kirchhoff said. At the end of Kirchhoffs residency, Homestead will host a program where the public can learn about improvisational movement. A date for that program will be announced on the Homestead National Historical Park Facebook page. The idea is that Im not teaching people how to dance, but everybody has a sense of movement, so being present in your body allows you to be present in the moment in the world, and hopefully experience the park in a different kind of wayAs a dance artist, thats part of what I try to do, is make it accessible to everybody to feel like its something that not only can you watch and get kind of an entry point into, but also something that everybody can do, Kirchhoff said. Homestead has participated in the Artist in Residence program with the National Park Service for 12 years now, hosting artists to help connect visitors with the park and its meanings using various art forms. GALLATIN GATEWAY Inside a sheet metal-walled warehouse are exposed two-by-fours dividing the dark space into open rooms. Cardboard shipping boxes and a forklift are the warehouses only inhabitants for now. When its complete, the building will house nearly 6,000 cannabis plants. A group of engineers came together to build this warehouse with hopes to revolutionize large-scale production in the cannabis industry. With the Gallatin County Commissions approval this week the lease the warehouse, owner Niles Hushka and Aspen Springs Leasing are one step closer to building a cannabis growing community. Were changing the industry, Hushka said at the commission meeting. This is the demonstration facility. Hushka and his colleague Shari Eslinger hope that this building, which they designed from the ground up with help from members of the cannabis industry and other consultants, will act as a model for future growing operations. Aspen Springs Leasing is providing the platform for growers, but they wont actually do any of the growing or processing of the plant. The company will lease out the space to an experienced, fully licensed grower, and give them the keys to a marijuana growing machine. Both biologists also stressed that black bears arent generally dangerous if theyre not habituated to food. For anyone living or playing in Wyomings mountains, Knox and Thompson offered a series of advice on how to keep yourself and bears safe the rest of this summer and fall. Call if you see a bear near humans or food Many people believe if they call wildlife officials about a black bear, the bear will be killed on the spot, Thompson said. Thats just not the case. None of us wants to catch a bear and kill it, Thompson said. But once a bear becomes food conditioned, really food conditioned, we dont have any options. Dont wait a week or more to call biologists about a bear wandering in rural neighborhoods, getting into bird feeders or campsites. If biologists catch bears early, they can help people secure food and vehicles and hopefully the bear will move on to better habitat. Keep food inside Store any food including dog food, snacks, meat and vegetables in vehicles or other bear-proof containers. People recreating in grizzly bear country might be used to properly storing food, but those outside of the northwest corner should also be aware, Knox said. Bears can open coolers, garbage bags and plastic tubs. Hadjipantela also announced that the compulsory display of the SafePass" electronic or paper documentation proving either vaccination, having been infected in the last six months or indicating a negative PCR test in the previous 72 hours will be expanded. Apart from all indoor and outdoor restaurant, bar and club areas as well as shopping malls, supermarkets and other retail stores, SafePass must now be displayed at nursing homes and hospitals. The SafePass" measure has triggered a wave of disenchantment among those who say this is another assault on their right to assemble and go wherever they please. Thousands of people have protested against the move, while 26 people have been arrested following a July 18 attack against the headquarters of the Dias Media Group in the capital Nicosia where they smashed the lobby and set fire to cars. Some protesters who oppose vaccination against COVID-19 have targeted Dias over what they see as the group's overly critical stance of their views on vaccines. Meanwhile, foreigners traveling to Cyprus must undergo a PCR test a week into their stay. Only travelers who have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the previous three months are exempt. The program in Granite is just one example, and Montana State University boasts an exemplary 85-hour training course, with full tuition reimbursements available. Speaking with Heidi Blossom, a nurse from Helena that designed the course curriculum, CHWs predominantly dont have prior medical experience. Instead, they are folks intimate with the community, highlighting retired hairdressers as excellent CHWs she has trained. Finally, while there are many federal grants for counties to kickstart their own programs, Montana must be pragmatic with how we fund CHWs to make them a sustainable entity. Hospitals and physicians should readily support CHW proposals, as they will reduce unnecessary visits by patients and focus on preventative medicine, which will in-turn improve community health outcomes and free up resources for treating more pressing ailments. Currently, CHWs are not recognized through Montanas Medicaid program. This must change, as rural states such as Alaska and Texas already have taken this key step to serve their most vulnerable, and we are falling behind. Best of all, studies have shown that CHWs are a cost-effective option for Montanas budget: one intervention of six CHWs in a community saved a state Medicaid program $1.4 million, with a return of $2.47 per every dollar invested. In South Dakota, American Indian groups like the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Association and Dakotans for Health are helping lead the fight to pass a ballot measure to expand Medicaid in our state, which would provide coverage to an additional 42,500 South Dakotans, including thousands of American Indians. Unfortunately, the state legislature keeps trying to put additional obstacles in our way, including seeking to raise the vote percentage needed for a successful ballot measure from 50% to 60%. But we are determined to succeed in this fight, starting with gathering enough signatures to get Medicaid expansion on the ballot, because the health of our families and communities are at stake. Medicaid is a lifeline for Indian Country, plain and simple. Although we are entitled to care from IHS or tribal facilities whether we are insured or not, proposals to expand access to Medicaid would benefit our communities in several ways. First, having health insurance from another source makes it easier for our people to access care from other providers when IHS facilities are geographically distant or over capacity. Second, having more patients insured by Medicaid would help increase reimbursements to IHS clinics, which are chronically underfunded and rely on this funding to provide care to those they serve. Dear Sen. Jon Tester President Bidens nomination of pro-gun control lobbyist, David Chipman, to lead the ATF is greatly concerning. He wants federal authorities to take charge of a national comprehensive gun control approach that would supersede Montanas gun laws. His intended pursuit of a partisan anti-gun agenda, instead of fulfilling the ATFs mission of upholding the Constitution and the laws of the United States in pursuit of justice, is a real threat to all Americans. Chipmans ignorance of basic firearms mechanics is astounding, especially if he will have rulemaking authority over the manufacture and sale of firearms. In his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Mr. Chipman stated his intention for a ban of so-called assault weapons. However, when asked how he would define the term, he could not give a clear answer. At least 27% of Americans are estranged from a member of their own family, and research suggests about 40% of Americans have experienced estrangement at some point. The most common form of estrangement is between adult children and one or both parents a cut usually initiated by the child. A study published in 2010 found that parents in the U.S. are about twice as likely to be in a contentious relationship with their adult children as parents in Israel, Germany, England and Spain. Cornell sociologist Karl Pillemer, author of Fault Lines: Fractured Families and How to Mend Them, writes that the children in these cases often cite harsh parenting, parental favoritism, divorce, and poor and increasingly hostile communication often culminating in a volcanic event. As one woman told Salon: I have someone out to get me, and its my mother. My part of being a good mom has been getting my son away from mine. The parents in these cases are often completely bewildered by the accusations. They often remember a totally different childhood home and accuse their children of rewriting what happened. As one cut-off couple told psychologist Joshua Coleman: Emotional abuse? We gave our child everything. We read every parenting book under the sun, took her on wonderful vacations, went to all of her sporting events. A few minutes after that tweet, Rufo tweeted this, The goal is to have the public read something negative in the newspaper and immediately think critical race theory. We have decodified the term and will recodify it to annex the entire range of cultural constructions that are unpopular with Americans. This nonsense only works if we are fooled by hucksters more interested in dividing us than uniting us. At ND United, we believe that teachers should teach the truth, nothing more and nothing less. Like most Americans, I believe that America is exceptional. This country has time and again proven itself so. And I also believe that part of what makes this nation exceptional is our ability to learn from our past. Our objective of forming a more perfect union impels us to do so. Know this: critical race theory is not present in North Dakotas public schools. Our outstanding professional educators teach to standards designed by North Dakota teachers for North Dakota students and approved by locally elected school boards. If anyone wants to know what is being taught in our public school classrooms, they need only to talk to their school board members, school administrators, or most importantly, our kids teachers. In the end, this is not a right versus left issue. It is a right versus wrong issue. It is wrong to impugn the integrity of North Dakotas teachers, administrators and school boards by saying that they are teaching kids to hate America. Nick Archuleta is the president of North Dakota United, the union representing 11,500 public educators and employees across our state. Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 2 WASHINGTON Rep. Chris Jacobs is fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and if you are not, he thinks you should think about getting the jab. The Orchard Park Republican demurred when federal lawmakers were first offered the vaccine early this year, saying he didn't want to cut the line just because was a member of Congress. But in an interview this week, Jacobs said he received his two Moderna shots in April. What's more, he's not buying into the anti-vaccine sentiment that has swept over elements of the Republican Party. "It certainly is a personal decision," Jacobs said. "I took the vaccine. I think it's safe. And I think it's effective. And so I would encourage people to talk to their physicians and make that decision." A physician's advice would be far better than relying on all the vaccine misinformation on social media, Jacobs said. With only 14,553 enrolled members and outnumbered 7 to 1 by Democrats, Republicans in the City of Buffalo represent a lonely bunch. They haven't elected a mayor since Chester Kowal in 1961, have registered little influence in city politics for decades, and didn't even bother to name a challenger to Democratic incumbent Byron W. Brown in 2021. But after India B. Walton upended the local political world by defeating Brown and gaining the Democratic line in last month's primary election, Buffalo's tiny band of Republicans may exert some influence yet. Though nothing is certain, their chairman says the Buffalo GOP stands ready to motivate a significant faction of voters this fall for Brown's uphill write-in campaign if he asks for their help. "I can tell you Republicans will be voting this year," said Buffalo GOP Chairman Andrew Pace. "But how active they will be depends on how the mayor reaches out and gives us a reason." Noting that Walton's brand of democratic socialism is unlikely to attract many Republicans, Pace said an active GOP campaign for Brown the former chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee remains a possibility. "We live in interesting times," Pace said. "We would consider it." This summer is not following last year's summer pattern when it comes to Covid-19 in Western New York. Last year, July saw a long stretch of relatively low transmission levels of Covid-19, with a resurgence in positive cases not appearing until fall. But July of this year has shown an unpleasant transition to an upward curve in new cases, thanks to the highly contagious Delta variant. The seven-day average of positive cases in Western New York was 3.01%, the state reported Saturday. That's higher than the statewide average of 2.4% and the second highest of any region in the state. It's also a percentage that has started climbing daily. Erie County has gone from showing daily confirmed cases in the single digits at the start of the month to more than 90 new cases a day this week. The New York State Department of Health reported Erie County had the highest numbers of any upstate county on Friday, with 91 positive cases. Meanwhile, the Erie County Health Department stated on Saturday that it has confirmed 514 positive cases over the last week. That amounts to 56 new cases for every 100,000 residents. That's a rising number. WARSAW, Poland (AP) Germanys center-right candidate to replace Angela Merkel as chancellor in the country's September election said he feels deep shame and humility over Nazi Germanys crimes against the Poles during World War II. Armin Laschet spoke to Polands daily Rzeczpospolita, excerpts of which were published Saturday, ahead of full publication Monday. Laschet said he had a personal urge to attend the weekend anniversary observances in Warsaw of the citys ill-fated 1944 revolt against Nazi German occupation that began in 1939. The crimes that the Germans committed against the whole Polish nation fill me with deep shame and humility, Laschet said. This responsibility will determine our policy toward Poland also in the future, said Laschet, who leads Merkels Christian Democrats party, and who is the front runner in the polls ahead of the election. Germany must always be aware of its historical responsibility for Poland's freedom and independence, Laschet said. Germany was a great advocate of Poland's joining the European Union in 2004 and is attentive to the current rule-of-law conflicts between the right-wing Polish government in Warsaw and the EU's leading bodies. Now is the time to demonstrate our commitment to children, and do what is needed to ensure every single child can attend school in-person this fall. Extra forms of protection, especially non-pharmaceutical interventions such as masks, are needed again to bring down current outbreaks. Masks are safe and effective. With extraordinarily few exceptions, children accept them and wear them well. We applaud the American Academy of Pediatrics position that children, teachers and staff should wear masks in school. We further acknowledge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for agreeing with that stance. What else can we do as a community? The Covid-19 vaccines are safe and highly effective. Get a Covid-19 vaccine if you are eligible. Encourage someone you know to get the vaccine as well. Wear a mask indoors and in any crowded places, especially when our Covid-19 rates continue to rise. Get tested for Covid-19 if you have traveled, especially if you traveled to a place where Covid-19 rates are high. Stay home and get a Covid-19 test if you are sick. These precautions are all needed to keep the virus at controllable levels. Children have been the silent casualties of the pandemic. They are less likely to become severely ill from Covid-19, but they suffer when their parents get sick or schools are disrupted. The first day of school is just over a month away. Lets demonstrate our commitment and safely get all children back in school. Dr. Dennis Z. Kuo is division chief of general pediatrics at UBMD Pediatrics and Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Joyce Zmuda is a pediatrician at Delaware Pediatrics and president of the Buffalo Pediatric Society. Dr. Steven E. Lipshultz is a professor and chair at UBMD Pediatrics and the Jacobs School. In a News story about a decline in the number of applicants taking police exams, Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti cited the states political climate as the main reason. That tells only part of the story. The News reported last week that as of Tuesday, only 139 people had signed up for the September exam, down from 570 candidates in 2018. Commenting on the figures, Filicetti blamed crime reform bills the Democratic-led State Legislature passed in the last two years, as well as the defund the police campaign that gathered strength after George Floyds murder by a Minneapolis officer in May 2020. The fact is that police departments nationwide were seeing a decrease in the applicant pool prior to Floyds death and the social justice protests that followed. National Public Radio, for example, ran a story in December 2018 about the fact that police departments struggling to recruit enough officers were trying to poach them from other cities. The factors mentioned by Filicetti and others in law enforcement likely play a role in the application decline. And in 2021, the overall difficulty in hiring employees in just about any field also is a factor. But theres a more basic reason for the decrease in applicants. Barack Obama Speaks At Georgia Get Out The Vote Rally With Senate Candidates Jessica McGowan/Getty Barack Obama campaigns in Georgia in November Barack Obama doesn't want any gifts for his 60th birthday, just a COVID-safe party and donations to the Obama Foundation's philanthropic projects. "The Obamas are hosting a party to celebrate President Obama's 60th birthday with family, friends, and former staff," a source tells PEOPLE of the outdoor gathering taking place next weekend at the family's Martha's Vineyard estate. Invitees have been advised that all guests will be required to undergo COVID testing and that the event will be overseen by a medical professional, who will ensure that all CDC, state, and local pandemic protocols are followed something the Obamas, Michelle Obama in particular, have been strict about. RELATED: Barack Obama Unveils Annual Summer Music Playlist: Rihanna, Drake, Bob Dylan, Brandi Carlile, Migos, and More Barack and Michelle have been strong advocates for vaccinations, getting inoculated alongside other former presidents and first ladies in March. "I encourage everyone to get a vaccine as soon as they have an opportunity," Michelle told PEOPLE at the time. First Family Easter Portrait Pete Souza/The White House via Getty Pete Souza/The White House via Getty "In lieu of gifts, guests are being asked to consider giving to programs that work to support boys and young men of color and their families here at home in the United States, empower adolescent girls around the world, and equip the next generation of emerging community leaders including the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, the Girls Opportunity Alliance, or the Obama Foundation's Global Leadership programs," the insider says. The former first family is expected to entertain some A-list guests, as they've done in the past for milestone birthdays. Beyonce, JAY-Z, Ellen DeGeneres, Sarah Jessica Parker, and John Legend were just few of the big names in attendance at President Obama's 55th birthday bash at the White House in 2016. The Obamas also hosted Hillary Clinton, Michael Jordan, Paul McCartney and Janelle Monae at the former First Lady's 50th in 2014. Story continues RELATED VIDEO: Why Barack & Michelle Obama Talked About "the Hard Parts" of Their Marriage: "We Came Through Together" Michelle previously opened up about her and Barack's retirement plans to PEOPLE in March. "I've been telling my daughters I'm moving toward retirement right now, [selectively] picking projects and chasing summer," she said. "Barack and I never want to experience winter again," Mrs. Obama added. "We're building the foundation for somebody else to continue the work so we can retire and be with each other and Barack can golf too much, and I can tease him about golfing too much because he's got nothing else to do." (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. and Israel vowed to respond to a deadly drone attack on a tanker last week in a major waterway for global oil shipments that they blamed on Iran. Middle East foes Iran and Israel have traded multiple accusations of shipping attacks in recent months. But Thursdays strike off the coast of Oman, which Tehran denied carrying out, was the first to kill crew members -- a Romanian and a Briton. The two fatalities have raised tensions in the Persian Gulf at a critical juncture with Iran preparing to inaugurate a new president, and talks with world powers over its 2015 nuclear deal stalled. I promise you that Israel will not sit silently by after a strike against ships or citizens and will respond once it finds the where, the when and the how, Ram Ben Barak, the head of the Israeli parliaments Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, told Army Radio on Monday. Romania said it had summoned the Iranian ambassador, while Britain is sending a team to investigate the attack on the Mercer Street oil-products tanker, now moored off the United Arab Emirates, its deputy envoy to Israel told Israeli broadcaster Kan. There is no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement Sunday. We are working with our partners to consider our next steps and consulting with governments inside the region and beyond on an appropriate response, which will be forthcoming. He gave no further details of what the response might entail. A spokesperson for the U.S. Navys Fifth Fleet, which is based in the region, declined to comment. The U.S. and its allies created a maritime force in 2019 in response to similar attacks to protect sea lanes in the Middle East. Blinken said he was confident Iran used one-way explosive drones in Thursdays attack. U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said one or more of the unmanned drones may have been involved in the hit. Story continues Romania retains its right to act accordingly, together with its international partners, in order to have an adequate response, the countrys Foreign Ministry said in e-mailed response to Bloomberg questions, saying it had summoned the Iranian envoy. Israel Message Major nations including the U.S. are seeking to revive the 2015 pact that limited Tehrans nuclear activities in return for an easing of U.S. sanctions. Former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the accord in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, setting off a chain of events which raised the threat of war, including shipping attacks and escalating nuclear activity. Israel opposes lifting sanctions or a revival of the deal, which would allow Iran to reenter global oil markets. A sixth round of talks in Vienna broke up last month and Western powers have voiced frustration over what they describe as Irans stalling on a resumption, for which no date has been set. The transfer of power to new president Ebrahim Raisi this week in Iran has complicated efforts to revive the diplomacy. Blinkens condemnation came after Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Iran was unequivocally responsible for the strike on the Mercer Street. The U.K. issued a similar condemnation. None of them offered direct evidence. We expect the international community to clarify to the Iranian regime that it made a terrible mistake, Bennett said. We have our ways of getting the message to Iran. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected Israels accusations in a press briefing in Tehran on Sunday, saying it was not the first time such allegations had been leveled against the Islamic Republic. But two days earlier Irans state-run Al-Alam agency said the attack was in response to a recent Israeli attack on an airport in Syrias Qusayr region, without specifying who was behind it. (Adds Israel, Romania responses.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. The reason significant voter fraud doesnt occur in Wisconsin is pretty simple: The potential cost of trying to dupe our democracy is much greater than any potential gain. Just ask Michael Ray Overall, who contends he unintentionally voted twice in last falls election. Prosecutors dont believe him, saying he registered to vote with a Beloit address just one day after he signed an absentee ballot that was sent to St. Croix County, where he hadnt lived since 2019. The 64-year-old, who isnt saying who he voted for in last falls presidential election, faces four felonies in St. Croix County for voting as a disqualified person, providing false information to an election official, registering to vote in more than one place and voting more than once. Each charge comes with a maximum $10,000 fine and 3 years in prison. The mans mountain of legal trouble serves as a stark warning to anyone reckless enough to seek an unfair advantage at the polls. It also should reassure the rest of us that our system of fair elections is being protected. Even if the courts find Overall suffers from a bad memory, as he claims, and didnt vote twice on purpose, this much is clear: An extra vote isnt worth potential prosecution. (CNN) -- Amazon faces a record-breaking 746 million (roughly $887 million) fine after a European Union data privacy regulator said the e-commerce giant had violated the bloc's signature privacy law, known as GDPR, in an advertising-related decision. The fine was imposed on July 16 and disclosed Friday in a financial filing. It is the largest in the law's three-year history, followed by Google's 2019 fine of 50 million. Regulators said Amazon's processing of personal data didn't comply with GDPR requirements, and the company acknowledged it has been ordered to change its business practices. Amazon said the regulatory decision was "without merit" and added that it plans to "defend ourselves vigorously in this matter." "The decision relating to how we show customers relevant advertising relies on subjective and untested interpretations of European privacy law, and the proposed fine is entirely out of proportion with even that interpretation," the company said. The penalty for the alleged violation was imposed by data regulators in Luxembourg, where Amazon has its European headquarters. A spokesperson for the Luxembourg data authority, CNPD, declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the legal proceeding. The fine marks the latest example of European regulators zeroing in on Big Tech. Officials in Europe and the UK have increasingly been scrutinizing the business practices of companies including Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google amid allegations they have harmed competition and abused consumer privacy. GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation, seeks to rein in how digital platforms use consumer data and to regulate data breaches. In a further statement to CNN Business, Amazon said customer information had not been leaked or exposed. "Maintaining the security of our customers' information and their trust are top priorities," the statement said. "There has been no data breach, and no customer data has been exposed to any third party. These facts are undisputed." Under the EU's privacy law, violations can carry penalties of up to 20 million or 4% of a company's global revenue, whichever is higher. This story was first published on CNN.com "Amazon hit by record $887 million EU privacy fine". Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) - Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday called on the public to help small businesses and to donate to community pantries as Metro Manila will shift again to a stricter enhanced community quarantine. During the ECQ, magsasara na naman ang mga negosyo. Sa akin, ano yung pinakatulong na pwede natin ibigay? [] Bilhan natin yung mga nagsara para tulong sa kanila, lalo na yung mga maliliit, Robredo said, but did not mention details on how to buy from closed shops. [Translation: During the ECQ, many businesses will close down again. For me, what kind of help can you give? [] We can buy from businesses that close, especially the small ones.] Metro Manila will remain under general community quarantine with "heightened and additional" restrictions from Aug, 1 to Aug. 5, but will shift to a harsher ECQ on Aug. 6 to 20 due to the threat of Delta COVID-19 variant. The National Economic and Development Authority estimates that Philippine economy could incur losses of 105 billion per week when the capital region goes into a strict lockdown. Robredo also urged that those who can afford may donate to community pantries to help poor families that will be affected by ECQ. Baka pwede kayong mag-donate sa mga community pantries, baka pwede mag-donate sa mga grupong nagsasagawa ng pakain, she said. Just in case na walang ayuda, tayo na lang yung mag-ayuda sa mga nangangailangan. [Translation: Maybe you can donate to community pantries or to groups that distribute free food. Just in case there will be no government aid, we can give some basic necessities to those who are in need.] Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos earlier said that the national government will distribute cash aid to poor families in Metro Manila once the ECQ is implemented in the region. (CNN) -- Disney and Walmart, two of America's largest employers, announced Friday that they are requiring employees be vaccinated. Disney is requiring all its salaried and non-union hourly employees in the US to be vaccinated. Workers who are working on-site but are not yet vaccinated must do so within the next 60 days, according to a statement from the company to CNN Business. All new hires must be fully vaccinated before beginning their jobs. Employees who aren't already vaccinated and are working on-site will have 60 days to do so; employees still working from home must provide proof of vaccination prior to their return to work. The company also said it has started discussing vaccine mandates with the unions representing its workers. Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, said all its US-based corporate employees must be vaccinated by October 4, according to a Friday memo from Doug McMillon, the company's president and CEO. The company has been gradually having workers come back to the office, and plans to be "closer to pre-pandemic levels after Labor Day." It will continue monitoring pandemic conditions before determining if that timeline needs to be altered, McMillon said in the memo. Customers will not be required to wear masks, but they will be strongly encouraged, and facilities will post signs to remind them of the CDC's new guidelines. In an earlier Friday memo, Walmart announced that all employees are required to wear masks inside again, regardless of vaccination status, in places with "substantial or high transmission." The new policy is effective immediately, the nation's largest retailer said Friday. Store managers will receive local updates every Monday to determine their facility's necessary protocol. Customers will not be required to wear masks, but they will be strongly encouraged, and facilities will post signs to remind them of the CDC's new guidelines. While Walmart is not mandating that its store employees get vaccinated, it will soon implement a new process to verify their vaccine status, and is strongly encouraging workers to get vaccinated. As part of its push for vaccination, the company is offering employees the chance to get vaccinated while on the clock and up to three days paid leave for any reaction to the shot. Additionally, Walmart is doubling its current vaccine incentive to $150. Originally, the company was offering employees $75 to get vaccinated. Current employees who get vaccinated and new employees who were vaccinated before they started at Walmart are all eligible to receive the bonus. The decision to reinstate a mask mandate comes following updated guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Tuesday, recommending that fully vaccinated people resume wearing masks indoors in areas with high transmission rates of Covid-19. That currently includes nearly two-thirds of all US counties. Walmart first implemented a mandatory mask policy for all shoppers and employees in July 2020. The company then repealed its policy in May following updated CDC guidance that fully vaccinated individuals were safe to go without masks in most circumstances. However, since the CDC's initial guidance for repealing mask mandates, the Delta variant has caused a surge in cases while the rate of vaccinations has lagged. Most other large retailers including Target, Trader Joe's, Publix and Costco ditched mask mandates in May, too, but are now re-evaluating their policies. Publix announced Friday that it will require all associates to wear masks regardless of vaccination status effective August 12, according to the company's website. Kroger also shared on Friday that it will maintain its current policy, which requires unvaccinated associates to wear masks, and requests that unvaccinated customers do the same. The grocery chain is also encouraging, but not mandating, all individuals to wear masks in light of the Delta variant. Enforcing mask rules with customers has been challenging for retailers throughout the pandemic. Employees are often responsible for monitoring customer behaviors, and interactions have turned violent. Last month, a Georgia grocery store clerk was killed by a customer in a dispute over masks. As the pandemic persists, customers are being asked "to be mindful of the guidance provided by local retailers" and to "respect employees and their fellow customers who may continue to wear masks for the safety of themselves and their family," Brian Dodge, president of Retail Industry Leaders Association, said in a statement Tuesday. -- CNN Business' Nathaniel Meyersohn contributed to this report. This story was first published on CNN.com "Disney and Walmart mandate vaccines for employees". Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) Three cities in Cebu province are asking for reconsideration after being placed under the second strictest lockdown status due to a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases. Malacanang has already announced that Cebu province will be downgraded to GCQ status with heightened restrictions" until Aug. 15. However, the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, which are administratively independent from the province, will remain under MECQ. The three cities have filed their appeals to the countrys pandemic response task force. In his letter dated July 30, Cebu City acting Mayor Michael Rama noted the negative economic impact the more stringent lockdown would have on their citizens and economy. Being the center of trade, commerce, and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao, it may not be handy to disturb its recovering economy which supported not only the city and its constituents but the entire region outside of Luzon, Rama said. He said they have already implemented measures to handle the fast-rising number of infections, including the reopening of more isolation centers to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed. Some Cebu workers, especially those in the informal sector, are worried about their livelihood. While some businesses remain open under MECQ, they operate at reduced capacity. Ellen, a worker at an eatery, hopes the national government will revise the classification. "Its better if were not under MECQ, because it will really affect our livelihood. We will lose customers, she said in Cebuano. Ellen added that while she works in Cebu City, she is not part of the governments social amelioration program since shes not a resident of the area. Hotcake street vendor Mario also said he is in favor of a more lenient community quarantine status. "We will still try to find a way to find money to buy food, [but] it would be more difficult to do that with more restrictions," he said. Cebu Citys active cases stand at 2,688 after it confirmed 279 new infections on July 31. On the same day, Lapu-Lapu tallied 87 more virus-hit residents, bringing its active infections to 1,130. The Department of Health also recently announced the detection of 19 Delta variant cases in the area. Mandaue City, meanwhile, has 961 active cases after reporting 56 new infections on Saturday. (CNN) -- Maritime tensions are escalating in the Middle East following the deadly attack on a tanker connected to an Israeli billionaire in the Arabian Sea. Two crewmembers, a Briton and a Romanian, died on Thursday when the Mercer Street tanker was attacked by an armed drone believed to be operated by Iran off the coast of Oman. While Israel and the US are blaming Iran for the attack, Iranian state media has said the incident was in retaliation for an airstrike on a military airport in Syria that it accused Israel of being behind. The Syrian regime is backed by Iranian forces. No Iranian official has commented on the attack and CNN has reached out to Iran's foreign ministry for comment. The vessel was traveling from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Fujariah in the United Arab Emirates with no cargo onboard, the ship's management firm said. It is reportedly sailing under a Liberian flag, according to the maritime tracking website Marine Traffic. The ship is Japanese-owned and managed by Zodiac Maritime, an international management company headquartered in London and led by Israeli shipping magnate Eyal Ofer. Zodiac also confirmed Friday that the tanker was under its own power and moving to a safe location with a US naval escort. US officials have not said which port the vessel will go to. A security official with knowledge of the preliminary investigation said the crew reported hearing drone noises followed by explosions, and eruptions in the water. The boat then went radio silent. The boat's driver and a security detail then remained on the bridge to pilot the vessel, and were hit in the attack, they added. The dead Briton was a member of the security personnel, the official said. A US defense official familiar with the details of the incident said Friday that the tanker was attacked by an armed drone thought to be operated by Iran. Another official said the US responded "to an emergency distress call of an apparent UAV style attack," and that the ship was escorted to port by the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and the USS Mitscher destroyer. The tanker's crew reported that the drone exploded into its super structure on Thursday, the first US official said. They also reported an unsuccessful attempted drone attack earlier in the day but said that drone fell into the water. The US military has long noted Iran has drones that operate by flying into targets and exploding on impact. An official source at Oman's Maritime Security Center told Oman News Agency on Friday that the incident happened outside Omani waters, the agency said. Oman sent jets and a Navy ship to the location of the attack, and Omani officials say they were told by the ship and its crew it would continue sailing without the need for assistance, the agency reported. Deep concerns This incident comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran and follows a series of attacks on tankers in the Gulf of Oman in recent years, which the US has blamed on Iran. Israel's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said that the world needs to stand up to Iran after the incident. "Iran isn't only an Israeli problem but an exporter of terror, destruction and instability which harms the entire world. We must never remain silent in the face of Iranian terrorism, which also harms freedom of navigation," Lapid said in a statement on Twitter. Lapid added that he had told his British counterpart, Dominic Raab, that the attack on the ship needed a strong response. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was "deeply concerned" by the incident off the coast of Oman, in a statement on Twitter. "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the British and Romanian nationals killed in the incident," the statement said. "Vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law," it added. Ambrey, the maritime security company that employed the UK crewman killed in the attack, also said in a statement that it was "currently working closely with our client and the relevant authorities, whilst offering all the support possible to the victim's next of kin. "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved at this incredibly sad time." This story was first published on CNN.com "Deadly drone attack on tanker escalates Iran-Israel maritime tensions". (CNN) -- In the small village of Kacarlar, on Turkey's southern coast, farmers are facing apocalyptic scenes as wildfires continue to sweep the country. "The animals are on fire," 56-year-old resident, Muzeyyan Kacar, told CNN. "Everything is going to burn. Our land, our animals and our house. What else do we have anyway?" Hundreds of miles west, in the tourist hotspot of Bodrum, more than 1,000 people were evacuated by boat on Saturday to escape the wildfires. At least six people have died in dozens of blazes that started earlier this week, amid scorching summer temperatures and fires that experts say have been worsened by climate change. Among the victims are two firefighters who were killed battling the flames on Saturday, according to the Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Ministry. Since Wednesday, 88 fires have broken out across the country, said the ministry. Ten fires were still burning on Saturday, it added. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared parts of five provinces on Turkey's Mediterranean coast "disaster zones," following a helicopter visit to the devastated areas. "We will continue to take all steps to heal the wounds of our people, to compensate for losses and to improve opportunities to better than before," the president added in a tweet Saturday. The largest fire, in Manavgat, Antalya Province, killed at least three people, according to the Turkish Natural Disaster and Emergency Directorate (AFAD). In the nearby village of Kacarlar, residents are grappling with seeing homes they built by hand burn to the ground. "My father's house burned down," said 48-year-old Gulay Kacar. "Gone, gone, it's gone," Kacar said, before adding that she was "running to let the animals loose." Namet Atik, a 37-year-old farmer from a neighboring village, said that he came to Kacarlar to help. "Whatever this village needs ... we are here for them," he told CNN "We get them water, our cars, tractors, saws," he added. "We are forest villagers. Our livelihood is the forest. If this fire runs, there is no return." On Turkey's Mediterranean coast, the resort of Bodrum evacuated 1,100 people using more than 20 boats on Saturday to escape the dangers posed by nearby wildfires, the city's Mayor Ahmet Aras said. "There is ongoing fire in the Mazi district as of early morning and it was not under control, but helicopters arrived and started operating," Aras tweeted on Sunday. Bodrum is a popular destination for Turkish and foreign tourists. Russian state media on Saturday reported that about 100 Russian tourists were evacuated from the area to avoid the blaze. Around 4,000 personnel, along with hundreds of emergency vehicles, have been deployed by the government to help fight the flames this week. At least 77 houses have been damaged in the province of Antalya, and more than 2,000 farm animals have died, Turkey's Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Bekir Pakdemirli, told journalists on Thursday. Scorching temperatures Hot and dry weather conditions had exacerbated the fires, said Pakdemirli Thursday. He added that temperatures of 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit), less than 14% humidity and winds around 50 kilometers per hour (31 m.p.h.) had helped spread the flames. Hikmet Ozturk, a forestry expert with the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, a nongovernmental organization that works to protect forests, told CNN that while 95% of fires in Turkey are caused by people, the spread of the fires is worsened by climate change. The area of the fires are within the Mediterranean Basin which is one of the most susceptible to climate change risks, Ozturk said. "Typical weather conditions in the summer for the area is hot and dry, which means the risk of fires is already high, and climate change raises that risk," he said The wildfires come as parts of western Europe have battle severe flooding in recent weeks. Scientists have for decades warned that climate change will make extreme weather events, including heavy rain and deadly flooding, more likely. This story was first published on CNN.com, "'The animals are on fire,' say devastated farmers as wildfires sweep Turkey" But Anderson argued party leaders shouldn't let Republican opposition slow them down. "Republicans didn't want to work across the aisle time and time again," she said of recent years. "If we're going to continue to move in a direction that helps the many instead of the few, Democrats are going to have to push." Despite the strong approval for Biden and two-thirds of Democrats saying the country is headed in the right direction, the poll finds 53% of Democrats say they are pessimistic about U.S. politics generally. Just 27% say they are optimistic, while another 19% hold neither view. Interviews with Democratic voters show those concerns are rooted in a deep distrust of Republicans, especially in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump as Congress convened to certify Biden's victory. Those Democrats cast the GOP as a threat to democracy. They pointed especially to Republican obstruction of federal election and voting rights bills, the lack of GOP participation in an official inquiry into the Jan. 6 insurrection and the struggle to pass an infrastructure program -- though a bipartisan breakthrough on infrastructure could now be on the cusp of clearing the 50-50 Senate. The department has worked to reduce the overall prison population from a high of more than 50,000 around 2014, to a little more than 37,000 as of this month which is just a few hundred more people than were incarcerated 20 years ago. The department also reduced the prison population by 14% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and while many other states that reduced their populations during the pandemic have seen that population increase again in the last few months, Pennsylvania has not. Pennsylvania Secretary of Corrections John Wetzel said about 70% of the more than 13,000 prisoners released under various efforts since he took over have been people of color. The dashboard shows the percentage of inmates who are Black has decreased from 55 % in 2001 to about 47% today. Still, in a state where the overall population is 12% Black, it shows Black residents are about six times overrepresented in prison. Latinos are more than two times overrepresented in the states prisons. And the same is true in parole. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Wetzel has been a supporter of data and research-driven decisions since he took over in 2011. Having that support system at home and at the fire station is huge. Gorski-Gilbert said McAdoo Chief Robert Leshko, her uncle Matt Capulich of McAdoo fire and her husband all pushed her to be a better first responder. Its a challenge, but you can do it, she said. Pregnancy didnt stop her from answering calls for help, either, but she knew her limitations. For a while, she took on roles that didnt put her in harms way, such as operating the pumper truck to ensure those battling the fire had enough water. While she couldnt put on gear and go into the fire or help pull people from a vehicle crash, there was still something important for her to do. There were other ways to help, she said, pointing out that thats the case for anyone with a desire to help their local fire company. Theres water supply, equipment, fundraising, driving the apparatus and rehabilitation efforts for firefighters who are battling a blaze. Each job is a necessity and everyone has a duty, she said. Adams said he had to move some clutter to get to Martin's body, which was in a narrow space in the attic, facing up with his head tilted back. The deputy located an Accu-Tek .380 cal. pistol next to Martin's head in a pool of blood, with the muzzle of the gun facing the man's head. He said he immediately secured the weapon. The gun was later brought to the witness stand by another deputy, who testified that it had blood on the side of its slide. A residue test was performed on Martin's left hand and showed substances including lead and barium were detected, which the deputy said indicated that a gun was fired at close range. The jury heard from other witnesses and written statements from people who attended the birthday party held for James Wade's 18-year-old daughter, Lani Wade. Several had similar accounts of seeing Martin that night, describing his behavior as paranoid or acting strange. According to one written statement, before the party, the witness recalled Martin repeatedly saying, "I can't do this." Another witness statement alleged that three people, including James Wade, had murdered Martin. Deputy Adams said that the allegation was not supported by any evidence. Dead or alive Compared to the food giveaway, traffic at the Washington County Health Department is slow. These days, about 50 to 60 COVID-19 vaccines are being administered there a week. I, myself, believe in the vaccine 100%, said Shawnee Douglass, the director. I also have respect for people in the community who choose not to take the vaccine. The great thing that makes us America is that we have a choice. If only this issue hadnt become so politicized, we wouldnt be where we are now. Douglas, 54, who grew up in the community, spoke from her office. Red, white and blue lights draped from the ceiling. Other decorations left from the Fourth of July holiday were mixed in with mementos of her Southern Baptist faith. I am a Republican, she said. They dropped the ball. I dont think they were ahead of it like they should have been. Douglas said some people have even been scared off because they think the government is trying to implant chips to track them. The health department has sought help from area doctors to refer the vaccine, but there is still a wide variety of people who resist it. She said one doctor is among those who champion the liberty of choice. The eviction ban was intended to prevent further virus spread by people put out on the streets and into shelters. Congress approved nearly $47 billion in federal housing aid to the states during the pandemic, but it has been slow to make it into the hands of renters and landlords owed payments. The day before the ban was set to expire, Biden called on local governments to take all possible steps to immediately disburse the funds. There can be no excuse for any state or locality not accelerating funds to landlords and tenants that have been hurt during this pandemic, he said in a statement late Friday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pointed Democratic House members in the same direction, urging them in a letter Saturday night to check into how the money already allocated has been distributed so far in their own states and localities. She said the Treasury Department, which transferred the funds earlier in the year, offered to brief lawmakers next week. Biden set off the scramble by announcing Thursday he would allow the eviction ban to expire instead of challenging a recent Supreme Court ruling signaling this would be the last deadline. Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the state Office of Emergency Services, said officials learned that it is better to align the states efforts with existing health care facilities than to set up makeshift, stand-alone hospitals. The state budgeted $74.5 million for the fiscal year that started this month to cover late-arriving bills or if there is another surge that requires the state to ramp up again. BOSTON Tenants who are months behind on rent face the end to a federal eviction moratorium Saturday. Housing advocates fear the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moratorium could result in millions of people being evicted in the coming weeks, forcing some to become homeless just as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading. The Biden administration announced Thursday it will allow a nationwide ban to expire. It argued that its hands are tied after the Supreme Court signaled the moratorium could only be extended until the end of the month without congressional action. Paul Newman, co-owner of the property, said the impacts to the neighborhood are null and void as far as hes concerned. The house fits into the street that I built it on, he said. Some of the homes are rentals anywayacross the street and on the side. The house on the other side has been being built for about eight years. Deputy Planning Director Stephanie Golon told the commission that when county planning staff reviews applications they look at how it might fit into the countys comprehensive plan. The tourism portion of the comp plan does promote providing tourist lodging opportunities within the community, Golon said. As you remember, we allowed tourist lodging in R-1 by special use permit so that were able to review each individual application on its merit and identify and address any impacts for that particular structure. We were unable to identify any impacts outside of what the actual structure is designed for. The proposed use does not change the residential character of the single-family unit and is currently in harmony with the surrounding neighborhood. The three speakers against the SUP mentioned the fact that the Newmans have operated the property as a short-term rental for many years without the proper permit. This has been a constant focus for us and it will be the subject of our next School Board meeting on Thursday evening, Haas said in the release. Its also why we are doing this summer what is a rarity for any school division: We are offering no-fee summer programming to all students at all of our schools from July 6-30, and we hope as many students as possible will be able to participate. Beard said not including preschoolers in special education was depressing and laughable, all at the same time. When the superintendent says all students, he doesnt actually mean all students in so much as that doesnt include preschoolers with disabilities, she said. Theres a total mismatch between stated priorities and whats actually happening. After more than a year out of school, her daughter has missed out on time with typically developing peers, which has been challenging. LB has a rare genetic condition and medical issues put her at higher risk for COVID-19, so Beard said they were careful about whom she interacted with, moving all therapy outside. Thats one of the things that I think shes really missed out on is that modeling thats available to her by being with typical peers, she said. That was a huge benefit of being in the ECSE classroom before the pandemic. Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 if I'm vaccinated? Yes, if you've been around someone who has COVID-19. The latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who are fully vaccinated should get tested three to five days after a potential exposure, even if they don't have symptoms. That change comes two months after the agency eased its initial testing guidance. In May, the CDC said vaccinated people face very little risk of serious illness and don't need to be tested in most cases, even if exposed to someone who was sick. The thinking was that vaccinated people also weren't likely to spread it to others. But the agency says it's reversing that guidance because of the more contagious delta variant, which now accounts for most COVID-19 infections. The COVID-19 vaccines are still very good at protecting people from getting seriously ill, but the CDC says new data shows vaccinated people infected with the delta variant could spread it to others. RICHMOND The House of Delegates and Senate will return to the Virginia Capitol on Monday to meet in its historic chambers for the first time in almost 17 months, but they wont leave behind the issue of whether to wear face masks for indoor gatherings to forestall a new surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislators, who have been told to wear face masks inside the Capitol and the Pocahontas Building if they are not vaccinated against the coronavirus disease, will decide whether to allow people to wear masks publicly as protection against COVID-19, despite a longstanding state law that generally forbids the wearing of masks in public. We will be encouraging everyone to wear masks in the Capitol and Pocahontas building, House Clerk Suzette Denslow said Friday after the Richmond-Henrico Health Department recommended that people wear masks when indoors with people who are not in their family. Gov. Ralph Northam proposed on Friday to restore an exception to the state mask law for public health. The exception had lapsed with the expiration of his public health emergency order on June 30. He included the provision in a 17-page budget bill for the assembly to consider in the special session to spend $4.3 billion in federal aid Virginia has received under the American Rescue Plan Act. Three costly wars in Central and East Asia since 1950 raise two questions about U.S. foreign policy: Why did we go to war in Korea (1950), Vietnam (1965), and Afghanistan (2001)? What did we learn about Americas emerging role in maintaining world peace? We had two successful, but smaller wars in Kuwait and Bosnia in the 1990s. But the legacy of failures in Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan caused Presidents Obama, Trump and Biden to tread carefully before committing military forces abroad. Afghanistan. The major mistake made by President George W. Bush was not the invasion in 2001 to get rid of al-Qaida, which was a successful operation. The mistake was his administrations decision to use the occupation of Afghanistan to build a democratic government in a country that had no experience with free elections or interest in human rights. That effort has largely failed. The financial cost was over a trillion dollars, and battle casualties were nearly 2,000 dead and 20,000 wounded. Although casualties were smaller than in Korea and Vietnam, the publics frustration with the war was very clear. Another shut down hospitals in Ireland and New Zealand. Now, were not saying that the flaw uncovered by UVa researchers was exploited in any of these hacks. We are saying that the problem of cybercrime is extensive, dangerous and growing. To further illustrate that danger, consider that both Russia and China are believed to be behind some of these attacks, perhaps working covertly with independent criminal groups. The U.S. just last week accused China of being involved in a ransomware hack of Microsoft last spring, and already had blamed the massive SolarWinds attack of 2019-2020 on Russian espionage. Anything we can do to defend against such attacks is welcome. The UVa researchers found a weakness in a defense that already had been constructed. The original problem was discovered in 2018. It involves a microchip feature that increases processor speed by allowing the computer to successfully predict the users next instructions and to act on those instructions even before they can be fully input a process called speculative execution. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Denton featured Denton's Dino Bo unveils fossils found locally Al Key/DRC Beau McDaniel, known as Dino Bo, explains the origin of the dinosaur bones he found in Denton County to 6-year-old Tommy Youngberg and his mother, Jennifer Youngberg, on Saturday at the Explorium. Al Key/DRC Beau McDaniel, aka Dino Bo, mimics a specific dinosaur whose bones were found in Denton County during his presentation Saturday at the Explorium. Al Key/DRC Dinosaur bones identified as coming from a Protohadros, all found in Denton County, are displayed during Dino Bos presentation Saturday in Denton. Al Key/DRC Dinosaur bones identified as coming from a Protohadros' pelvis and other bones, all found in Denton County, are displayed during Dino Bo's presentation at the Explorium Saturday, July 31, 2021, in Denton, Texas. Photo by Al Key/DRC Al Key/DRC Dian Tran, an editor at the Dallas Paleontological Society, painted dinosaurs on children's arms during the presentation about bones found in Denton County at the Explorium Saturday, July 31, 2021, in Denton, Texas. Photo by Al Key/DRC After spending the last year fossil-digging in Denton, Dino Bo finally revealed his dinosaur collections thus far at a childrens learning event. Local paleontology educator Beau McDaniel, also known as Dino Bo, led the sold-out Family Fun Dino Reveal event Saturday afternoon at Explorium Denton Childrens Museum. Children were able to learn about the Cretaceous Period and how to hunt for fossils through hands-on activities. Shark and dinosaur teeth, crystals and metamorphic and sedimentary rocks were scattered inside a sandbox for children to dip up using strainers. Whatever they could find they were allowed to take home. At another station, children used hammers to crush rocks to find tiny plastic dinosaurs inside, or used water in basters to melt ice balls holding similar dinosaur toys. Youve seen Jurassic Park, you know they take a little paintbrush and they gently brush the dirt off the dinosaur and its like laying there perfectly for them, McDaniel said. That is not how it works at all. Dinosaur bones are usually jumbled up and theyre almost always broken. McDaniel, a middle school teacher in Asbury United Methodist Churchs home-school enrichment program, has hosted several Dino Bo classes at libraries across Dallas-Fort Worth. This event was particularly special because it showcases all the dinosaur bones he has personally discovered in Denton. The program highlighted bones that once belonged to the duck-billed Protohadros dinosaur, the first such fossils McDaniel discovered in Denton while on his way to the park with his children in November. While McDaniel considers himself an amateur paleontologist, he has years of experience when it comes to dinosaurs and fossil hunting. When he came across a red patch of dirt that is normally found in the Woodbine Formation area of North Texas during his drive, he said he knew it looked like dinosaur stuff. After digging for about 10 minutes, he came across a piece of a Protohadros pelvis, which he confirmed through other local paleontologists and research. It turns out the Protohadros is the first dinosaur that has ever been found in Denton, he said. I was always told, Dont even bother looking for dinosaurs they didnt go that far north, youre not going to find anything, McDaniel said, laughing. I proved them wrong. Since then, he has found about 20 bones in that area of Denton that belong to the native dinosaurs, including pieces of vertebrae, ribs, phalanx and more. He also showcased the Protohadros fossils beside a newly found, unnamed Tyrannosaurid tooth. Unlike science and nature museums, Dino Bo lets participants touch the fossils. Kids learn by being able to be up close and personal, McDaniel said. They dont learn anything from 30 feet away or behind glass. Explorium has partnered with McDaniel for his Dino Bo classes for several years, including parties and educational programs. Our goal is to provide opportunities for children and families to play and learn together in a safe environment, Dinora Padilla, Exploriums executive director, said. So partnering with [McDaniel] allows us to provide something new. Parents are engaged and theyre also playing, which is something thats very important for child development. McDaniel also showed a sneak peek of a new program he is working on called Dinosaurs of the World, which will allow children to look at fossils that are not available in any museum. When Jody Knowlton discovered in January her adult daughter had been murdered, she was more than 1,600 miles away at her Virginia home. Leah Carlene Knowlton, 28, had been shot in the head by her live-in boyfriend Edward Alexander Hayton, 26, in Knowltons Central City home in the 900 block of Vernon Drive, according to the Gilpin County Sheriffs Office. Hayton then killed himself. It was January 20. With the grief of Leahs murder pressing down on her, Jody Knowlton still had much to plan while trying to get answers. How to get her daughters body back to Virginia? Who would help with a proper military burial for the U.S. Army veteran? Where was Leahs new retriever puppy, Murphy? And who was going to clean the grisly scene left in Leah Knowltons master bedroom? The district attorneys victims advocate was wonderfully helpful, Knowlton said. She emailed me a whole pamphlet of information. One of the sections was on cleanup companies, and Bio-One was on there. (Owner) Matt (Gregg) answered the phone and he was amazing. He fully understood what was going on and he was so gentle with me. Matt and Krista Gregg own a Bio-One Inc. franchise in Denver, one of five in Colorado. The franchise business, with 117 locations nationwide, was born in Highlands Ranch in 2007. It handles crime and trauma scene cleaning, clearing hoarder spaces, decontamination and disinfection a field called bio-remediation. Its truly a Help First, Business Second mentality and were so glad we could help the Knowlton family, said Krista Gregg, echoing the companys motto. Nick-Anthony Zamucen is the founder and CEO of Bio-One, which he started in Highlands Ranch in 2007. Zamucen tells the story of his churchs pastor asking the congregation one Sunday if someone would check on the wife of a suicide victim. When Zamucen and a group of men from the church went to the house, the widow just pointed to the master bedroom. The poor lady had not left the couch, he said. She was so scared of what shed see. The group cleaned the mess best they could an effort Zamucen describes as we did everything wrong. But it gave him an idea for a business model, and a way to help people suffering trauma. At the time, no one was doing it, he said. I was just a college kid who thought about being a pro athlete. I didnt think Id start a franchise of crime scene cleaning businesses. Franchise owners have partnered with local authorities, emergency services, victim services groups, communities, hoarding task forces and insurance companies. Now Bio-One is the only cleanup company registered with the FBI, Zamucen said. The company cleaned up after some of the countrys worst mass shootings, including the 2016 one at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., that took 49 lives and the October 2017 Las Vegas attack on concert-goers that left 58 dead and almost 1,000 injured. Bio-One also cleaned the King Soopers store in Boulder, the scene of a mass shooting in March that left 10 people dead, including a Boulder Police Officer. Las Vegas was 16 acres of bio materials that needed remediated, said Zamucen. We only had two franchises in Nevada and they called corporate and said there was no way they could handle it. Six franchises from all over the country had to help. It was, by far, our biggest job. Zamucen said the company could likely have more franchise operators, but were extremely selective. The brokerages who sell franchises for us hate us because we turn so many away, he said. Our company culture is very strong for a reason. Its about finding the right people. You cant just be a carpet cleaner with a strong stomach. It added clearing hoarder space services about seven years ago, and it has quickly become more than 30 percent of most franchises business, according to Zamucen. Helping people really gets addicting, Zamucen said. Its a great positive feeling that youve made someones life a little better on the worst day of their life. The Greggs got that feeling when one of Leah Kwoltons possessions they were able to save made it back to her mother, a stuffed animal named Sleepy Bunny. As Jody Knowlton and her other two daughters, Leahs sisters, were packing up the Central City house they found Sleepy Bunny. All of a sudden, there was Sleepy Bunny I burst into tears, Jody Knowlton said. As a young child, Leah had slept with the stuffed animal for years. She left it behind when she went to the Army. But Jody Knowlton found it and returned it to her daughter in December when she came to Central City to visit, and meet Leahs live-in boyfriend. Knowlton said she couldnt even pay Bio-Ones $6,000 bill from the cleaning until recently when the house sold and she was able settle her daughters estate. They never even bothered me about it, Knowlton said. I cant speak highly enough about Matt and Krista and Bio-One. They helped ease a horrible situation. They made it so my daughters and I didnt have to go see that. Moscow, ID (83843) Today A mix of clouds and sun. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High 81F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 57F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. The Above the Best Silver Chapter of the US Army Warrant Officers Association will be holding their in-person, monthly meeting at 1145 AM on August 12, 2021 at Swartworth Hall, 5302 Outlaw Street, Fort Rucker, AL. A meal will be served. Please observe Fort Rucker COVID protocols. This meeting is open to all warrant officers or those interested in warrant officer issues. The Coffee County Republican Club will hold its next meeting on Saturday, Aug. 14th at 8:30 a.m. at the Enterprise Country Club. The guest speaker will be State Representative Wes Allen, candidate for Alabama Secretary of State, which is the Constitutional office responsible for running elections in the State. For more information please call, 334-494-2427 Enterprise Womens Day Class of Community Bible Study will begin Aug. 16. The class will meet on Mondays from 10 a.m. until noon in the chapel of First Baptist Church located on 302 North Main Street. For those who cannot meet in person, a dedicated online Core Group will be offered. The class will spend 30 weeks studying 1 and 2 Peter and Revelation. Online registration is open now for the in-person class or the online Core Group at enterprise.cbsclass.org, or interested parties can contact the Class Coordinator by phone at 334-494-2039 or by email at bandL894@yahoo.com. Registration will be offered throughout the year. A Childrens Ministry is in progress, and children will be put on a waiting list. Critics said people who need the money that has been set aside to help them aren't getting it quickly enough. Its pretty terrifying and highly concerning. I dont think theres a quick fix, said Rajni Shankar-Brown, professor of social justice education at Stetson University and the vice president for the National Coalition for the Homeless. One reason the distribution of funds has been so slow is an online application process that requires landlords to create a new account and re-apply for every tenant if theyre applying on behalf of multiple people, said Kody Glazer, legal director of the Florida Housing Coalition. People without computer also may have trouble applying online. At this point we need a big ground game, knocking on doors of people getting evicted, getting money out like its an emergency management problem, Glazer said. Florida is not alone in its slow distribution. Nationally, only about 6.5 percent of the approximately $46.5 billion set aside for the program, or 12% of its initial stage of funding, had been distributed by the end of June, according to a recent report by the U.S. Treasury Department. The moratorium, put in place by the CDC in September to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, is credited with keeping 2 million people in their homes over the past year as the pandemic battered the economy, according to the Princeton Universitys Eviction Lab. Eviction moratoriums will remain in place in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, California and Washington, D.C., until they expire later this year. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Im not surprised for one single moment, said Seminole Commissioner Jay Zembower. But it causes me great concern for those individuals, who for whatever purpose or reason, he was asking for their personal information. Officials in the Seminole County Tax Collector's Office say they only learned about Greenberg's searches after receiving a public records request from the Florida Center for Government Accountability, a government watchdog group, about the former tax collectors use of the DAVID system. However, Byrd said that some of Greenbergs searches could have been legitimate, such as someone asking him to see if their drivers license was still valid. Greenberg took office in early 2017 and resigned after his arrest in June 2020. Greenberg pleaded guilty last May to six federal crimes, including sex trafficking of a child, identity theft, stalking, wire fraud and conspiracy to bribe a public official. He originally had faced 33 federal charges, but prosecutors dropped the other 27 counts filed against him. His plea agreement with prosecutors requires continued cooperation with an ongoing probe into sex trafficking. TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) Tunisian authorities jailed an opposition lawmaker Friday and briefly detained four members of the powerful Islamist movement Ennahdha in the wake of the president's decision to seize exceptional powers, according to Tunisian media reports. The Ennahdha members were brought before investigating magistrates and accused of trying to incite violence outside the parliament building after President Kais Saied's announcement Sunday, according to party official Riadh Chaidi. The four were questioned but later released for lack of proof of violence, Chaidi told The Associated Press. The president suspended parliament, lifted the immunity of parliament members, fired the prime minister and took control of the executive branch. He said the move was necessary to save the country amid public anger at the government over joblessness, rising prices and one of Africas worst coronavirus outbreaks. But Saieds decision raised concerns about Tunisias young democracy. Critics most notably Ennahdha accused him of a coup. Ennahdha has been a major player in Tunisian legislative elections since the countrys 2011 revolution, which unleashed the Arab Spring uprisings across the region. Alabama Gov. Iveys decision to not require young people to wear masks when school starts back was welcome news to most parents, even as it evidently gave ulcers to the reporter writing the story. AL.com's Savannah Tryens-Fernandes was quick to point out that Iveys order was in direct conflict with the guidelines of the illustrious American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may they live forever. The AAP (peace be upon them), recommends all children over the age of 2 wear masks in school regardless of vaccination status. This guideline is troubling for several reasons, but for my purposes here, I simply want to point out that noticeably absent from Ms. Tryens-Fernandes article was disclosure that major donors to the AAP (praise be) include Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. Conflict of interest maybe? Our politicians must disclose the source of their campaign contributions for good reason. These disclosures help voters determine the difference between a heartfelt conviction and just peddling influence. All of these tactics are used against Marjorie Taylor Green. Yet in spite of the slander and lies, Marjorie Taylor Greene courageously stands against the Democrat agenda. She is unabashedly faithful to her constituents and to the American people. This stance has cost her appointments to Pelosi's committees and media to put her in a less than favorable light. She stands with ethical change makers with bravado to go against the crowd to fight against corruption and destruction. She is to be applauded. Vida Wines and Spirits expands into UK market Vida Wines and Spirits, the importer and wine retail brand with a presence in Bulgaria and Austria, is expanding into the UK and has appointed YesMore drinks marketing agency to lead its UK launch. YesMore will be coordinating a multi-channel social media campaign, to engage new Vida consumers and feed their curiosity for the Vida wine and spirits range. Vida Wine and Spirits launched in Bulgaria, when the Chakolov family, original founders of the brand, bought vineyards in Northern Bulgaria near the village Vidin, home to a medieval fortress Baba Vida. The estate is now six hectares of international grape varietals. The Vida Estate wines will be available to buy from July 2022 and will include cool climate style Viognier, Riesling, Gamza and Syrah. The UK website will launch with an extensive range of spirits, wine and accessories from over 20 countries selected by the UK buying team, made up of sommeliers with 50 years combined experience, including Lisa McBain, formerly of Bibendum Wine; and Olivier Freymuth, former international business development and buying at Natufia and ASC Fine Wines. The UK business is headed up by Nausicaa Rotoloni, former sommelier for the Dorchester and ROKA Mayfair. Rotoloni said: The UK is a market that is always open to trying something new - and while wines from elsewhere in Europe are household names, we know that the wines from Central and Eastern Europe are often overlooked - but can offer great quality and value for curious consumers. We have no less than 30 wineries exclusively imported by Vida that are new to the UK market, including wines from Germany and Austria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova and with a diverse range of styles and price levels. So opening our online shop in the UK, along with a bricks and mortar store in London, which we will use for events and tastings as well as of course sales, is an exciting time for us. YesMores campaign puts us right into the hands of curious and interested consumers, allowing them to learn and enjoy our products and try something new. Dan Hooper, co-founder at YesMore said: Our campaign for Vida is all about education and fun - getting the product directly to people who are open to trying new things and spreading the word. Vida has a very different positioning, promoting wines from areas that many wouldnt usually consider. With products like this, getting products into hands, educating and celebrating are the best approach, which is what our campaign creates. Vida has big plans, and its great to be supporting them on their journey. Related articles: Factories accommodating workers on site with zero Covid-19 cases are dismayed at a sudden notice to halt production. The Tien Giang Peoples Committee announced Thursday the closure of nine industrial zones starting August 5, after 260 workers tested positive at factories in the Long Giang and My Tho industrial zones. In a petition sent to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan the same day, Van Duc Tien Giang Food Export Company expressed surprise on receiving the provinces order to halt production, as it has applied the stay-at-work model and has not recorded any Covid-19 infections. Its chairwoman Truong Thi Le Khanh said: "This is a great shock for firms that have complied fully with the provinces policies, as it has cost us tens of billions of dong (VND1 billion=$43,000) to arrange accommodation on the production site." Khanh said. The sudden shut down order would also disrupt the companys supply chain, as the price of its farmed pangasia fish would drop rapidly if not consumed on time. "Only 50 percent of normal capacity can be maintained to comply with stay-on-site orders, which has already affected production, farming and export plans. A sudden stop will cause double damage to the entire supply chain", said Khanh, who also mentioned compensation for supply contracts, market loss and bankruptcy as additional impacts the notice may cause. Workers cannot return to their hometown as most have not been vaccinated and all southern localities are under social distancing restrictions. Halting production while workers remain on site will cause chaos and create difficulties in retaining them later, he said. "T damage is really unbearable", said Khanh. The Masan Groups animal feed subsidiary, MNS Feed, also expressed disappointment with the notice. The sudden production halt order would not only affect the livelihoods of factory workers, but animal feed supply for farmers, it said. MNS Feed said it has recorded zero Covid-19 cases and is in full compliance with Covid safety regulations. The firm is also requesting authorities to let it continue operations. Tien Giang Peoples Committee Chairman Nguyen Van Vinh said the decision was made after numerous firms were found to have broken the stay-on-site regulations for workers, leading to Covid-19 infections within factories. "Too many firms have violated the regulations, so we decided to issue a production halt notice to all of them," Vinh said. The southern provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Thap have also ordered a halt to production by over 150 firms, citing on-site infections. Tien Giang has recorded 2,097 cases in the fourth coronavirus wave that struck Vietnam late April. The province, home to nine industrial zones with over 100,000 workers, has required residents not to go out between 6 p.m. and 5-6 a.m. the next day in an effort to curb Covid-19 spread. A truck driver stops at a checkpoint in the southern province of Dong Thap. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Tai. Drivers, logistics staff and workers at ports and border gates should be prioritized for vaccination to ensure a smooth flow of goods transport, the industry ministry suggested. "These workers are at the frontier of the Covid-19 fight. They ensure the flow of essential goods, medical equipment and materials for manufacturing," Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said in a request to localities. Disruption of the supply chain in key industries like textiles and garments, footwear, and electronics will have severe long-term impacts on the economy, said Deputy Minister Hai. "If the global supply chain is disrupted, big companies will source their goods from other countries instead of Vietnam. Returning to the supply chain will be a very difficult and time-consuming process." The industry ministry in June proposed the government prioritize vaccinating retail workers to supply goods to consumers. As of July 29, Vietnam has inoculated 5.1 percent of its population, of which 0.6 percent have fully been vaccinated. Several enterprises that applied the stay-at-work model over the past month have seen it backfire with more and more Covid-19 infections appearing in their factories. On June 28, leading food producer Vissan started to apply the stay-at-work model, frequently testing workers for Covid-19. Close to three weeks after, in the fourth round of testing, 19 infections were found. Vissan said the coronavirus might infected employees who have had contacts with people who venture out, like salespersons and deliverymen, thus spreading within the factories. Twelve days after implementing the stay-at-work model, garment maker Viet Thang Jeans also found 19 of 196 workers infected with the novel coronavirus. After contact tracing, the company discovered that a person who sold fruit juice to the workers over the factorys fence had contracted Covid-19 eight days earlier. Nguyen Phuc, vice president of the Binh Duong Furniture Association, said Covid-19 could have penetrated stay-at-work factories because some people in charge of import-export, transport or meal preparation had contact with people outside, and initial rapid tests might have not been reliable. "The accuracy of rapid tests is 80-90 percent. Even if the accuracy rate is 95 percent, among 100 workers, five can get the disease. If so, the whole factory will become infected in a week," Phuc said, proposing that the stay-at-work model be continued only when the spread is moderate and not too rampant. Furthermore, after detecting Covid-19 infections and suspects, firms have found it hard to send them to concentrated quarantine camps. As of July 23, Vissan had quarantined 43 confirmed cases and hundreds of suspected ones within its premises. Only after the company called out for help did local relevant agencies have the workers sent to quarantine camps. A special logistics team of electronics part producer Estec Vina in the southern province of Binh Duong makes accommodation arrangements for 207 Covid-19 infected people. Photo by VnExpress/An Phuong. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai, vice general secretary of the Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association, said some 3 percent of garment and textile companies have applied the stay-at-work mode, and they were struggling to take care of infected workers quarantined in their production areas. "We know that relevant agencies also have big headache because of the strong outbreaks now. But please support and pay attention to enterprises because they are trying hard to maintain production," she said. According to Phuc, if infected workers are not taken care of at designated facilities outside factories, their colleagues will feel uneasy. If a certain person provokes workers to cause disorder, the factories will face many risks, he said. Many enterprises do not dare to apply the stay-at-work model now because of big risks and responsibilities, and those that have already done so plan to reduce the number of workers, or even suspend production, Phuc said, noting that they still have to pay Covid-19 test costs before sending workers back home. Many companies have proposed the government prioritize early vaccination for workers, especially those at stay-at-work factories. "They need to be vaccinated urgently," Phuc stated. Workers should be vaccinated in such progression (from factories to relevant facilities and sections such as transport and retail) that leave no loopholes for the coronavirus to enter to production chains; and the stay-at-work model should be adjusted as the pandemic spreads rampantly in the southern region, he added. As of Thursday noon, 150 enterprises in the southern province of Binh Duong and nine industrial complexes in the southern province of Tien Giang had said they would suspend the stay-at-work model after detecting many Covid-19 cases. More than three months into the new wave, Vietnam has recorded 146,198 community infections in 62 of its 63 cities and provinces. Medics complete papers for people having their samples taken for the novel coronavirus test in HCMC, June 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Lan Anh. Health authorities confirmed 4,372 local Covid-19 patients Sunday morning, raising the ongoing waves tally to 146,198. Among the new patients, Ho Chi Minh City recorded the most, 2,027, followed by its neighbor Binh Duong Province, 1,415, and the Mekong Delta province of Long An, 318. Hanoi recorded 67 cases, raising its tally to 1,397. Of all the new infections, 884 were detected in the community and 3,488 were in quarantine zones and areas under lockdown. More than three months into the new wave, Vietnam has recorded community infections in 62 of its 63 cities and provinces. HCMC is the epicenter of the latest wave with 92,270 cases. Vietnam has administered more than 6.2 million Covid-19 vaccine shots, fully vaccinating 620,.611 people with two shots. Coyotes attacked all three tortoise populations near the area. According to Esque, its difficult for a coyote to eat tortoises because they require more energy to eat than the rabbits that coyotes typically prey on. But during drought, if rabbits die out, coyotes will resort to eating tortoises, which is what happened in Fort Irwin. So the story was not that theres one thing happened, and they moved tortoises, and they all got whacked, said Esque. Its that, the whole desert ... there are patches where its a higher risk to be a tortoise when youre near a town. And thats the bad news. For tortoises, it was much bigger (risk) than just an incident of moving the tortoises in one time. For their Fort Irwin study, it was not the act of translocating tortoises that led to their death, but how much more residential areas are blending into wildlife where many predators reside. It was difficult to compare badgers and coyotes changing their prey toward tortoises. Despite calls from progressives within the Democratic Party and from Americans across the country, President Biden has remained unwilling to push for a fourth stimulus check in recent months. His first major legislative achievement, the American Rescue Plan, included a $1,400 payment but the subject has gone quiet since then. Instead the Biden administration has focused on his new infrastructure project, trying to build bipartisan support for the $3.5 trillion package. This proposal includes an extension for the new Child Tax Credit but no fourth stimulus check. With nothing forthcoming from the federal government, some states are choosing to provide their own direct payments for residents. Californias Golden State Stimulus checks will be distributed soon Many states have passed their own relief legislation during the pandemic to provide for the short-term needs of residents in a way that the federal government simply cant. Following a record-breaking $75 billion budget surplus from 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom passed the California Comeback Plan. The $100 billion package was designed to expand the programmes included in the Golden State Stimulus check and make them available to more people. Central to that was a round of $600 stimulus checks, which were initially sent to residents who qualified for CalEITC support. However from September the California Franchise Tax Board will be sending out payments to individuals earning up to $75,000 per year and married couples earning up to $150,000, provided they did not receive the first round of California stimulus checks. Educators will be thanked with bonus payments from stimulus funding Included in the American Rescue Plan was a considerable amount of federal funding to be spent as the state wished, to aid the covid-19 recovery. A number of states have now decided to use the stimulus funds to offer a bonus to teachers and other school staff, who have been tasked with working through difficult conditions during the pandemic. In June the Florida state legislature approved a new state budget that provided a $1,000 bonus for the states public school teachers, which should arrive when the new academic year starts in the fall. The Sunshine States schools remained open for much of the pandemic and Gov. Ron DeSantis decided that those who worked through it all deserved compensation. However he has drawn criticism for failing to extend the offer to other school employees like counsellors, cafeteria workers and support staff. In Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has also approved a $1,000 bonus for teachers and school staff, costing roughly $240 million of federal funding. Richard Woods, Superintendent of the Board of Education, said the decision would ensure these hard-working employees are recognized for their above-and-beyond efforts, and we want them to stay in public education for the benefit of the students they serve." A similar package was passed in Tennessee which also provided a $1,000 bonus for teachers, with $500 for those who work part-time. The bill was passed on 30 June and recipients will get the payments before the end of the year. However, the one-off payments come in place of a 2% pay rise which many educators had expected to be introduced. China's COVID-19 vaccines can provide protection against different novel coronavirus mutations, Shao Yiming, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said on Saturday. It is normal to have breakthrough infections - people who test positive after being fully immunized - because no vaccine is 100 percent capable of preventing people from catching the virus, he said. In the trial of more than 10 million people, China's CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine effectively prevented COVID-19 infections in Chile, where most of the infections were from the Gamma strain, he said at a news conference. Among those who were fully immunized, the vaccine's effectiveness was 65 percent for the general prevention of COVID-19 or minor illness, 87.5 percent for the prevention of severe illness, 90.3 percent for the prevention of ICU hospitalization, and 86.3 percent for the prevention of COVID-19-related death, he said. Some countries with a high vaccine inoculation rate still have experienced a relapse of the COVID-19 epidemic after the control measures were relaxed, which has shown that strict containment measures should still be implemented after vaccination, he added. By Anwar Adams The US may have replaced Donald Trump but Trumpism continues to reign in the country. Last week, the world witnessed the acrimonious exchange between Republican senator Rand Paul and one of the leading US scientists, Dr Anthony Fauci, who has been at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19. As has come to characterise the Republicans these days, it was a direct attack on the science. And at one stage of the exchange, Dr Fauci, in the presence of Pauls senate colleagues, had to say publicly: Senator Paul, you do not know what you are talking about, quite frankly. The exchange between Paul and Fauci continues on the trajectory that has come to haunt the fight against Covid-19 globally. As the rest of the world tries to fight the pandemic using science, some in the US have opted to politicise Covid-19. This has been especially evident in the tracing of the origin of the pandemic. One of the recommendations made by the international research team visiting China on origin tracing in January and February this year, was that future origin-tracing research should also be expanded to other locations outside China. In particular, the Fort Detrick lab in the US has been identified as one such location where serious origin-tracing of Covid-19 should be investigated. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been urged to conduct an inquiry into this lab, a site of the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases which has suddenly closed. Reports suggest that the lab had stored various deadly viruses such as Ebola, smallpox, Sars, Mers and the novel coronavirus. Other reports even suggest that anthrax bacterium had been stolen from the lab in the past and a leakage incident in the autumn of 2019, just before the global outbreak of Covid-19. Surely this must receive the attention from WHO researchers into origin tracing as well? Yet despite this evidence, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in particular, has been under pressure from the US to keep the focus on China and ensure that the US narrative that Covid-19 came from Wuhan continues. Despite releasing a report, compiled by 28 international scientists in March which stated that a lab leak was extremely unlikely, Ghebreyesus had to recently backtrack and say that it is possible that it could have been a lab leak. Cornered by questions of international journalists at the UN health agencys press conference, the WHO director-general is quoted as saying: I was a lab technician myself, Im an immunologist, and I have worked in the lab, and lab accidents happen. While the Western press were quick to use the pressured answer as a means to hit back at China, it is regrettable that Washington has forced politics onto what should be a purely scientific exercise. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, now almost two years ago, the WHO has cautioned against politicising the response to and fight against Covid-19. However, it seems that it has finally started to buckle under pressure from the US. After all, it was the US that paid more than $200 million (about R3 billion) in membership fees to the world body at the end of March this year. Little doubt, it wants a return on its investment. It was only in April last year that Donald Trump had accused the WHO of severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus. He said the WHO was misusing the US membership funds and cosying up to China, and that was why he was pulling his country out of the WHO. The continuous politicisation of origin-tracing, the propaganda against China and Rand Pauls performance all point to one thing: the US has something to hide. * Anwar Adams is a councillor in the City of Cape Town and president of the Democratic Independents. ** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of IOL and Independent Media. Find the original article at https://www.iol.co.za/news/world/politicising-covid-19-fight-is-perilous-c2ded5c1-4d8b-462e-b5b1-db88d00eb75b Editor: WXY Discourse around the origins of COVID-19 or its source tracing investigation is the terrain of qualified scientists and politics should never be allowed space to interrupt scientific research work. This is the view of leading international scientists including South Africas Prof Salim Abdool Karim, the director of the Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). He was recently in a frank conversation with the Chinese news channel Phoenix TV, shedding scholarly light on COVID-19 origin-tracing and vaccines. The interview took place on July 19, 2021. It was conducted amid the World Health Organisations (WHO) efforts to mobilise scientists around the world to collaborate in joint studies to investigate the actual origins of the coronavirus. WHO has been urged particularly by authorities in China, the first country to carry out joint research with the WHO on COVID-19-origins, to guard against the politicisation of the scientific probe into the origin-tracing of the pandemic that has claimed millions of lives around the world since its outbreak in 2019. Chinese authorities have also urged the WHO to leave no stone unturned and seek answers across regions worldwide. The plea comes in the wake of the USAs rejection of the 34-member joint WHO-China expert team whose findings into COVID-19 origin-tracing, which looked into humans, animals and the environment, were released in March 2021. This sparked concerns that Washington was politicising the issue over its Geopolitical differences with Beijing. The Biden administration has ordered its intelligence services to conduct their own probe into the COVID-19 origins and submit a report within 90 days. Prof Karim was asked for his opinion on the joint report by the WHO-China Study Group which looked into the origins of SARS-Cov-2. Prof Karim was all too happy to offer professional insights, especially to the question: Do you agree that international community should look at the origin-tracing matters in a science-based, objective and fair manner, and oppose politicizing the origin-tracing of the virus? Prof Karim, who has been at the forefront of South Africas effort to flatten the curve of Covid-19, offered an elaborate reply: Its very important that we identify sources of new viruses because it gives us clues as to what we can expect in the future. For example, we understand that the first SARS-Cov Coronavirus probably came from bats via civets into humans. We need to ensure that we collect the data to understand that for SARS-Cov-2. He continued: We must do that in a scientifically rigorous way. This is not a time for political posturing and finger pointing. This is a time for cool heads to make sure we collect the scientific evidence. And we need all the authorities to cooperate. We need to do so in a transparent way so that all the different possibilities are explored. The evidence is collected and the answers are obtained. Its in everyones interest to get an answer that is scientifically credible, he said. Covid-19 origin-tracing is very complicated since no scientific evidence has yet been produced that the pandemic started in Chinas Wuhan laboratory. Discourse in Scientific epistemology points to look-alike symptoms that erupted in Europe and the Americas around the same time that Coronavirus was spotted in China as factors of interest. But objective Scientists have called for open-mindedness in the global origin-tracing work so that a recurrence is avoided in future. They seek scientific value and not blame or punishment, according to the US-based CEO of Corvus Health, Kate Tulenko. Other scholars want the origin-tracing to be collaborative, international, unbiased, data-driven and transparent. Prof Walter Ian Lipkin, professor of Epidemiology at the Columbia University in the US also believes strongly in collaborative work among the experts. The origin-tracing work needs to shift away from blame its Chinese, or Malaysia or US, whatever, it doesnt matter. Viruses dont recognise borders. They are everywhere. We need to ensure that the very best minds in the world focus on this probe, Prof Lipkin says. Zoologist Peter Daszak, who was a member of the WHO-China research team, says claims from some quarters in the US that Coronavirus was caused by a spill-over from a laboratory in Wuhan is factually inaccurate. The evidence says extremely unlikely, he says, and that was a unanimous opinion. Its not worth continuing that pathway of thought. He continues: I do think that is a very significant finding. These are the findings of Scientists who know what they are doing. Speaking on the Chinese global news network CGTNs programme, World Insight, Scientist Dr George Gao Fu, Director of the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said: As there is no evidence yet on where the virus originated I am calling on everybody to calm down. Lets work together to figure out where the virus originated. From the Chinese standpoint, we are also eager to find out where the virus came from because this will help us for the future. Lets leave this (probe) in the hands of scientists. Methinks now that the scientists have spoken, politicians need to listen. There is absolutely everything untoward when less-knowledgeable people throw their weight around societys brightest brains whose primary interest is science-based research and empirical evidence. Political offices serve or should serve a completely different purpose to the work of scientists for every society to prosper. And anyway, politicians are elected for a particular period of office and usually by the time they leave office the electorate want to hear absolutely nothing about them due to their inherent misdemeanours. So for once, in the light of a pandemic, one hopes that the WHO will be let by powerful politicians particularly in Washington to carry on with their work unhindered. Otherwise, God help us all. Find the original article at https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/opinion-keep-politicians-away-and-let-scientists-do-their-work-unhindered-in-covid-19-origin-tracing-research/ Editor: WXY Though politically divided, the US has maintained an infamous record of viewing global affairs through the lens of double standard regardless of which party is controlling the White House. Now the US government is covering the worlds biggest suspect origin of the novel coronavirus Fort Detrick Lab, the only Level-4 US Army Medical Command facility. On top of that, the US is hyping up the scandal that the virus was leaked from a Chinese lab in Wuhan, and manipulating the World Health Organization for Phase-II origin tracing in China. Illustration by Qianli American media are getting busier these days as well, deliberately hyping up the cliches that the Chinese government is not transparent and the Chinese government does not cooperate with the investigation. Its strange why the US government doesnt cooperate with the investigation and why it is not being transparent at a time when people all across the world, and at home in the US, too, are asking questions about Fort Detrick. There are good reasons to believe the US is the foremost source of the virus. (I) This time its not that easy for the US to play the double standard game. By shifting the limelight onto China in the global origin-tracing efforts, the US has actually exposed its attempt to distract the international community and cover its own flaws. At the very least, it bought more time to cover up the problems at Fort Detrick. There are actually disagreements within the US government as for whether and how to play the origin-tracing game. In June, the Vanity Fair magazine disclosed that during Donald Trumps presidency, White House officials issued an internal warning against investigating the origin of the virus, otherwise a jar full of maggots might be opened. Stephen Kanazawa, a former foreign correspondent of The New York Times and a senior researcher at the Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs at Brown University, said that the Fort Detrick biolab has a dark history and has worked with Japanese war criminals, and still remains the center of biological warfare research in the US, and an in-depth investigation of the laboratory will be very interesting. Both kind advices and blunt warnings are clearly ignored by the US government, which chose to engage in totally the opposite the wicked suing first, muddling the water and shifting the attention elsewhere. All these will end up as futile because the suspicions are right there: In 2018, Fort Detrick published a paper showing it conducted in-depth research on the pathogen characteristics of potential A/B biological warfare agents from community-acquired pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia is exactly what the scientific community described at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. In July 2019, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention closed the Fort Detrick base and suspended its research on highly pathogenic pathogens. Almost at the same time, an unknown respiratory disease broke out in a community of retirees an hours drive away from Fort Detrick. Unknown respiratory diseases emerged also in northern Virginia, and large-scale e-cigarette pneumonia broke out in Wisconsin, the symptoms of which were almost identical to COVID-19. Towards the end of the month, respiratory diseases of unknown reasons broke out in two nursing homes near Fort Detrick. In September, the number of e-cigarette pneumonia cases in Maryland, where Fort Detrick is located, doubled. Authoritative radiology medical experts analyzed 60 openly published scientific papers on e-cigarette and flu pneumonia and concluded that there were viral infections in e-cigarette pneumonia cases reported in the US in 2019, and the possibility cannot be ruled out that some of these cases were COVID-19 cases. Researchers from the US CDC tested more than 7,000 blood samples collected from 9 states in the country from December 13, 2019 to January 17, 2020, 106 of which contained antibodies to the novel coronavirus. The National Institutes of Health collected 24,000 blood samples from multiple locations across the US at the beginning of 2020, and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were found in at least 9 of these samples. This proves that as early as December 2019, the novel coronavirus had started to spread in the US at a low rate. Robert Redfield, the former director of the US C DC, publicly admitted that some of the deaths in the US flu season that began in September 2019 were actually due to the novel coronavirus. From January to August 2019, the US Department of Health and Human Services conducted a mock drill code-named Crimson Contagion, which simulated unsuspecting US tourists returning home carry along a deadly respiratory virus from China and then the virus spread to the whole word. The result of the simulation was 110 million infections and 580,000 deaths in the US. In October 2019, multiple organizations in the US carried out a high-level epidemic exercise code-named Event 201 to simulate an outbreak of a novel zoonotic coronavirus that eventually becomes a severe pandemic not to be stopped until an effective vaccine comes out. In the second drill, the virus was very similar to the SARS virus but more transmissible. In November 2019, the US mentioned in intelligence shared with Israel that China was about to have a coronavirus outbreak. Former US president Trump even went on record saying the country started to develop vaccines for the novel coronavirus on January 11, 2020. On March 16, 2020, Modernas experimental vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 carried out the first human test. As experts commented, this is possible only if Moderna started the experiment from long time ago and obtained the virus strain much earlier. In February 2021, Gateway Expert, a US news website disclosed an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) between the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Moderna. The agreement shows that in December 2019, the candidate mRNA coronavirus vaccine developed by the two parties was officially transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (II) Connecting all the dots would make a gruesome story. What is the connection between Fort Detrick and the early spread of the novel coronavirus? What does the US government have to do with the virus? To dodge the questions with a simple line of it involves national security will no longer work. The US government has to expose the real reasons behind the closure of Fort Detrick, and disclose the real causes of the pneumonia of e-cigarette smokers. Otherwise, the world can only reasonably suspect that Fort Detrick is where all this originated, and that the US government played an ugly role in this deadly pandemic. Vanity Fair drew a vivid and impressive analogy a jar full of maggots. As a matter of fact, this is not the first time a maggot was unleashed from the jar. The US not only maintains a dirty record in artificially modifying virus sequences. Public records show that in 2002 it modified the polio virus; in 2004 and 2014 it modified the influenza virus, and in 2011, the H5N1 avian influenza virus was modified in a US lab. In containing virus spread, the US record looks much uglier: In 1989, a new variant of Ebola spread in parts of the US due to researchers negligence. In 2001, an anthrax attack took place in the US, the strains used by the suspect were all from Fort Detrick, and the high-purity anthrax far exceeded the needs of peaceful research. In 2002, another leak of anthrax spore occurred in Fort Detrick, causing infections of working staff. Between 2015 and 2020, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reported 28 lab accidents involving genetically engineered organisms to the National Institutes of Health, of which 6 involved man-made coronaviruses. A science writer from Stanford University revealed in the book Bitten that the Lyme disease, which is spread by tick bites and is prevalent in the US, was actually caused by bacteria leakage from Fort Detrick by biological warfare researchers. The world has yet to receive any reasonable explanation from the US for all these. Now COVID-19 has permanently changed the human society and wreaked havoc on the entire planet. The world deserves an explanation from the US government on its relationship with this global pandemic. But unfortunately, the US has chosen to remain silent, blind and deaf. There has been increasing rational voices from the international community criticizing the US for politicizing the origin-tracing and calling for investigation into Fort Detrick. More than 14 million Chinese netizens have signed a letter to the WHO as of Sunday, demanding the organization to investigate the Fort Detrick lab, and interestingly, the server of the petition campaign was hacked by multiple US IP addresses. Americans deserve to know the truth, too. In March, American people also launched a petition on the White House website, enumerating incidents such as the outbreak of the pandemic and deleted media coverage, and requesting the White House to look into the real reasons for the closure of Fort Detrick. Petitioners also questioned whether the lab was a COVID-19 research base, and whether there was a leak from the lab. But sadly, these Americans now find themselves in a difficult situation as the world struggles to trace the origin of the virus. As early as March 2020, George Webb, an independent investigative journalist in Washington, D.C., said in a video that the patient zero who spread the novel coronavirus to Wuhan might be a relative of an American athlete attending the World Military Games. Recently, Webb claimed that he was under multiple death threats after posting the video online. Now the video was removed from major platforms, and some media reports in the US on Fort Detrick were also deleted. Now who would believe that the US government, which is dodging all the questions with an evasive attitude, is not to blame for this global pandemic? But is the US has nowhere to hide as the international community strongly demands an investigation into Fort Detrick. The US needs to show a transparent and responsible attitude, by inviting WHO experts to the country to look into the lab, and disclosing the facts the world deserves to know. Contributed by Yusheng and Datou from the official Wechat account of Poquanle. Translated by Jiaming Liu. Editor: WXY The Egyptian water sector faces many challenges, foremost of which are overpopulation and the limited available water resources, Egypts Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Mohamed Abdel-Ati said during a meeting with the Director-General of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) Yerlan Baidaulet in Cairo on Sunday. According to a statement released by the irrigation ministry on Sunday, while reviewing the water challenges facing the 102-million-strong country during the meeting, Abdel-Ati said that Egypt is one of the driest countries in the world and suffers from water scarcity. For his part, head of the IOFS Baidaulet expressed his desire to transfer the distinguished Egyptian expertise in the field of water resources to other Islamic countries. The IOFS is a specialised institution of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that is dedicated to promoting agricultural and rural development as well as ensuring sustainable food security in member states. It is headquartered in Kazakhstan and comprised of 36 countries out of 57 OIC states. The two parties agreed on the necessity of benefiting from Egyptian expertise in the field of water resource management and rationalisation and the use of technology in water management. This would in turn maximise the utilisation of the water unit, which contributes to increasing agricultural production, the irrigation ministrys statement noted. At the end of their meeting, Abdel-Ati invited Baidaulet to attend the fourth edition of Cairo Water Week (CWW), which will be held from 24 to 28 October under the auspices of Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi under the theme of Water, Population, and Global Change: Challenges and Opportunities. CWW is considered one of the biggest water-related events at the national, regional, and international levels. The annual event is organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources in collaboration with national, regional, and international partners. Meeting water challenges According to the statement, Abdel-Ati said that whereas Egypts water resources are about 60 billion cubic metres (bcm) annually most of which comes from the waters of the Nile River in addition to very limited amounts of rainwater estimated at nearly 1 bcm its needs to stand at around 114 bcm yearly. Such a gap is compensated by the reuse of agricultural wastewater and surface groundwater in the valley and delta, in addition to importing food products from abroad that are equivalent to 34 bcm of water annually, the Egyptian minister noted. Virtual water which is the embedded water required to produce commodities is measured as a percentage of the already existing water resources and is increasingly recommended as a good policy for water-scarce areas. In previous statements, Abdel-Ati has stated that the gap is overcome by importing 54 percent of Egypts virtual water and reusing 42 percent of its renewable water. The countrys annual share of Nile River water, which the country relies on primarily for its water resources, is 560 m3 per person, cabinet figures indicate, placing the country well below the international threshold for water scarcity. Abdel-Ati also tackled the rapid climate changes that the world in general and Egypt in particular have been witnessing, referring to their impending threat to sustainable development and the human right to access water as a result of such changes. Egypt is one of the most affected countries worldwide by climate changes, as a result of rising sea levels and the unexpected impact of climate changes on the Nile Rivers headwaters, the minister said, noting that they affect many economic, social, and environmental aspects in addition to the water resources, agriculture, food security, energy, and health fields. Abdel-Ati also highlighted the adverse effect of climate change on Egypts fertile Nile Delta, as the rise in sea levels makes it one of the worlds prime candidates in danger of drowning or decreasing fertility due to the interference of saline water. This affects the quality of groundwater and could lead to the displacement of millions of Egyptians residing in the north of the delta. These challenges, he stressed, require strenuous efforts to confront them, adding that Egypt has prepared a strategy for water resources until 2050 at a cost of up to $50 billion that may reach $100 billion, in addition to developing a four-pronged National Water Resources Plan running through 2037. The plan is based on rationalising water use, improving water quality, providing additional water resources, and creating a climate suitable for optimal water management, Abdel-Ati said. During the past five years, according to Abdel-Ati, many measures have been taken to increase the readiness to deal with water challenges and to confront any emergency faced by the water system through implementing various mega projects. These projects include wastewater treatment, desalination of seawater, switching from surface to modern irrigation systems in agriculture, and also the protection projects from the dangers of torrential rains, as well as the coastal protection projects. Egypt is currently building 14 seawater desalination plants that are expected to be completed by June 2022, with a total capacity of 476,000 m3 of water per day, at a cost of EGP 9.71 billion. When completed, the plants will bring Egypts tally of desalination stations to 90 with a total capacity of 1,307,69 million m3 per day due to the operation of 76 existing seawater desalination plants, with a total capacity of 831,690 m3 per day, according to a previous statement by the irrigation ministry. Meanwhile,according to the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, Egypt is also constructing 151 dual and triple sewage treatment plants across the country, with a total capacity of five million m3 of water per day, at a cost of EGP 31.59 billion. The irrigation ministry has been encouraging farmers to adopt modern irrigation techniques instead of surface irrigation to reduce water consumption. More than 237,000 feddans are currently being irrigated with modern techniques. These projects come in parallel to the ongoing national project for rehabilitation and lining of canals, which is one of the largest projects in the world in this field that aims to improve the process of water management and distribution, The project which is meant to improve the management and distribution of water as well as reducing water wastage is being implemented by the irrigation ministry through 7,000 kilometres, and its first phase is set for completion in 2022 at the cost of EGP 18 billion. Out of the 7,000 kilometres of canals, the ministry has successfully rehabilitated more than 2,000 kilometres of canals so far in 20 governorates. Abdel-Ati also stressed the necessity of achieving the maximum degree of cooperation and coordination between countries to realise peoples goals in achieving sustainable development and access to the optimal management of water resources through joint cooperation and the exchange of experiences. Short link: The Egyptian Armed Forces have successfully launched successive, qualitative operations against terrorist elements on all strategic directions of the country resulting in the killing of 89 very dangerous takfiri elements in North Sinai during the previous period, according to a statement by the General Command of the Armed Forces on Sunday. "As a result of the valiant combat efforts of our armed forces in the areas of operations, eight of the armed forces' heroes have been martyred and wounded," the statement said. The statement, which was published on the Facebook page of the Armed Forces spokeperson, revealed that 73 machine guns, 140 magazines, 5,606 bullets, 34 wireless communications devices, night-vision and camera-equipped drone, cell phones, a laptop and financial sums have been seized during the operations. In addition, 52 vehicles and 59 motorbikes, which were used by takfiris, have been destroyed by the Armed Forces during the operations and some 404 explosive devices and four suicide belts have been dismantled, the statement added. The Border Guards, in cooperation with the military engineers, have succeeded in discovering and destroying 13 tunnel openings used by terrorist elements to infiltrate into North Sinai. In regard to tightening security measures along Egypts western strategic direction, the Air Forces, in coordination with the Border Guards, have succeeded in carrying out preemptive strikes against terrorist elements, the statement noted. These strikes on the western borders have resulted in destroying 200 four-wheel drive vehicles some laden with weapons and ammunition while attempting to sneak into forbidden areas along the country's western and southern borders, the statement read. The Armed Forces' operations come in conjunction with intensifying Naval Forces' combat operations, protecting strategic objectives, securing Egyptian economic interests, and carrying out search and rescue operations in the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea, according to the statement. The Armed Forces also launched a major campaign to eliminate narcotic crops in South Sinai, resulting in the destruction of 842 farms of Bango and hydro-narcotic plants, and 1,114 farms of cannabis plants, the statement said. The Armed Forces men affirm that they are proceeding with determination to uproot what remains of the roots of terrorism and extremism and to continue construction and development in all parts of Egypt, the General Command of the Armed Forces said. Short link: Egypts Al-Azhar, the world's leading Sunni Islamic institution, offered on Sunday its condolences to the Turkish people over the many lives lost in the wildfires that have been spreading in several areas in Turkey over the last week. Six people were killed, tens injured, and hundreds were evacuated as the flames continue to rage across the country. Al-Azhar expresses its solidarity with the Turkish people in the face of this sorrowful incident, we are praying to the Almighty to have mercy on the souls of the victims and to grant the injured a speedy recovery, Al-Azhar said in its short statement. Short link: Egypt is launching a digital platform to promote yacht tourism in the country, in a move aimed at facilitating procedures and the obtaining of security permits through a single window instrument, head of Maritime Transport Sector Major General Reda Ismail said on Sunday. The government decided to issue a single invoice that is valid throughout the countrys ports and marinas as part of a broader strategy to optimize yacht tourism in line with directives of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, a statement by the cabinet said. Ismails announcement came during a meeting on Sunday that was headed by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and attended by the ministers of transport, tourism and communications and information technology. Prime Minister Madbouly said the meeting discussed the strategys implementation plan in order to exploit yacht and ship tourism in Egypt, leveraging its long coasts and beaches along the Mediterranean and Red Seas. This type of tourism represents a great added value for tourism in Egypt, especially with the countrys beaches extending on the Mediterranean and Red seas coasts, the statement said. Egypts geographical position makes it advantageous for yacht tourism as it overlooks the Mediterranean Sea with a coastline of 995 km and the Red Sea with a coastline of 1,941 km in length as well as having the River Nile running across the country. A national plan has been implemented to raise the efficiency of ports and marinas in Egypt as well as constructing new ports. The premier emphasized the importance of simplifying procedures for the entry and exit of tourists in addition to studying procedures for yacht and ship tourism in competing countries in order to streamline the process of obtaining the necessary permits and security approvals. Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said that the aim of the strategy is to lure yachts and tourist ships to frequent Egyptian marinas and ports by unifying the price policy and offering benefits and discounts in addition to raising the efficiency of current touristic ports and marinas. The strategy includes the inception of new marinas in areas of touristic significance as well as a marketing plan to endorse yacht and ship tourism in Egypt, according to El-Wazir. El-Wazir pointed out that a ministerial committee, consisting of the ministers of tourism, finance and communications as well as representatives from concerned authorities, is currently in session to update the maps for all marinas across the country. Short link: Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek said on Sunday that his country is keen on increasing tourism to Egypt to pre-pandemic levels, hailing the Egyptian red sea resorts during the past two winters as the best destinations for Czech tourists despite the pandemic. His remarks came in a press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, during his visit to Cairo. Before the pandemic, around 300,000 Czech tourists had been visiting Egypt annually, Kulhanek said, hailing the preventive measures Egypt has taken to secure visitors amid the coronavirus pandemic. Shoukry said Egypt is keen to provide the utmost degree of security and safety for tourists, especially during the ongoing pandemic. We want to reassure tourists that we do not spare any effort and that the states institutions are taking exceptional measures to secure the tourist destinations against the pandemic, Shoukry said during the presser. The top Egyptian diplomat said the state has been keen to vaccinate tourism workers at Red Sea resorts and also the dwellers of these areas against the coronavirus. He also affirmed that tourist institutions adhere to safety measures, including maintaining social distancing and disinfection. Shoukry expressed Egypts readiness to receive technical teams from the Czech Republic to assess the preventive measures taken in this regard and recommend further measures. So far, a large number of people have visited the Red Sea resorts and, thank God, have returned home with full health thanks to the measures which we continue to evaluate and develop, Shoukry added. The Egyptian FM also mentioned the states plan to vaccinate 80 million citizens of the 100 million population against the virus, noting that it can have a positive effect on the flow of tourism to Egypt. Shoukry explained that such procedures stem from the importance of the tourism sector to Egypt, as it represents 10 percent of the GDP and secures job opportunities for four million people. He noted that around 20 million citizens benefit from the tourism sector. Regional issues Shoukry said he discussed with his Czech counterpart a number of regional issues, including the situation in Libya, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, as well as the Palestinian cause. Kulhanek said their talks also addressed the Ethiopian dispute with Egypt and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The Czech minister said he listened carefully to the Egyptian FMs explanation of the issue, adding that he shares with the Egyptians the same concerns around the issue. The top Czech diplomat said that his country strongly encourages negotiations to reach solutions on the issue. He urged all concerned parties to work without hesitation or delay to resolve this pressing issue as lives of millions rely on swift solutions to the issue. Kulhanek said he is looking forward to an international mediation in the GERD dispute. He added that his country always prefers diplomacy when it comes to the issues of the Middle East. He said the pillars of diplomacy should be established in the middle east and international mediation should be resorted to. Kulhanek thanked Egypt for its pivotal role in de-escalating issues in the Middle East region. Bilateral ties, investment Kulhanek hailed Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis unwavering support to the Czech government and republic, affirming that this support will strengthen the pillars of bilateral cooperation. The Czech minister said he accompanied a delegation from 10 Czech companies for investment in Egypt. He noted that his countrys firms can provide Egypt with products with reasonable prices in the fields of engineering, heavy industries, water management and medical and military equipment. Kulhanek said his country has sent three commercial delegations so far during this year and launched today the Egyptian-Czech Business Forum along with Shoukry. He said he believes the forum will be a chance to enhance commercial cooperation and launch new partnerships with Egypt in business and trade. Czech seeks to fund the business of the Czech companies working in Egypt with around $300 million. Shoukry said such announcement will have a powerful impact to allow Czech companies to benefit from the promising opportunities and profitable returns that the Egyptian economy is capable of achieving. Kulhanek said he met with El-Sisi earlier on Sunday and handed him an invitation from Czech President Milos Zeman to visit Prague. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis also seeks to meet with El-Sisi this year during the Visegrad group (V4) meeting in Hungary, Kulhanek said. Search Keywords: Short link: Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek said on Sunday that the Czech Republic is keen to maximise investments with Egypt in light of the positive developments in the Egyptian economy and the opportunities created by the large national projects. His remarks came as he met with Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, during his visit to Cairo, a statement by the Egyptian presidency said. Kulhanek expressed keenness to boost bilateral relations with Egypt as a main pillar of stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean regions. El-Sisi, in this regard, highlighted the importance Egypt attaches to cooperation with the Czech Republic within the framework of the Visegrad group (V4), which also includes Poland, Hungary and Slovakia, the statement read. The president underlined Egypts willingness to develop relations between Egypt and this important regional group given that it includes friendly countries that share similar visions and priorities with Egypt, especially in the fields of combating illegal emigration and capacity building. El-Sisi voiced keenness to continue coordinating stances with the Czech Republic on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the statement read. The meeting tackled a number of issues, including Egyptian efforts to confront illegal emigration and terrorism, which have been hailed by international parties, including the European Union. Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Czech Ambassador in Cairo Jan Fulik attended the meeting. The meeting discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, especially localising industry and transferring technology. It also discussed cooperation in the security and military fields, as well as tourism. According to the statement, Kulhanek praised the balanced framework the Egyptian government has adopted to deal with the implications of the coronavirus pandemic since it has started. Kulhanek also held on Sunday a press conference with his Egyptian counterpart after a separate meeting, during which they discussed the situation in Libya, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, as well as the Palestinian cause. The ministers, during the presser, focused on resuming the flow of Czech tourists to Egypt, given the preventive measures Egypt has adopted to ensure the safety of foreign visitors during the pandemic. Kulhanek also said their talks addressed the Ethiopian dispute with Egypt and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), voicing full support for negotiations and international mediation to reach solutions on the issue. Shoukry also discussed the GERD dispute with his Algerian counterpart, Ramtane Lamamra, on Saturday. The Algerian FM said his country is keen that the three parties reach satisfying solutions that preserve their rights. Sudan's Foreign Minister Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, after an earlier meeting in Khartoum with Lamamra, hailed an Algerian call for the leaders of the three countries to hold a meeting to discuss solutions to the GERD dispute. Short link: Al-Ahram Establishment held another preparatory session in a Cairo hotel on Sunday ahead of the second edition of its pharmaceutical conference scheduled for 16-17 October. The annual conference will be held under the slogan Egypt, a regional centre for drug manufacturing localising drug industry. The session was attended by Abdel Mohsen Salama, chairman of Al-Ahram board of directors, Maged Mounir, editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram Al-Massaei and Al-Ahram Gate, Ezzat Ibrahim, editor-in-chief of Ahram Weekly and Ahram Online as well as Saeed Ghoneim, Director General of Al-Ahram establishment, Ahmed Amer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Ahram Drug Company, Haitham Salima, Director of Al-Ahram Drug Company, and Howayda Youssef, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ahram Weekly and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Conference. Mahmoud El- Metini, President of Ain Shams University and President of the Conference, Ashraf Hatem, Head of the Health Committee in the House of Representatives, Ayman El-Khatib, Vice President of the Egyptian drug Authority, Hossam Sadek, CEO of the Comprehensive Health Insurance Authority, and Ali Auf, Head of the Pharmaceutical Trade Division, were among the attendees. Additionally, a number of representatives of international and local pharmaceutical companies, the Egyptian Medicine City, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Takeda, Novartis, Merck, Bayer, Parkville, and Sandoz, Amgen, Eva Pharma, and the Pharmaceutical Holding Company. This conference will tackle the challenges facing Egypt on the path towards localising the drug industry and turning the country into a regional centre in this regard, said Abdel Mohsen Salama. The conference will also focus on the civilisational shift Egyptians have witnessed in this regard, Salama said, highlighting the importance of the drug industry, which affects the lives of many Egyptians and can even be considered a matter of national security. Salama affirmed the need to train Egyptian workers to use modern technology in order to enhance their industry and improve competitiveness. President of Ain Shams University and head of the conference Mahmoud El-Metini said proposed sessions during the conference include the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on pharmaceutical industries in Egypt. Proposed sessions also include pharmaceutical research and development and the need to bridge the gap between academic institutions and the pharmaceutical industry. Sessions may also discuss local manufacturing of raw materials, preclinical and clinical studies in Egypt, bio-pharmaceuticals and the vaccine industry and the challenges facing the biosimilars industry. El-Metini said many of the recommendations of the conferences first edition have been implemented, calling for the formation of a subordinate committee to follow up on the implementation of the second editions recommendations. Ashraf Hatem, head of the House of Representatives health committee, affirmed the need to discuss the formulation of executive regulations for the clinical research law launched two years ago. Hatem, who is also a former health minister, said the conference will also discuss the role of the medical staff in elevating the drug industry in Egypt. Hossam Sadek, CEO of the Universal Health Insurance Authority, said the conference will include a session to define the difference between the comprehensive health insurance system and the health insurance authority. Yousri Nawar, chairman of the board and managing director at Pfizer, stressed the importance of internationalizing the Ahram Pharmaceutical Conference, highlighting Egypts achievements in drug manufacturing to the world. Nawar said Egypt is currently witnessing an improved climate that could allow the country to become a regional centre for drug manufacturing. Al-Ahram organised and sponsored the first edition of the conference in 2019, prior to the pandemic outbreak. This year, the conference comes a year and a half after the pandemics outbreak in the country and amid the states steps to produce coronavirus vaccine to cover local needs and export the surplus to the African states. Short link: In the midst of what appeared to be a bleak scenario, with even thugs and looters entering the fray, Egyptians stood firm by doing what they do best. The jokes showed up from the very beginning, the first one spreading in the early hours of Tuesday 25 January. The hearts of Egyptians were filled with excitement in anticipation of large-scale protests against poverty, unemployment and a corrupt government. While Lebanon was the centre of attention after violent demonstrations erupted against Hezbollah's nomination of a new prime minister, Egypt's quiet streets made it seem as though no one intended to lose sleep over the expected protests during a national holiday in the country. "Egyptians knew that police forces were at full alert, so they decided to deceive them and hold their rallies in Lebanon," went the first joke. A few hours later, thousands took to the streets in an epic march to Tahrir Square and the joke was made to look hollow. Mocking banners The Tahrir protesters held aloft mocking banners after growing increasingly frustrated with Mubarak's desperate attempts to cling to the presidential seat. "Please leave, my hand is hurting me," read one banner while another said "you must leave because I need to cut my hair." Mubaraks attempts to appease the demonstrators also came in for mockery, with one depicting a computer and the message "cannot install freedom, please remove Mubarak and try again." Others wrote the word 'leave' in numerous languages, including the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script. The carnival atmosphere saw people record funny videos, which included an attempt to remove Mubarak using traditional Egyptian method Zar, a traditional song and dance exorcism ritual. A Tahrir-based protester believed he would not find better occasion to celebrate his marriage. A wedding officiant said blessings amid enthusiastic cheers from the huge crowd, who chanted the groom demands the removal of the regime. My wife and I agreed that our coming baby will be named either Tahrir or Strike, the groom said in a television interview with a big smile on his face. Cyber chuckles Jokes also swept social networking site Facebook, which played a pivotal role in the ouster of the 82-year-old ruler. Many of the antics were derived from the departure of former Tunisian president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. In one of them Ben Ali, who is now based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, told Mubarak "Bring a Playstation joystick with you when you come." A fabricated Facebook conversation that involved the likes of Mubarak, his son Gamal, Ben Ali and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was also drawn up. In his status, Mubarak wrote he was not sure whether he would be able to practice the Friday prayer in Egypt or Jeddah. Ben Ali liked the status while Gamal, who widespread reports said was being groomed to succeed his father, reacted furiously. No dad I will not accept that, you promised me I would be the next president, he replied to his father. In another joke, Mubarak goes to heaven where he meets former Egyptian presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser and Anwar El-Sadat. "What was the cause of your death, poison or assassination?" they ask Mubarak, who replies: "Facebook." Nasser was allegedly poisoned in 1970 while Sadat was assassinated 11 years later by an army soldier who was later sentenced to death. Roles reversed Egyptians feared the worst when thousands of prisoners were set free in the wake of the turmoil, thanks to an inexplicable decision by police forces to pull out of streets after failing to repress the demonstrations. People had to protect their homes at night, yet still retained their sense of humour. Setting up numerous checkpoints to search any suspects and creating passwords to keep trouble out were materials for further jokes. "A man might be a drug addict and still have the authority to stop and search a police car," was one joke. The unusual sight of the military taking to the streets had people greeting them with flags and even providing them with food and mineral water to help them make up for the police absence, as well making light of their presence. One joke mocked their brief, serious announcements: "Communique number six: The higher military council vows not to withdraw its troops from the streets unless it makes sure every Egyptian takes pictures beside the tanks." The reputation of the Egyptian sense of humour was also evident elsewhere in the world. Maher Amin, an Egyptian citizen who works in Saudi Arabia, was stopped by a policeman because he was not wearing his seat belt. "When he knew I was Egyptian, the policeman said he would not confiscate my driving license but only if I told him a joke," Amin told Ahram Online. "I told him that if Egypt manipulates a successful revolution, it will meet Tunisia in the quarter-finals. He burst out laughing and gave me the green light to move on!" Egyptian vice-president Omar Suleiman announced last on 11 February that Mubarak stepped down from his post, sparking wild celebrations in the country and giving people more opportunities to showcase their hastily-made jokes. A Tahrir banner at the end of the revolt might have summed it all up. "Why did you leave Mubarak? We were just joking, it's candid camera!" Short link: . Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier in Africa, on Sunday denied it was transporting weapons and soldiers to the war-torn Tigray region Calls to boycott the state-owned airline appeared on social media over allegations it was involved in the nine-month-old conflict. "Ethiopian Airlines strongly refutes all the recent baseless and unfounded allegations that are running on social media regarding the airline's involvement in transporting war armament and soldiers to the Tigray region," it said in a statement on Twitter. The war pitting government forces and their allies against Tigray rebels has cost thousands of lives and pushed hundreds of thousands into famine, with claims of rights abuses on both sides. The allegations about the national carrier appeared in numerous Twitter posts, some accompanied by pictures of soldiers boarding one of its planes. But Ethiopian Airlines said the reports "used various photoshopped, old and unrelated pictures to tarnish our brand". Flights to and from Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia, were suspended after the conflict erupted in November and after being reopened for a period, the airspace was shut again a month ago. "We have had no flight to the region since then, and none of our aircraft landed in the conflict area," Ethiopian Airlines said. The United Nations and other aid agencies have issued urgent appeals for the opening of air and road routes into Tigray, where the UN says more than five million people are in desperate need of help. The UN's humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths and US aid head Samantha Power are both visiting Ethiopia to press for access to the region. The Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels have accused each other of being to blame for the difficulties in reaching Tigray by road. Short link: The United States will help investigate a deadly attack on an oil tanker managed by a prominent Israeli billionaire, the State Department said Saturday. The MT Mercer Street was struck Thursday off the coast of Oman in an incident Israel has blamed on arch-foe Iran. Two crew members were killed in what the US military and the vessel's operator said appeared to be a drone strike, with US naval forces coming to the aid of the ship in the attack's aftermath. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid and both men agreed to work with other allies "to investigate the facts, provide support, and consider the appropriate next steps," according to a State Department statement. Vessel operator Zodiac Maritime, owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, said a British security guard and a Romanian crew member were killed in the attack. On Friday, Lapid said he had ordered the nation's diplomats to push for UN action against "Iranian terrorism". "I've instructed the embassies in Washington, London and the UN to work with their interlocutors in government and the relevant delegations in the UN headquarters in New York," Lapid said on Twitter. Analysts said the attack bore all the hallmarks of tit-for-tat exchanges in the "shadow war" between the two Middle Eastern powerhouses, in which vessels linked to each nation have been targeted in waters around the Gulf. Short link: Wildfires in southern Turkey forced more people to flee their homes on Sunday as pressure on the government grew over its response to the deadly forest fires. Turkey has suffered the worst fires in at least a decade, official data show, with nearly 95,000 hectares (235,000 acres) burned so far this year, compared with an average of 13,516 at this point in the year between 2008 and 2020. Since the fires broke out Wednesday, six people have died and more than 330 have received medical treatment. A neighbourhood in the tourist city of Bodrum was evacuated, CNN Turk broadcaster reported, as flames were fanned by strong winds from Milas district nearby. Unable to leave by road, 540 residents were taken to hotels by boats, the channel said. There were more evacuations in the village of Sirtkoy in Antalya province, NTV broadcaster reported, with images of grey smoke clouds enveloping homes. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said 107 of 112 forest fires were now under control, but blazes continued in the holiday regions of Antalya and Mugla. Temperatures are set to remain high in the region after record levels last month. The general directorate of meteorology registered a temperature of 49.1 degrees Celsius (120.3 Fahrenheit) on July 20 in the southeastern town of Cizre. The mercury is expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in Antalya Monday. Turkey's defence ministry released satellite images showing the extent of the damage with forest areas turned black and smoke still visible. The opposition attacked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan late Saturday after a video showed the leader throwing tea to residents in fire-affected areas. In another video, he is throwing tea to people on the side of the road from a bus. "Tea! It's unbelievable. Those who lose their shame, lose their heart too," main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) spokesman Faik Oztrak tweeted. The government has also been criticised over the lack of firefighting planes, with Turkey forced to accept help from Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Ukraine. Experts warn climate change will wreak further damage in Turkey, causing more wildfires if necessary measures to tackle the problem are not taken. According to European Union figures, Turkey has been hit by 133 wildfires in 2021 so far compared to an average of 43 by this point in the year between 2008 and 2020. Short link: Irans outgoing president on Sunday acknowledged his nation at times did not tell part of the truth to its people during his eight-year tenure, as he prepares to leave office with his signature nuclear deal with world powers in tatters and tensions high with the West. President Hassan Rouhanis comments, aired on state television, come as officials in his government have appeared rudderless in recent months amid a series of crises ranging from the coronavirus pandemic to parching droughts fueling public protests. After appearing just days earlier to be lectured by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei about their failures in the nuclear negotiations, Rouhanis remarks appeared aimed at acknowledging the problems his government faced in its waning hours. President-elect Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of Khamenei, will be inaugurated Thursday. What we told people was not contrary to reality, but we did not tell part of the truth to people, Rouhani said at his last Cabinet meeting as president. Because I did not find it useful and I was afraid it would harm national unity. He did not elaborate on what he meant by his remarks. However, during his tenure, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard mistakenly shot down a commercial airliner and killed 176 people onboard in January 2020, which the government refused for days to acknowledge until Western nations went public with their suspicions. Rouhani, a relative moderate within Irans theocracy, insisted he and his officials did their best. If we have a defect, we apologize to the people and ask them for forgiveness and mercy, Rouhani said. He pointed to the countrys 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which saw Iran agree to limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, that deal now sits in tatters after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in May 2018. Rouhani blamed many of Irans current problems on Trumps decision, which saw the value of the Islamic Republics rial currency crash. The president said that while Iran had plans to upgrade its armed forces after the expiration of a U.N. arms embargo in October 2020, it couldnt due to its financial woes. We did not have the money to buy due to sanctions and not selling oil, but the contract is completely ready, he said. Short link: Related Israel blames Iran over lethal attack on oil tanker off Oman Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday Israel was privy to "evidence" proving Iran was behind the deadly tanker attack off Oman, warning his country could "send a message" in retaliation. "The intelligence evidence for this exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake," he said at the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks conveyed by his office. "In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way." Short link: At least five people including three Hezbollah members were killed south of Beirut Sunday when a funeral procession for a party member was ambushed, a Lebanese security source told AFP. Several people were wounded in the exchange of fire in the Khalde area between members of the Lebanese Shiite group and Sunni residents, the source said. The funeral was for a Hezbollah man killed the night before, the source added. Hezbollah in a statement appealed to the army and security forces to arrest those behind the "ambush", which it said killed two people among the funeral procession. A military source told AFP the army had deployed in force to the area and sent reinforcements. The army said in a statement that soldiers would "open fire on all armed men on the streets of Khalde" and in response to any other shootings. The state-run National News Agency said Hezbollah member Ali Shebli was killed at point-blank range at a wedding on Saturday night in Khalde, in an apparent revenge killing for the deaths of two people last year in the same area. Prime minister-designate Najib Mikati appealed for "restraint" and warned against confessional "discord". Tensions between Sunnis and Shiites often run high in multi-confessional Lebanon. The violence comes as Lebanon faces an economic crisis branded by the World Bank as one of the world's worst since the mid-19th century. The country is grappling with soaring poverty, a plummeting currency and shortages of basic items from medicines to fuel. It has been without a government for almost a year after the cabinet resigned in the wake of a catastrophic explosion at Beirut's port last August 4. Lebanon has been mired in political instability since a nationwide protest movement broke out in late 2019, demanding an end to the system of confessional power-sharing that it said rewarded corruption and incompetence. Short link: Apache oil corporation has plans to boost investments in Egypt through using the cutting-edge oil and gas exploration technologies, said John J. Christmann, the President, Chief Executive Officer and Director at Apache Corporation. Christmann made the remarks during his meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, currently visiting Washington to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Apache believes Egypt's petroleum sector has a promising future, especially amid massive development observed by the sector throughout the previous years, the president added. He thanked Egypt for offering support to his company and removing hindrances facing its operations in the country. Investment Minister Sahar Nasr, Petroleum Minister Tarek El-Mulla and Egypt's Ambassador to Washington Yasser Reda were present at the meeting. Premier Madbouly hailed existing cooperation with Apache Corp., expressing hope to promote the investments of the American company in Egypt. Petroleum minister, meanwhile, praised the fruitful cooperation with Apache and asserted President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi's appreciation of the efforts of the company and its support to the country's economic reform program. Short link: The American University in Cairo (AUC) and Apache Corporation launched the third phase of their teacher training programme in community schools in Fayoum governorate, the AUC said on Sunday. According to the AUC, the teacher training programme was first launched earlier this year in Giza and Minya governorates, and it aims to empower teachers with the essential knowledge and skills to provide quality education to students in community schools. "These schools provide primary education and offer an alternative model of learning for students in areas that lack school infrastructure," the AUC read. The programme, which is designed and implemented by AUCs School of Continuing Education, trains approximately 400 teachers and 200 supervisors in the three governorates The AUC and Apache Corporation officially signed the partnership on Thursday. Education is crucial for the future of Egypt and Egyptians, and excellent educators are the key to excellent education, said David Chi, region vice president of Apache Corporation and general manager of Apache Egypt Companies during the signing ceremony. Apache has always been a leading business and for many years Apache community schools have provided great educational opportunities to students," said AUC President Francis Ricciardone. Since 2004, Apache has built 201 one-room primary schools in the rural areas of Giza, Fayoum and Minya, attended by 7,000 girls yearly, as part of the National Girls Education Initiative, with the goal of providing quality education to under-privileged girls. Under this programme, approximately 15,000 girls have learned how to read and write, and around 7,000 graduates are enrolled in middle schools and high schools, with some going on to universities across Egypt to continue their education. Short link: US oil producer Apache Corp is the largest oil producing company in Egypt. It started its operations in the country 25 years ago, where it seeks to carry out major investment plans during the coming years. In addition to its operations in the oil industry, the company has been exemplary for its key social role. Recently, the company signed an agreement with Egypts Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to expand its operations in the country in the field of drilling and oil production, a move that will support Egypts efforts to become a regional energy hub. Apache CEO John Christmann met Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi during his recent visit to Cairo in mid-July. Christmann lauded El-Sisis ambitious vision that led Egypt to be a successful economic and development model, not only at the regional level, but also at the international level. Christmann asserted Egypt is in the forefront of countries Apache has keen interest to boost investments in, in light of the positive investment climate as well as the promising opportunities the countrys energy sector can offer. Al-Ahram interviewed Christmann during his brief visit to Cairo. He spoke about his meeting with President El-Sisi, his companys plans during the coming period, his vision on the future of the oil sector in Egypt, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the companys plans in Egypt and the world, his vision on Egypts future as a regional energy hub, his vision on the oil sectors efforts for development and digital transformation, as well as the social responsibility of the company and its role in qualifying youth leaderships. ---------- How was your meeting with President El-Sisi? I was honored to meet with H.E. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi recently. During our meeting, he expressed support for the work the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources is doing to modernize the oil and gas industry and attract more investments, and he specifically shared his support for the modernization agreement with Apache, which is about to go through its final approval steps. We also discussed the importance of the US Egypt relationship and President El-Sisis commitment to nurturing Egypt's partnerships with international companies and increasing investments. He confirmed the value the government places on its partnership with Apache and his commitment to working together to bring value to the Egyptian people. Apache has been an investor in the Egyptian petroleum industry for nearly three decades. What is your evaluation/assessment of this period? For more than 25 years, Apache has been a committed partner to Egypt and Egyptians. We have relied on innovation and technology to improve efficiency as we explore for and develop oil and gas, maximize Egypts energy resources, and help modernize Egypts energy industry. Our 3-D seismic surveys enable our teams to consistently high-grade existing prospects and identify new targets. We continue to see tremendous future opportunity in Egypt. The new agreement in principle we have been working on with the Ministry of Petroleum will enable increased investment and production. We have been readying supplies and equipment to ramp up work once the agreement is formalized. In addition to Apaches investments in oil and gas, we are committed to investing in Egypts future in other ways by supporting education, health care and orphans. Our education initiatives include: We founded Springboard Girls Schools more than 15 years ago to provide educational opportunities to girls living in rural areas of Egypt 201 schools that have helped approximately 15,000 girls learn to read and write. We fund a teacher training program that aims to empower teachers with the essential knowledge and skills to provide quality education to students in community schools. The program has trained approximately 400 teachers and 200 supervisors in three governorates. In the Matrouh area, we supported the construction of nine co-educational schools for the Bedouins providing education for 350 students. How much is Apache's investments in the Egyptian oil and gas industry? And what is its contribution to the gross production of oil and gas resources? Apache is the largest US investor and largest oil producer in Egypt. Since our operations began in Egypt, we have invested more than $20 billion in the country. Egypt implemented reforms in its economy and specifically in the energy sector. What is your evaluation of the steps taken in this field over the past seven years? What are your views on the current investment climate and what are aspirations for the future in this regard? We believe that Egypt will continue to be a very attractive investment destination, not just for Apache but for companies around the world, thanks to the economic growth under the strong leadership of H.E. President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi. Investors can choose to put their funds many places, so it is important for Egypt to maintain its competitive position on the global market. This is why the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources modernization effort is so critical and why we were excited to announce the agreement in principle with the Ministry and EGPC to modernize production sharing contracts. When final, the new production sharing contract will consolidate the majority of our concessions in the Western Desert of Egypt into a single new concession, which will account for more than 90% of our gross production volumes in Egypt on a barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) basis. You currently have a large number of concession areas in Egypt and you are the largest American company producing oil and gas in Egypt... What is your evaluation of the potential of the petroleum sector in Egypt? The oil and gas industry plays a critical role in the global economy and will for decades to come.Egypt is in a great place in terms of resources, geographic location and business climate to provide the energy that drives economies and elevates standard of living across the globe. Egypt is continuing to develop into a regional energy hub and has successfully attracted investments from global companies thanks to the economic reforms implemented by the government.The oil and gas sector in Egypt contributed 24% of Egypts gross domestic product (GDP) in the fiscal year 2019/2020 and reached record average production rates of 1.9 million boe/day in 2020/21.We are optimistic for the future of the industry in Egypt. For Apache, Egypt continues to be akey part of our portfolio with many opportunities ahead. We will continue to focuson high-grading existing prospects and identifying new targets through our state-of-the-art broadband 3-D seismic surveys. How has the COVID-19 pandemicimpacted Apache's plans in Egypt and worldwide? Of course, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt across the globe. Despite this, Egypt managed to achieve positive economic growth during the pandemic thanks to the strong leadership of the Egyptian government. For Apache, we were able to continue with our plans. We transitioned our office staff to work from home. For personnel in the field, we implemented a range of safety protocols and procedures including social distancing, face coverings and health screenings. Im proud of our team for doing such an amazing job and staying safe during the pandemic. During the pandemic, we looked to address the most critical needs in the communities where we operate. In Egypt, Apache partnered with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population and local and international NGOs to address shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and critical medical supplies. The team coordinated the procurement and quality testing of more than 164,000 surgical masks, 328,000 pairs of latex gloves and 1,000 face shields that were distributed to frontline medical workers and hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 response. We also worked with the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt and UNICEF to purchase medical supplies, including ventilators and PPE, for 300 hospitals, 1,000 primary health care units and 50 quarantine and fever hospitals across the country. Apache focuses its investment in Egypts Western Desert for oil and gas exploration. What about investing in the deep waters, with the latest success stories achieved at Eastern and Western Mediterranean as well as the Red Sea area, which attracted investments from major American companies? Approximately 68% of Apachesgross acreage in Egypt is undeveloped, which provides us with considerable exploration and development opportunities for the future. We have completed state-of-the-art broadband 3-D seismic surveys that allow us to high-grade existing prospects and identify new targets in our existing acreage.The Western Desert offers high quality short cycle exploration opportunities that compete very favorably compared to longer cycle offshore developments. In the future, deep-water opportunities may offer a natural next step for us in Egypt.At present, our focus is on the Western Desert. Does Apache intend to invest in new concession areas in Egypt in light of the latest bid by the Egyptian petroleum sector? We have many opportunities within our existing acreage and expect to increase investment once our modernization agreement becomes final. What is the future vision of your investments in Egypt and on what basis did you adopt this vision? Egypt is a key part of our portfolio. We continue to be one of the most active players in the oil and gas sector and averaged five drilling rigs from January through June 2021. The new agreement in principle will enable increased investment and production.We have been readying supplies and equipment to ramp up work once the agreement is formalized. What are your expectations for oil prices in the medium and long terms and how would this affect your investment plans? Regardless of the oil price environment, we will continue to budget conservatively and operate safely and efficiently.The agreement in principle, when finalized, will result in increased activity, capital investment and oil-focused production growth over the next several years. What are your views/opinions on Egypt as a regional center for oil and gas trading and its contribution as a source for securing supplies to Europe? Apache has been a long-term investor in Egypts energy sector, and we support the countrys efforts to expand economic opportunity and become a regional energy hub.Egypts location and its leadership role in MENA and the Mediterranean region makes it well-suited to serve in the capacity of an energy hub and meet long-term demand in the Mediterranean, Africa and other markets such as Europe. And the benefit will go beyond economic. Egypt serving as an energy hub in the region will bring nations together and should provide greater political stability. The East Mediterranean Gas Forum. What are your impressions of the step of establishing the forum and the US support for it through its membership as an observer... and what are your thoughts of the extent of its success in achieving its objectives? The East Mediterranean Gas Forum is a testament to the Ministers leadership and to Egypts strong position as a developing regional energy hub, particularly for the gas market in the Mediterranean region. Establishing this forumis a tremendous accomplishment and one not easy to achieve. With the gas market becoming increasingly competitive, the forum will provide an opportunity to promote regional integration to unlock the full potential of Eastern Mediterranean offshore gas. The forum will also strengthen geopolitical stability and regional energy security. What are your views on the efforts of the Petroleum Sector in Egypt in the field of digital transformation, particularly after launching the first Egyptian Upstream Gateway? How does this affect investments? Apache supports the petroleum sectors digital transformation. Innovation and digitization help provide more affordable energy by increasing efficiency in operations and exploration as well as development capability. Through technological innovation, Apache has improved the efficiency of operations and driven down costs. We have introduced new tools and techniques to explore for and develop oil and gas maximize Egypts energy resources and help modernize Egypts energy industry. Our team consistently high-grades existing prospects and identifies new targets using 3-D seismic surveys. With better subsurface pictures, we have achieved a drilling success rate of 93% and look forward to continued success. We also have recorded a Matoruh Basin Record of 555 feet net pay at Herunefer E-2, one of the bright spots in our subsurface efforts. Apache is a major partner in the program of capacity building for qualifying young leaders at the Petroleum Sector Modernization Project. Could you elaborate more on Apaches assessment for this project, the achieved results, and the direction for developing talent? We recognize the importance of nurturing local talent in Egypt and have a talent nationalization strategy to source and train local talent to fill positions that are typically held by expats. Apache has helped traintalent by taking them to its businesses in the U.S. and the U.K. to experience firsthand some of the modern practices of various aspects of the oil and gas industry. We invest significant financial resources in developing the capacity of employees in country, and today we have Egyptian employees making significant contributions beyond our assets in Egypt. One example is Sherif Mostafa, who is based in Cairo, and supports engineering efforts in Apaches assets in the North Sea. Another example is Sharaf Eid, who was working as a drilling engineer for our unconventional operations in the US, until his recent transfer back to Cairo as our Apache-seconded drilling manager in our Khalda JV, bringing the latest drilling technology from the US to Egypt. Our talent strategy also extends to university graduates including the Al Amal program for Egypts premier university graduates in Geosciences and provides full scholarships for Egyptian students majoring in petroleum engineeringhelping to prepare them to find employment opportunities in the industry. We also support Petroleum Engineering at the American University in Cairo and Suez University by providing a summer training program in which students spend eight weeks in classroom and hands-on training at Apache and our JV companies. Short link: In the heart of Islamic Cairo , I finally reach my destination. There is no sign advertising the exhibition whatsoever. With all doors closed, I started to have some doubts. I knock on the ancient door of Sheikh Shihab Al Din Ahmed Al Suhaimi's house (built in1648 A.D) to be politely greeted and escorted into the quite ancient gem, and then another door is opened where the caricature gems of Salah Jaheen are neatly hanging on display. Hidden behind the ancient doors, like one of Cairos best kept secrets, I found the cartoon treasure. I could not help but smile to myself, thinking what Salah Jaheen himself might have drawn about this secret exhibition. Fi Al Fadia wal Maliana (Over anything and everything) is the name of the one week exhibition at Al-Sehemi house in Al-Hussien district, which is a name of a cartoon series by Jaheen himself, exhibited there. The exhibition is the result of the collaborative efforts of The Egyptian Caricature Association, Caricature Museum in Fayoum and the Egyptian culture development fund. This is the beginning of a series of exhibitions of Egypt's renowned cartoonists and their works. Jaheen's cartoons takes you places. His wit and liberal thoughts break all the barriers that have always been inflicted on Egyptian Society. Scanning the cartoons on display, one can easily relate, seeing how little has changed in our social taboos. During summer, for example, Egyptians are still preoccupied with womens rights to bathing suits and access to the sea. The illustration shows two men checking out an empty slot by the sea shore, commenting Oh can you see the girl wearing a swim suit who is NOT laying here. Another interesting illustration depicts a government employee sitting at his desk, buying a cup of coffee for his jacket until he comes back from the cinema. And the classic one depicts a minister of health wearing a mask while stating that he does not feel any of the pollution the press is talking about. Such wit and talent enabled Jaheen to draw on philosophical ideas as well. Illustrating Sartres quote Man is condemned to be free, is one of them that toys with the idea of actual imprisonment. "This is the first exhibition to be held outside the museum," explained artist Mohamed Abla, founder of Caricature Museum in Fayoum. We aimed to reflect the three main phases of of Salah Jaheen's cartoon's . So we depicted cartoons from Rosa Al-Youssef, Sabah Al-Kheir and later in Al-Ahram," explained Abla to Ahram Online. The style of Jaheen's cartoon varied in different stages of his life. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Jaheen was part of a great team of talented cartoonists whose talents flourished in Sabah El Kheir (Good Morning) Magazine. While there he created characters like Abu Al-Mafhomia (Mr. Knows Everything) and the Qahwat Al-Nashat (The coffee shop of energetic people), where he mocked the stereotyping of society and the attitude of government employees, explained Abla.He added that later, when Jaheen joined Al-Ahram newspaper in the 1970s, he had his own section and leaned towards political cartoons. "The exhibition showcases a glimpse of Jaheen's artistic styles and strokes until his style was fully complete," he added. Salah Jaheens brilliance was manifested across the arts, not just cartoons. Known as a pillar of Egypts vernacular poetry, his poems and lyrics remain deeply rooted within the Arab and Egyptian collective memory. As a screen writer, his films remain classic icons of Egyptian cinema. Looking thoroughly at his lifetime achievements, one can easily see a genuine talent mixed with wit and a great sense of humanity. He always sided with kindness, liberty and common sense. We are currently working on another big exhibition that shall showcase all of Salah Jaheens talents and works, be it poetry, cinema or cartoon, concluded Abla. Fi Al Fadia wal Maliana (Over anything and everything) Salah Jaheens cartoon exhibition at Beit al Al Suhaimi, Al-Moez l din Allah Al Fatemi Street Hours: Daily from 1 p.m to 7 p.m till Tuesday 3 August , 2021 Short link: Acclaimed director Sherif Arafa, of Mafia (2002), El-Nazer (2000) and El-Erhab Wel Kabab (1992), hauled in a mighty team of actors for the sequel to his successful 2007 feature El-Gezira (The Island). El-Gezira 2 opened in Egyptian theatres 1 October and has since grossed a whopping LE26.4 million ($3.7 million). Viewers lined up for El-Gezira 2 for two main reasons: first, the cast is led by Ahmed El-Saqqa, Hend Sabry, Khaled Saleh and Khaled El-Sawy; and second, because the script was written by the Diab trio a team of writers that includes Mohamed Diab, who penned and directed 678 (2010). From realism to caricature The first part of El-Gezira, which included veteran actor Mahmoud Yassin, peered into the formidable relationship between drug lords in Upper Egypt and the interior ministry in the capital. Viewers learn that the island oversees opium sales and smuggling of weapons with occasional consent from the authorities. Nurtured by government alienation and grim clannish customs, the island fosters its own rules where power and kinship have divorced people from their humanity. The island is home to three main families: El-Najayha, El-Rahayma and El-Hifnis. Following the arrest of Mansour El-Hifni (Ahmed El-Saqqa) in part one, El-Najayha, headed by Mansours former lover Karima (Hend Sabry), takes on the leadership of the island. El-Gezira 2 takes place 10 years later, on the eve of 25 January 2011. The movie opens with Mansour on the floor of his jail cell, five days before scheduled execution. As such, Arafa mirrors sights and phrases closely tied to the early days of 2011. Though the subsequent scenes are framed by actual events, the director plunges into a carousel of exaggerations. In one scene, a crowd of bearded men perched on bulldozers and pick-up trucks break through the cement walls that fence off the prison in which Mansour is held. The lack of realism in some of the action that ensues seems more fitting for parody, which works against the essence of the film, bringing to question Arafas techniques. Besides the bizarre sight of bulldozers storming through the prison wall, the series of fight scenes that take place during the prison break felt like a string of amateurish kicks, always ending abruptly. Arafa opted for shaky shots throughout, a trite technique that could have benefited from real, trained fighting. The action of the movie culminates in a scene where thousands of members of El-Rahala family headed by Jaafar (Khaled Saleh), who unambiguously represents the Muslim Brotherhood, rush down a sandy mountain, waving their weapons in the air and swarming in a dusty haze, almost acrobatically. They set out to fight a newly formed coalition between residents of the island and defected members of the interior ministry in a scene reminiscent of 7th century battles. Upper Egypt is notorious for its abundance of guns, but Arafas overstating this reality pushes the production into a semi-caricaturist nook. Prosaic cliches Meanwhile, throughout the film, five marriage proposals are spoken about, none out of love but all as part of sealing deals to ascend in power. In doing so, Arafa attempts to set the scene to explore female subordination in Egypt. However, through his protagonist Karima, Arafa has failed to challenge societal convictions regarding the role of women, particularly on the island. Karima, played by Sabry, is leading a male-dominated community, and as such her character presented a good opportunity to respond to what is traditionally expected of women on the island. Throughout the film, however, 40-year-old Karima is constantly reminded of her spinsterhood. She is referred to as a dead tree at least twice, to which her reaction is feeble, making it difficult to empathise with her or loathe the eons old perception of single women. Although Upper Egyptian women are expected to enter matrimony early, the writers far overuse the metaphor. What the writers have achieved is garnering laughter from the audience. Giggles from the crowd also followed a range of remarks that carried anti-revolutionary connotations. An example is a conversation between two police officers, one grieving the loss of his family to a terrorist act. All youre missing is a wig and a scarf and youll be a revolutionary, said the officer from behind the desk to his grieving colleague. Between Jaafar, who resembles the typical stereotyped Muslim Brotherhood member, and Roshdy, the lead police officer, the script is loaded with Islamic preaching and jests about how the revolution has forever changed the status of the interior ministry in dialogue packed with cliches. Whilst creating an imaginary community, there is certainly responsibility that comes with that. With an immense budget, such as the one spent on El-Gezira 2, the question that looms large is what principles are being put forth to the hundreds of thousands of the successful commercial scores' viewers. In many ways, the film has put forth the idea that rulers can only rise from one of three groups: terrorists, corrupt government officials, or drug lords. The scriptwriters create a situation in which citizens find themselves between a rock and a hard place. In the case of the island, it cements oppression and dictatorship. Evidently, the realities emulated through El-Gezira 2 are immune to the possibility of change, or the challenge of finding alternate solutions. The film is soaked in prosaic techniques and themes, confirming that as a commercial production it remains reluctant to offer anything to stimulate the minds of its viewers. According to elcinema.com, El-Gezira 2 will be released in the US on 31 October. Short link: When anti-government protests turned deadly in the southern city of Nassiriya in Iraq where the security forces had shot dead some two dozen protesters last month, local tribes stepped in to try to stop what could have turned into carnage. Local tribal sheikhs were quick to move to calm and secure Nassiriya and prevent the sprawling city falling into chaos. Tribal fighters were also sent to secure a prison that hosts thousands of Islamic State (IS) inmates amid the chaos in southern Iraq. The brutal crackdown by the security forces against unarmed protesters in Nassiriya stirred a wider backlash and prompted more people to join them as they blockaded main streets and bridges, virtually bringing the city to a standstill. The tribal intervention in Nassiriya was largely due to the excessive force used by troops sent by the government in Baghdad, who used live ammunition and sound bombs to quell the protests. Videos on social networks showed horrific scenes as the security forces resorted to lethal force to disperse the peaceful protesters. In Basra, Najaf, Karbala and other cities in southern Iraq, tribal leaders interfered to separate protesters and security forces and worked hard to stop similar bloodshed. While the tribal chieftains condemned unruly acts by the protesters such as arson, they also demanded that the security forces and militia leaders responsible for the killings of the protesters be held accountable. The tribal intervention has added a new dimension to the standoff, which now looms as the most serious Iraq has faced in the post-US invasion era. Most Iraqis are either members or close associates of one of the countrys tribes, which wield considerable influence and power. In recent years, tribal leaders in Iraq have grabbed significant powers from the central government and local authorities in important domains such as policing and arbitration in the face of the deterioration in security and increasing political and sectarian conflicts. As the authorities lose their grip on society, local tribes, sub-tribes and clans have been gaining the upper hand, especially in the countrys rural areas and sometimes engaging in clashes with government security forces. In July, two family members of the director of the Iraqi civil defence, Kadhum Salman Buhan, were killed in tribal clashes in Fudhaliyah, a suburb southeast of Baghdad. Iraqi media reported that Buhans son Qais and his nephew Omar Ali Salman had been killed by members of a rival tribe who had attacked their house with machine guns and mortars. Clashes between the two tribes in the last two years over personal matters have left many people dead or injured. In Simawa, southern Iraqi tribe members took a soldier from an elite police unit hostage in August after the force tried to stop the tribe from firing in the air at a funeral. A video of the arrest showed stunning scenes of humiliation. All over southern and central Iraq anecdotes of tribes struggling to find a place in the national hierarchy abound. They usually wrestle the militia groups over power and influence at local levels. Even before the current protests started in October, skirmishes, friction and even clashes between tribes and Shia militias were routine. In many cases, the tribes were fighting back against militias accused of engaging in criminal activities in their neighbourhoods or targeting tribal members. Since the uprising began, some of these tribes have been showing support for the protests with members sometimes playing a key role in shaping the uprisings discourse, tactics and logistics. Historically, the tribes in Iraq are regional power-holders, and tribal chiefs are often respected members of local communities. They continue to represent a major component of the social structure and at times even appear stronger than the state. The US-led invasion in 2003 and the ouster of the regime of former dictator Saddam Hussein provided fertile ground for the growth of tribalism and aggravated contests for control of the country and its political organisations. On community levels in major cities including the capital Baghdad the tribes have been building vast power bases through exercising an increasing role in resolving neighbourhood and communal problems. Tribal arbitration sessions are now the norm in dealing with criminal, family and commercial disputes. Tribal tribunals are resolving cases such as marital problems, personal disputes, car accidents, childrens brawls and doctors medical mistakes. The tribunals usually impose huge financial penalties, but in some cases the victims are rewarded with women in line with some tribal codes. The settlements are usually guaranteed by tribal conflict-resolution traditions and a powerful governance system. Such tribal practices in Iraq are becoming so common that people now often turn to tribal courts even to solve small problems, severely undermining the state legal system and police and court work. For example, teachers may face tribal courts for failing students in school exams. Iraqi doctors are reportedly leaving their jobs or seeking exile abroad because they have been sought by tribes for making medical mistakes. Many communities and neighbourhoods have fallen entirely under the tribes control, with clansmen imposing their own rules under the noses of the local authorities. Government institutions and the security forces have been infiltrated by tribal traditions as members of state authorities resort to tribal courts to resolve disputes instead of by-laws and disciplinary tribunals. It is believed that a weakened state and lax laws in the post-Saddam era have contributed to such tribal behaviour, undermining the governments control and state re-building and development efforts in Iraq. Putting the phenomenon into a broader perspective, Iraqs tribes have assumed a bigger role in societal and political issues since the US-led invasion in 2003, including by filling the security void and complementing state institutions. In its efforts to buy support from local communities and quench resistance, the US Occupation Authority in Iraq resorted to bribery through funnelling money and government contracts to companies tied to tribal leaders. In many cases, the US Authority collaborated with tribal leaders by building a corrupt patronage network that allowed the tribes to supervise recruitment to the civil service, police and armed forces, all of which were reconstructed after the invasion. The main Shia political parties empowered by the US occupation also used the Shia tribes in southern and central Iraq by courting their leaders as potential allies and seeking to control blocks of votes by invoking tribal loyalties. One of the consequences of the invasion was to transform the Iraqi tribes from local communities brought under the governments control by the Saddam regime into well-oiled political machines that have free rein within their territories. But while the Sunni tribes remain largely preoccupied with their communitys political and defence initiatives to ensure equal participation and partnership, the Shia tribes remain focused on winning more patronage and seeking more power within the complex governance system in Iraq. Today, the Shia tribes in southern and central Iraq remain a human reservoir for the government bureaucracy, the ruling political groups, the armed forces and the powerful militias that form the backbone of the Popular Mobilisation Force (PMF). As was demonstrated by their role in the protests in many southern provinces, the Shia tribes are expected to entrench themselves further in the countrys political system and to seek to build power and influence in order to stay as a wild card in the countrys politics. In essence, the Shia tribes envision a role for themselves that is bigger than being merely one institution within Iraqs civil society or a non-state actor in conflict resolution and instead becoming partners in government and beyond. But as Iraqs future remains uncertain as the protests continue in the streets, the resurgence of tribalism and the efforts by the larger tribes to secure more autonomy from the state could lead to further chaos in Iraqs fragile political system. While such tribal intervention looks on the surface to be an attempt to help Iraq through this period of turmoil, there are increasing fears that it could provide the tribal sheikhs with an opportunity to trade the protesters demands for political influence. One of the main concerns about the rise of the clans and the strengthening of their informal role in Iraqs politics is the disruption of the state apparatus that it will lead to and the increasing tribalisation of Iraqi society. Contrary to the major goal of the ongoing uprising, which is to revive Iraqi nationalism and fight sectarianism, this would weaken common citizenship and encourage identity politics and thus threaten national unity. The risk of further undermining the state could potentially be avoided if the uprising succeeds in achieving its other key goal of ousting the post-Saddam order and replacing it with a civic state based on equal citizenship, however. *A version of this article appears in print in the 12 December, 2019 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Short link: Naeema Al-Gasseer, a Bahraini national, was appointed to the position of World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Egypt in August 2020 at a critical time in the fight against the coronavirus. A year later, she says there is a lot to be learnt from the Egyptian experience. According to Al-Gasseer, the WHO has included Egypt as one of the worlds success stories in handling Covid-19 due to the top-level political commitment to the countrys healthcare sector led by Minister of Health and Population Hala Zayed. All sectors of the government worked together, she said. The whole community was also engaged in combating Covid-19, she added, citing the example of contributions by businesses to the Tahia Masr Fund, for example. Another success story was how Egypt had worked closely with neighbouring countries and with the international community to combat the pandemic. Very early on, Egypt positioned itself to be part of the global solidarity in addressing the pandemic, Al-Gasseer said. Egypt joined the clinical trials for the vaccines against Covid-19, since these could not be approved until their safety, efficacy, and quality had been shown. Al-Gasseer herself chose to take part in one clinical trial as an act of solidarity in the fight against Covid-19. She lamented that vaccine availability was still an issue, however, not only for Egypt, but also for 140 other countries where there is a shortage of vaccines. We were expecting 20 per cent of Egypts population to be vaccinated by the end of the year. Today, we are only talking about around four million people having been vaccinated because promises to Egypt in terms of vaccine delivery were not met, she said. Nonetheless, Egypt had done well in managing its resources. We really commend Egypt because when the national vaccine campaign began it included everyone refugees, migrants, everyone living in Egypt had access to the vaccine, she said. Globally, two billion doses were supposed to be distributed through the COVAX facility established to deliver the vaccine worldwide, especially to low and middle-income countries. However, these doses did not materialise in the promised numbers because production is lower than demand, Al-Gasseer said. COVAX, co-led by Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance,) the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO, is one of the three pillars of the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, launched in April 2020 in response to the pandemic with the aim of providing equitable access to Covid-19 diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. The goal was that by the end of September 2021 at least 10 per cent of the worlds population would be vaccinated, 40 per cent by the end of December 2021, and 70 per cent by next year, Al-Gasseer said, adding that today these goals have not been attained. In Africa for example, less than one per cent of the continents population has been vaccinated. One factor that should help improve the availability of the vaccines is the announcement by the G7 countries that they will contribute quantities of them. During their meeting in June this year, leaders of the G7 group of the worlds major industrial nations pledged one billion Covid-19 vaccine doses to poorer countries. While the move was seen as a step in the right direction, observers believe is it still not enough, however. Another factor is increased local production, and Egypt has taken steps towards the production of the vaccines on its own territory, not only through the transfer of technology, but also by developing its own vaccine through the National Research Institute. This is now in phase 2 clinical trials, Al-Gasseer noted. Egypt can be a hub for the production of the vaccines given its capacity and expertise, she said, adding that the more production there was, the more the world can meet demand, especially as there may be a need for annual vaccinations. She stressed that the WHO advocates for a transitional period in which intellectual property rights will be lifted in order to enable the expansion of vaccine production worldwide. The Egyptian government announced in early July that it has produced one million Sinovac doses through the state-owned Egyptian Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA). The manufacture of Sinovac vaccine doses is part of an agreement between VACSERA and the Chinese biopharmaceutical company Sinovac. SUCCESS STORY Al-Gasseer said that Egypt has been a success story because it has not only managed the pandemic, but has also managed other health issues as well. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, a task force for essential health services had been formed for maternal healthcare, people with diseases like hypertension and heart disease, and people with diabetes or cancer. The digitised system initiated under the 100 Million Health Campaign had also been useful. The campaign, which aimed initially at eliminating the Hepatitis C virus in Egypt, has been expanded to include screening for diabetes, hypertension, and heart and respiratory diseases, and has involved putting patient data into a national digitised system. Information can easily be retrieved from the system about those who have non-communicable diseases, allowing them to be given their medicine at home instead of coming to health centres during the pandemic, noted Al-Gasseer. This is a success story that could be scaled up, including in many other countries that do not have such digital systems, she said. The campaign is a good example of the universal healthcare that Egypt is currently rolling out, she added, ensuring everyone is covered by health insurance. Universal health coverage is something Al-Gasseer worked on in Egypt in 2010 when she was assistant regional director of the WHO and focused on strengthening the health system based on research and evidence. Back then, she said, such strengthening was not yet part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Transforming it from an idea to positioning it strategically was possible thanks to the political commitment at the time, she said, noting that Egypts constitution makes health coverage a right for all. Healthcare, she said, is not only about hospitals and administering medication, but is also about a combination of promoting peoples health and prevention through early detection and vaccination, providing care and ensuring rehabilitation services if needed. By providing healthcare coverage on the widest possible basis, Egypt is also tackling poverty, Al-Gasseer noted. A WHO study in 2010 found that many people still pay out of their own pockets for healthcare, and that it can be a major expense, adding to poverty rates in some countries. In order to reduce poverty, it is important that people pay less out of their own pockets for healthcare and have their sicknesses detected earlier to minimise consequences, she said. Through the universal health insurance system Egypt aims to protect people from poverty through giving people better healthcare, not sick care, she stressed. Al-Gasseer also praised Egypts efforts to put an end to Hepatitis C. In 2010, Hepatitis C was identified as one of the major public health threats draining Egypts health system and finances. Now, we are being asked to evaluate whether Egypt has succeeded in eradicating the virus. There is a good deal of pride in what Egypt has done, she said. This had been possible through investing in early detection, health education, and the improvement of blood safety and infection control, including access to safe water and sanitation. Today, Egypt is one of the first countries maybe in the world in this regard. In 2010, it had one of the highest numbers in terms of prevalence of Hepatitis C, but it is now eliminating it, she said. Egypt is not only protecting itself, but its neighbours as well, noted Al-Gasseer. It has reached out to Africa by promising to treat one million Africans for Hepatitis C. It did the same thing with Covid-19 when it supported many countries with donations. Another initiative Al-Gasseer believes will help in the provision of better healthcare is the Decent Life initiative, a presidential initiative which aims at improving quality of life in the poorest rural communities where it is aligned with the WHOs constitution that aims at the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health, where health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The initiative involves improving primary healthcare centres and access to health facilities and improving working conditions for healthcare providers. It seeks to provide a healthy environment, access to safe water, and access to areas where individuals with disabilities, women, children, youth, and the elderly can exercise and spend time. Al-Gasseer noted that part of Egypts universal health insurance law aims to improve the working conditions of healthcare workers and to improve their renumerations, incentives, and salaries. This caring for the carers is key, she said, adding that it is also timely, given that this year is also the International Year of Health and Care Workers. We should all express our thanks to them for keeping everyone safe, Al-Gasseer concluded. *A version of this article appears in print in the 29 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Short link: Kicking off on Saturday at the American University in Cairos Greek Campus in downtown Cairo, the Shaghalni (Employ Me) Forum will be connecting visiting job-seekers with companies and employers. Shaghalni already has a website that helps job-seekers find employment. It has been operating since 2016, and it has been growing over the years. The forums first round saw the participation of nine companies hunting for 3,500 workers, said Omar Khalifa, CEO of Shaghalni. In this years edition, 30 companies will be offering between 50 and 800 jobs each, he told Al-Ahram Weekly. Anyone looking for a job can post their resume for free on the Shaghalni website where it will be seen by companies seeking to hire employees in different fields. Khalifa is optimistic about this years round of the forum, believing that the labour market has regained its strength, primarily because the majority of companies that had earlier slowed down their rate of hiring during the Covid-19 pandemic are now bouncing back. Egypts unemployment rate ranges around 7.5 per cent. Egypts labour market has been suffering from gaps that Shaghalni is trying to fill: despite the rise in the unemployment rates, many companies have been failing to fill vacancies. The problem, Khalifa said, is that employers and job-seekers cannot find meeting points, which is where Shaghalni comes in. It started as an online phone directory where job-seekers could post their phone numbers and CVs. Khalifa later replaced the directory with a website. He said the countrys labour market was facing challenges other than the failure of job-seekers and companies to find a meeting ground. Some employers dictate unfair terms for vacant jobs, such as low salaries, long working hours, and unjust holiday arrangements, leading some of the unemployed to stop looking for jobs, he said. On the other hand, some young people do not realise that they do not have adequate skills or experience to request high salaries, adding that accepting a modest salary, while gaining more experience on the job, will grant young people a better future. The Shaghalni website is committed to a host of standards, among them that vacant positions must be offered for at least the minimum wage of LE2,400. Some companies had earlier offered jobs for as little as LE1,000, also demanding long working hours and dictating conditions, Khalifa stated. He said that demand in the first round of the forum had focused on sales representatives, technicians, warehouse workers, workers in the tourism sector, employees in customer service departments, and security workers. Today, there is increased demand for sales representatives due to the rise in e-purchasing since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Khalifa said. Demand is also high for security personnel and workers in different services, maybe because of the increase in real-estate projects in Egypt. Technicians are still in demand, being sought by companies and factories alike. There is higher demand for blue-collar workers than white-collar workers, Khalifa said, since many companies are looking for drivers and security and cleaning workers. Shaghalni will soon add an icon on its website targeting white-collar workers who are private or international university graduates or have postgraduate degrees, Khalifa said, adding that it would organise another Forum for these workers before the end of the year. Such workers are easily reached via social media, he said, unlike some other workers who may depend on word of mouth to get a job. The latter are also being targeted by SMS. *A version of this article appears in print in the 29 July, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Short link: KYODO NEWS - Aug 1, 2021 - 15:30 | Japan, All, Coronavirus The Japanese government on Sunday started administering COVID-19 vaccine shots at Narita and Haneda airports to citizens who are returning from abroad temporarily to be inoculated. Those subject to the inoculations include people living in places that use vaccines not approved by Japan as well as residents of some developing countries where the progress of vaccinations has been slow. The government decided to start the inoculations for returnees before the Bon holiday season in mid-August after a Foreign Ministry survey showed many Japanese living abroad who have yet to be inoculated wish to receive vaccine shots in Japan, government officials said. Shunsuke Hosoi, a 38-year-old employee of an auto parts maker returning from Vietnam, lined up to receive a vaccine shot at a venue set up for inoculations at Narita airport near Tokyo. "In Vietnam where inoculations have not progressed, many people are feeling the inconvenience as they are restricted from going out," Hosoi said. "I want the Japanese government to increase opportunities for Japanese nationals to receive vaccine shots." At a similar venue at Haneda airport in Tokyo, people lined up before the opening at 10 a.m. to receive the shots. "When we live abroad, it is sometimes burdensome to receive medical services similar to those offered in Japan. I am thankful for this kind of measure," said a man in his 50s who has returned from Italy. The government plans to operate the venues at Haneda and Narita airports through early January next year to administer two doses of Pfizer Inc.'s vaccine to people aged 12 and over who do not have certificates of residence in Japan. The shots are offered for free, although returnees need to shoulder their own travel expenses. Applicants need to book reservations at a special website set up by the ministry, the officials said. Returnees can receive the inoculations either on the day of their return before undergoing a two-week quarantine period or after the period ends. The reservations can only be made via the website, which accepts bookings between two months before the date of inoculation and a week beforehand. Certificates of vaccination will be issued after the second dose of the vaccine for those who want them, the officials said. KYODO NEWS - Aug 1, 2021 - 21:45 | World, All Myanmar's military announced Sunday the formation of a caretaker government to rule until the next general election in 2023, with army chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing as its prime minister. The commander-in-chief's deputy will be Vice Senior Gen. Soe Win, who also serves directly under him on the State Administration Council, according to an order issued by the ruling body six months after the Feb. 1 military coup. The council has governed since the coup that overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's government, reversing the country's democratization less than a decade after its transition to civilian rule. Earlier Sunday, Min Aung Hlaing promised in a televised speech to hold a "free and fair multiparty general election" by August 2023 at the latest, after the two-year state of emergency expires. The council last month canceled the results of the previous election held on Nov. 8 last year, in which Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a majority of seats in both houses of the parliament. In his speech, the top general re-asserted that the last election was rigged, the military's rationale for seizing power. More than 900 people have been killed in the military's crackdown following the coup. Suu Kyi remains detained along with former President Win Myint and other senior officials of her government. She faces a slew of charges, while her party faces possible dissolution for allegedly masterminding vote-rigging. Min Aung Hlaing also showed his willingness to accept the dispatch of a special envoy agreed in April by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to mediate among the parties and find a peaceful resolution to the country's crisis. "I would like to say that Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework including the dialogue with the ASEAN special envoy in Myanmar," he said. Of the three original nominees for the ASEAN special envoy, he said, his government had agreed to select Virasakdi Futrakul, former Thai deputy foreign minister and veteran diplomat. "But for various reasons, the new proposals were released and we could not keep moving forwards," he said. ASEAN sources have said other nominees put forward include Hassan Wirajuda, a former Indonesian foreign minister, and Razali Ismail, a Malaysian who was a U.N. special envoy for Myanmar in the 2000s tasked with facilitating national reconciliation and democratization in the country. The envoy's selection is expected to be finalized when ASEAN foreign ministers gather virtually between Monday and Friday for an annual series of meetings. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. KYODO NEWS - Aug 1, 2021 - 09:43 | World, All Half a year since the military ousted a democratically elected government in Myanmar and plunged the Southeast Asian country into chaos, there are few signs that the situation will stabilize any time soon. Harsh crackdowns on anti-coup protesters and others have left over 900 people dead since the Feb. 1 military takeover, according to a rights group monitoring the situation, while spawning armed resistance among citizens opposed to military rule. The deteriorating security environment is such that some observers are warning of the possibility of the country descending into civil war. Meanwhile, Myanmar's once-thriving economy has been sent into a tailspin as doctors and others refuse to work as part of a civil disobedience movement. The international community -- particularly the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes Myanmar -- has been unable to facilitate an effective solution to the political crisis. An ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar that leaders of the group agreed to appoint months ago has yet to be chosen. Shortly after the coup, millions of people took to the streets across Myanmar, demanding the restoration of the civilian government and the immediate release of detained leaders such as Aung San Suu Kyi. Such protests have dwindled in the months since, but people still stage demonstrations sporadically, calling for an end to military rule. In the country's second-largest city Mandalay on July 7, a doctor showed up at a demonstration, surprising others there. Tayzar San had led the first anti-coup mass demonstration on Feb. 3, two days after the takeover. Now the 33-year-old is a wanted man in Myanmar, with the military, known also as the Tatmadaw, offering 10 million kyats ($6,000) for information leading to his capture. In a recent online interview from an undisclosed location, Tayzar San pledged to continue to protest to let those at home and abroad know that the military "hasn't been able to run the country for the past half year, even for one day." The doctor and others organize protests using a highly secure communication app. They end the demonstrations in a matter of minutes before authorities can catch up to them. While each of these protests entails significant risks to participants, the July 7 protest drew an unusually large crowd of about 500 people. A parallel government formed by pro-democracy forces in the country following the coup has launched a so-called People's Defense Force that is engaging in guerrilla warfare in various parts of the country in a fight against the military. Rising coronavirus infections are also weighing on the people of Myanmar. With the military seemingly unable to bring the pandemic under control, frustrations are growing. "There is no letting up in people's thirst for democracy," Tayzar San said. "Our victory is near." Some soldiers have also left the military and joined anti-coup movements after questioning the Tatmadaw's brutal use of force against protesters and others. In interviews conducted by phone or online, two former soldiers called for the Myanmar people to keep their hearts strong and continue fighting for "democracy and our country." Nyi Thuta, a 31-year-old former army captain, left the military about three weeks after the coup, turning his back on a career he had built over the past 15 years. He said that when the coup occurred, he "knew that I had to leave." He is currently helping the civil disobedience movement by encouraging soldiers and others to join, all the while hiding in a forest in the country's south. The former captain said some soldiers desire democracy and support the formerly ruling National League for Democracy party. "I voted for the NLD in (November's general election) because I want the best for my country, as well as real democracy." Another man, a former officer in his late 20s, left the military about a month ago. He is currently training about 200 people, including former police officers, on how to fight the military in areas near the border with Thailand controlled by the Karen National Union armed ethnic minority group. "The merciless Tatmadaw will inevitably perish one day. We believe we will win without fail," said the former officer, who wished to remain anonymous. While resistance among the people has morphed into armed struggle in some cases, observers say the military, which effectively rules the country, still has the upper hand. Yoshihiro Nakanishi, an associate professor at Kyoto University's Center for Southeast Asian Studies and an expert in Myanmar politics, said a revolution is unlikely in the short term as it would require division within the military. What could happen instead is either the emergence of a government favored by the military after a military-engineered election or a prolonged period of military rule because circumstances make it difficult to hold a vote, according to Nakanishi. But the military will probably not concede to pro-democracy forces supported by Western nations, he said, as that "would represent defeat in a power struggle and capitulation to meddling in internal affairs." He predicted it would take time to solve the crisis. Japan has so far kept its distance from the National Unity Government launched by pro-democracy forces in order to keep open its communication channel with the military. Nakanishi said Tokyo should put pressure on the military to enable Japan to advance humanitarian assistance in areas such as health care, poverty alleviation and education, on the understanding that this assistance is intended for the Myanmar people. He also called for a review of Japan's official development assistance to Myanmar, particularly large-scale infrastructure projects, the continuation of which may be unacceptable to people in both countries. "The time has come (for Japan) to reconsider its Myanmar policy and develop a new one," he said. Related coverage: Japan's Motegi opposes Myanmar military's nullification of poll results Asylum-seeking Myanmar soccer player to join Japanese club as trainee Top member of Myanmar's NLD dies under detention of COVID-19 By Yuka Nakao, KYODO NEWS - Aug 1, 2021 - 13:55 | Feature, All, Japan, World As the political turmoil in Myanmar continues six months after the military coup, Japanese companies, whether operating there or tapping the country for skilled or low-wage workers, are worrying about the long-term impact on their business strategies. Many of the more than 400 Japanese companies with local operations have taken steps such as delaying business plans while also, in some cases, reassessing their connections with the military in the wake of the Feb. 1 coup and the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters. Kirin Holdings Co., for instance, said in February that it will end its partnership with Myanma Economic Holdings Public Co., a conglomerate that the United Nations has identified as being owned by senior members of the military. Kirin is currently in negotiations over the plan. Partly due to safety reasons, Suzuki Motor Corp. has suspended operations of its two plants in Yangon, while the start of a new plant is likely to be postponed from September. Toyota Motor Corp. has also delayed the start of a new auto plant in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone near Yangon. Among other Japanese firms in Myanmar concerned about the turmoil, instant noodle maker Acecook Co. has halted production in the country and brought Japanese staff back home in consideration of their safety. "Prospects are cloudy and we cannot tell whether we should resume operations or exit the country," a spokesperson said. Meanwhile, companies that have recruited skilled workers from Myanmar to work in Japan have faced disruptions as well. Yamato Manufacturing Co., a leading manufacturer of noodle-making equipment based in the western Japanese prefecture of Kagawa, famous for its udon noodles, has stepped up hiring workers from Southeast Asia partly with the aim of strengthening its competitiveness in the region and building a production plant there. Yamato's president, Kaoru Fujii, explained that fewer young people in Japan wish to become engineers, while foreign job candidates including those from Myanmar are usually more fluent in English and more eager to learn compared with Japanese job seekers. He does not see the situation improving quickly. Noting that surging coronavirus infections are adding to the turmoil in Myanmar, he said he expects it to take several years for the situation "to settle down" there. At his firm, Hsu Shonlae Thadar, a 24-year old engineer from Myanmar who previously worked in Tokyo and joined Yamato in May, said she came to Japan because of the opportunities to develop her career and worried that the coup had made it harder for her compatriots to do likewise. "There are many people in Myanmar who have worked hard to come to Japan but missed the chance to do so (due to the coup)," Thadar said. "I hope Japanese society maintains its interest in the situation in Myanmar." According to the Association of Japan Myanmar Mutual Cooperation, Japanese companies remain keen to hire graduates from Myanmar in the science and engineering fields despite the coronavirus pandemic and political unrest. The Japanese nonprofit organization has supported human resource development in Myanmar since 1997, such as by promoting the exchange of technical experts, providing Japanese-language classes to students from the country and introducing them to Japanese firms. "Online job interviews with students (attending the NPO's Japanese classes) and Japanese companies are held almost every week," said Shigeru Oyama, secretary general of the association. Although the number of students has declined by about 100 from a year earlier to roughly 260, there is a strong desire among young people in the country to find work in developed countries such as Japan amid the political turmoil, he said. Oyama said about 40 students who obtained jobs from Japanese companies are awaiting permission from immigration authorities to enter Japan. Some low-paying industries in Japan, especially in depopulated rural areas, have also come to rely on foreign workers arriving from elsewhere in Asia under a government-sponsored program for so-called technical interns. In Kagawa, which has a relatively high ratio of over-65s among prefectures in a country with the world's oldest population, interns from Vietnam and Myanmar have been increasing in line with a decline in workers from China, said Shu Yamamoto, an official at the Sanuki Chamber of Commerce. While Chinese still account for a large proportion of trainees under the program, it has become less attractive to them as Chinese pay levels have become about the same as those in the Japanese countryside and Chinese workers looking to come to Japan now tend to seek jobs in the metropolitan areas, Yamamoto said. While the Sanuki Chamber of Commerce has only dealt with Chinese workers, Yamamoto said he has "heard that other organizations accepting workers from Myanmar are worried whether interns will come amid the political unrest. They are a valuable workforce for some companies." "I hope the situation in Myanmar will be resolved safely," Yamato's Fujii said. "The lives of ordinary people in Myanmar have been disrupted by the coup. I think the business sector (in Myanmar) will grow with an early peaceful settlement." ==Kyodo KYODO NEWS - Aug 1, 2021 - 17:12 | World, All Myanmar's top military commander Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said on Sunday that his government would accept the dispatch of a special envoy agreed in April by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to mediate among the parties and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the country. The commander-in-chief also promised to hold a "free and fair multiparty general election" by August 2023 at the latest, after a two-year state of emergency expires. He made the remarks in a televised speech six months after the Feb. 1 military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy. "I would like to say that Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework including the dialogue with the ASEAN special envoy in Myanmar," Min Aung Hlaing said. Of the three original nominees for the ASEAN special envoy, he said, his government had agreed to select Virasakdi Futrakul, former Thai deputy foreign minister and veteran diplomat. "But for various reasons, the new proposals were released and we could not keep moving forwards," he said. ASEAN sources have said other nominees put forward include Hassan Wirajuda, a former Indonesian foreign minister, and Razali Ismail, a Malaysian who was a U.N. special envoy for Myanmar in the 2000s tasked with facilitating national reconciliation and democratization in the country. The envoy's selection is expected to be finalized when ASEAN foreign ministers gather virtually between Monday and Friday for an annual series of meetings. It had initially been believed that the special envoy would be dispatched in mid-May, but the junta had shown little willingness to accept such a delegation. The dispatch of the special envoy was one of the five items agreed upon at an extraordinary ASEAN summit held in Indonesia in late April to discuss the situation in the country. The five items also included the need for an immediate suspension of violence and humanitarian assistance from ASEAN. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Related coverage: FOCUS: Six months on, military-ruled Myanmar remains in turmoil FOCUS: ASEAN deadlocked in selection of special envoy to Myanmar ASEAN proposes nominees for special Myanmar envoy to the junta New Delhi: Amid the rising tide of dairy farmers' protest in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday decided to hold a meeting with opposition leaders and council over the same. The meeting is likely to take place in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Fadnavis also announced a withdrawal of the cases filed against dairy farmers during the ongoing milk protest. However, the cases that were filed against those who are not farmers, but were charged for indulging in violence during the stir would not be withdrawn, the chief minister confirmed. The development came after opposition leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil accused the government of not heeding to the demands of the farmers and urged the Centre to withdraw the cases filed against them. "Tankers and vehicles have been torched at some places during the farmers' agitation...The government is not heeding to the demands of the farmers, but at least withdraw the cases filed against them. Section 151 (3) is slapped against dacoits, but here farmers are being booked under it. It should be withdrawn," Patil told PTI. Responding to Patil's remark, Fadnavis said, "We are not opposed to a peaceful protest, but some people torched tankers. Farmers would never engage in such acts". "Cases filed against farmers would be withdrawn. But cases filed against those who are not farmers, but still indulged in such violent acts would not be withdrawn," Fadnavis added. Dairy farmers, led by Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana head MP Raju Shetti, have been holding protests in parts of Maharashtra seeking a hike of Rs 5 per litre in milk procurement prices. The protest began early Monday. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Thiruvananthapuram: Spending time behind bars in a dark prison cell, wearing a colourless jail uniform and having modest food there, will surely be a nightmare for all. But, that frightening dream may become a tourist attraction in Kerala soon, if everything goes as planned. The State Prison Department is actively considering a proposal to open portals of one of its central jails for common people to spend a day and night there to get the feel of jail life by charging a fee. The pay and stay initiative is planned as part of a unique prison museum coming up in the premises of Viyyur Central prison in Thrissur district. If the proposal gets the government nod, interested people can come and stay for 24 hours at a separate enclosure as part of the prison museum at the jail campus. Prison food would also be served to them, jail department sources said. We have submitted a set of detailed proposals to the government as part of the Prison Museum project. The stay inside the jail premises is also one among them, Jail DGP R Sreelekha told PTI. Further details in this regard can be divulged only after getting the government sanction, she said. However, the senior-most woman IPS officer said the proposed Prison Museum would be the first-of-its-kind in the state. Read | Now, witch hunting will land you in prison for seven years The Planning Board has accorded sanction for the Prison Museum project and allotted Rs three crore as the first instalment for the period 2018-19, she said. Rare and antique prison related objects and records, now stashed in various jails across the state, would be displayed at the museum, she said. There are a total of 54 prisons across the state. During my visits there, I have come across several objects of antique and historic value. They will be showcased at the upcoming museum, Sreelekha said. Superintendent of Viyyur Central Jail, M K Vinod Kumar said the museum complex is planned as a sprawling facility with various features including exhibition area, special enclosures for people to stay, library, cafeteria and light and sound show. As per the plan, interested persons can book for one day stay in the special enclosures where they will get everything from jail uniform to food to have the real feel of the prison life, he told PTI. A Chennai-based architect was entrusted with the designing of the complex, while state-based Nirmithi Kendra would be doing the construction. It is a Rs six crore project of which Rs three crore had already been sanctioned, the officer added. Another senior officer of Viyyur Central Prison said the exhibits would include British and royal era records, torture equipment, armaments, handcuff models and so on. Read | Pakistan gives India list of 471 Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails Uniform models of British police personnel and rare prison photographs will also be included. A naadan thattkada (ethnic cafeteria) is also under plans as part of the museum where the public can come and feast jail delicacies, he told PTI. The officer also said the jail tourism project would be a novel experience for common people to have a real feel of the prison life if it gets implemented. While Kerala is considering the proposal, it has a befitting model in Telangana to follow in terms of the jail tourism project. A 220-year-old central jail in Telangana is already offering tourists an opportunity to have a first-hand experience of prison life by paying a fee of Rs 500 for a days stay. The colonial era District Central Jail at Sangareddy recently converted into a museum, offers a 24-hour confinement under the programme, Feel the Jail, launched by the Prisons Department for people who want to spend time behind the bars and experience the feeling of being under detention. During the stay, the inmates are provided with a prison uniform made of khadi, a steel meal plate and glass, a mug beside washing soap, bathing soap, bedding and other facilities as per state prison manual, in addition to a fan. Read | Naroda Patiya massacre case: Three convicts get 10-year rigorous imprisonment The District Central jail at Sangareddy was constructed during the Prime Ministership of Salar Jung-I in 1796 during Nizam rule in the princely state of Hyderabad. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Jaipur: The entire state of Rajasthan went without mobile internet services for the second successive day on Sunday as the authorities blocked the facility in a bid to curb the use of unfair means in tests held for recruiting over 13,000 constables. The move, however, drew flak from the opposition. Like Saturday, mobile internet services were suspended from 8 am to 5 pm on Sunday and the recruitment test held in two shifts. The suspension of internet services badly affected on-line transactions and communication evoking the oppositions criticism. Congress state chief Sachin Pilot flayed the decision to block the mobile internet services. The government should have installed internet jammers at exam centres instead, he said. Internet is usually shut down in specific areas to curb the spread of rumours during a law and order problem but it is for the first time that the services were suspended across the state to preventing cheating in an examination, an official said. It was for the second time this year that the police department held the recruitment tests for constables, which was conducted on-line earlier in March. The March examination, however, had to be cancelled after the special operations group of the state police busted a gang involved in facilitating candidates in cheating using technology. IG (Recruitment) Prashakha Mathur said the exam was held in a free and fair manner. More than 15 lakh candidates had enrolled for the exam held for 13,143 posts of Rajasthan police constable. The police department had set up 664 exam centres, including 209 in Jaipur district. Elaborate security arrangements were made for the exam. There were huge crowds at railway stations and bus-stands. The revised exam was held off-line with arrangements for frisking each candidate and recording biometric attendance. Candidates were instructed to appear for the examination in specific dress only with half-sleeve shirts and normal footwear. Candidates were not allowed to take the exam while wearing footwear. For all the Latest Education News, Jobs News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: On the day 2 of Monsoon session, Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2013, the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2017 and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill 2018 and other important issues are set to come up for a discussion and passage in the House. Addressing the Lower House, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday condemned and criticised the mob lynching incidents in India. But when he stated that the Centre has requested social media operators to install checks to stop the fake news and false information circulation over the social media, the Congress expressed their dissatisfaction and staged a walkout. Live Updates of Monsoon Session: # 3:20 pm: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issues whip, directs its MPs to vote in favour of No Confidence Motion. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issues whip, directs its MPs to vote in favour of #NoConfidenceMotion pic.twitter.com/8LxgCvlcOQ ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 03:00 pm: "You should understand. They (TDP) have moved the no-confidence motion for a problem concerning Andhra Pradesh. When AIADMK MPs from Tamil Nadu stalled Parliament (during the previous session), who did voice (support) for us, who came forward to solve the problems of Cauvery delta farmers," Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami asked. # 2:45 pm: Mallikarjun Kharge writes to PM Modi stating 'I would not be able to attend the meeting of the Selection Committee on 19th July until the Leader of Single Largest Opposition party is conferred the status of a full-fledged member as envisioned in the Lokpal Act, 2013' Mallikarjun Kharge writes to PM Modi stating 'I would not be able to attend the meeting of the Selection Committee on 19th July until the Leader of Single Largest Opposition party is conferred the status of a full-fledged member as envisioned in the Lokpal Act, 2013' (file pic) pic.twitter.com/iJhUvxVORC ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 2:35 pm: Shiv Sena will vote against the no-confidence motion. Shiv Sena will vote against the #NoConfidenceMotion. The party has issued a whip for its MPs, directing them to support the govt. pic.twitter.com/ltNNFX4qai ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 2:30 pm: The truth is that your agencies are being misused. Are there two laws in the nation? One implemented from the political point of view for political rivals & the other for your own people on whom there are serious allegations?: Anand Sharma, Congress in Rajya Sabha The truth is that your agencies are being misused. Are there two laws in the nation? One implemented from the political point of view for political rivals & the other for your own people on whom there are serious allegations?: Anand Sharma, Congress in Rajya Sabha #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/6ducM4jHvl ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 2:00 pm: Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav on being asked about party's stand on No-confidence motion. #WATCH Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav on being asked about party's stand on #NoConfidenceMotion, uses a cuss word. pic.twitter.com/R9AhlU2hhQ ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 2:00 pm: Biju Janata Dal(BJD) issues whip, directs MPs to be present in Lok Sabha tomorrow for the no-confidence motion Biju Janata Dal(BJD) issues whip, directs MPs to be present in Lok Sabha tomorrow for the #noconfidencemotion pic.twitter.com/WzyxRU19qD ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 1:00 pm: The Home Minister's statement in Lok Sabha on mob lynching was not satisfactory at all, that is why we staged a walkout from the house. This is not a game of ping pong that states and Centre keep shifting responsibilities: Shashi Tharoor,Congress MP The Home Minister's statement in Lok Sabha on mob lynching was not satisfactory at all, that is why we staged a walkout from the house. This is not a game of ping pong that states and Centre keep shifting responsibilities: Shashi Tharoor,Congress MP pic.twitter.com/Tn0BMCm1XA ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha will vote against the #NoConfidenceMotion (file pic) pic.twitter.com/SFoPa7cmQ2 ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 11:25 am: YSRCP MPs stage protest in Parliament premises demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. YSRCP MPs stage protest in Parliament premises demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. #MonsoonSession pic.twitter.com/ScKBXckZpN ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 11:20 am: Union Minister Ananth Kumar's comment on Sonia Gandhi Sonia ji's maths is weak. They had calculated similarly in 1996. We know what happened then. Their calculation is wrong yet again. Modi govt has majority both inside & outside Parliament. NDA will vote against #NoConfidenceMotion. NDA+ will also support us: Union Min Ananth Kumar pic.twitter.com/R4D5IinNox ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 11:15 am: In democracy, voice of the Opposition should be heard first even if it consists of one person. Even we (Shiv Sena) will speak when it is required. During voting, whatever Uddav Thakachey directs us, we will do: Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena on No Confidence motion In democracy, voice of the Opposition should be heard first even if it consists of one person. Even we (Shiv Sena) will speak when it is required. During voting, whatever Uddav Thakachey directs us, we will do: Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena on #NoConfidence motion pic.twitter.com/rnAVQLwvfo ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 11:10 am: Congress has given adjournment notice in Lok Sabha over the issue of mob lynching Congress has given adjournment notice in Lok Sabha over the issue of mob lynching. pic.twitter.com/9nOQRFL7Cq ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 # 11:00 am: In spite of having no option to vote for No Confidence Motion in Parliament, DMK supports the no-confidence motion brought by TDP. We request AIADMK also to support no confidence motion in Parliament: MK Stalin, DMK Working President. In spite of having no option to vote for #NoConfidenceMotion in Parliament, DMK supports the no confidence motion brought by TDP. We request AIADMK also to support no confidence motion in Parliament: MK Stalin, DMK Working President. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/mKnjXUQKY2 ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: Eighty-one inmates of Byculla womens prison here were hospitalised on Friday morning after they fell ill, with officials suspecting that food poisoning, contaminated water or a medicine reaction could be the reason behind the illness. An anti-viral medicine was administered to all prison inmates and staff on Thursday, after which some prisoners had complained of uneasiness, a top prison official said. The prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, Indrani Mukerjea, who is lodged in the same prison, was not among those admitted to the hospital, jail officials said. Earlier in the day, the dean of the state-run J J Hospital, Mukund Tayade, said all those admitted complained of vomiting, nausea and loose motions. None of the patients are in a serious condition and they are responding well to treatment, Tayade said, adding that they would be kept under observation for 48 hours. The sick prisoners included two 24-week pregnant women, and a four-month-old son of one of the admitted inmates. A doctor attending the prisoners said that prima-facie it seemed to be a case of food poisoning. Inmates began to be taken to the J J hospital around 9.45 AM, said a prison official. Inspector General (Prison) Rajvardhan Sinha told to reporters in the evening that on July 15, three to four male prisoners (from a separate wing of the prison) were admitted to J J hospital for gastroenteritis. Doctors found that one of them had symptoms similar to cholera. As a matter of protocol and precaution, on the advice by doctors and the health department, all prisoners and staff members were given prophylactic medicine Doxycycline 100 MG on Thursday, the IG said. Afterwards, some prisoners complained of vomiting and upset stomach and they were treated by prison doctors. But more prisoners complained of vomiting and dehydration on Friday, so they were sent to the J J Hospital, Sinha said, adding the cause of the illness could be contaminated water, food or reaction to the medicine, but it will be ascertained after pathology reports become available. Samples of the drinking water and food provided to the prisoners are being tested, Sinha informed reporters. The prison, which houses 312 inmates, was in news last year when Manju Shette (45), a convict, died after being allegedly beaten up by jail officials. Six officials were arrested in the case. New Delhi: A 22-year-old woman from Panchkula district in Haryana has been allegedly raped by 40 men after holding her captive in a guest house for four days from July 15 to 18, PTI reported on Friday. The Chandigarh Police lodged an FIR in Manimajra police station after the woman approached them with the complaint, the case has been transferred to the Panchkula Police, under whose jurisdiction the alleged incident took place. The woman stated in a complaint filed with the Chandigarh Police on Thursday that one of the accused was known to her husband and had promised to provide her a job at a tourist attraction in Panchkula. Two staff members of the guest house have been arrested in relation with the incident, said Ranjit Singh the station house officer at the Manimajra Police Station to a leading media house adding that the district and sessions court in Panchkula has sent them to 14 days judicial custody. "One of the accused had promised a job to her at the guest house. He had agreed to employ her at a monthly salary of Rs 11,000 to 12,000 for cleaning the guest house. We did not know anybody, except him," claimed the womans husband. "Every day, about 10 men would brutalise her and this continued for four days between July 15 and 18. Then she somehow managed to call me over phone and told me that she was in great trouble. I spoke to the guest house manager and told him to leave her or else I would call the police. My wife later reached home and narrated the ordeal after which we lodged a police complaint," he said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Panaji: The Goa government on Wednesday banned the import of fish from outside the state till the end of this month, in view of the scare of formalin being found in it. "Instructions would be issued at Goa's borders not to allow fish-laden trucks from outside the state," Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters here. The ban will continue till the end of this month when restrictions imposed on fishing along the western coast end, Parrikar said. The government's announcement of the ban comes a day before the state Assembly's Monsoon Session begins. The opposition parties had decided to raise the issue on the floor of the House. The Goa Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) had earlier confirmed the presence of the organic compound in fish imported from other states. However, the agency had later said the toxic chemical -- used to preserve bodies and prevent its decay in mortuaries -- was "on par" with its naturally-occurring levels in the sampled fishes and there was no added amount of it. Read | No formalin found in imported fish in Aizawl markets The chief minister said the ban, imposed under the Food and Drugs Administration Act, would eliminate all fears of the presence of formalin content in fish. "For last many days, there is an issue on fish (of presence of formalin). Without going into details of those controversies or discussions, the government has come to a decision to stop the import of fish till the end of this month," Parrikar said. The ban on import of fish from other states will "automatically eliminate all controversies," he said. Once the ban on fishing (imposed every year during monsoon) is lifted from August 1, local trawlers can go into the sea and catch fish and hence, there would be no need for fish to be imported from other states, he said. "There will be enough local fish available to cater to the state's demand," he said. When fresh fish is available, Goans will not opt for frozen fish or that is imported from other states, he said. A formal order to ban the import of fish would be issued in the evening and border check posts would be asked not to allow any truck laden with fish to enter the state, he said. Read | Cyclone Ockhi: Over 600 fishermen of TN, Kerala still missing An action would be taken against those who violate the order, he warned. "This is just an abundant caution in the interest of the health of citizens and to avoid controversies and confusion," the chief minister said. He said the government will not entertain complaints from traders that they were incurring losses due to the ban. "It is not just fish but I have asked for checks of fruits and vegetables (also)," he said. If any preservatives were found in food items, they would also be banned, he added. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In a bid to end the four-day-long dairy farmers protest, the Maharashtra government on Thursday has accepted one of the key demands of the protesters. Following the state-wide protest, the Devendra Fadnavis government has announced Rs 25 per litre as the minimum rate of milk for the dairy farmers. The new rate, however, will come to effect from July 21 in Maharashtra. Maharashtra government announces Rs 25 per litre as the minimum rate of milk for dairy farmers, following state-wide protests over the demand. The decision will be implemented from July 21, the news agency ANI reported. #Maharashtra government announces Rs 25 per liter as the minimum rate of milk for dairy farmers, following state-wide protests over the demand. The decision will be implemented from July 21. pic.twitter.com/D6PaV4w9Fb ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018 The farmers had been holding protests in parts of the state since Monday, seeking a hike of Rs 5 per litre in the procurement prices. The impact of the protest was felt particularly in Mumbai and Pune where milk supplies were partially affected. Read | Fadnavis to hold meeting with oppositions over Maharashtra dairy farmers' protest Though the protest has not created an acute shortage of milk yet, the agitation has intensified with families of dairy farmers also pitching in. "I'm ready to withdraw the agitation if the milk-purchase rate is fixed around Rs 25 per litre," Raju Shetti, Swabhimani Paksha MP, who is spearheading the stir, had said. The minister made the announcement after a meeting convened by Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagade. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, leaders and representatives of milk suppliers federation were present at the meeting. The major milk-producing districts of Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Ahmednagar and Nashik supply bulk of the stock to Mumbai and Pune. Some units in Thane and Palghar also supply milk to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Read | Milk protest intensifies, suppliers block tankers; CM says govt open for talks Thursday, Shetti had vowed to stop trains carrying milk to the state from Gujarat. A Western Railway official earlier said milk tankers would be attached to the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central passenger train to mitigate problems faced by consumers. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Turkeys state of emergency which was imposed after the failed 2016 coup came to an end of Thursday, but the opposition thinks it will get replaced by tougher legislative measures. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 20 July 2016, declared the state of emergency, five days after fighter jets bombed Ankara and clashes broke out in Istanbul that claimed 249 lives. The emergency, which usually lasts for a period of three months was extended seven times but finally ended at 1:00 am on Thursday, the state-run Anadolu news agency said as the government decided not to extend it for the eighth time. The state of emergency saw the arrest of around 80,000 people and about double of that number got sacked from jobs in public institutions. The biggest purge of Turkeys modern history has targeted not just alleged supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the US-based preacher blamed for the coup, but also Kurdish activists and leftists. The former leaders of the opposition pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) -- Figen Yuksekdag and Selahattin Demirtasare still languishing in jail following their arrest in November 2016 on charges of links to Kurdish militants. During last months presidential election campaign, which he won, Erdogan pledged that the state of emergency would end. But the opposition has been angered by the governments submission of new legislation to parliament that apparently seeks to formalise some of the harshest aspects of the emergency. The bill, dubbed anti-terror legislation by pro-government media, will be discussed at commission level on Thursday and then in plenary session on Monday. The main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) said the new measures would amount to a state of emergency on their own. With this bill, with the measures in this text, the state of emergency will not be extended for three months, but for three years, said the head of the CHPs parliamentary faction, Ozgur Ozel. They make it look like they are lifting the emergency but in fact they are continuing it, he added. Under the proposed legislation, the authorities will retain for three more years the power to sack civil servants deemed linked to terror groups, retaining a key power of the state of emergency. Protests and gatherings will be banned in open public areas after sunset, although they can be authorised until midnight if they do not disturb the public order. Local authorities will be able to prohibit individuals from entering or leaving a defined area for 15 days on security grounds. And a suspect can be held without charge for 48 hours or up to four days in the case of multiple offences. This period can be extended up to twice if there is difficulty in collecting evidence or if the case is deemed to be particularly voluminous. Fotis Filippou, Amnesty Internationals deputy Europe director, said many of the powers of the state of emergency will remain in force. It (the lifting) needs to be accompanied by urgent measures if it is to be anything more than a cosmetic exercise, said Filippou. Some commentators suggested that the end of the state of emergency could signal the release of US pastor Andrew Brunson, who has been held in a Turkish jail for almost two years on terror charges, in a case that raised tensions with Washington. But at Brunsons latest hearing on Wednesday, the court ordered that he should stay in jail. The authorities have also shown no hesitation in using the special powers of the emergencyright up to its final days. Following a decree issued on July 8, 18,632 people were sacked -- 8,998 of them police officersover suspected links to terror organisations and groups that act against national security. The move came just two weeks after Erdogan was reelected under a new system that gives him greater powers than any Turkish leader since the aftermath of World War II. The new executive presidency means government ministries and public institutions are now centralised under the direct control of the presidency. Erdogan says it is necessary to have a more efficient government, but the opposition claims it has placed Turkey squarely under one-man rule. The end of the state of emergency does not mean our fight against terror is going to come to an end, said Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul. (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: When Indias living legend Amitabh Bachchan exhorts Indians towards a cleaner India, its the figures that he quotes that should make us sit up and pay attention. Thirteen children die from diarrhoea every hour in India. India contributes to 10 per cent of all global diarrhoeal deaths in children below the age of five years. Bachchan also emphasizes the case that India has the highest number of stunted children in the world. Pneumonia and diarrhoea together accounts for 29 per cent of all child deaths globally, resulting in the deaths of more than two million children each year. Countries most affected can end this staggering and unnecessary death toll. Reducing Pneumonia and Diarrhoea deaths through an integrated approach In 2013, the Integrated Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) sought to reduce deaths from pneumonia to fewer than three children per 1000 live births, and from diarrhoea to less than one in 1000 by 2025, by fighting the two diseases together in an integrated approach. The report suggested ways to combat both diseases with proven measures: exclusive breastfeeding for up to six months, vaccines, handwashing, safe drinking water, and appropriate treatments, among other solutions. However, we are painfully aware that Uttar Pradesh, still has a long way to go to universal access to hygiene and sanitation. Thus, too often children most at risk in poor settings or hard-to-reach communities dont even have even these basic facilities. The vicious cycle of weakening immunity and malnutrition The mention of stunting is important. India continues to have the highest number of low birth babies. These precious lives are immediately vulnerable to diarrhoea and pneumonia. Its important to understand the link between episodes of diarrhoea and malnourishment. Vulnerable low-birth weight babies, who experience multiple episodes of diarrhoea get trapped in a vicious cycle of weakening immunity and malnutrition. Later in life, the impact begins to show, when children are not able to cope up with their studies and later on in their adult lives. Several studies have long established observations that are consistent with the hypothesis that a higher cumulative burden of diarrhoea increases the risk of stunting. The environment in Uttar Pradesh Given the environment in large parts of Uttar Pradesh, both urban and rural, integrated approaches for diarrhoea prevention and management underscoring the importance of good sanitation, exclusive breastfeeding, clean drinking water, Vitamin A supplementation, oral rehydration solution, zinc and continued feeding are still not in place. This is because of various reasons. How diarrhoea thrives even where there is good sanitation However, diarrhoea thrives even where there is good hygiene and sanitation and relatively better infant care. Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrheal diseases in children worldwide. In 2013, a study determined that 37 per cent of the 578,000 childhood diarrheal deaths were due to rotavirus, for a total of 215,000 rotavirus deaths globally. More than 90 per cent of these deaths occurred in developing countries. Rotavirus disease cannot be treated with antibiotics or other drugs, and most children are at risk of infection regardless of hygiene practices or access to clean water. Hence, vaccination is the best way to protect children from rotavirus and the deadly dehydration caused by it. WHO recommendation: Expansion of Rotavirus vaccines in Jharkhand, UP In fact, in 2009, the World Health Organisation recommended that all countries should include rotavirus vaccines in their national immunisation programmes. In India, rotavirus diarrhoea amounts to 8,72, 000 hospitalisation, 32,70,000 outpatient visits and 78, 000 deaths annually. It is thus significant that of the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh that bear the highest burden of under five deaths due to pneumonia and diarrhoea, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have introduced the rotavirus vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme. This year, the Government of India is supporting the expansion of this vaccine in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Introduction of Rotavirus in India Since 2017, the Government of India has introduced the rotavirus vaccine in phases. In the first phase it was introduced in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, followed by Assam, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Tripura in the second phase. There is no doubt that the introduction of the vaccine will help these states bring down fatal incidents of diarrhoea. Learning from other countries that have introduced the rotavirus vaccine show that Mexico reported nearly 50 per cent drop in diarrhoea-related deaths in children under five after the introduction of the vaccine in 2007, while Brazil recorded a 22 per cent drop in deaths. Keeping the Swachh Bharat focus on diarrhoea Going back to the GAPPD report, India is recognising that prevention and control of pneumonia and diarrhoea can only be tackled through integrated programmes. That will reduce the numbers of children falling ill and dying, but also bring more efficient and effective use of often scarce health resources. An infant that experiences fewer episodes of diarrhoea has a greater chance of reaching his or her fifth birthday. This child then has a better chance of doing well in school and having a more complete and full life. Former UNICEF Executive Director James Grant (19801995) rightly called diarrhoea a global silent emergency. By keeping the Swachh Bharat focus on diarrhoea, Amitabh Bachchan is raising his voice on behalf of those thousands of children who could potentially lose their lives from what is now a vaccine-preventable disease! (The writer is national vice-president, Central Zone, Indian Academy of Pediatrics and immediate task president, Uttar Pradesh) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Terror attacks on security forces in South and North Waziristan tribal districts occurred last week. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed and nine others wounded in attacks by terrorists on Friday and Saturday. The attacks come in wake of escalating Taliban-led violence in Afghanistan. Terrorists attacked security forces in the Shawal area of North Waziristan district near the Afghan border. At the counter, one soldier was killed and two others suffered injuries in the incident, Dawn reported. The injured soldiers were shifted to a hospital in Miramshah. The officials taking part in the operation remained safe. Besides this, Pakistan's security forces came under attack in two areas of the South Waziristan district. One soldier was killed and seven others suffered injuries. As per the reports, an IED exploded in the Osse Pass area of the Ladha sub-division, injuring two soldiers. Attacks on security forces have increased since the Taliban intensified offensive against the government forces across the border in Afghanistan. Pakistan, which shares over a 2,600 km long border with Afghanistan, fears intensification of violence in the war-torn country. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi once again furious at the Centre, said this! BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena claims arrested after hoisting flag at Amagarh fort CM Yogi gives Rs 10 lakh each to family of journalists who died during Corona period Today is the birth anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a well-known scholar of Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, Indian history, Sanskrit, Hinduism, mathematics, and astronomy. Born on July 23, 1856, in a Brahmin family in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Tilak fought a decisive battle against the British. He was among the first Indian generation to receive a modern college education. His followers gave him the title of 'Lokmanya,' which means to be considered prestigious by the people. Bal Gangadhar Tilak had said, 'Swaraj is my birthright and I will take it.' These were not just a few words for the freedom permits, but a passion, a passion through which millions of people made their sacrifices and freed the country from the grasps of the British. Tilak brought out two daily newspapers in Marathi called 'Maratha Darpan' and 'Kesari,' which were well received by the people. Tilak used to strongly criticize the brutality of English rule and inferiority complex towards Indian culture in his newspaper. He was sometimes jailed for his articles appearing in the newspaper Kesari. He published magazines to improve the condition of the people of India. He wanted people to be aware. Therefore, he also established education centers. Bal Gangadhar was jailed by the British government on July 3, 1908, on charges of treason. In fact, he defended two revolutionaries in his newspaper Kesari and called for swaraj. As a result, he was jailed in Mandle, Burma for 6 years, and a fine of 1,000 rupees was imposed. During his imprisonment, his views on the Indian nationalist movement were further fuelled and he also wrote a 400-year book, Gita Rahasya. When he was released from jail, he started the Home Rule League and gave the slogan 'Swaraj is my birthright and I will take it.' In 1908, Tilak supported the bomb attack by revolutionaries Praful Chaki and Khudiram Bose, which led to his imprisonment in Mandali in Burma (now Myanmar). After being released from jail, he again became a member of Congress. Tilak was a double graduate, if he wanted to, he could easily get a government job and live his life, but he gave his first priority to the service of the country. On August 1, 1920, this great freedom fighter passed away in Mumbai, and another son of Mother India was sacrificed on the path of freedom. Bihar: Two mini gun factories smashed, 4 arrested Karnataka to get 10 million doses of covid vaccine this month States will get right to provide OBC reservation: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale The dead body of Danish Siddiqui, a Pulitzer Prizewinning photojournalist who was killed in Afghanistan last month, was badly damaged while in the custody of the Taliban, officials said. The disclosure appears amid concern that the strife in Afghanistan has become more brutal as peace talks have stalled. Siddiqui, 38, was killed when Afghan commandos he had accompanied to Spin Boldak were attacked. Initial photographs from the scene showed his body with many wounds but fully intact. But when the body was transferred to a hospital in Kandahar, it had been badly mutilated, according to two Indian and two Afghan officials there. The photographs showed Siddiquis body had been damaged. An official said the body had nearly a dozen bullet wounds and that there were tire marks on Siddiquis face and chest. A health official in Kandahar said Siddiquis face was unrecognizable, adding that he could not resolve exactly what had been done to the body. However, a Taliban spokesman refused any wrongdoing on the part of the insurgents, saying they were following orders to treat bodies with respect.Danish always chose to be on the front lines so that abuses and atrocities could not remain hidden, said Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director for Human Rights Watch. Third marriage of Siddharth Roy Kapur is with Vidya Balan, has produced great films Indian Navy saves 7 fishermen, injured undergoing treatment KTR inaugurates 2nd unit of Pokarna Engineered Stone Ltd Tourists have been evacuated from beaches in south-western Turkey, where raging wildfires are now threatening hotels and homes. Turkish Coastguard vessels - assisted by private boats and yachts - were deployed to bring holidaymakers to safety, according to local media. In the city of Bodrum, three five-star hotels were reportedly evacuated. #Turkey evacuates hotels in Bodrum An evacuation order was issued as the wildfires neared hotels area. Police evacuated three hotels in Icmeler town of Bodrum, #Mugla. pic.twitter.com/Idz9vbUijk EHA News (@eha_news) July 31, 2021 The fires, which have been burning since Wednesday, have left six people dead. Two more fatalities were confirmed on Saturday. They were among the thousands of people who have been battling almost 100 separate blazes in resorts and villages on Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts - a major tourist region. Officials say all but 10 of the fires have now been brought under control. Investigators are trying to establish whether some of the fires were started deliberately, amid reports that one suspected arsonist has been detained. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday visited the town of Manavgat, were five fire-related deaths have been confirmed. Mr Erdogan vowed that the government would do everything to help hundreds of people affected by the disaster to rebuild their lives. NRL postpones Saturday games because of Covid-19 'India responsible for spreading corona, not China,' Read Fawad Chaudhry's silly report Brisbane lockdown after Delta variant cases Nairobi - the centre of East Africa's thriving arts scene Hyderabad: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi does not want to miss any opportunity to increase activity in UP as soon as elections are held in UP, the country's largest state. That is why he is a constant attack on BJP and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. Owaisi has questioned the Uttar Pradesh government's population control bill this time. The same AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has said, "There are more than 150 BJP MLA in Uttar Pradesh who have more than 2 children, will the BJP not give them tickets?" He also warned Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that he was ready to debate. Owaisi said the Uttar Pradesh government is completely failing in many cases. He asked, "In the Corona period, the country was destroyed, lakhs of youth are unemployed, why is the Government not giving them employment?" At the same time, Owaisi quipped, "Is the yogi going against '56 inches' or 56-inch is against the yogi?'' He also attacked the alleged phone tapping case and said, "If the government has its own strength, I am ready to have a dispute in Parliament over the Pegasus case." At the same time, raising the issue of malnutrition, he said, "Out of 9 lakh malnourished children in India (from 6 to 9 years) to 4 lakh from UP. What is the Government doing for them?'' Babul Supriyo bid farewell to politics says, "I can do it apart from politics..." Israel accuses Iran over lethal attack on Japanese-owned oil tanker off Oman Pakistan, China, Russia, US will meet in Doha on August 11 to discuss Afghan crisis Islamabad: Pakistan's Minister of State for Federal Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has blamed India for the spread of coronavirus in his country and the world. He said the world was about to win over the Coronavirus epidemic, but the lax policies of the Government of India have put the world back in jeopardy. Fawad Chaudhry further said, "There is no doubt that the coronavirus is spreading very fast again in Pakistan. Unfortunately for the region, the arrangements that the Narendra Modi government in India should have made to prevent the coronavirus were not made. As a result, India has now become a source of coronavirus all over the world. This is the fourth wave of coronavirus that has arisen from India.'' Terming delta variant as Indian coronavirus, he said, "The biggest reason for this is that what is ruled by India could not be done in such a way that it is reduced. And at a time when we were close to winning, some gentleman came out of the Coronavirus successfully, at a time when the world has again fallen prey to the delta virus because of the irresponsible policies of India's ruling, and the world is facing difficulties again.'' However, interestingly, Pakistan has so far not held China responsible for the spread of coronavirus. The whole world is saying that Corona was born from China's Wuhan Lab and the first case was also reported from Wuhan. Even then, Pakistan is blaming India for spreading the virus and calling its delta variant an Indian variant. NRL postpones Saturday games because of Covid-19 Brisbane lockdown after Delta variant cases Nairobi - the centre of East Africa's thriving arts scene Numerous rockets hit Afghanistan's Kandahar airport overnight, a source reported. No fatalities have been reported so far. Violence has intensified in Afghanistan in recent weeks as the Taliban have intensified their offensive against civilians, Afghan defense, and security forces. This comes in wake of foreign troop's drawdown from the war-torn country. Last month, three rockets landed in areas near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers. Over the last few weeks, the Taliban seized several districts in Afghanistan including Takhar, the country's northeastern region. The Taliban seized over 193 district centers and 19 border districts, according to the Afghan foreign ministry. Let us tell you that the Taliban have also taken command over 10 border crossing points across the country in Takhar, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Herat, and Farah provinces leading to the complete closedown of cross-border movements and trade in these areas. The ministry further revealed that since April 14, nearly 4,000 ANDSF personnel had been killed, over 7,000 injured, and about 1,600 captured by the Taliban. As many as 2,000 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the violence, while 2,200 were injured. This star batsman compares Rishabh Pant with popular rapper..' Telangana: People who administered both doses to get entry at these places including malls! RSS sends message to Assam-Mizoram, One Nation One People Mumbai: After Kerala, the Zika virus has started creating havoc in Maharashtra as well. In fact, last Saturday, the Maharashtra Health Department has reported that the first case of the Zika virus has been reported in the state. The case has been found in Purandar tehsil of Pune district. A 50-year-old woman has been found infected with the virus here. The patient is said to be being treated and is recovering soon. On the other hand, 63 viruses of the Zika virus have been reported in Kerala so far. In fact, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said last Saturday, "Two more people in the state have been confirmed with the Zika virus. Not only that, they have said that the total number of infected people in the State has gone up to 63.'' Let me tell you that there are currently three active cases of the Zika virus in Kerala. Let us also tell you that the Zika virus is from the Flaviviridae virus family. Yes, it is a mosquito bite disease and the symptoms of Zika virus are similar to chikungunya. Tell you that the disease is transmitted by a bite of the Aedes mosquito during the day and usually the Zika virus does not cause serious health problems. At the same time, patients infected with this virus are advised to rest as much as they can. It is also being said that if the virus infects pregnant women, it can result in birth defects. The WHO says the Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus and was first identified among monkeys in Uganda in 1947. National Mountaineering Day celebrated today due to 2 friends Happy Friendship Day: Know who can be your deep friendship according to zodiac Meena Kumari used to cry without glycerin in films, drowned her life in alcohol What happened: Shares of the worlds large produce company slid by over 9% on Friday after debuting on the New York Stock Exchange. Dole (NYSE: DOLE) opened for trading at $15, at an implied market value of approximately $1.5 billion, which was below the initial public offering of $16. The stock closed at $14.50 on Friday, giving the company a market valuation of $1.35 billion. The timing was what it was, the valuation is what it is, said Chief Executive Officer Rory Byrne in an interview. This was the companys third effort to go public, after an initial offer of 26 million shares for $20 to $23 on Tuesday, then a second share sale of 30.3 million shares for $16 to $17 dollars on Thursday. Fridays IPO ended up selling only 25 million shares and raising $400 million in gross proceeds. Why its important: The IPO comes after the successful merger of Dole with Total Produce, a deal that was announced in February. According to its filings, the combined company generated $58 million in net income with $2.3 billion in revenue in the first quarter of this year. Byrne says the iconic Dole brand positions the company to attract investors and generate future growth. Dole has previously filed to go public twice in recent years. David H. Murdock took the company private in 2003 to avoid bankruptcy, it was relisted in 2009 and again taken private in 2013. A second IPO filing in 2017 was withdrawn the following year. Whats next: The company intends to spend the money raised by the IPO on merger costs and paying down its debt. Byrne says he doesnt expect to see any material impact on Dole from an ongoing drought in California. The company owns more than 109,000 acres of land worldwide as of March of this year. See more from Benzinga 2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2018, file photo, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, and North Korea's nominal head of state Kim Yong Nam, wait for the start of the preliminary round of the women's hockey game between Switzerland and the combined Koreas at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea. Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of Kim Jong Un, made the first-ever visit to the South by a member of the ruling Kim dynasty since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned Sunday that next months annual military drills between South Korean and U.S. troops will undermine prospects for better ties between the Koreas, just days after the rivals reopened their long-dormant communication channels. Kim Yo Jongs statement carried by state media targets only South Korea, and this could add credence to a theory that North Korea's decision to restore the communication lines is mainly aimed at pushing Seoul to convince Washington to make concessions while nuclear diplomacy remains deadlocked. For some days I have been hearing an unpleasant story that joint military exercises between the South Korean army and the U.S. forces could go ahead as scheduled, Kim Yo Jong said. I view this as an undesirable prelude which seriously undermines the will of the top leaders of the North and the South wishing to see a step taken toward restoring mutual trust and which further beclouds the way ahead of the North-South relations, she said. She added: Our government and army will closely follow whether the South Korean side stages hostile war exercises in August or makes other bold decision. Video: North Korea takes a hit to its economy Regular drills between Seoul and Washington have been a long-running source of animosities on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea calling them an invasion rehearsal and responding with missile tests. South Korea and the U.S. have repeatedly said their drills are defensive in nature. In the past few years, South Korea and the U.S. have canceled or downsized some of their exercises to support diplomatic efforts to end the North Korean nuclear crisis or because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Asked about prospects for next months summertime drills, Boo Seung-Chan, a spokesman at South Koreas Defense Ministry, told a briefing Thursday that Seoul and Washington were reviewing factors like the pandemics current status, efforts to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and their combined military readiness. Story continues The U.S.-led diplomacy aimed at persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear program in return for economic and political rewards hasnt made progress since a second summit between Kim Jong Un and then-President Donald Trump broke down because of disputes over U.S.-led sanctions in early 2019. South Korea's government led by President Moon Jae-in, which wants greater reconciliations between the Koreas, had earlier shuttled between Pyongyang and Washington to arrange the first summit between Trump and Kim. But North Korea later resumed harsh rhetoric against South Korea, telling it not to meddle in its dealings with the United States. In June last year, Pyongyang also cut off communication lines with Seoul and destroyed an empty, South Korean-built liaison office on its territory. Some experts said Pyongyang shifted the responsibility for the collapse of the second Kim-Trump summit to Seoul and was frustrated with Seouls failure to break away from Washington and revive stalled joint economic projects held back by the sanctions. After the two Koreas reopened their communication channels on Tuesday, talk of bigger reconciliation steps like another summit between Kim Jong Un and Moon quickly spread in South Korea. But Kim Yo Jong described such sentiment as a premature hasty judgment. She said that hasty speculation and groundless interpretation will only bring despair. Analyst Cheong Seong-Chang at the private Sejong Institute in South Korea said Kim Yo Jongs statement is a request for the complete cancellation of the U.S-South Korean drills that South Korea cannot accept. South Korea has no justification to persuade the U.S. to suspend the South Korea-U.S. drills, especially at a time when North Korea is negative about the South-North summit, Cheong said. On CNBC's "Options Action," Mike Khouw spoke about Alibaba Group Holding Ltd - ADR (NYSE: BABA) and the risks investors are facing with the stock. Khouw named China's security and regulatory scrutiny, potential anti-trust penalties and further restrictions as risks that could lead to an earnings decline in Alibaba. The company is going to report earnings on Tuesday and the options market is implying a move of 5.1% in either direction by the end of the week. That is slightly more than its average move of 3.9% for the event. Khouw wants to take a long position in the stock because he likes its fundamentals. It has a margin rate of 40% and a double-digit EPS and top-line growth while trading at 22 times earnings. To make a bullish bet, Khouw wants to buy the October $195 call for $13.20 and sell the August $205 call for $3.20. The trade would cost him $10. Since the width of the spread is also $10, he is hoping the stock moves higher, but not above the $205 so he can sell another call when the August call expires. See also: How To Buy Alibaba Stock See more from Benzinga 2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. (Bloomberg) -- Just over five years ago Anglo American Plc was in deep trouble. The natural resources giant, beset by a collapse in commodity prices, scrapped its dividend and announced plans to close mines and cut thousands of workers. Amid talk of an emergency capital raise, its market value fell to less than $3 billion. This week, the trials of 2016 probably seemed like a parallel universe to its Chief Executive Officer Mark Cutifani. Fueled by a rally in iron ore and other commodity prices, he announced record first-half earnings and billions in dividends. Anyone who took a punt on Anglos shares when they reached their nadir, would have seen a 14-fold increase as the market capititalization soared to $55 billion. High commodity prices have been very important to us, Cutifani told investors earlier this week. We dont think this is as good as it gets. Anglo American is one of many: with raw materials prices surging, the whole natural resources sector is showering shareholders with special dividends and buybacks as miners, oil drillers, trading houses, steelmakers and farmers reap billions in windfall profits. The sector, marked down by investors because of its contribution to climate change and a reputation of squandering money on mega-projects, is again a great cash-machine. The economic rebound from last years Covid slump has powered an explosive rally in commodity prices as consumers forgo vacations and dining out and spend their money loading up on physical goods instead: everything from patio heaters to start-of-the art TVs. Politicians are helping, too, lavishing hundreds of billions on resource-heavy infrastructure projects. The Bloomberg Commodity Spot Index, a basket of nearly two dozen raw materials, surged to a 10-year high this week and is rapidly closing in on the record set in 2011. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, has again surged above $75 a barrel, copper is headed back toward $10,000 a ton, European natural gas is at its highest ever for the summer season, and steel is changing hands at unprecedented levels. Agricultural commodities such as corn, soybeans and wheat are also expensive. Story continues Demand continues to improve with increasing global vaccinations, Joe Gorder, the chief executive of Valero Energy Corp., one of the worlds largest oil refiners, said earlier this week. Even commodities long left for dead, like thermal coal, are enjoying a new life in 2021. Coal, burned in power stations to produce electricity, together with huge volumes of carbon emissions, is trading at a 10-year high. While commodities prices are the main reason behind the turnaround, there are structural factors at play as well. Miners and oil companies have cut spending in new projects savagely, creating a supply shortfall. The miners were first, as they curbed investment from 2015-16 as investors demanded more discipline; oil companies followed up last year and some major energy companies this week announced further cuts in spending for 2021. The result is that while demand is surging, supply isnt -- at least for now. The oil majors are benefiting too from the work of the OPEC+ alliance of oil producers, which is still holding back a large share of output. Anglo American, which announced $4 billion in dividends, is probably the most remarkable turnaround story in the natural resources sector, but its profits were still dwarfed by its bigger rivals. Rio Tinto Group and Vale SA, the worlds two leading iron ore miners, together vowed to hand back more than $17 billion in dividends last week. Theres still more to come for investors, with both BHP Group, the worlds biggest miner, and Glencore Plc, another big miner and commodity trader, yet to report. And for once, the worlds biggest steelmakers were not only able to absorb the costs, but pass them on. An industry that has spent much of the last decade in crisis is now also able to reward long suffering shareholders. The worlds largest steel maker outside China, ArcelorMittal SA, that was forced to sell shares and scrap its dividend just five years ago, posted its best results since 2008 this week and announced a $2.2 billion share buyback program. The miners have stolen the spotlight from the energy industry, traditionally the biggest dividend payer in the natural resources industry. Still, Big Oil recovered from the historic price collapse of 2020, when a vicious Saudi-Russian price war and the Covid-19 pandemic briefly sent the value of West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. oil benchmark, below zero. Supported by rising oil, natural gas, and, above all, the chemicals that go into plastics, Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp., Royal Dutch Shell Plc, and TotalEnergies SE delivered profits that went to pre-covid levels. BP Plc, the smallest of the top five oil majors, will report results next week. With cash flow surging, Shell, which last year cut its dividend for the first time since the Second World War, was able to hike it nearly 40%, and announced an additional $2 billion in buybacks.We wanted to signal to the market the confidence that we have in cash flows, Shell CEO Ben van Beurden said. Chevron and Total also announced they will buy shares. Exxon, though, is still licking its wounds and focused on paying down debt. The more opaque world of commodity trading has also cashed in. Glencore said this week that it was expecting bigger trading profits than forecast, with rivals Vitol Group and Trafigura Group, two of the worlds largest oil traders, also benefiting from lucrative opportunities created by rocketing prices. The agricultural traders have cashed on higher prices and unusually strong demand from China. Bunge Ltd., a trader thats the worlds largest crusher of soybeans, told investors it expected to deliver its best earnings-per-share since its initial public offer two decades ago. Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., another big American grain trader and processor, also flagged strong earnings. And Cargill Inc., the worlds largest agricultural trader, is heading toward record earnings in its 2021 fiscal year. Whether the natural resources boom can last is hotly contested. Many investors worry climate change makes the long-term future of the industry hard to read and they also fret about the tendency of executives to approve expensive projects at the peak of the cycle. Mining executives fear Chinese demand will slow down at some point, hitting iron ore in particular. But the current lack of investments may support other commodities, like copper and oil. But Shells Van Beurden summed up the bullish case earlier this week: Supply is going to be constrained and demand is actually quite strong. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. By Tom Allard, Panu Wongcha-um and Ain Bandial Aug 1 (Reuters) - Foreign ministers from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are under pressure to appoint a special envoy to Myanmar this week after months of negotiations have failed to find a consensus candidate. Six months after the military toppled Myanmar's democratically elected government, ASEAN foreign ministers meet on Monday, when diplomats say they aim to finalise a special envoy tasked with ending violence and promoting dialogue between the junta and its opponents. The United Nations, China and the United States, among others, have identified the Southeast Asian bloc, whose 10 members include Myanmar, as best placed to lead diplomatic efforts to restore stability in Myanmar. The Southeast Asian nation has been racked by a deadly crackdown on protests, economic collapse and a refugee exodus since the coup. A surge in coronavirus infections has overwhelmed Myanmar's health system, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the past month. The search for a special envoy began in April, when ASEAN leaders produced a "five-point consensus" to tackle the turmoil in Myanmar. The U.N and U.S. have both urged ASEAN to expedite appointment of the special envoy in recent weeks. The second minister for foreign affairs of Brunei, Erywan Yusof, said on Friday night he hoped a final decision would be made on Monday. Brunei is chair of ASEAN this year. "Without the envoy leading the way, it is very difficult" to address the situation in Myanmar, he said. ASEAN - whose members include democracies, one-party communist states and authoritarian governments - has been deeply divided on the envoy, and discussed appointing more than one to break the deadlock. Four regional diplomatic sources said Erywan was favoured to become envoy and be assisted by "advisers". But a meeting of senior ASEAN officials on Thursday failed to reach agreement, they said. Story continues As well as the nine other ASEAN members, Myanmar's military regime will have to approve the appointment, they said. "Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework including the dialogue with the ASEAN special envoy in Myanmar," the leader of the country's ruling military, Min Aung Hlaing, told a news conference on Sunday. A spokesman for Myanmar's National Unity Government which opposes the military junta, Sasa, said the envoy must "put the people of Myanmar front and centre". "Anything that can help alleviate the people's suffering is welcome," he said. Erywan publicly confirmed he was one of four candidates. Diplomats said the others were Thailand's deputy foreign minister Weerasak Footrakul, former Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda and veteran Malaysian diplomat Razali Ismail. ASEAN will also announce a proposal to provide aid to Myanmar, including support to combat the pandemic, diplomats said. (Reporting by Tom Allard in Jakarta, Panu Wonngcha-un in Bangkok and Ain Bandial in Bandar Seri Begawan; Editing by Christopher Cushing) (Bloomberg) -- Xi Jinping smiled and hinted at a policy bombshell that would soon roil stock markets from Shanghai to New York. It was mid-June, and the most powerful Chinese Communist Party leader since Mao Zedong was holding court at an after-school club for elementary students in the remote city of Xining. Acknowledging the growing pressure on students and their parents to spend time and money on private tutoring, Xi promised to ease their burden. We must not have out-of-school tutors doing things in place of teachers, he said. Now, the education departments are rectifying this. While Xis comments went largely unnoticed by global investors at the time, the crackdown on tutoring companies that followed has become the starkest illustration yet of the Chinese presidents commitment to a sweeping new vision for the worlds second-largest economy one where the interests of investors take a distant third place to ensuring social stability and national security. Call it progressive authoritarianism. From exhausted couriers in the gig economy, to stressed parents struggling with ever-rising housing prices and tuition fees, to small businesses battling tech monopolies, Xi is swinging the cudgel of state power in support of the squeezed middle class. These challenges arent unique to China, but the policy response has been. Weeks after Xis school visit, China said private education had been hijacked by capital and ordered tutoring companies to become non-profits, accelerating a selloff that at its most extreme erased $1.5 trillion from Chinese stocks and dented the portfolios of some of the biggest names in global finance. Combined with new requirements for data security reviews ahead of overseas IPOs, directives for food-delivery firms to pay staff a living wage and escalating curbs on unaffordable housing, the tutoring crackdown has triggered a growing realization that the old rules of Chinese business no longer apply, and left investors wondering which sector will be the next target for regulators. Story continues For decades, even as they kept strict control over strategic sectors like banking and oil, Chinas leaders gave entrepreneurs and investors freedom to drive the adoption of new technologies and open up fresh opportunities for growth. Deng Xiaoping set the tone back in the mid-1980s when he said it was OK if some got rich first. Now, with growth slowing and relations with the U.S. increasingly hostile, theyre emphasizing different goals: common prosperity and national security. This marks a watershed shift in Chinas policy priorities, said Liao Ming, Beijing-based founder of Prospect Avenue Capital, which manages $500 million. The government is going after industries that are creating the most social discontent. And, true to their Communist roots, Chinas leaders have no problem trampling on the interests of venture capital, private equity or stock investors when they conflict with its long-term development plan. Liao said that focus is now on what has been dubbed the three big mountains: the crushing burden of payments for education, healthcare and property. For now, tech is still the main target. In a flurry of action Friday, authorities summoned the countrys largest technology companies for a lecture on data security, vowed better oversight of overseas share listings and accused ride-hailing companies of stifling competition. New Development Phase China this year began a new development phase, according to Xi. It puts three priorities ahead of unfettered growth: National security, which includes control of data and greater self-reliance in technology Common prosperity, which aims to curb inequalities that have soared in recent decades Stability, which means tamping down discontent among Chinas middle class If Xi executes on his vision and that is still a big if there will be important beneficiaries: stretched workers, stressed parents, and squeezed start-ups. But so far, the losers have been more visible: tech billionaires and their backers in the stock market, highly leveraged property companies including China Evergrande Group, and foreign venture capital firms that had hoped to take Chinese companies public in the U.S. For international investors, many of whom got burned by this years regulatory onslaught, the old rule was that to make money in China it was necessary to align with the Communist Partys priorities. The dawning realization is that finding common ground may be increasingly hard to do. Companies and investors have been behind the curve when it comes to anticipating regulation in China, Ren Yi, a Harvard-educated social media commentator known as Chairman Rabbit, wrote in an online commentary that has received more than 100,000 views. Education researcher Feng Siyuan says investors should have seen the education regulations coming: Xi had said more than two years ago the sector shouldnt be profit driven. Part of Xis motivation is desire for popular support ahead of the once-in-a-decade leadership transition next year, where he is expected to buck tradition and stay on as party chief for a third term. Growing discontent, including sporadic strikes among delivery workers, have rattled the stability-obsessed party. Wearing the distinctive yellow shirt of Chinese delivery service Meituan, whose profits have boomed during the pandemic, 22-year-old motorbike courier Mr. Tang complains about the lack of medical insurance. Theres nothing I can do about it if Meituan doesnt pay for it, he added. The wealth gap between people in this society is too big. The downside for investors is that a bigger slice of the pie for workers like Mr. Tang has to come at the expense of the owners of capital. Meituan lost as much as $63 billion of market value last week after Beijing ordered it to improve worker protections. Chinas leaders wont be shedding tears for the losses of foreign stock holders. The bigger risk for Beijing: Heavy state intervention might dampen the animal spirits that drive private investment and reverse an integration with the global economy that has helped drive growth in the last four decades. Following the logic of the prison yard, Beijing signaled the start of the new era for entrepreneurs and investors by taking a swing at the biggest inmate: Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. founder Jack Ma. On Nov. 3, the initial public offering of Ant Group Co. the finance arm of Mas empire, which was set to surpass Saudi Aramco as the biggest public listing of all time was unceremoniously squashed. The regulatory pace intensified after December, when a top economic planning meeting chaired by Xi vowed to rein in the disorderly expansion of capital, signaling the move against Alibaba was part of a wider campaign backed by the apex of Chinese power. At first, investors thought the phrase referred to anti-monopoly efforts aimed at shrinking the power of tech giants, which had converted their vast profits into venture-capital investments spanning almost every sector. That narrative was bolstered by the 18.2 billion yuan fine slapped on Alibaba by anti-monopoly authorities in April. But developments in recent weeks suggest the slogan goes further. In some sectors, private capital, especially foreign capital, may not be wanted at all. At the start of July, Chinas cybersecurity regulator said tech firms with more than a million users would need to pass a review before listing overseas. Regulators made an example of Didi Global Inc Chinas answer to Uber which had squeaked through a U.S. IPO just before the new regulations, removing it from app stores in the country and hammering its valuation. Later that month, Chinas top administrative body, the State Council, ordered companies teaching the school curriculum in the $100 billion after-school tutoring sector to become non-profits and banned them from pursuing IPOs or taking foreign capital. The semi-legal Variable Interest Entity, or VIE, structure adopted by the likes of Alibaba to go public abroad was singled out for top-level criticism for the first time. While investors in the tutoring sector a focus of major funds from Temasek to Warburg Pincus lamented the new rules, many Chinese parents welcomed them. In big cities, more than half of households report feeling under pressure from tutoring costs. One of the hottest online terms in China this year has been involution: the idea that parents are trapped in an endless cycle of educational one-upmanship, with the result not meritocratic progress but social stagnation. Liu Shu, a 39-year-old manager at an insurance company in Beijing, says she and her husband spend 200,000 to 300,000 yuan (about $31,000 to $46,400) each year on their nine-year-old sons after-school classes in Chinese, English, math and calligraphy. That is more than three times the average disposable income for denizens of Chinas capital. Those fees underscore the underlying logic behind the tutoring crackdown. The educational rat race risks burning out kids, draining parents bank balances, and by keeping family sizes small adding to the demographic drag revealed in Chinas once-a-decade census earlier this year. This is why I dont want to have a second child, Liu lamented. I just really dont have more energy, on top of the issue of money. To me, raising a kid is too much stress. Chinas other moves whilst extreme are also grounded in the logic of progressive economics, pushing back against the power of monopoly firms to crush competitors, squeeze workers and milk customers. Indeed, regulators in the U.S. are making tentative moves in the same direction as China. Capitalism without competition isn't capitalism; its exploitation, President Joe Biden said in July, signing a sweeping executive order that signaled the beginning of a move against monopoly power in the U.S. But in contrast with America and Europe, where investors can generally keep pace with regulatory developments, Chinas opaque political system makes decisions tougher to track. Xi, or his economy czar Liu He, may signal a new direction with a speech or by coining a new catch phrase, the meaning of which like Xis comments at the Xining after-school club might be lost on the markets. Officials scurrying to satisfy their superiors can often overdo things, causing wrenching corrections and policy reversals. A recent example of that came in 2016, when officials suddenly slammed the door on cross-border capital flows following a botched attempt at yuan reform. This time around, there are also signs Beijing is shifting to damage-control mode. On a hastily arranged call with major investment banks, securities regulator Fang Xinghai attempted to restore a measure of calm to the markets, signaling that the education policies are targeted and not intended to hurt other industries. East Vs West Behind Beijings actions lies a political and economic philosophy that is fundamentally foreign to most modern Western politicians and investors. Communist rulers see the economy as something that can thrive through state planning, even if that rides roughshod over the rights of entrepreneurs and their backers. Coming on top of mounting concerns about human rights abuses in Xinjiang, and the crackdown in Hong Kong, Beijings latest moves will add weight to voices in the U.S. and Europe who want to reduce ties with China. In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission has already moved to put the brakes on IPOs for Chinese firms. One lesson, though, is that China is not the passive victim of U.S.-led decoupling. In areas seen as essential to national security, Beijing is also willing to sever ties. Efforts to boost self-sufficiency in crucial technologies exemplified by the Made in China 2025 plan for cutting reliance on imports in everything from industrial robotics to electric vehicles are already in train. The latest barriers to overseas IPOs and foreign capital in education flag a move toward selective decoupling in finance as well, with Beijing preferring inflows via stock markets in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen where it has greater control over who gets to list. Beijing is betting that the gravitational pull of an economy that will likely continue to generate more billions of dollars of growth opportunities than any other gives them leeway to throw their weight around, even if some global investors get whacked in the process. At least some of the evidence suggests they might be right. Foreign investment continues to flow into China, including through domestic bond and stock markets which continue opening to overseas capital. For all the talk of decoupling, Chinas exports to the U.S. keep rising. Still, structural shifts in policy have a slow burn impact. The benefits of pro-market reforms culminating in Chinas 2001 entry to WTO played out over the best part of a decade before the 2008 financial crisis halted the export boom. The costs of Beijings new turn away from the market will also take time to show. Even if the Communist Party continues to deliver on growth, the focus on common prosperity suggests investors will have to settle for a smaller share of the spoils. 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. Organizers of an upcoming outdoor art festival say its the first of its kind for Stafford County. Itll be done in the commuter parking lot where theres lots and lots of space, lots and lots of parking, said Michael Catell of the Stafford Rotary Club. Were aiming at having up to 100 artists. Staffords Via Colori is a street painting festival, in which sponsored artists gather to create large-scale works on pavement using nothing but chalk and a creative imagination. The fundraiser is based on a spirit of cooperation, not competitiveness, and is an expression of artists working together to support a cause. The Stafford County Museum and Cultural Center, the North Stafford Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Stafford will host the event on Sept. 2526 at Staffords Courthouse Road commuter lots between 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If forecasters call for rain that weekend, the event will be moved to Oct. 23. Via Colori was founded 27 years ago by author, playwright and performer Rick Compton in Naples, Fla. Fredericksburg hosted its own Via Colori near the shores of the Rappahannock River for several years. Catell said local artist Joelle Cathleen will be featured during Staffords event. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Palestinian citizens of Israel do have the right to vote. But many rights in Israel are determined not by citizenship but by nationality. If youre not Jewish, Israeli law says explicitly that many rights dont apply to you. And despite international law and U.N. resolutions mandating the right of Palestinian refugeeslike all peopleto return to their homes after a war, Israel refuses to allow dispossessed Palestinians to return home. But Jewish migrants from anywhere in the worldwhether or not they have ties to Israel are welcome to full citizenship. Israel worries when people ask those questions. Because the answers raise more questionsabout the legitimacy of Israel as a democracy or our best friend in the Middle East. Questions like: How can we be such close allies with a country whose prime minister said, Ive killed lots of Arabs in my life, and there is no problem with that? That leads to asking members of Congress why they send $3.8 billion of our tax money directly to the Israeli military every year. Shouldnt we condition that aid on ending human rights violationsor cut it altogether? U.S. public opinion has changed dramatically on the subject, especially among Jews and Democrats. Y EAR-ROUND school is an idea whose time has come. The city of Hopewells school system has become the first in Virginia to implement the concept for its entire district. The 202122 school year for Hopewell students began July 1. State officials have been pushing for year-round school for some time. After a JLARC study on the subject in 2012, the General Assembly created the Extended School Year Grant Program, which offers school systems $50,000 just to study the concept, then $400,000 for implementation. In 2020, the Virginia Department of Education awarded $7.7 million in grants to help schools go to the year-round concept. However, school systems obviously have been slow to adopt year-round education. In March, the city of Richmonds school superintendent tried to get the school board to put COVID-19 recovery money toward instituting year-round school. The school board voted it down for 202122 but committed to it in 202223. Year-round school is something of a misconception. It doesnt mean going to school 52 weeks a year. It means terms of six to nine weeks in a row, followed by two- to four-week breaks, thus giving families time to vacation together. The teachers get those breaks, too. Residents of Afghanistan's second-largest city expressed fear of further Taliban advances on August 1 after at least three rockets struck and disabled Kandahar airport overnight. The airport attack further highlighted the reach of Taliban militants as government forces continue to battle major offensives that have crept to the gates of three major cities, sending Kabul scurrying to deploy reinforcements. The Taliban claimed the attack on the airport and said it was aimed at stopping air strikes as a weeks-long campaign continues around Kandahar. Airport officials said the rockets damaged the runway and halted flights but that repair teams were already working on restoring operations. "At 8:30 a.m., three rockets hit," Masud Pashtun, the head of Ahmad Shah Baba international airport in Kandahar, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "One of them hit the runway and destroyed it, [but] it will be repaired today." The airport is essential to logistics and air support for Kandahar. It is very worrying for the people that rockets hit Kandahar airport and flights were stopped, because public roads have been destroyed by war," Kandahar resident Hedayatullah told Radio Azadi via WhatsApp on August 1. "Targeting such important places means creating more problems for people. National security forces have focused much of their attention on maintaining control of population centers even as Taliban fighters overran dozens of districts around the country since the pullout of U.S.-led international forces began in May. The attack on Kandahar's airport came with Taliban fighters battling in and around two other major Afghan cities: Herat in the west and Lashkar Gah in the south. The fate of all three provincial capitals could be key to whether the Kabul government can maintain control of major cities and much of the rest of the country without international troops, who have been fighting the Taliban for two decades. The Taliban has reportedly captured half the countrys districts and several key border crossings. TOLOnews on August 1 quoted the Defense Ministry as saying that hundreds of Afghan special forces had arrived in the western city of Herat to reinforce troops there. Clashes between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants were reported on Herat's outskirts on July 31, a day after the militant group attempted to storm into that city and capture a road to the airport. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi on July 31 that the Taliban's advance on Herat was in response to attacks by government forces and pro-government militia forces on Taliban-held areas nearby. The governor of Herat Province, Abdul Sabur Qani, said the Taliban had been pushed back from the provincial capital, echoing statements made to Radio Azadi on July 30 by officials from Afghanistan's Defense Ministry and Interior Ministry. Qani said about 200 Taliban fighters were killed "in air strikes and ground operations" while attempting to advance into the city from the adjacent Guzara district. The governor said pro-government militia fighters led by Herat's powerful factional leader Ismail Khan under the banner of "people's resistance forces" are fighting against the Taliban alongside Afghan government troops in the Guzara district. A Herat police officer who has been fighting for days told Radio Azadi that the morale of the city's defenders was being hurt by logistics problems. Meanwhile, in Lashkar Gah, the capital of the southern province of Helmand, heavy fighting also was reported on July 31 between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants who entered parts of the city two days earlier. A provincial councilor in Helmand, Abdul Majid Abkhundzada, said air strikes hit a private hospital where Taliban fighters were hiding. But Mohammad Din Narewal, the owner of the 20-bed Afghan Ariana Specialty Hospital, told the Associated Press that "there were no Taliban in the hospital" and that he'd been told the Afghan Air Force erroneously bombed the building -- killing one person and wounding three. Akhundzada also expressed fears about the ongoing conflict and said "many civilians have been trapped inside the war zone." This story is based on reporting by Radio Azadi correspondents on the ground in Afghanistan. Their names are being withheld for their protection. With reporting by AFP and Reuters. Militants in Pakistan targeted police officers providing security for polio vaccination teams in two separate attacks on August 1, killing one and wounding another officer in the volatile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, authorities said. Gunmen on a motorcycle shot and killed a policeman returning home after security duty with polio vaccination workers, said Iftikhar Khan, the area police chief. The attack happened in the provincial capital, Peshawar. A security officer was wounded in the South Waziristan tribal district when unknown militants fired at a police vehicle accompanying polio workers in the area, district police chief Shaukat Ali said. The attack occurred in the afternoon in the town of Ladha, Ali told RFE/RL. In both attacks, members of the vaccination teams were unhurt. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan militant group claimed responsibility for the assaults. Pakistan launched a five-day polio vaccination campaign in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on July 30 to inoculate 3.7 million children. Militants often target polio teams and security officers assigned to protect them. They claim that the vaccination campaigns are a Western plot to sterilize children. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two remaining countries in the world where polio is endemic. With reporting by AP Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Becoming partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 91F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Sunny early with isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 91F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Dan Ajamian is the Head of School at Colorado Springs Charter Academy, which was founded by parents and educators in 2005. Bethany Winder is a registered nurse, mother of school aged children, and co-organizer for El Paso County for Universal Health Care that advocates for a single payer system for all Americans. Steckman then raised an additional worry. "I believe there are some staffing challenges at DNR due to lack of investments to the Department. There are fewer employees now than there were 20 years ago and the workload has definitely not changed, if anything it has increased," she wrote. On the issue of resources, Ragan said that she wants to see the legislature better supplying relevant departments so that they can work proactively rather than reactively. A simple request "All were asking is to be able to step out our door without smelling that mess," Breyfogle said when rotting chicken parts were still a concern for him. He said that if he and his wife had seen such a "mess" so close to the house when they first looked at buying, they would've never moved in. He also made clear that he's not under any illusions about what living out in the country can mean sometimes. He just wants officials with applicable power to use more of it in a more timely fashion. "Im not trying to hurt this farmer. We depend on rural agriculture. But we know that the DNR has teeth," Breyfogle said. Whether or not the canine teeth for local agencies come back in remains to be seen. Jared McNett covers local government for the Globe Gazette. You can reach him at Jared.McNett@globegazette.com or by phone at 641-421-0527. Follow Jared on Twitter at @TwoHeadedBoy98. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 2 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. Precision machining the art of taking something away from a block of metal to create an end product remains in high demand and Danville Community College graduates are making about $43,000 or more a year as a starting salary in the industry. Brian Jackson, vice president of workforce services at Danville Community College, said careers in this field include aviation, defense, medical (heart catheters, knee replacement) and automotive where they will manufacture parts. For example, if an engine in an airplane has had a part that has been worn out or is outdated, airlines may call a machining shop to create that part because that engine part is no longer being built. They will send the specs and the shop will create the items for them using precision machining. Precision machining is a process that will be around forever, Jackson said. Were always going to need pieces and parts to be replicated. There will always be a demand. In the United States, as labor costs have gone up, machining shops have gone offshore, he said. In Danville, they are trying to bring back advanced technology from China, Thailand, Japan or Korea where labor is inexpensive. Jackson provided another example of why graduates of the 2-year DCC program are needed. Metallurgical mines make up about 85% of the active coal mines in Virginia, according to the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. An official with the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association said the group does not know the location of the abatement system. While methane is vented out of all coal mines for safety reasons, there is no abatement program like the one planned by Mountain Valley in Virginia, and only three others in the United States, according to the American Carbon Registry. The registry lists 32 methane emission reduction projects in nine states. Those are generally smaller projects that use different methods, such as burning the methane off in flares or using it as an energy source. By employing carbon offsets, Mountain Valley is compensating for a pipeline that is not yet in service and one that opponents say is not needed and will only exacerbate the use of natural gas in the U.S. Mountain Valley counters there is a public need for the gas, which the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission determined when it approved the project in 2017. In their blog post, Sims and Dodson wrote that reasonable people can disagree over whether carbon offsets are an effective way to combat climate change. But what is not up for debate is that carbon is either emitted, or it is not, they wrote, and in the case of Mountain Valley, it should not be. When the wall was last in Rockingham County in 2013, the replica of the wall represented only 50 percent of the original, Turner said. This time, however, the structure will include 80% of the details of the original wall, he said. The traveling exhibit honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who lost their lives in Vietnam. That grim tally climbs as more remains are recovered over the years, organizers said. The wall allows people who may not be able to see the original monument in Washington, D.C. to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the war. It also gives veterans here in Rockingham County an opportunity to reflect on their service, Turner said. To herald the arrival of the wall, organizers have scheduled an Oct. 13 parade of veterans and supporters to escort the wall as its transported from Reidsville along N.C. 14 to Edens Freedom Park. Then organizers will begin the process of setting up the wall, an endeavor that will take most of Oct. 14, they said. Volunteers are needed to help with the set up and stand watch over the exhibit around the clock, Turner said, noting the exhibit will be open to the public 24-hours a day. A North Dakota law would prohibit mask mandates, even if there was a tuberculosis outbreak. An Ohio law essentially gives unilateral power to the state legislature to manage the spread of contagious diseases, undermining local health agencies ability to respond quickly to medical emergencies. A Montana law bans the use of quarantines for infected individuals who are not symptomatic, undercutting a basic tool used to stop the spread of diseases. Some private and public organizations in the U.S. and in other countries have decided that the only way to keep a safe distance from individualistas is to forbid them entry until theyve been vaccinated. Perhaps that was inevitable, now that gentler forms of persuasion appear to have run their course even though COVID-19 hasnt. The economy, markets, jobs, communities, families and future generations are at risk, otherwise, because Mother Nature has shown little patience with the anti-factual hubris of folks like Higgins. I would die rather than sacrifice my principles, Higgins said in 2016 when he resigned as a police officer following a public backlash against his conduct on the job. I would leave my wife without a husband, my children without a daddy, rather than kneel to the very forces of evil that I have so long stood against. Respecting reality and expertise is not submission, though. And when you are willing to put your self-interest ahead of the well-being of people and communities that depend on you, a new philosophy is in order. County Commissioner Mark Richardson described her various achievements: Reminding us of citizens that deserve to be recognized for contributions and accomplishments; staying on top, updating communication needs and requirements; getting the word out on public service announcements; building morale and being the county cheerleader, especially for the governmental staff; being Ms. PR for the county. She has this fantastic network of contacts in the PR world, Richardson said. She seemed to know every broadcaster, newscaster and DJ, newspaper editors and reporters around and she used those contacts to the advantage of the citizens of Rockingham County. She is just a competent and nice person. Commissioner Reece Pyrtle agreed. She was just one of the best personalities of anybody youll ever meet. It was a pleasure to work with over the last several years. I wish her the best in her retirement, he said. Scott developed special radio and television broadcasts, featuring interviews with county commissioners, the county manager, department heads and city/town leaders, as well as videos featuring county governmental employees in their work environments. Scott also contracted with videographer Roy Sawyers to video the regular meetings with the county commissioners and various departments. CHICAGO Rapper DaBaby was cut Sunday from Lollapaloozas closing lineup following crude and homophobic remarks he made last week at a Miami-area music festival. The Grammy-nominated artist, whose name is Jonathan Kirk, had been scheduled as a closing act on the final night of the four-day music festival in downtown Chicago. Lollapalooza organizers tweeted Sunday that rapper Young Thug would perform at 9 p.m. instead. Lollapalooza was founded on diversity, inclusivity, respect, and love, organizers wrote. With that in mind, DaBaby will no longer be performing at Grant Park tonight. Festival organizers didnt immediately reply to a request for comment. The North Carolina rappers song Rockstar was one of the biggest hits of 2020 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for record of the year. He grew up in Charlotte and previously attended UNCG for two years, according to Rolling Stone magazine. Q: Is there a white squirrel population in Walkertown? On two occasions while driving through Walkertown, I have spotted what appear to be white squirrels. C.F. Answer: Its certainly possible. According to information from the White Squirrel Institute in Brevard, at one time Walkertown had a white squirrel population large enough to be included in the institutes documentation. Brevard has one of the largest white squirrel populations in the country and has a festival to celebrate them. The White Squirrel Institute was founded in 1997 by Robert Glesener, a longtime biology, zoology, ecology professor at Brevard College. According to the institute, The white squirrels found in Brevard, NC, are a color variant of one of our native species of the Eastern Gray Squirrel. The Brevard white squirrels are leucistic, which is a condition characterized by reduced pigmentation in animals caused by a recessive allele (gene). In Montana, a wind-driven wildfire destroyed more than a dozen homes, outbuildings and other structures, authorities said Sunday. Evacuations were ordered after flames jumped a highway and moved toward communities near Flathead Lake in the northwestern part of the state. Crews also battled major blazes in northeast Washington and northern Idaho. Nearly 22,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 91 large, active wildfires covering 2,813 square miles (7,285 square kilometers) in mostly western states, the National Interagency Fire Center said. A historic drought and recent heat waves tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported last week that while a robust monsoon has delivered drought-easing rainfall to the Southwest, critically dry conditions persist across Northern California and the Northwest, where there has been an expansion of exceptional drought, the worst category. Dry conditions and powerful winds made for dangerous fire conditions in Hawaii. A wind advisory was issued Sunday for portions of Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Every time Trump holds another rally, though, Taylors store gets more business, he said. Even people who despise Trump stop in, as Utah resident Williams proved. I think I had the only Biden sign in front of my house in my entire city, he said. As a political science major, hes fascinated by the entire Trump phenomenon. Indicating the row of Trump flags alongside the former church building, Williams said, You dont see stuff like this for Bush, or anybody. Taylor has had personal interactions with Trump, though they dont rise to anything like a formal meeting or conversation theyre more the sort of accidental contacts a fan might have with a rock musician whose concerts he regularly attends. The red ballcap Taylor wore during a Roanoke Times interview read All aboard the Trump Train. More than an expression of loyalty, he wears the caps because it helps to sell them, he said. While at the front of a rally in Wisconsin, Taylor said, Donald Trump reached over three people to sign the hat Taylor was wearing. People had seen it, and so as I was going out the door, this old farmer says, Hey, whatcha want for that hat? And I said, Give me $200. After Id seen his wallet, I shouldve got $600. He would have paid it, you know. Krawiec said in late June she was responding to constituents concern, particularly parents not wanting their children to get the vaccine. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Parents should not have to worry that this might happen without their consent, Krawiec said. The vaccines are only approved for emergency use authorization. Parents should make these decisions with their children and should not be excluded. Public health experts point out that all vaccines are required to undergo the same rigorous testing, whether they are approved for emergency use or through a typical license. Cooper briefly discussed the revamped HB96 following a tour Thursday of the vaccination site for the Forsyth Department of Public Health. Cooper said the inserted language concerns me. I will talk with our public health officials and the legislature about that before we make any decisions. Background There is no state public health or educational requirement for young people to get the COVID-19 vaccine prior to the start of the 2021-22 school year. A teenager was bitten by what officials and doctors believe was a shark off a North Carolina beach last week. The 15-year-old, who was visiting from Tennessee with his family, was about waist-deep in the ocean at Wrightsville Beach on Tuesday when he felt something bite his leg, his parents, Ivan and Rachel Nekrasov, told McClatchy News on Sunday. He then told his parents and sister, who were in the ocean closer to shore, that he had been bitten and to get out of the water, his parents said. Rachel Nekrasov told McClatchy that the family was hit by the fact that his first concern was for them. The first words out of his mouth were to protect us, she said. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The teen was bleeding pretty badly when he got out of the water, his parents said, so they applied pressure on the wound with a beach towel while their other son went to get help from a lifeguard, who called EMS. Wrightsville Beach Town Manager Tim Owens told WECT that emergency personnel were called to the beach around 1:30 p.m. and tended to the teens injury after he walked out of the ocean. There is another path, similar to the one Joe Biden took to defeat Donald Trump in 2020 and the path Biden is pursuing as president. Call it the For the People path. Because of the pandemic and its economic damage, Biden has abandoned the governing doctrine of the last three Democratic presidents: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and, yes, even Barack Obama. All three were scarred by the Democratic Partys tax and spend reputation from the 1960s. They strove mightily to show they were fiscally responsible and concerned about deficit spending. They made a show of reaching out to Republicans in (usually futile) hopes of finding common ground and governing in a bipartisan spirit. Biden, the blue-collar kid from Scranton, has followed a more blue-collar strategy. More than any other Democratic president more even than FDR, who worried about budget deficits Biden has embraced aggressive government action to rebuild the economy, lift people out of poverty and give every American a better shot at a better life. So the Indians, who have been the Indians since 1915, are now the Guardians named for the iconic statues at the Hope Memorial Bridge, which leads to Progressive Stadium. What a slap in the face to Cleveland Indian legends like Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Mike Garcia, Early Wynn, Kenny Lofton, Rocky Colavito, Tris Speaker, Frank Robinson, Gaylord Perry, Albert Belle, Larry Doby and Satchel Paige, another Negro leagues legend. Now the Indians have gone the way of Aunt Jemima, Eskimo Pies and Uncle Bens, whose rice brand has become Bens Original. (Ben is no longer an uncle.) Owner Mars Foods believes that 70 years of racial stereotyping, showing a Black man wearing a bow tie, was long enough. The brand obviously was not broken, but Mars decided to fix it anyway. Personally, I never for one minute saw Uncle Ben as a racial stereotype; just a handsome, fictional Black guy used as a marketer for rice. I cant imagine anyone, Black or white, being offended by the image of Uncle Ben. The Indians were not broken, either. But starting next season, they will be fixed. Evidently, 106 years of racial stereotyping was long enough, according to team owners. I enjoyed the Indians game I attended years ago when they played in the old Memorial Stadium. I even bought a cap adorned with the iconic logo of Chief Wahoo a retired relic now, which Ill hang on to along with a package of Uncle Bens rice; the one with him wearing the bow tie. Raymond Reid can be contacted at rreid7@triad.rr.com Hanford City Councilman Art Brieno references an investigative report during the Hanford City Council meeting in this March 3 file photo. Investigation shows City of Hanford was aware of complaints against Brieno for two years You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close I was really sad, Chelsea said. Sometimes I was scared to go outside. The transplant Chelseas journey with infertility began when she was 15 when she realized she wasnt starting her menstrual cycles. After doctor visits and exams, her diagnosis brought the news that she would never carry her own pregnancy. At the time, it seemed relatively inconsequential to the young teen. But as her friends began having children and baby shower invitations came regularly, Chelsea began to grieve her infertility. Soon after her marriage to Jake in 2018, they decided to explore their options for starting a family. Through in vitro fertilization, Chelsea and her husband preserved three embryos and planned for surrogacy with her best friend acting as the gestational carrier. Just before the transfer of the embryo, the doctor called and said that the surrogate had fluid in her uterus and the procedure would have to be postponed. Chelsea and Jake were devastated. We could try again with her, but I was ready to be done, Chelsea said. I was sick of crying dealing with infertility is hard in itself and going and reliving it every day is hard. In the six-page document they list the three major pressures leading to the shrinking workforce inadequate pay tied to low reimbursement rates set by the state, sky-high housing costs that make living in many communities unaffordable for workers and a lack of access to childcare that's too expensive if an elusive slot opens. The groups also suggested a range of prompt, intermediate and long-term solutions. It took six weeks to receive the states reply, which several organizations leaders deemed lacking. Various meetings with state agencies have also proved fruitless so far. Organizations have also appealed to the commissions with sway over how millions in federal pandemic aid will be spent, pleading that without an infusion of cash the programs serving some of the states most marginalized will crumble. Its unclear what might come of that. Closing facilities Intermountain provides behavioral health services to children and families in several communities around the state. It recently closed one youth cottage in the states capital city because theres not enough employees to staff it. Another is at risk of shutting down soon because theres just not sufficient personnel, FitzGerald said. AWARE is in the same situation, having already closed three therapeutic group homes for children. DECATUR Six weeks after members gave staff their input in a study session, the Decatur City Council will vote on a budget amendment Monday that will authorize the spending of more than $21 million in federal COVID-19 stimulus funds. The vast majority of the funds, $16.9 million, come from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan signed by President Joe Biden earlier this year while more than $4 million is leftover from stimulus programs approved under former President Donald Trump's administration. Per the ordinance, about $9 million will be spent on high-priority water and sewer projects, including the replacement of a water clarifier at the South Water Treatment Plant, the separation of the combined sanitary and storm sewer system around Oakland and Grand avenues and the reduction of inflow and infiltration in the area around Division Street and Ellen Avenue. Another $2 million will go toward a plan to invest in the city's dilapidated housing stock, a major piece of its neighborhood revitalization initiative. It would be a down payment on a larger $7 million plan, with the remainder of the funding coming from ARP funds to be dispersed next year. About $2.5 million would go toward replacing lost tax revenue in the fiscal year 2020 budget, $1 million would be allocated toward broadband expansion. A $200,000 grant would be awarded to the Children's Museum of Illinois, which has faced significant financial difficulty since the start of the pandemic. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} "The proposed ordinance, an the strategy outlined by this memo, provides funds where the City Council has informally directed them; but it also sets aside a significant amount of federal relief monies for future uses where the entire council has not yet determined whether and to what extent they want to provide additional assistance using APR funds," wrote City Manager Scot Wrighton in a memo to Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and council members. Also included is $450,000 in ARP funds for rental assistance. Though the city already has an agreement with Decatur-based Dove, Inc. to administer the city's rent, mortgage and utility relief program, the ARP funds are more flexible than existing Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant funds, allowing for money to get out the door quicker to those who need it. "HUD just wouldn't budge on some of these rules," Wrighton said. "And so to meet the need, we decided to identify a different funding source." About $1.7 million in ARP funds will remain unallocated for now, with Wrighton saying that replacement of lost tax revenue was lower than expected under federal guidelines. Wrighton said those funds will be released once the council chimes in on its use. Beyond ARP funds, the amendment authorizes the spending of remaining CARES Act funds for demolitions, fire station construction, one-time police and fire expenses and grants for small businesses. The city will receive an additional $16.9 million in ARP funds next year. The City Council meets Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WITT State Police report that a driver and his passenger died, and a Clinton man was injured, when the vehicle they were riding in was involved in an accident and overturned Saturday night near the Montgomery County town of Witt. Police listed the fatalities as driver John E. Thompson, 51, and passenger James E. Thompson, 21, both from Witt. Police said they had been thrown clear of their pickup truck in the 11:16 p.m. crash and later pronounced dead at an area hospital. A rear seat passenger, named as Dakota L. Cook, 24, from Clinton, was being treated in hospital for injuries. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Police said their preliminary investigation shows the truck was traveling southbound on Illinois 16 near North 19th Avenue when, for unknown reasons, it drove off the road to the right. It then overcorrected and swerved back onto the roadway before overcorrecting again and plunging into the right ditch and overturning. The road was shut down for four hours while police worked the crash scene and the police said Sunday their investigations were continuing. Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid 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. Morton has been involved with theater most of his life. As a teenager, he left his homeland of Scotland to attend Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. After a decade in England, he moved to New York. His most well-known role on Broadway, for which he received a Tony nomination, was Boy George in Taboo. He also played the title role of Hedwig in the national tour of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. While touring with Hedwig, he received a call about auditioning for the role of King George in Hamilton. He then portrayed King George for two and a half years before Broadway went dark during the pandemic. Fortunately, the show resumes rehearsals in mid-August and will reopen Sept. 14, which gives him just enough time to come to Johnson City to give a benefit concert. I guess I am passionate about helping people, Morton said when questioned about his generosity. I dont think about it when Im doing it. I dont think about Who can I help today? It just falls out of my mouth sometimes, Oh, let me help. Its not always a conscious thought but more of an emotional drive. An initial review of the monitoring and sampling data indicates there is no immediate risk to human health, the summary said. The summary did not address the question of long-term health impacts. But the EPA said that it will share more information in an in-depth review and data summary report, which it said it expects to complete within 30 days and will post to this web page: http://response.epa.gov/11184BristolAir. [The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)] will collaborate with state and local public health authorities in VA and TN on the review of the data, the summary said. A public health evaluation of this information is expected to be developed, but EPA does not have a timeline for this report from the public health agencies. The summary also didnt share the exact locations of the air monitoring stations, nor did it spell out which substances were sampled for. But a graphic of air samples from one location in mid-June included measurements of VOC, an acronym for volatile organic compounds. U.S 460 is part of the Appalachian Development Highway System, the primary initiative of the Appalachian Regional Commission when the agency was created in 1965 to open a historically isolated region to development and commercial markets, according to the ARC website. Construction work created five excess excavation areas totaling more than 600 acres which will be deeded to Pike County and can be used for manufacturing, housing, technology, wholesale and retail development, according to the website. There are presently about 25 miles of four-lane roads in Buchanan County U.S. Route 460 between Grundy and the Tazewell County line, no four-lane roads in Dickenson County and the nearest four-lane in Wise County is U.S. 23 west of Pound. Virginia needs to look at what our adjacent states like Kentucky and West Virginia are doing and try to do something similar for the region. I dont think our region wants to get left behind and see eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia become better positioned economically than our region because they decided to make infrastructure improvements and we didnt, Belcher said. Located just 35 miles north of Grundy, Pikeville is an example of the types of development that can occur in Appalachia. A new service dog is joining counselors at Emory & Henry College to assist students. Gus, a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever, is coming to the Powell Resource Center Counseling Services at Emory & Henry in Washington County, according to a news release. Gus has completed years of training with a team at Service Dogs of Virginia and is ready to serve the colleges students. Gus will be used by the Counseling Services staff in the provision of animal assisted therapy and support to students. Service Dogs of Virginia is pleased to be able to provide a facility dog for Emory & Henry, said Peggy Law, executive director of SDOV. Unlike service dogs that work with one person, a professionally trained facility dog can serve multiple people who need encouragement to seek help, social interaction, recovery motivation, comfort and/or a feeling of safety. Gus previously worked as a service dog and was trained as a physical assistance dog. Gus had partnered with an individual with Parkinsons disease, the college said. Since then, Gus has received additional training to become a therapy dog. Gus is trained to recognize when a person is upset and will offer support, along with dozens of other cues. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The current recommendation of the governor, with support of the leaders of the money committees, is an affluent, Northern Virginia solution to a problem that mainly affects high poverty rural and urban school divisions. Furthermore, the $500 million recommendation is partially smoke and mirrors because half of that amount must be provided locally. Many lawmakers who serve on the committees with the capacity to address this issue serve localities in affluent parts of Virginia, where children attend school in state-of-the-art facilities. In the past, it was understandable that these legislators were unaware of the severity of the school facility crisis in the commonwealth. However, that excuse is no longer valid due to the Crumbling Schools Tour hosted by Virginias Coalition of Small and Rural Schools and six other educational, municipal and advocacy groups. Tours of schools with various infrastructure problems were held in every region of the commonwealth and every member of the General Assembly was invited to attend. The raucous tenor of Tuesdays St. Louis County Council meeting is rooted in growing public confusion over vaccinations and mask mandates. Some of the confusion is deliberately sown by educated people who choose to make this a political issue. Others are understandably frustrated because they believed in the science and got vaccinated, only now to be told they must wear masks anyway. The public badly needs clarification from public health officials, but instead the conversation has turned to whether county Health Director Faisal Khan was the target of verbal and physical harassment after his defense of the new mask mandate at Tuesdays meeting. Khan was definitely heckled while speaking. If harsher forms of harassment occurred as Khan asserts, it deserves full-throated condemnation, particularly by Republican council members and politicians who have helped stoke public anger over the new mask mandate. Theres never a justification for hurling ethnic slurs or engaging in physical intimidation. That said, Khan was escorted outside at his request by police officers who certainly would have reacted if anyone had physically intimidated or assaulted Khan. Videos of Khans departure from the chamber dont support Khans claims. Khan acknowledges giving a middle-finger salute to critics upon departing, and some kind of commotion developed outside after he left. A desperate situation The Foothills branch of Legal Aid of North Carolina is another agency that can provide help to Hickory area residents. The organization offers free legal services. Hilary Ventura, a managing attorney at the Foothills branch, said the situation regarding residents facing eviction is likely more dire than it was even a few months ago. The amount of rent owed has only increased, she said. Ventura said that while renters would face plenty of trouble finding new housing with evictions on their records, the rising cost of housing is another barrier for those who will end up losing homes. Its been a bad situation the last few months, and I think its only going to get worse, Ventura said. She has seen some signs that point to a potential wave of evictions, including an uptick in cases specifically related to subsidized housing. Amid these challenging circumstances, Ventura said Legal Aid attorneys will do their best to advocate for those threatened with the loss of their homes. However, she is still aware of the obstacles. Theres going to be such limited defenses available to people when theyre being evicted for nonpayment of rent, she said. The only real defense to that is to pay, and thats just not going to be a situation that people will be able to be in. Well still try and try to find defenses where they exist but, in general, folks are going to be in a really desperate situation. Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record. 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. Uzbekistan's envoy to India 'Dilshod Akhatov' speaking with ANI on Sunday. By Ashoke Raj New Delhi [India], August 1 (ANI): Uzbekistan's envoy to India Dilshod Akhatov has highlighted the importance of expanding the economic agenda and deepening cooperation between Central and South Asia countries. In the light of the recent Central South-Asia Conference held in Tashkent earlier this month, the envoy called for the creation of modern, efficient and safe transport and logistics infrastructure in the region. While talking to ANI on Sunday, the Uzbekistan envoy also stressed "Joint exploration of ways to ensure food security in the region and consolidation of efforts in the fight against common challenges and threats to stability and security." The envoy also said the prospect for stable and sustainable development of Central Asia is directly linked with peace in neighbouring Afghanistan. "The prospect for stable and sustainable development of Central Asia is directly linked with peace in neighbouring Afghanistan. The situation in our neighbouring country remains one of the serious factors affecting the stability in our region," he said. Speaking on Uzbekistan's outreach in Afghanistan, the envoy said, "Uzbekistan's effort to launch a peaceful intra-Afghan political process & its policy of economic assistance to Afghanistan has earned the trust of the entire Afghan government and also Taliban." "Tashkent carries out its each and every effort strictly adhering to the principle of Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled peace process," he added. Ambassador Akhatov also extended a special thanks to the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, for attending the Central South-Asia Conference held in Tashkent. He said that India's participation was a really big event as the country is a key actor in the region. "India is an important part of the South Asia region and India's participation for this conference is very important. We are very grateful for the participation of the Indian delegation led by Dr Jaishankar," the envoy told ANI. Uzbekistan recently organized a two-day Central-South Asia conference in Tashkent on July 15-16 where regional connectivity, challenges and opportunities in the Central-South Asia region were discussed. (ANI) With this, the commercial services on the railway link between India and Bangladesh, which had been defunct since 1965, have started. Alipurduar (West Bengal) [India], August 1 (ANI): The first goods train carrying stone chips to Bangladesh through the revived Haldibari-Chilahati rail link departed from Damdim station of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal on Saturday. With this, the commercial services on the railway link between India and Bangladesh, which had been defunct since 1965, have started. The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link between India and then East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) was operational till 1965. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina virtually inaugurated the rail link. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, regular train services could not be started on the section. "The first goods train carrying stone chips to Bangladesh through the revived Haldibari --Chilahati rail link leaves from Damdim station of Alipurduar Division in NFR (Northeast Frontier Railway) on 31.07.2021," the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in a statement said. The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link was part of the broad gauge main route from Kolkata to Siliguri but the war of 1965 effectively cut off all the railway links. The rail link will provide a shorter route for the transit of goods into Bangladesh from Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and Bhutan, the NFR said. This rail link will enhance rail network access to the main ports, dry ports, and land borders to support the growth in regional trade and to encourage economic and social development of the region. "Economic activities of these South Asian countries will also be benefitted from this new rail link," the statement read. (ANI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (Photo/ANI) New Delhi [India], August 1 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday met Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Om Prakash Chautala in Delhi. JD(U) principal general secretary KC Tyagi was also present in the meeting. "I have respect for Chautala ji. We have longstanding ties. I had told him that once I will be in Delhi I will meet him. There is no political agenda for this meeting," Kumar told reporters here. Asked about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's effort of forming a united front against the BJP, Kumar said, "I have no information on that matter. I remain busy with the affairs of Bihar." Notably, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was in Delhi earlier this week to hold meetings with several leaders of Opposition parties. Meanwhile, Janata Dal (United) leader Upendra Kushwaha on Sunday said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is "PM material" and has the potential and all qualities to become the Prime Minister of the country. The JD(U) is an ally of the BJP in Bihar and the party's RCP Singh had been inducted into the union council of ministers when PM Modi reshuffled his cabinet recently. Kushwaha's comment comes at a time when opposition parties are in deliberation to form a united front against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also, the JD(U) had earlier said that it will contest the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and for that will discuss the seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP and if it does not work out then they will go it alone. In the last elections in 2017, it had not contested elections in Uttar Pradesh. (ANI) As I continue my research to know more about the Coleman/Barringer family, Roxana is important because she was the mother of Warren and Thomas Coleman. Roxana was a chattel slave and she had two children with General Rufus Barringer. Because of this relationship, the history of Concord and Cabarrus due to Warren's legacy, changed the world for the better. According to a newly "discovered" book, Cabarrus County Tax Assessments, 1860-1863, Cabarrus Genealogy Society by Bernard W. Cruse, we see that Roxana, (or Roxi) listed in the book was 34 years old and she was valued at $1400. Thomas and Warren were worth $1600 each and they were 18 and 14 years old respectively. Because of this primary information, it is a fact that Roxana was born in 1829 and she died in 1904. However, like Thomas the history regarding Roxana is very limited. In my book, (see WarrenClayColeman.com) I compare her (Roxana) to Sally Hemmings, the female "companion" of President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson had at least six children with Sally and their descendants have met on several occasions once it was clear that their relationship was real. Under normal circumstances, we would be talking about Thomas, Warren and Roxana Barringer. However, due to the peculiar nature of American slavery, off spring derived their surnames from their mothers (slaves) and not their fathers. Federal health data released Saturday showed that Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. Florida's Democratic agriculture commissioner, Nikki Fried, who is seeking to run against DeSantis for governor, on Sunday urged unvaccinated Floridians to get the shots. She said she was heartened by a recent uptick in vaccinations in the state. We are already behind the curve and in a worse spot every time the numbers come out," Fried said at a news conference in Tallahassee. This surge is and will impact every single one of us." Throughout Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami to Tampa, hospitals have become overwhelmed. 2.What are your assets, and do the appropriate family members know where to find a secure list of them? Ask your lawyer for a simple form to list your major assets and the contact person for each financial account. 3. Have you planned for your funeral and related matters at the time of your passing? Pre-paid funeral expense plans are often available, which can lock in costs, and generally that contract can be transferred to another community should you move to another location to be closer to your now out-of-town/state children. Call your organization of choice and ask its representative what happens if your contract is pre-paid, and you move to another community. 4. How often should one review their estate-planning documents? If there has been a change in the people whom you want to get your property at the time of your passing, or to oversee your affairs as provided in your documents, you should update them, and promptly. You do not need to update your legal documents every time the legislature tweaks a law or two. But if you have a financial (durable) power of attorney which was executed before 2018, when there was a major change in those statutes, or your documents provide (now outdated and unnecessary) estate tax planning, those documents likely should be updated. Otherwise, every seven to 10 years are good time markers. The attorney generals office said the scheme involved medical facilities in Florida, Georgia and Missouri, but did not cite the Danbury hospital. In a written statement sent to the Atlanta newspaper, Fletchers attorney, Steve Sadow, called the accusations unjustified and said his client was not guilty of any criminal conduct. Christian at all times engaged in legitimate, lawful business transactions with third party insurance companies and hospitals. Fletcher also sought and received legal advice regarding the propriety of his business practices and dealings. Cox said in the statement that the integrity of our health-care system is paramount, and these deceptive business practices are worrisome and led us to pursue other opportunities for the hospital. Cox said Stokes commissioners spoke in closed session with an attorney from Charlotte who specializes in health care and hospital law. We believe it would be in our best interest at this time to pursue an extension of the LifeBrite lease to give us more time to get everything in place so that there is no disruption of services, and the hospital will remain open during any transition that may take place in the future, Cox wrote. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday, as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. The previous peak in Florida had been 19,334 cases reported on Jan. 7, before the availability of vaccinations became widespread. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} And though she will wear masks indoors, she said she will never take the vaccine. They say one thing then they tell you another, she said, cigarette in hand. I keep up with all that Fauci stuff. The mask wasnt going to do good, then the mask was good. How do you know what to do? If they cant say the truth about one thing, how do you know theyre telling the truth about the other? Ive got friends say to me, I got the COVID shot and still got COVID. Why get the shot? The anti-vaccine type Inside Eds Grill, a downtown hot dog restaurant, few diners wear masks, though the staff mans the cash register, takes orders and cooks lunch with their faces covered. Ringing up a customer, Robert Strickland explains that he worked 20 years for the Columbus County Health Department before taking this job, and he knows the anti-vaccine type. They dont want to listen to nobody, he said. Some people think the vaccine has some kind of chip in in it. I dont know if its pride or what. Theyre just not going to do it. Sometimes I hate it when Im right. My April Fools Day column predicted that our return to life as we knew it before COVID would likely be determined by those who refused to take the shot. We, who have been vaccinated, are paying a price for those anti-vaxxers who selfishly choose not to protect themselves, but they also disregard the health and freedoms of the rest of us. Here are the facts, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. After peaking at 12,079 cases on Feb. 3, North Carolina began a decline in the number of daily new cases, reaching a low of 55 on June 26. About that same time, we witnessed a slowdown in the numbers being vaccinated. The delta variants appearance sparked a dramatic spike in our case numbers and hospitalizations. In just a bit more than a month we jumped from 55 to 3,268 on July 29. Our hospitalizations more than doubled, rising from 374 on June 26 to 1,141 this week. Almost every new case, every new hospitalization came from those who were not vaccinated. When he wrote his book The Vanishing American Adult, first published in 2017, Republican Sen. Ben Sasse surely didnt have his colleagues in the U.S. House in mind. But he well could have been describing the participants in a scene we witnessed last week. After House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced her decision to follow new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and require masks be worn in the House, under penalty of a $500 fine, some House Republicans threw a fit. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) took to the floor and had a screaming meltdown that lasted for more than two minutes. We gotta wear masks? he asked. In the peoples house? This institution is a sham! And we should adjourn and shut this place down! We are absolutely sick and tired of it and so are the American people. Roys tantrum was followed by a mask-less march of House Republicans to the U.S. Senate side of the building, where they hoped to accomplish what, we dont know. Borrow some masks? Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) today announced Director of Advancement and Gift Planning Jim Gustafsons plan to retire at the end of 2021. Gustafson will continue to help NCF fulfill its community-building mission on a part-time basis for the next few years. Gustafson joined NCF on a full-time basis in 2005. Prior to that, he worked with NCF as a consultant beginning in 1998. Gustafsons work continues to have an incredible impact on the future of many Nebraska hometowns. Ogallala, McCook, Ord, Norfolk, Albion, Kimball, Ainsworth, Stuart, Bertrand, Byron, Imperial, Deshler, Seward, Pender, Burwell, Shickley, Nebraska City, Spencer, Diller, Lewiston, Columbus, Laurel, Ralston, Wallace and Hebron are just some of the dozens of communities where he has helped donors fulfill their dreams of building and sustaining stronger, more prosperous Nebraska hometowns. He has connected countless generous Nebraskans with the causes that matter to them most from childrens dental health to community facilities, youth engagement, capitalizing community unrestricted endowments and much more. Education editor's pick alert top story BEING BLACK IN LINCOLN Being Black in Lincoln: Christie takes help he received into career of teaching others Journal Star file photo Thomas Christie laughs with Seth Mock, the founder of the Midwest African Museum of Art, Culture and Resource Center, during an open house in 2018 to celebrate Christie's contributions to Lincoln Public Schools. Courtesy photo Thomas Christie, pictured with son Yohance Christie (from left) and Sen. Ernie Chambers. Courtesy photo Thomas and Brenda Christie celebrate their daughter Fayola's graduation. Journal Star file photo Thomas Christie played football for Nebraska Wesleyan in the early 1970s. Two high school students, one white, one Black. She was forbidden to walk down the halls with him. They could no longer hold hands or show affection. The dean of girls threatened to tell her mother and the rest of the community about their relationship. Scandalous. Thomas Christie, the boyfriend, had moved to Lincoln in 1964 from the segregated schools of South Carolina and Philadelphia. Before coming to Lincoln, Christie had never sat in a classroom with a white student. So, he didnt fully comprehend how Lincoln, with its integrated schools, could harbor prejudice like that in the South. But there was nothing he could do to change it. Lincoln High wasnt ready for that change. Lincoln wasnt, either. Moving to Lincoln altered Thomas Christies life. But it didnt remove him from discrimination and prejudice. There would be many other incidents in the coming years. But during those years Christie, as teacher, coach, mentor, administrator and community presence, would alter Lincoln. * * * About the series More than 150 years after Americas slaves were freed and Nebraska gave birth to its capital, a UNL journalism class posed the question: Whats it like to be Black in Lincoln? Students spent 15 weeks digging deep into the lives of a dozen residents representing a cross-section of Lincolns Black community: former basketball stars, BLM leaders, preachers, teachers, cops, convicts, businessmen, chefs, electricians and youth leaders. They discovered many had faced racial profiling, housing discrimination and police harassment, while others received ugly death threats, verbal abuse and hate-filled letters. The students also found that these Black residents think Lincolns racial climate has improved overall but still has a ways to go. And most believed that it will get there. The semester-long depth-reporting project was overseen by Professors Joe Starita and Jennifer Sheppard and instructor Roger Holmes. Other stories will be featured this summer in the Journal Star and at JournalStar.com. Repaying a debt through 43 years of work at LPS A framed newspaper photograph hangs on the wall of Thomas Christies office, a faded image of a younger version of himself. Christies mother died two weeks after her son Thomas was born. He was not yet 1 when his father left for Philadelphia. Thus began a nomadic childhood. Christie and his four siblings split up and were taken in by relatives, Thomas by an aunt and grandparents in South Carolina. When he was 12, Christie and an older brother moved to Philadelphia to live with their father. Later that year he moved to Lincoln to live with a sister and her husband. Uncomfortable in their household, Christie moved out. While staying with a friends family, he met Harry Pete Peterson, police officer and future city councilman the first Black person on the council. Peterson took an interest in young Christie and, along with Lincoln High Principal William Bogart, helped him to be declared a ward of the state and therefore eligible for placement in a foster home. Through high school and college, he was fostered by his friends family, the Colliers. Courtesy photo Thomas Christie In a stable home environment, Christie settled into school life. A natural people-person, he easily made friends, both Black and white, his popularity enhanced by accomplishments on the football field and wrestling mat. However, he and other Black teammates were not always welcomed outside Lincoln High. Wed play other schools in Lincoln, Christie recalls, and the coaches would tell us not to get distracted, because we were going to hear racial comments. As graduation neared, Christie was not sure what he was going to do next. College wasnt really on the table. Many of his teachers didnt have high expectations for him, and none of them talked to him about college. Then Bogart decided to take him on a tour of Nebraska Wesleyan. There, the principal assured administrators of Christies character and potential and encouraged them to give him a chance. If that hadnt happened, I know I wouldnt have gone to college, Christie said. He was also encouraged by two Black student organizations whose mission was to get minority students into college. About 14 boys comprised the Destinaers Club, and its sister club, Les Cheres Amies, boasted twice as many girls. Both clubs were sponsored by 30 adults, Black and white, from the Lincoln community. Journal Star file photo Thomas Christie (front), Willis Wise and Richard Pethoud work on their projects during the boys' sewing class at Whittier Junior High in 1967. His senior year, Christie was selected to be Mr. Destinaer. He and Miss Cheres Amies received scholarships. Wesleyan, taking Principal Bogarts advice, welcomed Christie to campus in the fall of 1970. There, at the urging of teammates on the football team, he joined a fraternity. He was well liked, but as one of only two minority members in the fraternity on a campus where Blacks comprised less than 1% of the student body, he had some uncomfortable moments. He recalls one incident vividly. A fraternity brother repeatedly touched his hair. Now to a white person, Christie notes, this might not seem like a big deal. Black and white people, after all, have different hair. But it is a big deal for Black people. After one too many touches, Christie says, I just got up and clocked him. Despite similar incidents of racial insensitivity, Christie enjoyed campus life. But academically, he didnt feel prepared. Thomas Christie Age: 68 Profession: Retired history teacher, coach, mentor and multicultural administrator Favorite movie: "A Soldier's Story" Someone I admire: Leola Bullock and Ernie Chambers Philosophy of life: Do unto others as you want done unto you. Former North Star principal named LPS's director of equity In her new role, Price will work closely with the top-level district executives to address equity issues and recommend equity-related policies. While his fraternity friends went out and partied, Christie was in his room trying to comprehend his schoolwork. His counselor, who was white, told the football coach that Christie needed to get his grades up, or he would be off the team and, possibly, out college. Most other athletes whose grades drop were given a tutor. But not Christie. He felt hurt by this lack of help but motivated to prove his counselor wrong. I realized that if they had to study an hour, I had to study three hours, Christie said. He succeeded, graduating in four years with a 3.0 GPA and a degree in sociology and anthropology. Christies hard work in the classroom didnt pay the bills. Every semester he found himself short for tuition. But every semester the bursar said not to worry, his bill was paid in full. The benefactors, he was told, didnt want to be identified. They just wanted him to give it back to the community. Christie began these payments right after graduation. For two years, working full time at the Malone Center, he paired young Black kids with elders and college graduates in the African American community. Such encouragement, he hoped, would echo that of the Destinaers and Les Cheres Amies, who he had recently learned had also been his Wesleyan benefactors. It was pretty much the center of everything, Christie recalls, because a lot of the kids werent able to go to rec centers, and you definitely couldn't go anywhere like any of the country clubs. Christies work at the Center caught the eye of his former principal, Bogart, who thought Christie would be a fine addition to the Lincoln High staff. He just needed a teaching certificate. Enter Wesleyan, which offered financial aid if Christie would help recruit students. Two years later, Christie was teaching history at Lincoln High. Journal Star file photo Coach Thomas Christie encourages a Lincoln High wrestler during the 1989 season. * * * For the next 17 years, Thomas Christie was a valued teacher and mentor at the school. And sometimes the center of controversy. Christies efforts to make Lincoln High more inclusive extended outside the classroom. Early in his career, the student council had only one member of color. Inspired by Jesse Jacksons Rainbow Coalition, Christie started the Lincoln High Rainbow Club, comprising four caucuses: one each for African American, Asian, Native and Hispanic students. Christie proposed that each caucus choose a member to serve on the LHS student council. Randy Ernst, a recently hired social studies teacher and faculty adviser to the student council, was all for the idea. Lincoln mayor taps deputy public defender as next city attorney Yohance Christie, a lifelong Lincoln resident and 2009 graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Law, will replace Jeff Kirkpatrick, who has served as City Attorney since 2014. Other staff members werent so keen. They, along with some students, believed that caucus members should just compete in the general student council elections. The council voted down the proposal. Thomas left abruptly and went to his room, recalls Ernst. I followed him. When I got in there he was crying because it had gone so badly. Disappointed, but not defeated, Christie and the minority students carried on with the club and its caucuses. A year or so later, the Rainbow Club reapplied. The vote for acceptance was 23-1. Within three years, we had gone from the appearance of a whites-only (student council) to demographically looking like Lincoln High, Ernst said. KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star Thomas Christie addresses family, friends, colleagues, former students and former athletes as he talks about his time at Lincoln High School during a community open house in 2018. * * * After years in the classroom at Lincoln High, Christie felt he could make a difference as an administrator. He obtained his administrative certification and served four years at Lincoln Northeast as an administrator, helping that school and its increasingly diverse student body. In 1997, Christie became Lincoln Public Schools second multicultural administrator, a position created in 1990. When asked to apply, he thought of Leola Bullock, who as a supporter of the Destinaers and Les Cheres Amies, had helped him. Bullock, he says, had spent 40 years working on trying to get more teachers and trying to make sure that her children were represented in the history books. As the multicultural administrator, he could continue her work. Around 2010, LPS enrolled almost 36,000 students. An increasing number of them were non-white. They came in a rainbow of colors. They spoke 57 languages. Some were refugees, some immigrants, some had grown up in Lincoln, others had just arrived. Some of their families had two parents, some one, some two mothers, others two fathers. And the children, too, could be found across the LGBTQ spectrum. It was a cultural smorgasbord, exciting, but daunting. Was LPS, Christie asked himself, as culturally proficient as it needed to be? To find out, he gathered a group of LPS colleagues: an African American woman, a gay man, a white man, a white woman. One of the group, Randy Ernst, summarized their quest. We know what it means to be proficient in reading, we know what it means to be proficient in math. We take a test, we can say you are, you aren't, said Ernst. But what does it mean to be culturally proficient? So, with many of hours of hard work, input from consultants and other LPS staff, they developed a two-day multicultural professional development workshop. Christie had strict rules for participants: no cellphones, and no one leaves until each days session is finished. At the beginning of the second year, one of the groups included Superintendent Steve Joel. With some trepidation, Christie decided there would be no exceptions to the rules, even for the superintendent. At the end of the second day, Ernst recalls, Joel stood up and said, I've been at this a long time, this is the best professional development I've ever had in my life. He wanted the workshop presented to the principal and a team from each of the districts 53 schools to develop plans for addressing the many issues involving multicultural education at LPS. Each subsequent year, Christie and his team held a two-day session with various members of the LPS staff. Cindy Lange-Kubick: A woman of principle leading the way at Lincoln Public Schools Mary Louise Jones left Mississippi in 1969 to make a better life for her kids. * * * Thomas Christie retired from LPS in 2018. He and Brenda, his wife, take great pride in the accomplishments of their children. In 2020, their son, Yohance, became Lincolns first Black city attorney. Their daughter, Fayola, has worked at NASA headquarters as well as for the Security Exchange Commission. Now living in Washington, and the mother of a toddler, she is often host to two doting Christie grandparents. Retirement hasnt dulled Christies engagement with his community. Last summers Black Lives Matter protests heartened him in the way that students, Black and white, stepped forward. I commend the young people, I really do. They're saying, you know, enough is enough and it's not right. I'm hoping that they don't let up, I'm hoping that they stay. Lincoln, Christie reflects, has also changed. As a young Black kid from the South, he witnessed mentors like Peterson and Bullock help Lincolns African American community. Recently, he has seen more Black people on the city council, and others holding high positions in the community. Many of them cite Christie as a reason why. He was the first Black male and the only Black male I had through my K-12 education, says T.J. McDowell, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs at UNL, and it was really important for me to have a relationship with him and to feel validated and affirmed by him. Omaha - Patterson Hood got straight to the point when he stepped to the mic after Drive-By Truckers third song at the Maha Festival Saturday. To address the elephant in the room, Ive got to say, damn its great to be playing up here for all of you, Hood said. "Thanks for inviting us to your festival. Playing just their second full show since February 2020, Drive-By Truckers delivered their brand of three-guitar rock n roll as if theyd never had a layoff with Hood and Mike Cooley swapping lead vocals and guitar from song to song. They were preceded by Shovels & Rope, the husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst, who blend country, rock n roll and folk with guitar, drums and harmony vocals. What a wonderful lineup of bands, Hood said. I just got to watch one of my favorite bands in the world. And Japanese Breakfast, Im so excited to get to see them live. Fifteen minutes later, Hood got his to see Michelle Zauner and her band play an hour of her gorgeous, edgy keyboard-oriented indie pop. That was, obviously, a sharp contrast with the Truckers guitar assault and the stepped down, harmony-filled rock n roll of Shovels & Rope. OMAHA A second 16-year-old suspect has been arrested in a fatal shooting at Levi Carter Park, Omaha police said. The teenager was booked into the Douglas County Youth Center Friday on suspicion of being an accessory to a felony in the July 3 shooting death of 18-year-old Travell Mountain. Police have not released the teenager's name because prosecutors have not decided whether he will be charged as a juvenile or an adult, police spokesman Officer Joe Nickerson said. On July 8, a 16-year-old suspect turned himself in to law enforcement hours after a warrant was issued charging him with first-degree murder and use of a weapon to commit a felony. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Omaha World-Herald. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 * "I Alone Can Fix It," hardcover, 592 pages, uh, probably not. Still waiting for somebody to form a 250-page book club. * Masked messages now on when to wear one or not are feeding animosity and division along with a whole lot of resentment on both sides of this cultural/political divide, especially over vaccinations that really ought to be a no-brainer. The Russians don't need to do anything to stoke this bonfire. * The rapid spread of the dangerous Delta variant of COVID-19 is a reminder that we're all in this together, but some of us aren't doing our part. * A week of stunning trades has changed this year's baseball season and all for the better! But not at Wrigley. * Coming next month: Ken Burns documentary series on the life and times of Muhammad Ali on PBS. That is a championship matchup. * Wondering if unvaccinated players may alter, or even destroy, this year's college football season. * The dash to the money by universities, athletic conferences and players threatens to take the joy out of college football. What used to be a sport is clearly a business now. * August? Really? Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSdon Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 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. In the fall of 1871 George Harris, of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroads Land Commission in Lincoln, contacted Congregational minister Rev. C. S. Harrison and asked him to take charge of the Mayflower Colony, which was to settle in York County. Harrison discovered that the city of York then consisted of a total of six buildings, one of which was constructed of sod. Harrison accepted the proposition provided the railroad would give him 40 acres of land on which he could build a Congregational academy. In 1874 Harrison sold 30 acres of the grant to finance the academys construction whose campus would be on the remaining 10 acres. Lumber was brought from Fairmont by oxen and the 30-by-50 foot building with a bell tower and entrance added, was completed at the west end of Seventh Street, later Seventh and Academy streets. After the building was completed, Harrison applied to the Blue Valley Association of the Congregational Church for acceptance as a church-affiliated academy, however York was deemed too close to Crete, where a Congregational academy already existed, and the application was denied. 1871: The St. Joseph and Denver City Railroad was asking Jefferson County for financial aid to help build its line. 1881: A new Burlington and Missouri River Railroad depot was completed in Lincoln. It was said to have cost $125,000. 1891: Gov. John M. Thayer received an anonymous letter offering him $300 if he would appoint a certain Lincoln businessman to serve on the world's fair commission. 1901: Nebraska's chief game warden was notified that the poison used to kill the grasshoppers that were plaguing the state was also killing off quail, prairie chickens and various birds. 1911: Lincoln residents who did not want the University of Nebraska campus moved to the State Farm (today's East Campus) were urged to donate land to the downtown campus in an attempt to keep it there. 1921: The Lincoln City Council renewed discussion of an ordinance proposing to establish a municipal coal yard and public market. 1931: Willa Cather's latest book, "Shadow on the Rock," was to be published soon. The author was from Red Cloud. TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) Tunisia's leader claimed Sunday that some desperate youths are being paid to try to leave Tunisia illegally for Europe, saying the goal is to damage the country from within and hurt its ties with Europe. President Kais Saied made the remarks during a stroll down the iconic Avenue Bourguiba, the main axis in the Tunisian capital of Tunis, a week after firing the prime minister and other top officials and freezing parliament. He listened to passersby calling out his name and shouting Tunisia! but said nothing about his much-awaited next steps. Many fear Tunisia's fragile democracy is in danger without a clear map of how the president plans to restore democracy. It is the only nation to develop a democracy after the Arab Spring uprisings. Instead, Saied denounced those who exploit migrants, as hundreds of youths leave Tunisia in the warm season to try to make their way by smugglers' boats to Europe. He claimed that some of his countrymen with political motives are paying desperate youth to make the trip, saying their intention is to repeat the mass illegal migration that began after the Tunisian revolution a decade ago. There are people who hurt Tunisia. I ask myself how they could make 1,500 youths leave, he was heard saying in a video released by his office. With the Capitol Dome behind her, Rep. Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), the House Republican conference chair, proclaimed: "The American people deserve to know the truth: that Nancy Pelosi bears responsibility, as speaker of the House, for the tragedy that occurred on Jan. 6." Stefanik charged that Pelosi "doesn't want a fair or bipartisan investigation." Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana, one of the saboteurs House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy had tried to place on the select committee, announced that Capitol Police "weren't trained" adequately and that "Nancy Pelosi is ultimately responsible." The Republican whip, Steve Scalise (La.) repeatedly accused Pelosi of a "coverup" about Jan. 6. And Rep. Troy Nehls (Tex.) denounced fellow Republicans Liz Cheney (Wyo.) and Adam Kinzinger (Ill.), for serving on the select committee. "Those Pelosi Republicans aren't interested in the truth," he alleged. "We're interested in the truth." Right. Seven of the eight Republicans standing there had voted down an independent, bipartisan commission negotiated by the top Republican on the House Homeland Security commission. And now they claim Pelosi is the one blocking a fair, bipartisan investigation? All this while faulting the Capitol Police, who at that very moment shielded them with a ring of officers, barriers, vehicles and a canine unit. To understand al-Kadhimis goals and why he deserves U.S. backing pay attention to his background. His surprise ascendance to the prime minister post in May 2020 came after months of demonstrations by frustrated Iraqi youths demanding an end to massive government corruption and militia violence. Hundreds of demonstrators, many of them poor Shiite Muslims, were assassinated by snipers, presumably by Iran-backed forces. Al-Kadhimi came to office promising justice for the dead youths, and reform of a government in which parties based on ethnicity (Kurdish, Arab, etc.) and religious sect (Shiite and Sunni) divide the spoils. He also agreed to accelerated elections, to be held in October, that may push forward new local leaders. But pro-Iran militias have responded with more targeted killings, including journalists and intellectuals. And they may threaten the security of the elections. Yet, the Iraqi leader insists he has made progress in curbing those pro-Iranian militias and can make more if the United States stays engaged. Definitely the circumstances of Afghanistan are different from Iraq, the prime minister told me. Iraqi troops have reached the stage, via U.S. training and capacity building, where they can play a full role. I was a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 1977 to 2018. I pointed out to my students that America is marked by systemic racism; that this disadvantages everyone, including white people; that the discussion is not about guilt and shame but rather accountability; and that those who have accrued white privilege have a responsibility to use it to strengthen the whole community. I cannot imagine teaching classes that did not, as a matter of course, include such a context. Although a few students every semester claimed that I hated white people or that I was intolerant of their opinions, the vast majority of the (mostly white) students in my classes said, rather, My eyes were opened. Why didnt anyone teach me about this before? This class should be required for everyone. Most Nebraska students appreciate having a comprehensive view of their history and literature. Regent Jim Pillen and Gov. Pete Ricketts could not be more wrong in their effort to banish critical race theory from University of Nebraska classes. Loving your child does not mean insisting that she is perfect in every way and has no need to grow or change. Why should not love of country be as optimistic and thoughtful? Fran Kaye, Lincoln Love 6 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 The most recent legislative session worked long hours to find the money for tax relief, especially for farmers. It is still a work in progress, but every tax dollar is important. How is it that Gov. Pete Ricketts authorized the Nebraska State Patrol to go to Texas for border patrol? Texas has been clear in writing that this deployment will not be reimbursed by them, so we are out about a half million tax dollars for another Republican political stunt. While our State Patrol is deployed in Texas, who is doing their job here in Nebraska? Did we run out of crime? Now Ricketts tries to blame his decision on the Texas Democrats or President Biden. The worn-out playbook for this party is to make costly, arrogant mistakes and then blame the victims. These self-serving policies driven by weak leadership and shady motives are expensive. Trying to make political friends in high places is no substitute for good stewardship of our tax dollars. The governor should be compelled to make restitution to Nebraska for his decision, when the final deficit is known. It could be donated to the Food Bank, the People's City Mission, support to disabled Nebraska children, Catholic Social Services, Planned Parenthood or any variety of charities that could really use a half million dollars. The creek runs 10 to 15 feet wide and its bottom is comprised mainly of gravel along with some sand and soft mud. The Verdigre ranges in depth from a couple inches of water running clear over the gravel bars to roughly 3 feet in the water of the pools typically with a darker bottom. Aquatic vegetation, like water cress, is abundant this time of the year. Anglers can work their bait, lure or fly downstream into the creeks series of pools, riffles, runs, undercut banks, aquatic vegetation seams and fallen trees. The trout almost always are pointing upstream to ambush prey or consume food that comes to them. The main thing to remember is to not spook the fish; they are wary. Stealth is critical. Stay quiet, keep a low profile, move slowly and be sure not to cast your shadow across the water you want to fish. I tend to not wade in the creek at first but carefully survey the scenario from land instead. If you see silvery flashes in the water while wading and working a pool or stream feature, you most likely have disturbed the fish and they may not bite for a while. Racine lacks the appropriate services, she said, such as mental health services, pediatric mental health services, youth development services, youth prevention services, youth intervention services or youth substance abuse treatment programs. We are failing children and setting them up, but we are not forgetting to prepare a place to house them, she said. The right people for the job Effectively providing services for vulnerable neighborhoods requires not only funding but also the right people. Horton knows from experience and understands the people, the services needed, and how to recruit the right people to work with populations in underserved communities. He said to keep young people out of gangs and diverted away from drugs, it is important to connect with them, but the people in some existing programs are not the right people for the job. They say theyll hire an outreach person, but it cant be just any outreach person, Horton said. You need a special type of person to do that. Some of the people in the gang diversion program had records, but that allowed them to interact with the young people on an honest level, he said. Killeen, TX (76540) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. 1. Yes. A sudden surge could be devastating. A mask mandate may be required. 2. Yes. Each county faces different COVID challenges. Let local officials act accordingly. 3. No. Nobody should be forced to wear a mask. It should always be optional. 4. No. A mask mandate isnt any more effective than a strong recoommendation. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether a change is in policy is necessary at this point. Vote View Results The revised proposals from the US Department of Education still advocate critical race theory in all but name, Noem said in a statement. We are the Mount Rushmore State, home to our nations greatest monument to our history. And we take the study of American history seriously. Our classrooms are meant for education, not indoctrination, and that is how we will continue to operate in South Dakota. Critical race theory is a framework for understanding systemic racism and how it pervades American society. It began as an academic movement in the 1960s to examine U.S. law's intersection with race but has since expanded to other academic circles. The main tenet of CRT is that racism is embedded in every American institution, which are used to create and maintain racial inequality. Noem's order says that the 1619 Project and the work of Kendi are "infused with factual errors" such as the idea that the nation was founded in 1619 with the first slave ship entering the American colonies rather than with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The federal grants, she continues, have "open-ended and vague requirements" that evaluate potential grant-receiving programs on the basis of an interpretation of American history that she views as antithetical to American principles. The state DOE is currently in the process of developing its own new curriculum for history and civics, as well as its own set of pilot grants to strengthen history and civics education in the state. How can we ease tensions between Democrats and Republicans? Some clues might be found thousands of miles and several time zones away in Tokyo, where the Olympics are being held. A wealth of academic research displays the growth and intensity of affective polarization in America today. By affective polarization, I mean the increasing dislike, distrust, hostility, and even hatred between Democrats and Republicans in the general public. As a memorable example, the political scientists Shanto Iyengar, Gaurav Sood, and Yphtach Lelkes found in their 2012 article, Affect, Not Ideology: A Social Identity Perspective on Polarization, that roughly one-third of Democrats and one-half of Republicans said they would be upset if their child married someone from the other political party. In 1960, just 4% to 5% of Americans said they would be upset about their child marrying someone from the other political party. To political scientists, statistics like these demonstrate that much of the partisan divide today is not driven by Americans taking a more positive view of their own party. Instead, the growing partisan divide is mainly fueled by people taking a more negative view of the opposing party. At Tuesdays hearing, D.C. police officers Fanone and Daniel Hodges, Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and Sgt. Aquilino Gonell made clear why so many Republicans want us to forget what happened on Jan. 6. Republicans dont want us to focus on the hit man, in Dunns resonant phrase. They want to let Donald Trump off the hook. And they resolutely do not want to do what Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., rightly said the committee must do: try to account for what happened every minute of that day in the White House every phone call, every conversation, every meeting leading up to, during and after the attack. A thorough investigation of what happened will necessarily be an inquiry into the right-wing extremism that is bleeding into the mainstream of the Republican Party. The best among the Republicans know how dangerous this is for their party and the country. Unfortunately, they do not currently have the upper hand in the GOP, which is why Cheney and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill.) were named to the committee by a Democratic House speaker, not by their own leadership. No other big game species is regarded with such disdain and callous treatment as wolves. It is clear that illegal killing, government-implemented revenge killings for alleged livestock predations, and traffic fatalities added significantly to the already massive overkill that occurred in February. Despite this the Wisconsin DNR wants to present a rosy picture that will justify a second trophy killing slaughter this year. This cannot be allowed to go forward. If the threat of more permissive and reckless hunting programs in the fall isnt bad enough, we are now in the midst of the bear hound training season in Wisconsin. The very same hounds that were used to chase, fight, and help kill wolves in February are now being set loose by the thousands in our state and national forests in Wisconsin. We know that a significant number of hounds are killed each year in these state-sanctioned dog fights, but what isnt accounted for are the wolves or their pups that end up being killed by these packs of marauding hounds. These wolf deaths are likely not known and certainly are not reported by the legal dog fighters when they occur. Streetcars rolled below his windows on King Street in the summer of 1912, and Charles Demuth was busy. He was 28 and percolating what hed seen in Paris galleries. He had studied Rodins watercolors, and his eye had clicked with new styles there: cubism, and what would soon be called dada. He turned from Whistler but kept all hed learned from Blake. His watercolors thinned to understated. In a few years he would be a rising American artist exhibiting in New York galleries. But in 1912, he was home in Lancaster for the summer, and he found something to do: He helped mount one of the grandest exhibitions of paintings Lancaster County ever saw. The big show On Oct. 4, 1912, Lancaster County Historical Society met and heard three local men read papers on three local artists of times past. It was during the runup to a two-week exhibition by the society and the Iris Club of historical and contemporary portraits illustrating the evolution of portraiture in this county. Demuth was all over it, serving on important committees. The exhibition must have been a sight. It mounted seldom-seen paintings from private collections as well as portraits of local notables by artists of old reputation, such as Benjamin West. And new. Eakins Agnew Clinic, somehow, was in it. (Probably some of the medical students pictured in the background were locals.) One imagines a slight shudder in Lancasters reaction to the vast, graphic and dark work. One of the three readers that night was Demuth, who spoke about the nebulous life and slight career of 19th century Lancaster portrait painter Aaron Eshelman. Demuths piece is a tour de force by an artist coming into his own, whos also not a bad writer (his pals included William Carlos Williams and Ezra Pound). And it displays the charm that allowed Demuth to approach a Paris cafe table of expat artists and flaneurs and win them over. After Gilbert Stuart painted Eichholtz; after Eichholtz painted Bannade; after Bannade painted Aaron Eshelman. Hear the Biblical cadence of it. He then gives us, not Eshelman, but a critique of Stuart (the first to raise confectionaries into the realm of talented painting) and his imitators, who copied his surfaces and his cloying sweetness, missing the things which make his art, more or less, real. He pivots to modern times and the imitators of Sargent, and imitators in art generally, and concludes that The genius of the great is always hidden from the imitator, behind its obvious characteristics. The prose is over-assured, a young mans rough-draft manifesto, but its lively criticism and pithy writing. I wish I had room to quote you more of it. Eshelman ... at last At last he gets around to Eshelman, of whom by 1912 little was recalled and less preserved. Eshelman was an innkeeper in Lancaster who painted portraits. About 1857 he fled town, leaving his wife and two children. As Demuth told the audience, In this act he can claim kinship with many artists and some geniuses. His wife got word that he was in Kentucky (if there was a Kentucky in 1857), and took off after him, but by the time she got there he was gone again. There is a vague rumor ... that he was drowned in the Mississippi river, Demuth wrote. A rather exciting life, when one thinks of it, if only he had allowed some of this excitement to get into his paintings. Demuth mentions along the way that the long-suffering wifes name was Sarah Demuth, and leaves it at that. No need to tell his Lancaster audience that she was his great-aunt. That omission of that detail might be the most Lancaster thing about the whole affair, unless that honor goes to the paragraph in a Historical Society Journal that summed up the exhibition: It is to be regretted that in the particular of financial returns and only in this aspect the exposition was not a success. At the start of October, Demuth left Lancaster to sail for Europe and Paris for a year to hone his art. The local papers in Lancaster ran a line on the departure of a notable resident, as they always did. But the trip was noted, too, in the Philadelphia Inquirers arts column, which went on to praise his watercolors: In the handling of the medium he shows an ability and cleverness interesting in themselves, while his message is clear and joyous. He was on his way. Unscripted is a weekly entertainment column produced by a rotating team of writers. History lessons come in all forms. Occasionally, lessons can come barreling in at more than 100 miles per hour and weighing over half a million pounds. This is the case with the Norfolk & Western Class J 611 locomotive. The 71-year-old engine is in the middle of a monthslong residency at the Strasburg Rail Road, where train enthusiasts and fans can pore over all facets of this classic vehicle, from rides to tours. You can even blow the whistle. A wide range of tours and events are planned at Strasburg Rail Road through Oct. 3. This represents when America did stuff, not just the junk it makes today, says Scott Lindsey, chief mechanical officer of the 611. Everyone's impressed with an iPhone this is impressive stuff. Using brain power and experience. Steam built the country, and then diesel came and put steam out of business, all in the name of progress. This is actually the 611s second residency at Strasburg Rail Road, having first made an appearance in 2019. What was true then, is true now: With the 611 in Strasburg, the railroad can lay claim to featuring the last two operational Norfolk & Western engines in the world. The 611 joins the 475, a steam locomotive built in 1906 and owned by Strasburg Rail Road. 611 history The 611 was built in 1950, right at the end of the great steam experiment in the United States. Throughout the 50s, the 611 transported passenger trains between Norfolk and Cincinnati, and could scale the Blue Ridge Mountains with ease. In its first nine years on rail, the 611 notched 1 million miles of travel. Its not like today where, when you have so many miles, cycles or hours, you throw it out and buy a new one," Lindsey says. There are components on here that never wear out, short of freeze damage or accident, and you rebuild it and keep it running. They can run forever with the proper care. After its initial decade-long lifespan, the 611 went where many old locomotives and trains go when theyre not in motion to a public park, where kids and families can admire it. From 1963 to 1981, it sat in a park in Roanoke, Virginia. In 1982, Robert Clayton, the first chairman of the newly formed Norfolk Southern Corporation, sent the 611 to Birmingham, Alabama, for restoration. For the next 12 years, the 611 served as a public relations tool, traveling everywhere from Jacksonville, Florida, to Buffalo, New York, usually with hundreds of people along for the ride. Strasburg Rail Road trainmaster Ryan Merrill says visitors from as far as Australia, Japan, Germany and Switzerland have already come to marvel at the steam behemoth. These engines are from a time when you could legitimately set your watch to them showing up on time, Merrill says. The 611 locomotive is just as powerful and awe-inspiring today as it was in 1950, but the allure has only grown over the years, as steam-powered engines become a fainter memory in the public consciousness. Lindsey, who has stood faithfully with the 611 each stop of the way since 1982, agrees. Its very important to keep this kind of technology in front of people to observe and enjoy, and hopefully create a new generation of fans to ride behind it, or operate the locomotive, Lindsey says. Otherwise, its just a cold piece of steel. This story contains links that will take you to our archives site on newspapers.com. This content is free for LancasterOnline subscribers who are logged in. Click here for more information about how to subscribe. Excerpts and summaries of news stories from the former Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster New Era and Sunday News that focus on the events in the countys past that are noteworthy, newsworthy or just strange. 25 years ago In 1996, the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey was seeking new recruits - in particular, recruits with four legs and weighing in at about 1,200 pounds. The State Police mounted units were running a bit short on mounts, so the academy turned to the public for donations. That call resulted in two new geldings, Apollo and Arden, joining the force for training. The academy's stables could accommodate 28 horses; the two donated steeds brought the current total to 24, so more donations of healthy horses between 5 and 15 years old were still being sought. Over the years, many horses were donated to the State Police - some were retired racehorses, some were family pets, one was even left to the force in a will. The new equine recruits were ready to undergo an extensive training that included everything from learning to walk on strange surfaces to being acclimated to gunfire. In the headlines: FBI searches Olympic guard's home // Officials say no charges filed yet in bombing Wheaties redesigning boxes to showcase Olympic heroes Safer vaccine for whooping cough gets FDA approval Check out the August 1, 1996, Intelligencer Journal here. 50 years ago The Village nightclub was ready for a grand re-opening in 1971, and an all-new light show was at the top of the list of upgrades. The club had to move from its original location on East Chestnut Street to make way for the Duke Street Parking Garage, and owners Peter Photis and John Patounis wanted to retain the layout and feel of the original spot - but with a massive change to the dance floor and lighting rigs. The lighting was described in the Sunday News as "unlike anything experienced thus far" in Lancaster's nightlife history. The sunken dance floor was covered with 64 translucent plastic tiles with sound-sensitive lighting mounted below them so the light-up floor would pulse in different colors along with the music. Strobe lights were mounted all around the dance floor, and a variety of colored lighting rigs hung from the ceiling, bathing dancers, performers and the walls with color washes and projected images. More traditional cut-glass "disco balls" - though this was well before the rise of disco - supplemented the display, as did kaleidoscope projectors and a series of psychedelic black-light murals. In the headlines: Apollo 15 explorers probe base of a moon mountain Viet Cong links POWs, pullout Vice president approached as Mideast envoy Check out the August 1, 1971, Sunday News here. 75 years ago A national postwar trend found its way to Lancaster in 1946, as returning veterans looking to start families took advantage of the new development of "prefab" homes. A response to the both the housing shortage and the trend toward suburbanization after World War II, prefabricated houses were inexpensive and quick to build. In Lancaster, the first building permit for a postwar prefab house was issued to Frank Gaenzle, 25, who would build his house at 622 Fifth St. Other prefab houses were under construction in the county, from Lancaster Township to Quarryville. Lancaster real estate agent J. Herbert Fehl said all of his customers seeking prefab houses were servicemen recently returned from the war - and as of August 1, 1946, he had 50 orders for the homes. He hoped to have 20 built by the end of the year, with the rest being constructed in the spring of 1947. In the headlines: Truman tells all agencies to economize Trieste plan is attacked by Yugoslavs Three missing subs on lagoon floor Check out the August 1, 1946, Lancaster New Era here. 100 years ago A 20-minute hailstorm pummeled Lancaster County on July 31, 1921, destroying large swaths of tobacco and corn crops. Damage to the crops was estimated to be in the thousands of dollars. The hailstones were reported to be so large and falling in such quantity that even in the blazing sun after the storm, the ice globules took more than an hour to melt. The storm hit with greatest intensity near the Susquehanna River, between Conestoga and Safe Harbor. In the headlines: Veil of secrecy in Irish peace parley Taft takes oath as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court Check out the August 1, 1921, Lancaster Intelligencer here. A number of staff at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health have resisted the hospitals new COVID-19 vaccine mandate, citing, among other things, concerns over long-term side effects. Are their fears overstated? The science, unequivocally, says yes. Like any medical product, vaccines can cause unwanted side effects. Examples of negative side effect are well known and shared by the infectious disease and vaccine experts with whom LNP | LancasterOnline spoke. Take the polio vaccine, which in rare instances caused the disease. The influenza vaccine during the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 caused narcolepsy in 1 out of 55,000 patients in Finland. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine can temporarily cause a decrease in platelets, the cells responsible for blood clotting. And the smallpox vaccine can cause myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart. But and this is an important caveat vaccine side effects typically appear within six weeks of vaccination. The question is not whether you know everything, but whether you know enough, said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccination Education Center at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. With more than 3.5 billion doses administered across the globe, 340 million in the United States alone and 11.4 million in Pennsylvania, no other vaccine has produced as much safety information as the COVID-19 vaccines. It can take decades for a vaccine to collect as much data. Its not so much the length of time you need to worry about, said Dr. Joseph Kontra, chief of infectious diseases at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. Kontra was the first person in Lancaster County to roll up his sleeves for the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December. Kontra added, We have more safety data for the COVID-19 vaccine than any other vaccine in history. There are no long term side effects to vaccination, Kontra said. What the unknown long-term side effects argument fails to recognize is that the body metabolizes the vaccine in the same way it does any medication. What remains is your immunological memory, which is the whole point of getting vaccinated, Kontra said. Notice any problems? Email the Lancaster Watchdog at watchdog@lnpnews.com or go to LancasterOnline.com/watchdog and tell us about it. Lancaster Countys made due with a prison on a less-than-five-acre site for 170 years. So why, then, are county officials now looking to build the new 45-acre facility on a property more than 15 times larger than the existing one? The answer lies in the fact that experts and architects believe prisons built wide, instead of tall, enhance staff and inmate safety, require fewer staff to operate and provide ample space for programs that help keep inmates from ending up back behind bars. Putting those priorities at the forefront, along with close proximity to the courthouse, drove county officials assessment of potential sites. The emphasis on space also eliminated many sites that would have restricted the facilitys footprint, county officials have said. That includes Sunnyside Peninsula, where the countys Youth Intervention Center sits on a 12-acre property near the lands tip. Those concerned about a prisons impact on nearby real estate values may have considered land near the youth center as a potential site for the new prison. The countys current preferred site is a rare, large single piece of undeveloped waterfront property. But a quarry and woodlands with rough terrain make up most of the undeveloped land on the Sunnyside Peninsula, creating a hurdle for development. And given the shape of the undeveloped land there, theres no way to fit any facility close to 45 acres in size. Wide, not tall The design process for the new Lancaster County facility has not started, officials said. But the preliminary plans call for a much lower-to-the-ground and expansive facility across 45 acres, built out rather than up. Warden Cheryl Steberger has said her target capacity is currently 1,250 beds, an increase from the 1,058-bed capacity of the current prison. But the current facility, which has stood at its 625 East King St. location since 1851, fits on a lot smaller than five acres. The need is self-evident to those who have spent time at the current prison. In a May Prison Board meeting, Steberger claimed she had coined a new term: cloffices. In my medical department, I literally have people working out of a closet, Steberger told LNP | LancasterOnline. Theres not enough room. A flatter, wider building, as opposed to the five-level towers on East King Street, also solves a number of security and logistical headaches that have plagued Stebergers staff. You do want to have, if youve got the luxury of having land, to try to get to what is basically a one-story facility, said Paul Swartz, senior partner and CEO at Somerville, New Jersey-based USA Architects. The firm has worked on a number of state prisons and county jails in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. But local criminal and racial justice advocates also see the prospect of a new prison as a rare opportunity for the community to reevaluate and think through what kind of correctional facility Lancaster County wants to have for the ensuing decades. When compared to population figures from the U.S. Census, data from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections on county jails show Lancaster Countys incarcerated population in January of 2019 severely overrepresented Black and Latino residents. Black residents make up 4% of the countys total population, yet made up 20% of the jail population in 2019. Latino residents, similarly, make up 10% of the countys population, and 24% of the county jail population. It will be one of our tasks to monitor the new system for demography, population count, and to advocate for prison reforms that address mass incarceration, said Blanding Watson, president of the Lancaster NAACP, in an email. Watson said his organization has received reports of poor living conditions at the current facility, making a new one necessary. John Maina, CEO of a new consulting and advocacy group called Central Penn Equity Project, said his group wants be involved with the public discussion over what the new prison should look like and how big it should be. Maina is also a former correctional officer who worked at Lancaster County Prison. The new prisons design, he said, will have a role in maintaining or challenging the nation's dubious distinction of having the highest incarceration rates in the world. In the short term, what we have to do is look for ways to find equity when the opportunities come, Maina said. The plusses of pods The push for a new prison isnt just to bring in the new. Ninety percent of the current prison doesnt have air conditioning, Steberger said in a May Prison Board meeting. Office space is severely limited. Maintenance problems are constant, she said. But the chance at a replacement also means an opportunity to move closer to long-held safety and security standards in prison design. Beginning in the 1970s, Swartz said, officials at the Federal Bureau of Prisons pushed the direct supervision model of prison design. Its now the industry standard, he said. Instead of long corridors of cells lined up next to each other, for instance, the direct supervision model calls for cells to all face a central atrium for incarcerated people to gather and socialize or watch TV, often called the day room. The day room and surrounding cells make up one unit, or pod. Direct supervision also largely did away with the practice of correctional officers working behind a barrier or remotely with video cameras. Instead, many direct-supervision facilities station a correctional officer at a desk that overlooks the dayroom area, Swartz said. It allows officers to interact more with people locked up in the unit, and more quickly respond to any conflict brewing in the room before it escalates into violence. The direct supervision model may appear to be a bit more humane than older facilities, but its also proven to show cost benefits. It doesnt require as much staff to supervise the jailed population as other models, Swartz said. The pods create a self-contained facility for a smaller group, usually 60 or so people. Meals, visitation, bathing and other services can come to, or already be included in, the pods. That setup cuts down on the need for escorting people across different parts of the facility, Swartz said. "You need two corrections officers to move one person, so the staffing issues become much greater, when you frequently have to move jailed people between different areas of the facility, Swartz said. While the circa-1991 high-rise at the current Lancaster County Prison features direct-supervision pods, Steberger said its multiple stories, lack of space and other design quirks remove some of those typical benefits. Moving a jailed person from one place to another is a logistical headache. It requires staff to lockdown portions of the facility at a time, so jailed people from one pod dont have a chance to interact with another, Steberger said. This creates opportunities for individuals to move contraband or start fights, the warden said. Since some needed services might be on a different floor, officers rely on elevators to transport jailed people, another big security risk, Steberger said. Several correctional officers are needed for transporting jailed people on elevators, Steberger said. In addition to an officer inside the elevator, officers need to be stationed at different floors to maintain observation of just one person, Steberger said. In a newer facility you have one or two officers stationed at one centralized location that can keep eyes on that individual when the path to another service or area in the jail doesnt require an elevator, she said. State of the art Steberger pointed to the jail in Franklin County as a template what she wants to see in a new prison in Lancaster County. The Franklin County Jail was completed in 1997, but its still pretty state-of-the-art, said William Bechtold, the warden there. The 500-bed facility is made up of pods that are largely self-contained. Each has its own visitation area, its own recreation room, and heating and cooling system, Bechtold said. The pods also allow Bechtold to sort the jailed population into appropriate groups based on safety and special needs, he said. One pod, for instance, may cater specifically to people with mental illnesses. Another could be restricted to people with nonviolent charges or convictions, who require less supervision and security, Bechtold said. A minimum-security pod at Franklin County Jail doesnt have doors on its cells. Bunks are out in the open, and people jailed there have more autonomy to go to the shower or recreation areas by themselves, for instance. But perhaps the real difference maker in Franklin County, according to Bechtold, is its breadth of mental health screening and services. About 30% of the jail's population have serious mental health illnesses, Bechtold said. The jail has instituted programming specific to arranging services for people once they leave the jail, which can be hard for people with serious mental health issues or a history of serious crimes, Bechtold said. Steberger has promoted diversion programs and other services to give people a better chance for a stable life after incarceration, but space limitations at Lancaster County Prison have restricted the number of participants, she said. Jean Bickmire, president at the Lancaster criminal justice reform group Have a Heart for Persons in the Criminal Justice System, said women dont have a separate mental health pod at the Lancaster County Prison. She also called for more units for drug rehabilitation and a dedicated reentry program for people leaving the jail. New Prison Timeline January 2020: Search team of county officials formed to find a site for new proposed prison. Sept. 29, 2020: County-commissioned appraisal of 78-acre, undeveloped property in Lancaster Township along Conestoga River owned by the Kreider family estimates land value at $2.4 million. Feb. 27, 2021: Second appraisal estimates Kreider land value at $3.3 million May 5, 2021: Countys public presentation of land search and suitability of Lancaster Township property. May 26, 2021: Board of Commissioners approve agreement to purchase site for $3 million, pending an engineering review of the land. Aug. 24, 2021: End of countys due diligence period, when it can last back out of the sale. November 2022: Countys proposed deadline to have site rezoned to allow prison in Lancaster Township, if the county chooses to go forward at the Kreider property. Until rezoning of the site is in place, county officials wont determine when construction could start Bickmire also said the new prison should have one level, so people with mental illnesses cant jump from a higher tier of cells to another. The Have a Heart president said the new prison will need more bed space to appropriately move and resort the jailed population, but 1,200 beds seems like too much. In 2012, the prison's average daily population reached 1,198. By 2019, it had fallen to 785. Today that number is closer to 700, according to Steberger. Now that county's current prison population has fallen, having more beds could make officials compelled to fill them, Bickmire and Maina said. Soft materials Despite Franklin County Jails functionality and availability of services, its pods and facilities dont look terribly different from a lot of other modular, pod jail designs. But critics of the U.S. corrections system, Maina included, point to Scandanavia for examples of jails that avoid harsh, utilitarian conditions that can leave people feeling even less equipped or emotionally stable to reenter society. You dont want to treat human beings like a non-sentient caged being, Maina said. Some new jail facilities in the U.S., like the minimum-security Maple Street Correctional Center in Redwood City, California, have increased the amount of natural light in pods, used a different color palette to make jails feel less institutional and created more appropriate seating for things like watching TV. Swartz said atriums for natural light and softer building materials can make a facility feel more inviting, but nicer typically means more expensive. Government officials usually want to find ways to limit construction and operating costs, he said. And while harder building materials may not look as nice, they ensure a jail maintains a longer useful life, Swartz said. Theres a tremendous amount of wear and tear on correctional facilities, much like schools, Swartz said. These are buildings that are designed to last 50 to 100 years, so you want to make sure they dont get abused and become quickly out of date. A much more functional facility will also better serve jailed people with physical disabilities or chronic medical issues, Steberger said. The prevalence of stairs in the current Lancaster County Prison has posed major problems for people there with wheelchairs, oxygen tanks and CPAP machines, according to the warden. Steberger said there will be a process to engage the public on design plans. After many years, the warden said, the prison staff has learned intimately what the shortfalls are. But what the ultimate solutions will be remain to be determined, she said. We know what we want to do, but we don't know what's out there for us to be able to do it, Steberger said. It's not every day you get to be a part of designing a new prison. Lobbyists in Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania will soon have to disclose any financial interest they have in organizations for which they lobby, the first step in what the General Assemblys top two Republicans describe as a comprehensive lobbying reform push. Lawmakers quietly inserted the requirement into a budget-related bill in late June. Gov. Tom Wolf allowed the bill to pass into law without his signature on July 9, kicking off a 90-day timeline for the Department of State to set guidelines and then for lobbyists to file their first reports. House Republicans introduced the idea just a few weeks earlier as one in a 12-bill package pitched as the most significant changes to Pennsylvanias lobbying law in 15 years. The bills, while still not as strict as some good-government advocates might like, are intended to fundamentally change some lobbying activities and require more disclosure for what has been an opaque industry that critics argue has unfettered access to lawmakers. For instance, the reforms include a plan intended to ban the practice of individuals working as political consultants for officials and then lobbying them once theyre in office. But the House bill in its current form does not have an explicit ban and would still allow a single company to offer both lobbying and campaign services. House Speaker Bryan Cutlers spokesman, Mike Straub, said the financial-interest disclosures are a good starting point." Other pieces of the package were discussed in budget negotiations with Senate leadership and the governor, but the rest will now go through the regular committee process, possibly later this year. Neither Straub nor Jason Thompson, spokesman for Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, said they could pinpoint who inserted the language for the equity reports into the second and final version of the Administrative Code, one of several technical bills required for passing the annual budget. Its an issue that is important to both [Corman] and [Cutler], and getting a greater level of transparency on the books as soon as possible is something that appealed to all sides in negotiations, Thompson said. At a news conference earlier this year, Cutler appeared to take on lobbyists and special interests when he said constituents can never be silenced or manipulated by those who attempt to use access, influence, relationships or money to sway the Legislature. Its unclear what kinds of financial relationships will be unearthed with the new requirement, which is described as equity reporting in the law. Lobbyists currently must report a list of the companies or sometimes nonprofits or government entities they lobby for along with the dates they start and end that affiliation. Based on those reports alone, its impossible to know whether a lobbyist is advocating for a company they own or have any kind of financial interest in. Justin Fleming, president of the lobbyists group Pennsylvania Association for Government Relations (PAGR), said lobbyists are still waiting on guidelines from the Department of State about what they need to do to follow the new law. We want to know exactly what we have to do in order to comply with the laws and regs that are out there, Fleming said. Nobodys trying to game the system. The Package As for the rest of the bill package, Fleming said PAGR is willing to work with legislators to hopefully find some common ground. A public affairs committee within the organization which represents 151 lobbyists in 115 organizations was reviewing the bills but wasnt ready to discuss their specific positions yet, said Fleming, who lobbies for the nonprofit Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. With movement on the bills expected this fall, some of them will likely face fierce opposition from both the lobbyist-filled corners of the Capitol and from good-government advocates who have long called for strict reform measures. Changes proposed in the bills include banning lobbyists who go on to work as employees in the Legislature from being lobbied for one year. Another would ban state entities like the Legislature or administrative agencies from contracting lobbyists to influence another state entity. Among the new reporting requirements, lobbyists would need to file conflict reports detailing conflicts between clients, and financial assistance reports to show any payment after lobbying successfully for a state or local grant that uses state funding. It would also cap lobbyists or firms from collecting more than $10,000 for helping win such grants. Other disclosure-related changes come from a 2019 report produced by the House Government Oversight Committee, which Rep. Seth Grove chaired at the time. A bill now sponsored by Grove would make lobbyists, not their clients, responsible for reporting expenses incurred during actual lobbying activities a step to more accurately depict what lobbyists spend on influencing elected officials. His bill would also change the lobbying registration fee structure and the Department of States audit process, which is intended to check compliance with expense reporting deadlines and amounts but has serious flaws, according to the 2019 report. The report found, for example, that the current audit process would not be able to identify cases of under-reporting expenses, and that firms are not audited frequently enough. Instead of the department conducting biennial audits of 3% of lobbying registrants, the bill would require the department to create an audit process based on factors that focus on risk of noncompliance. Audits would also be released publicly instead of being considered confidential by law. Campaigning & lobbying Another major change comes at the intersection of lobbying and campaigning. For the first time, campaign consultants would need to register with the Department of State, and no person could lobby an elected official for whom they also served as a campaign consultant during their most recent election, or after having a financial interest in that officials campaign consultant. Critics have targeted the practice of campaign consultants helping elect and then lobby officials once theyre in office, saying it gives them unfair influence over legislative business. Two Harrisburg-based firms in particular have, in addition to lobbying, worked as the primary campaign fundraisers and managers for dozens of Republican legislators, including for the leaders now pushing for reform. One Long, Nyquist & Associates was founded by and staffed with former top legislative aides. The other, known as The Mavericks, is actually a trio of companies founded by Ray Zaborney, who is Cormans longtime top political adviser. Zaborney de-registered as a lobbyist in April in anticipation of Cormans reforms, he told The Caucus and Spotlight PA in May. These new rules being offered to lobbyists may seem major but they will do what we were elected to do, represent our constituents and our districts, not unelected bureaucrats and outside money, Rep. Joe Kerwin, a Dauphin County Republican and one of the prime sponsors of the campaign consultants bill, said during the news conference in May. Cutler, responding to a question at the same news conference, said he and the other sponsors are looking for a very clear separation between campaign operatives and lobbying firms. Still, the bill as written would not explicitly ban a single person from registering as both a lobbyist and a campaign consultant. A lobbyist or principal may not: Engage in lobbying a state official or a state employee on the state officials staff after serving as a campaign consultant for the state official or after having a pecuniary interest in a campaign consultant that rendered campaign consulting services for the state official, the bill reads. The ban would apply only for the term that the official was elected to when campaign consulting services were provided. The intention is to force people to choose between lobbying or campaigns, said Mike Straub, Cutlers spokesman. But there are concerns that may enter us into some constitutional gray area about what we can and cannot tell people about the jobs they choose to work, he said. The bill would also still allow firms to provide both lobbying and campaign services as long as the other prohibitions on individual employees are followed. That means a group like the Mavericks, which has claimed to have strict firewalls in place to prevent the overlapping of lobbying and campaign services, would still be able to set up their organization to play both sides. House Democrats, who previously introduced a nearly identical bill, are already taking issue with that allowance. They changed the definition of campaign consultant from person to individual, spokesman Bill Patton said, comparing the Republican bill to House Democratic Leader Joanna McClintons version. Those words have different meanings in the law and the Republican bill would still allow the same firms to combine campaign consulting with lobbying simply by using different individuals for each function. House Democrats want to put a true separation between doing campaign work and lobbying. In Pennsylvania statutes, a person can refer to a corporation or firm in addition to an individual, whereas an individual refers only to an individual person, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. That means the word change in the bill would allow firms people under the law to still provide both lobbying and campaign services. Neither the Republican or Democratic versions address another way lobbyists influence campaigns: donations to lawmakers political action committees, which operate under no campaign contribution limits in Pennsylvania. Small and large firms alike use PACs to donate directly to candidates campaigns or to the party-affiliated PACs that benefit them, like the House Republican Campaign Committee or the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee. At least 50 groups registered as lobbying firms with the Department of State operate 67 PACs, according to a Caucus review of the states lobbying reporting database. Some spend only a few thousand dollars per cycle while others dish out tens of thousands. Straub, speaking for House Republicans, said restricting those PACs would likely raise constitutional questions regarding freedom of association. House Democrats spokesman Patton said focusing on campaign consulting is a much more direct involvement than groups or individuals who simply donate in support of candidates. What's missing Negotiations later this summer and fall will likely lead to amendments as lawmakers, lobbyists and the governors administration haggle over the language. House and Senate leaders may need to come to some agreements first, as both are now introducing separate versions of the reforms. Despite Cutler and Corman initially announcing the plan together, House Republicans introduced their bills in June while Senate Republicans have, as of The Caucus publishing deadline, yet to put forth their package. An outline of the Senate bills obtained in advance by The Caucus shows the Senates package will include five as opposed to the Houses 11 bills and will largely overlap with the House versions. Meanwhile, other measures long sought after by reformers are still missing in the bill package but could also come up later in negotiations, such as a ban on gifts between lobbyists and legislators. Both sides currently need to disclose gifts only when they reach a certain dollar threshold $250 for gifts and $650 for expenses for transportation and hospitality. I do think that that could very well come up as part of the discussion, Cutler said in May when asked about the gift ban. The bills will also need to include significant enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency, said Khalif Ali, executive director of the good-government group Common Cause Pennsylvania. Ali said he applauded the House bills as an initial step. Transparency in lobbying and campaign finance tell voters a story of why decisions are being made, and without enough details or real-time reporting right now, were not able to do that, he said. We know theres diminishing confidence in democracy as a political system here, Ali said, referring to the 2020 election and other decisions by elected officials. These types of bills and movements are absolutely critical in bolstering confidence in our democracy. We cant do things for show. Mike Wereschagin contributed to this report. Follow Sam Janesch on Twitter @samjanesch. The Caucus is on Twitter @CaucusPA. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The United States and the United Kingdom joined Israel on Sunday in alleging Iran carried out a fatal drone strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, putting further pressure on Tehran as it denied being involved in the assault. Calling it a unlawful and callous attack, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his country and its allies planned a coordinated response over the strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken soon followed, saying there was no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior. The strike on the Mercer Street marked the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran and its militia allies have used so-called suicide drones in attacks previously, which crash into targets and detonate their explosive payloads. However, Israel, the U.K. and the responding U.S. Navy have yet to show physical evidence from the strike or offer intelligence information on why they blame Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett went further than Blinken and Raab in his remarks Sunday at a Cabinet meeting, making a point to stare directly into the camera and slowly warn: We know, at any rate, know how to convey the message to Iran in our own way. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The blast killed two crew members from the United Kingdom and Romania. The Navy said the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher had escorted the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port. On Sunday, satellite-tracking information from MarineTraffic.com showed the tanker stopped off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. In his statement, Raab said it was highly likely Iran attacked the tanker with one or more drones. We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted and a clear violation of international law by Iran, he said. Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. Blinken similarly described the U.S. as confident Iran carried out the attack, using multiple drones. These actions threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of those on the vessels involved, he said in a statement. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh described the allegation Iran carried out the attack as baseless." Its not the first time that the Zionist regime occupying Jerusalem has made such empty accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khatibzadeh said. Wherever this regime has gone, it has taken instability, terror and violence with it. He added: Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind. Khatibzadeh spoke around an hour after Irans outgoing president acknowledged that his government at times did not tell part of the truth to the public during his term. From Jerusalem, Bennett offered condolences to both the United Kingdom and Romania for the killing of their citizens. He said Israeli intelligence had evidence linking Iran to the attack, but did not offer it. Iran is the one who carried out the attack against the ship, he said. Irans aggressive behavior is dangerous not only for Israel, but harms global interests in the freedom of navigation and international trade. Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults. Shipping in the region began being targeted in the summer of 2019, about a year after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers. Israel meanwhile has been suspected of conducting a series of major attacks in Iran and on Iranian shipping. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman. The Mercer Street, owned by Japan's Taihei Kaiun Co., is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern Indian Ocean, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The attack marks the first major confrontation with Iran for Bennett, who took over as premier in June after a coalition deal unseated Israels long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is suspected of launching a series of attacks targeting Iran, including explosions at the countrys main enrichment site and the killing of a prominent military nuclear scientist. However, Bennett as well has made hawkish comments in the past about needing to attack the head of the octopus in Tehran as opposed to Irans regional militias like Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack on the Mercer Street marks the first during his time as prime minister and analysts suggest he could seek a major attack in retaliation. Israel may wish to deliver a resounding blow; thats the spirit of political sources comments in Jerusalem, wrote Amos Harel, a longtime military analyst for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. This blow will be aimed at ending things without a tit-for-tat that could escalate. But as usual, events also depend on the other side. Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Ilan Ben Zion and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. MAZIKOY, Turkey (AP) Wildfires raged near Turkeys holiday beach destinations of Antalya and Mugla and in the surrounding countryside for a fifth day Sunday as the discovery of more bodies raised the death toll to eight while villagers lost their homes and animals. Residents and tourists fled the danger in small boats while the coast guard and two navy ships waited out at sea in case a bigger evacuation was needed. Fires also enveloped Mugla provinces Mazikoy, and villagers who evacuated were devastated. Farmer Nurten Almaz said she lost everything. I feel so much pain, like I lost a child, she said. The 63-year-old woman lost her animals and her home as well as one century of peoples labor. She called for the death penalty for people who may have caused the fire. Residents had to flee nearby Cokertme village as flames neared. Some got on boats and others left by cars as the fire got closer and closer. In one video, firetrucks and cars were rushing to escape fire raging on all sides. After nightfall, the village looked apocalyptic from a distance, with flames taking over the dark hills. Bodrum mayor Ahmet Aras said Sunday evening that people experienced hell near Cokertme and Mazi as they drove away from the fire. He said the blaze could not be stopped and hoped to protect residential areas but said it was too late for the trees. The area was engulfed by Sunday night, Turkish broadcasters said. Reporters said they had to get hurry to safety as the fire intensified with strong winds. Officials said precautions were being taken to protect two thermic power plants in the vicinity and at present the winds were blowing away from the plants. Authorities warned tourists and residents to keep evacuating Turunc, a town in the seaside resort of Marmaris in Mugla province. Fires enveloped the area and strong winds made firefighting efforts more difficult. A helicopter attempted to extinguish the blazes, which were unreachable by land. Aerial firefighting was not possible Sunday night and the fires raged, burning hectares (acres) of forests. Forestry official Mustafa Ozkaya said units continued to fight fires strategically, digging ditches and taking other measures. He said eight planes and 50 helicopters would fly in Mugla on Monday. The European Commission announced it helped mobilized one firefighting Canadair plane from Croatia and two from Spain to aid Turkey. Planes from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran have been helping. Watching from out in the Mediterranean Sea, the area looked a bright orange. As residents of villages around Marmaris pleaded for more help on social media, people boarded small boats carrying suitcases. Others waited anxiously to see if the fire would come down to the shore. High temperatures and strong winds were making matters worse. Antalya registered 42 degrees Celsius (over 107 degrees Fahrenheit), about 5 to 6 degrees C higher than seasonal averages. Earlier Sunday, police water cannons, usually used to control riots, helped helicopters and fire trucks in Muglas popular district of Bodrum to fight fires. Turkish television showed fires had reignited after being extinguished earlier, with flame and smoke approaching a village. Social media videos showed tourists in Bodrum scampering down streets rolling their luggage to escape the nearby flames. The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said at least 27 people affected by the fires were still receiving treatment in hospitals while hundreds of others had been released. The minister of forestry and agriculture, Bekir Pakdemirli, said 117 wildfires were under control across Turkey while eight continued. His tweets showed that since Wednesday, wildfires had ignited in 32 provinces. While Turkish authorities say they are investigating whether the fires may have started as sabotage by outlawed Kurdish militants, experts mostly point to climate change along with accidents caused by people. Erdogan said one of the fires was started by children. A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western Greece, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames. On Sunday afternoon, bathers on an Italian beach south of the Adriatic city of Pescara fled when they spotted towering clouds of smoke and flames from a fire in a nearby pine forest, the Italian news agency LaPresse reported. Several people were reportedly injured when they tried to put out wind-whipped flames that had reached their homes. Local officials told state TV that an elderly home in Pescara had to be evacuated. Meanwhile, in Turkeys eastern Van province, floods over the weekend destroyed at least six houses after a small river overflowed amid heavy rains. Villagers were ordered to leave their homes and climb to higher locations. Bilginsoy reported from Istanbul. Robert Badendieck in Istanbul and Frances DEmilio in Rome contributed to this report. Follow all AP stories about climate change issues at https://apnews.com/hub/Climate. In December 1972, as he neared completion of his monumental trilogy on the American Civil War, author Shelby Foote wrote to his friend and fellow novelist Walker Percy about the nature of power. Poised to write about Abraham Lincolns assassination and the Civil Wars end, Foote observed: Power doesnt so much corrupt; thats too simple. It fragments, closes options, mesmerizes. More than a mere caution, Footes words serve today as an instruction for our current political crisis and the impulse toward authoritarian absolutism that silences dissent and paralyzes the frayed remnants of the grand old party of Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. When U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, the daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney both of whom have impeccable conservative credentials is ostracized for supporting a congressional inquiry into what happened Jan. 6, we know something is awry. Cheney and fellow Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois faced down their critics and stood up for the police when hearings opened last Tuesday, further incurring the wrath of caucus leaders like Kevin McCarthy and Steve Scalise. Politics aint beanbag Rather than bring an end to American carnage, as he promised in his 2017 inaugural address, former President Donald Trump and his allies have wittingly unleashed chaos in a self-serving barrage of lies, misrepresentations and outright assaults on American democracy. The American project is battered and our political institutions indeed, our public life are fragmented. A skeptic would ask, Are we witnessing the slumbering tide of decay and the degradation of democratic impulses? Sure, politics aint beanbag, Irish American ward bosses used to say, referring to the lies, deceits and shenanigans of partisan electioneering back in the day. As we are reminded, politics is a full-contact sport, but what we are experiencing today is of a different order. Any sense of shared humanity and mutual welfare has been plundered, and the crippling effect on state and national governance bespeaks the fragmentation Foote warned against. I once had a corporate boss who counseled, Dont take anything for granted. This was sound advice in customer relations and in the relationships that comprise our personal and public life. Have we gotten to the point where we take notions of liberty, justice and freedom for granted? Why are so many people resigned to malaise and myopia, and expect so little of elected officials, while excusing the most egregious insults to integrity and decency? The foreshadowing Just weeks after the 2017 presidential inauguration, Trump strategist Steve Bannon appeared at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference and offered an analysis of the new administrations agenda and guiding principles. Bannon celebrated the third pillar of Trumpian governance, what he called the deconstruction of the administrative state. Channeling his boss, Bannon made no secret of a desire not only to deregulate, but collapse, the architecture of the modern democratic enterprise. This was the Trumpian promise, and Bannon invited his approving audience to join the cause, if they had not yet done so. These developments may seem but distant memories, but they foreshadowed events to come in the public sphere. In retrospect, too many people across the ideological spectrum did not take such sentiments seriously, and we now live with the consequences. It seems that in Washington, D.C., and in many state capitols as well as in county offices incessant bickering thwarts the ability of elected officials to enact substantive policies that address the everyday problems facing large numbers of Pennsylvanians and other Americans. In very concrete ways, the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, which created anarchy while attempting to obstruct the Electoral College ballot count to stop the steal was the logical result of an ideology of anti-government deconstruction. In its extremism the mob went far beyond the notion made popular by Reagan that government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. The insurrectionists saw government as the enemy of the people. And now, the continued assertions of election fraud, and the rancor over the U.S. House select committee investigating Jan. 6, serve only to fuel the flames of acrimony and animosity. Dismantle and divert are the operative verbs in a well-financed campaign to deny the reality of what occurred that January day and the rally the night before. But at what cost? To hell and back In her opening statement at last Tuesdays hearing, Congresswoman Cheney said bluntly, No member of Congress should now attempt to defend the indefensible, obstruct this investigation or whitewash what happened that day. The effort by some Republicans to treat the Jan. 6 investigation as just another partisan fight, Congressman Kinzinger concluded in emotional terms, is toxic and its a disservice. But it was the four law enforcement officers themselves who offered the most unsettling testimony of the carnage and disorder instigated by pro-Trump forces that day. The physical violence we experienced was horrific and devastating, Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell tearfully recounted. I feel like I went to hell and back to protect (my fellow citizens) and the people in this room, D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone said. But too many are now telling me that hell doesnt exist or that hell actually wasnt that bad. The indifference shown to my colleagues is disgraceful. In more measured terms, Capitol Police Sgt. Harry Dunn and D.C. Officer Daniel Hodges echoed the same sentiments, and their fear of being killed by the mob. Dunn recounted in painful detail the racial epithets hurled at him. Previously unreleased video illustrated the willful violence to prevent the democratic process from moving forward. Hodges, who was seen in a viral video being crushed between doors as he was viciously attacked, made clear that it was terrorists and not tourists who invaded the citadel of American democracy on Jan. 6. Is there any doubt our civic discourse and public institutions are fragmented, and our ability to find common ground on matters of consequence that affect public welfare has been broken and desperately needs healing? Rising health disparities, crumbling infrastructure, enduring social disharmony, the neglect of the most vulnerable and the constant drumbeat of baseless election fraud claims are outward manifestations of an internal fragmentation in core beliefs in liberty, equality and freedom. Improvements in personal investment portfolios, it turns out, are incomplete measures of effective government and individual and collective success. The common good In his 1934 novel You Cant Go Home Again, Thomas Wolfe wrote: The enemy is single selfishness and compulsive greed. The Trumpian effort to deconstruct the administrative state has made many individuals wealthy, while contributing to deepening poverty and social insecurity for others. Fealty has its rewards. This is the nature of authoritarian absolutism and its insistence on unquestioning loyalty as the first condition of business in the business of governance. Insults, recrimination and abandonment are the price one pays for resisting the tide of demagoguery. Look at Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzingers ordeal in recent months. Fears a powerful thing, Bruce Springsteen wrote, and it is fear driven by self-interest that ensures the triumph of a conspiracy of silence by those who should know better. Thomas Wolfe wondered, and I do, too, if America has come to an end and a beginning. Are we facing the end of the American empire, knowing full well that empires collapse due to internal as well as external forces? This is a troubling question, indeed, but one worth our attention. Recalling Shelby Footes warning about power, the only option is the establishment of common ground based on shared principles, reasoned judgment and a willingness to listen to those who hold contrary opinions. I also think moderation and a sense of decency and decorum must carry the day in public policy debates, and elected officials have to be held accountable for their misconduct. We as citizens must reject authoritarian absolutism in favor of a common good that respects the rights and dignity of all citizens. This requires leadership and resolve, and it requires a new yardstick for what constitutes effective and humane government. It requires political will, but that is just the start. Dennis B. Downey, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of history at Millersville University. His most recent publication is Pennhurst and the Struggle for Disability Rights (Penn State Press 2020). In 2020, school became a two-dimensional computer screen and something closer to a do-it-yourself project for kids around the globe. The shift to virtual learning, necessitated by efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19, brought on social ramifications that were harmful for some children, less so for others, but disruptive for all. For many, a return to education as it was the three-dimensional, in-person variety is fervently hoped for. In addition to the benefits of in-person instruction, going back to the classroom could have the side effect of being a boon in the fight against COVID-19. This pandemic has helped to highlight ongoing, significant health and education disparities between communities in our country. In-person school helps to decrease some of those disparities. But just as the moves to protect students by keeping them at home required them to weather some detrimental effects, their return this fall to in-person learning carries new risks. The two most important ways to protect your child from the dangers of returning to the in-person classroom this fall: One, get vaccinated. And if theyre old enough, get your children vaccinated. We need parents and siblings to be vaccinated. Postal carriers. The people we see in the grocery store. Everybody. Vaccination remains the most effective way of stopping the spread. Period. And two, talk with your kids. For their part, school districts should work to mitigate risk. Space constraints may make protections like social distancing impossible, but what measures can be taken masks, contact tracing, increasing cleanliness and ventilation hopefully will be enough to help prevent your child from becoming ill. Last Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their guidelines for schools planning to welcome students back this fall. The latest guidance aligns with what the American Academy of Pediatricians suggested, and it makes sense. Students and teachers vaccinated as well as unvaccinated \!q should continue to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The recent rise in a new, highly infectious strain called the delta variant is worrisome and underscores the need for precaution. Rather than forcing school administrators to parse out who has received the vaccine and who hasnt and by extension who should wear a mask and who shouldnt its just simpler to require everyone wear masks. Ask your kids how they really feel about wearing masks. In our experience, we dont hear many complaints from our pediatric patients. Sometimes, we as parents project our own feelings onto our kids. Getting to know your child is very important. That might sound simple, but some busy parents have little time for serious conversations. Every family is different. Maybe yours isnt the type to sit down for serious heart-to-hearts, and maybe youre afraid just by sitting down with your children youll worry them unduly. Make the time. Any anxiety you cause with an uncomfortable conversation pales in comparison to their potential worries about COVID-19 and the future. Be honest. Give them unvarnished facts. Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website (healthychildren.org) if you need a source of politically neutral information thats backed by science. For younger kids, just be open and honest and help guide them through everything theyre seeing in the news. When speaking with older children and teenagers, try to get more feedback. Opinions political and otherwise are just beginning to gel for them in the petri dish of junior high and high school. Find out how they feel and how what theyre hearing is shaping their opinions. Try to guide them in the right direction if you discover theyve been misinformed. Again, the better you know them, the easier it will be youll understand the boundaries. The same holds true for the social ramifications of their returns to school. Most of the kids we see havent had a good time with virtual learning. Being at home is isolating. Teachers sometimes expect kids to serve as both instructor and student. Their friends arent around. For these students, who represent the majority, the return to in-person education might be cause for celebration a return to normalcy. But not all students are the same. For some, the disruption of COVID-19, while ultimately tragic, had its plus side. Their grades soared. They felt more at ease working at home alone than with their peers. For them, the return to in-person learning could be a source of anxiety. Some may suffer from depression. If the transition back to school becomes too stressful, it might be time to speak with a mental health care provider. Our world is changing. All the social upheaval and unrest are enough to cause anyone anxiety and your children are not immune. Communicating with them is key. Helping them understand whats going on in the world is better for all of our health. In a few weeks, our kids will return to their classrooms. So take a deep breath. Keep tabs on your local school board meetings, and watch the news for updates. Remember: In-school transmission doesnt drive community transmission. It reflects community transmission. So keep the lines of communication open. And most importantly get vaccinated. - Dr. Ramnarine Boodoo is a psychiatrist with Penn State Health Medical Group. Dr. Melissa Tribuzio is a family medicine physician and pediatrician at Penn State Health Lime Spring Outpatient Center in East Hempfield Township. I participated in state Sen. Ryan Auments most recent telephone town hall. I hope many of you tune in to these events, as its important to be as knowledgeable as possible about how were being governed and to be a part of the process. Regarding our 2020 election, I hope all the participants were listening carefully when the senator told us that every county is required by law to audit its votes, and there is also a statewide audit. The state post-election audit was completed in February, sampling 63 of the 67 Pennsylvania counties. Once again: Two post-election analyses were done, and thank you, Sen. Aument, for making that information very clear. According to the commonwealths website (votespa.com), the two analyses mirrored each other within a fraction of a percentage point. That, and other information, is right there on the website for fact-checking. Its clear as day: Our states votes were audited twice and confirmed. Brenda Barnes Warwick Township EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 Afghanistan: A Turning Point in History After the Failed Regime-Change Era July 30, 2021 (EIRNS)Central Asia was once known as a land of a thousand cities. With the military withdrawal from Afghanistan, after 20 years, will the region become a crossroads for development and peace? That is the intention of Helga Zepp-LaRouche, Founder of the Schiller Institute, and it is the topic of the Schiller Institute conference taking place today at 10 a.m. EDT. A flurry of diplomatic activity is unfolding, including a Taliban visit to China, and diplomatic events in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in July and an upcoming Central Asian Summit in Turkmenistan in August. Agricultural cooperation, cultural studies and exchanges, and development policies to replace drug trafficking are relevant topics. Afghanistans neighbors and other nations with security interests in the regionRussia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, and the Central Asian Republicshave a profound interest in turning a zone of conflict, warfare and drug production (Afghanistan produces some 80% of global opium), into one of regional connectivity and peaceful growth. The Malthusian policies of geopolitics and green death threaten war and starvation, but this old paradigm, which opposes growth, particularly of rivals, can be swept away with the promise of a better future already being delivered through the renaissance of infrastructure growth and physical economic productivity that has lifted Chinas population entirely out of severe poverty, and which points the way toward realizing, today, the World Land-Bridge proposals developed and advocated by Lyndon LaRouche and Helga Zepp-LaRouche over the last three decades. The reality check provided by blackouts and flooding make clear that a protected human environment comes through increasing our involvement in developing a nurturing, synthetic, crafted environment. Protecting natural rivers means floods and droughts, while improving water systems means stability, electricity, and plenty. Solar power was all we had 200 years ago (wind, water, and agriculture are all solar-powered), and our expanding life expectancies, improving health, and growing culture have come about through decreasing our reliance on the Sun and fickle weather. The green, geopolitical chaos promoted by the British Empire can now be overcome, and Afghanistan can serve as the theater of world history where a new course of human development is charted. We face an extraordinary moment, of further descent into chaos, or the beautiful potential of Afghanistan becoming the seed-crystal of a new era of international cooperation so desperately needed in the wake of growing disease and famine worldwide, begins the Schiller Institute conference invitation. Just as the collapse of the Soviet Union marked the end of an erathe division of the world into nuclear armed blocs hostile to one anotherso also the utter failure of the 20-year misadventure of the United States and NATO in Afghanistan, and in the other failed colonial wars in Southwest Asia, poses the question: Can the great nations of the world cooperate in the transformation of Afghanistan, and the other war-torn nations, into modern economies, participating in co-operative development through the New Silk Road process, exemplified by Chinas Belt and Road Initiative? Leading voices, from veterans groups and whistleblowers, to experts on the danger of global narcotics plague and on international political relations, will join Helga Zepp-LaRouche in dialogue, to impel the United States and Europe to join the growing international cooperation that is coming together. We can use this opportunity to make the turn from 50 years of failed policies, and instead to embark on the path required to achieve a new paradigm for mankind. Keynoted by Helga Zepp-LaRouche and moderated by Dennis Speed, the conference will feature top-level speakers from the UN, Afghanistan, the United States, Pakistan, China, Iraq, and Europe. Share it with your friends and colleagues, and join the collaboration to build a new paradigm. Here is a partial list of speaker: EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2021 Schiller Institute Afghanistan Conference: Circulate a Common Interest Development Program Right Away July 31, 2021 (EIRNS)Today the Schiller Institute brought together in a five-hour intense discussion at an international virtual conference, diplomats and experts from many nations, including Afghanistan, Russia, China, Pakistan, the United States, Italy and others, on the theme: Afghanistan: A Turning Point in History After the Failed Regime-Change Era. Helga Zepp-LaRouche (Germany), President and founder of the Schiller Institute, who has been leading a process of institutional and informal dialogue for the past 18 months, said at the conclusion of todays event, that we now have a perspective of where to go. The priority is to put development on the table, which will be difficult to refuse by anyone, and give all the support possible to make it happen. The last speaker of the day, Hussein Askary (Sweden), Southwest Asia Coordinator for the Schiller Institute, put it forcefully, that we must make development the first item in any talks, not the last. He warned, Keep the warlords and the British out! Askarys presentation, which covered concrete aspects of development, was titled, Put Afghanistan on the Belt and Road to Peace. The event was opened by Moderator Dennis Speed (USA), who said that the deliberations would change the usual conception of war or peace, to partake of the diplomacy of formulating policies for mutual understanding and development. He introduced a short 1985 video by statesman-economist Lyndon LaRouche making the point, with reference to President Abraham Lincolns record, that the power of infrastructure transforms an economy. Zepp-LaRouches opening remarks stressed that we are at a special moment in history, where geopolitical confrontation must be ended, and a new paradigm begunnot only for Eurasian integration and prosperity, but for universal history. She showed the beautiful Golden Mask artifact, to make the point of the 5,000 year history of the Central Asian region. Playing a lead role in the discussion from beginning to end was Professor Pino Arlacchi (Italy), who participated from Italy. Currently Sociology Professor at the Sassari University, he was Executive Director of the UN Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention (1997-2002) and former European Parliament Rapporteur on Afghanistan. He spoke on, Eradicate Opium in Afghanistan, Develop Modern Agriculture, Build the Nation, Now. He described his original plan which by 2001 had nearly eliminated opium poppy growing in Afghanistan, which then was reversed under the ensuing years from 2001 of U.S. and NATO military operations. Arlacchi again proposed a plan in 2010, which was thwarted by the EU, Britain and the U.S. Today, Afghanistan is the source of over 80% of the worlds opium drugs. Arlacchi laid out what can and must be done today. The needed approach uses alternative agriculturesupporting farmers to switch to other crops, and similar realistic methods. Arlacchi stressed how relatively inexpensive this is, given the huge leverage by the drug cartels. Farmers in Afghanistan might get $300 to 350 million for their opium crop, which then is worth $20 billion to organized crime in Europe. There are many alternative crops of great use and value, for example saffron. The diplomats presented a sweeping picture of the present situation. Ambassador Hassan Shoroosh (Afghanistan), Afghanistans ambassador to Canada, spoke from Ottawa, saying that there is a new chapter of partnership ahead, which must be worked out. His talk was, The Way Forward for Afghanistan. He said that his country is positioned to serve as a land-bridge in Eurasia, and reviewed in detail various transportation corridors, from the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, to the Five Nations Railway route. Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva (Russia) spoke from New York City, where she is Deputy Permanent Representative at the Mission of the Russian Federation to the UN. Her presentation was titled, Russias Outlook for Afghanistan and Eurasia. She stressed that the goal is stability, and there is no military solution. There are important frameworks among the neighbors in the region, including the CSTO and SCO and bilateral relations. There is a special role for the extended troika, which has been in place for many years. There are meetings coming up in the near future. Transport and infrastructure are of great significance. Dr. Wang Jin (China), Fellow at The Charhar Institute, spoke on the topic, Afghanistan and the Belt and Road Initiative. He presented four key aspects of Chinas concerns: 1) that there are no spillover impacts of instability; 2) that there is a future of advancement for Afghanistan; 3) that extremism and terrorism do not gain ground; and 4) that China and Afghanistan have positive ties. From Pakistan, Mr. Hassan Daud spoke. He is the CEO of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Board of Investment & Trade. He pointed out that Afghanistan is one of the least integrated economically in the Central and South Asian region, after these decades of strife. He spoke of the great economic spillover that will ensue, with Pakistan leveraging its position and resources to become a logistical hub, and extending benefits to Afghanistan through the Belt and Road flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the BRI. We must have the spirit of the ancient Silk Road again. He called for more seminars on this, involving scholars, chambers of commerce and others. From the United States, Ray McGovern spoke. He is a former analyst at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, and cofounder of the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS). Addressing the topic, The Real Interest of the United States in Asia, he made many strong points, including that there must be accountability for the string of military commanders who lied about what the U.S. was doing in Afghanistan, also in Iraq and elsewhere. He dramatically pointed out that there werent even competent situation estimates that should have been done, about terrain, weather, LOCSlines of communications and supplies, and other standard assessments of what the U.S. is doing in places. In 2010, the U.S. Navy logistics was paying $400 a gallon to put gas in the tanks of military vehicles in Afghanistan! He hit hard at the racism involved in presuming you can do anything, anywhere; he quoted Kipling. Many others were involved in the two question and answer discussions, with important exchanges over key topics. For example, Earl Rasmussen, Vice President of the Eurasian Society, raised the point of the necessity to build trust. Dr. Stephen Fischer, an American physician, reported on a year he spent in public health in Afghanistan, working with a provincial reconstruction team. Zepp-LaRouche stressed many times, that in the context of the prolonged pandemic, it is imperative that we move in Afghanistan, and everywhere, for public health and modern medical care infrastructure. Dr. Walter Faggett and Maj. Gen. Peter Clegg (ret.), both with the Committee for the Coincidence of Opposites were able to join the first Q&A discussion. Alaha Ahrar, CEO of Kindness Sharing Project called in from Virginia to ask what would happen to the gains women had made in Afghanistan, if the Taliban should take power? Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva made a concluding point, that it is important to rise above geopolitics. She said that in Russia, at all levels, Including President Putin, we are ready for cooperation. Helga Zepp-LaRouche called on the panelists, and anyone in the viewing audience, to contribute to the development program perspective under discussion, and mobilize. Professor Arlacchi, who has a new book out, Against Fear: Violence Is Diminishing, The True Threats to World Peace (in Italian) gave parting words that, peace is stronger than war. Lets be more courageous. Not a victim of huge deceptions. The full conference is archived for viewing (a partial transcript appears in this briefing). Now is the time to join the Schiller Institute. From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. With some foods, people can easily get confused about the correct names. For example, some might say yam when they actually mean a sweet potato. Is there any difference between shrimp and prawn? If a dish needs condensed milk, can you use evaporated milk instead? Well, one woman decided to answer these questions and many more in a new book called Whats the Difference? Recreational Culinary Reference for the Curious and Confused. Writer Brette Warshaw recently spoke with the Associated Press. In her book, she explains the difference between jam and jelly, between broth and stock. She also explores how pie differs from tart. I feel like this hopefully can help fill in the gaps for people, Warshaw said. And even if they do know the difference, hopefully theres some other fun facts they can take away to make their knowledge more well-rounded. In one explanation, she describes the difference between Parmesan -- a kind of dried cheese sold in the U.S. -- and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Parmigiano-Reggiano is a cheese that comes from a certain area in Italy and is prepared to meet specific standards. Parmesan, on the other hand, does not have such standards. In fact, it does not even have to be 100 percent cheese, Warshaw said. She added that all sorts of stuff could be passing as Parmigiano-Reggiano and its definitely not the same thing. However, Warshaw says she is not criticizing the use of such a product. In fact, her boyfriend uses Parmesan on his pizza, and she still plans to marry him. The crime is not actually eating it, she said. If you want to eat it and you like it, no judgment there. She says she just wants people to use the right name. Sometimes Warshaws research discovered no difference between commonly confused foods. For example, readers may be shocked to discover that button, cremini, and Portobello mushrooms are all the same kind of mushroom. Or they may be surprised to find out that shrimp and prawns are completely different creatures, but they taste about the same. She said that is an interesting example. There is definitely a difference between shrimp and prawn. But in the end, she said, it doesn't really matter. However, do not confuse condensed milk with evaporated milk. They are not used in the same way. The book began in 2018 when Warshaw started researching the differences between all kinds of things. For example, she explored the differences between sea lions and seals. She also wondered whether balconies and terraces were the same. She said, I had been debating with friends about the difference between a sweet potato and a yam and realized I didnt know the difference. And, she said she was kind of upset by that. Karen Rinaldi is senior vice president and publisher at Harper Wave. As she worked on the book project, Rinaldi advised Warshaw to write only about confusing food terms. Rinaldi cooks all the time and still finds things confusing, like the differences between different types of beer: IPA, pale ale, and pilsner. However, the description she most enjoys is about these baked goods: cobblers, crisps and crumbles. The publisher added that the explanation helped her answer a question she had long asked. Many people have questions about a common cooking item: oil. Is there a difference between canola and corn oils? What about grapeseed, peanut, safflower and vegetable oils? She found out that the kind of oil may not make much of a difference when cooking with it. Something that a lot of people maybe dont know is that any sort of neutral oil is pretty much fine for the same sort of purpose, she said. Rinaldi told the AP that one goal of the book is to make cooking a bit easier. She said if you know the basics, you know what can be used in place of something else. One unanswered question still bothers Warshaw: What is the difference between frosting, icing, and glaze? They are all sugary toppings that go on sweet baked goods. But all her research has not yet given her a good explanation. She said the answer might be that there is no answer. But that is a tough thing to accept, she admits. So, she says she will continue trying to get to the bottom of that food mystery. And that's the Health & Lifestyle report, Im Anna Matteo. Mark Kennedy reported this story for the Associated Press. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor. _________________________________________________________ Words in This Story confused adj. unable to think clearly or understand something condensed milk n. a thick and very sweet milk from which water has been removed evaporated milk n. milk that has been made thicker by removing some of the water from it and is often used to make sweet dishes fill in the gaps idiom. to add what is needed to make something complete standard n. a level of quality that is considered acceptable stuff n. materials, supplies, or equipment neutral adj. having no strongly marked characteristics of features the basics n. the most important facts, skills or needs For months, China has been increasing restrictions on private companies operating in the country. Here are the industries facing new measures: Education In education, measures began on Saturday barring private, for-profit tutoring companies from raising investments outside the country. The new rules also said tutoring centers must operate as non-profit organizations. They also cannot offer subjects already taught in public day schools or hold classes on weekends or holidays. Chinas competitive higher education system has made tutoring services very popular with parents. Private tutoring is a $120 billion industry in the country and includes several companies based overseas. But to increase the nations slow birthrate, the government has been trying to lower the cost of raising children. Online finance In November, China's banking regulators put out draft rules calling for stronger controls for online lending. The company Ant Group is a major lender. Ant Group is a part of the larger Alibaba Group, a Chinese company specializing in technology, finance and online product sales. The rules set limits for online loans between provinces and put a limit on loan amounts for individuals. In April, the regulator demanded that Ant Group separate its payment business from its personal finance business. Online commerce Regulators have also cracked down on traditional online commerce, or product sales. In April, the State Administration of Market Regulation fined Alibaba Group $2.75 billion. It was the companys highest fine yet. The regulator says Alibaba had been preventing its product sellers from selling their goods on other websites. The regulator has also fined smaller companies for their practices related to consumer rights and labor. In May, it fined the company JD.com 300,000 yuan for publishing false information about its food products. JD.com is a major competitor of Alibaba. This week, the regulator ordered China's food drop-off companies to provide better protection for workers. Ride sharing In June, the Cyberspace Administration of China, or CAC, told top ride-sharing company Didi Chuxing to stop taking new users. At first, the regulator named violations of consumer privacy as a reason for barring new riders. Later it put out separate draft rules for other Chinese companies to run a security check before listing stocks overseas. A CAC investigation led to a fine of 500,000 yuan for Didi and other companies for not reporting their takeovers of smaller companies. Bitcoin In May, three financial regulators widened rules on China's cryptocurrency industry. They barred banks and online payment companies from use of cryptocurrency for payment or legal settlement. They also barred companies from providing exchange services between cryptocurrencies and national moneys, among other rules. In the following weeks came measures from provincial governments to prevent bitcoin mining. Those measures caused a series of mining closures around the country. Chinese newspaper Global Times predicts that 90 percent of mining operations will soon close. Property On Friday, China's housing ministry and seven other regulators told the property management industry to "improve order." China's economy has improved after a drop in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Officials have increased efforts to stop real estate companies from borrowing too much money this year. Other regulatory measures include borrowing limits for property developers and limits on property loans from banks. What's next? So, what might come next? Some experts say the gaming industry is next to face tough regulations. Chinas central government has continued to express concern about gaming addiction among young people. The government will likely target the many games being published without official permissions, or ones that misuse user information. That prediction comes from Rich Bishop. He is a chief executive of the Beijing-based app publisher AppInChina. In healthcare, last month the State Council urged a reduction in medicine prices for 2021. It also demanded changes to the countrys complex healthcare system. Im Alice Bryant. Reuters news agency reported this story. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story tutoring n. the act of teaching a single student draft n. a version of something (such as a document) that you make before you make the final version province n. any one of the large parts that some countries are divided into fine v. to make someone pay an amount of money as punishment for breaking the law consumer n. a person who buys goods and services cyberspace n. the online world of computer networks and the Internet stock n. a share of the value of a company which can be bought, sold, or traded as an investment cryptocurrency n. a form of digital money that is not regulated by a central bank and whose records are stored in an encrypted computer database bitcoin mining n. the process of creating new bitcoin by solving a complex mathematical puzzle real estate n. property consisting of buildings and land addiction n. a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble) app n. a computer program that performs a special function The coronavirus health crisis has caused problems for many families since taking hold last year. But some parents are thankful for one change: they are choosing to homeschool their children, even as schools plan to start in-person classes. There are many different reasons for this. The Associated Press spoke to several families. Some families have children with special educational needs. Others seek religion-based schooling or say their local schools have too many problems. They all have something in common: they tried homeschooling as a temporary measure and found that it helped their children. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in March that the percentage of households homeschooling their children rose to 11 percent by September 2020. That number was 5.4 percent just six months earlier. The increase was largest in Black households. Their homeschooling percentage rose from 3.3 percent in the spring of 2020 to 16.1 percent in the fall. Arlena and Robert Brown of Austin, Texas have three school-age children. Then the pandemic took hold. After experimenting with online learning, they decided to try homeschooling. They taught a curriculum provided by Seton Home Study School that is based on Catholic religious teachings. The homeschooling service has 16,000 students in the United States. The Browns plan to continue homeschooling for the coming year. They are pleased that they can make the curriculum fit their childrens needs. Eleven-year-old Jacoby has a condition that requires rest during the day. Riley is 10 and is considered gifted at school. And Felicity, aged 9, has a learning disability. Robert Brown is a former teacher who now advises businesses. He said he wants his children to do their best and have a solid understanding of their religion. Arlena Brown said the biggest difficulty was to unschool ourselves and understanding that homeschooling has so much freedom. She said, We can go as quickly or slowly as we need to. Race played an important part in the decision of another Black family to homeschool their 12-year-old son Dorian. Angela Valentine said Dorian was often the only Black student in his classes in public school in Chicago. He was sometimes treated unfairly by administrators and was hurt when other children stopped playing with him. As the pandemic eased, the family decided to homeschool Dorian. They are using a curriculum provided by National Black Home Educators that provides materials for each subject about African American history and culture. Valentine said making the right choices was difficult. She added, But until were really comfortable with his learning environment, well stay on this homeschool journey. Joyce Burges is co-founder and program director of National Black Home Educators. She said the 21-year-old organization had about 5,000 members before the pandemic and now has more than 35,000. Burges said many of the new families experienced difficulties, like not having internet service. These problems limited their childrens ability to use online learning during the pandemic. It got so they didnt trust anything but their own homes, and their children being with them, she said. Now theyre seeing the future, seeing what their children can do. Im Gregory Stachel. David Crary reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. _______________________________________________________ Words in This Story curriculum n. the classes and subjects that are taught by a school or college disability n. a condition (such as an illness or an injury) that damages or limits a person's physical or mental abilities comfortable adj. not having any physical unpleasant feelings; experiencing physical ease or comfort journey n. an act of traveling from one place to another- often used to represent any process that takes a long time Salmon fishermen on the West Coast of the United States are expressing increasing concern about threats to the fish population. Heat waves and drought, a long period without rain, are raising water temperatures and lowering water levels. The extreme conditions are killing wild fish from Idaho to California. Hundreds of thousands of young salmon are dying in Northern Californias Klamath River. The low water levels fuel the spread of parasites that kill the fish. A collapse of one years group of young salmon can have lasting effects on the total population. It can also shorten or stop the fishing season. Climate change is making the American West hotter and drier. and endangering the salmon fishing industry. The industry is worth about $1.4 billion dollars in California alone. The falling numbers of wild salmon catches has caused a sharp rise in price for the fish. Fisherman Mike Hudson says people are not able to spend $35 for a pound, about 450 grams, of the fish. Hudson has been catching and selling salmon at farmers markets in Berkeley for 25 years. Hudson has considered retiring and selling his 12-meter boat because business, in his words, is going to get worse from here. Winter-run Chinook salmon are born in the Sacramento River and travel hundreds of miles to the Pacific Ocean. There, they normally spend three years before returning to their birthplace to mate and lay their eggs between April and August. Unlike the autumn-run Chinook that survives almost entirely from hatchery breeding programs, the winter-run is still largely wild. Federal fisheries officials predicted in May that more than 80 percent of baby salmon could die because of warmer water in the Sacramento River. Now, state officials say that number could be higher because of a quickly drying cool water in Lake Shasta. The lake is Californias largest reservoir. It is filled to only about 35 percent capacity, federal water managers said this week. The pain were going to feel is a few years from now, said John McManus. The executive director of the Golden State Salmon Association, which represents the fishing industry, said that soon there will be no wild, naturally bred salmon in the ocean. When Lake Shasta was formed in the 1940s, it blocked access to the cool mountain rivers where fish traditionally reproduced. To ensure the survival of salmon in Lake Shasta, the U.S. government is required to keep river temperatures below 13 Celsius because salmon eggs cannot live in anything warmer. The warming water is starting to affect older fish, too. Scientists have seen some adult fish dying before they can lay their eggs. An extreme set of cascading climate events is pushing us into this crisis situation, said Jordan Traverso, an official with the California Department of Wildlife and Fish. The West has been struggling with a historic drought and recent heat waves worsened by climate change. Waterways and reservoirs that are used by millions of people and wildlife are affected. As a result, the state has been moving millions of salmon raised at hatcheries directly to the ocean each year. That way, the fish do not travel through unhealthy waterways. State and federal owned hatcheries take other measures to save the salmon. For example, they keep a genetic bank to stop inbreeding at hatcheries Fishermen and environmental groups blame water agencies for using too much water for farms. We know that climate change is going to make years like this more common, said Sam Mace, a director of Save Our Wild Salmon. The group is working to increase populations of wild salmon and other fish in the Pacific Northwest. She said federal and state agencies should be better prepared to deal with a problem they know is coming. On the Klamath River near the Oregon border, California wildlife officials decided not to release more than 1 million young Chinook salmon into the wild. Instead, it drove them to hatcheries that could hold them until river conditions improve. Scientists say the salmon population in California historically has lived through droughts in the past. But the continuing drought could destroy some runs of salmon. Were at the point where Im not sure drought is appropriate term to describe whats happening, said Andrew Rypel, a fish ecologist at the University of California, Davis. He said the West is becoming a low-water environment. Im Susan Shand. The Associated Press reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. ___________________________________________ Words in this Story parasite n. an animal or plant that lives in or on another animal or plant and gets food or protection from it hatchery - n. a place where people raise young chicken, fish, etc., from eggs evaporate v. to change from a liquid into a gas reservoir n. a usually artificial lake that is used to store a large supply of water for use in people's homes cascade v. a large amount of something that flows evolve v. to change or develop slowly often into a better, more complex, or more advanced state appropriate adj. right or suited for some purpose or situation extinction n. the state or situation that results when something (such as a plant or animal species) has died out completely We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, and visit our Facebook page. I think the Jamboree itself, it helps a lot of people on the other end of town, said Diane Farthing. But I know some people who are in this end of town and theyll come in and grumble about it. It gets really congested downtown. If youre going through, theres just lots of cars and bodies. One homeowner standing on her porch on 18th Street, right near the entrance to the festival grounds, could be heard complaining to someone on the other line of a phone call Friday morning that people had tried to park in her driveway without permission the night before. Some businesses had their parking lots cordoned off with traffic cones and yellow tape to avoid the same kind of thing from happening. John Suh, the night manager of Mr. Luckys, said that he often has to deal with the drunken crowds heading into the restaurant for a few more drinks once theyre done at the festival grounds. He also mentioned the trash that blows down the streets from parking lots turned into temporary campgrounds. Its a good festival but most of the local people, theyve kind of had it with the camping and the trash around, said Suh. Its kind of a nightmare, its crazy. (Attendees) walk around, find the restaurants for the food and theyve been drinking like crazy. Theres a lot of drunk people coming in during night time. Lewiston, ID (83501) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High around 90F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 66F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Lewiston, ID (83501) Today Sunny to partly cloudy. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High around 90F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 66F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. The pandemic turned around everything. It was really hard times, she said. We tried to survive. What makes me happy is we are still in business and I was able to keep my workers, as well. Im glad that we got through. A lot of other businesses did not. Richter remembers crying with a long-time customer about the death of his friend who often joined him for lunch at El Burrito Loco. Returning customers share news about births and graduations, new jobs and new relationships with her through the window. She has regulars who practice Spanish with her and others who come back to have lunch on visits to Madison, long after theyve retired and moved away. Richter has spent nearly half her life in the small trailer on Capitol Square. What started as an idea for how to balance work with (then) impending motherhood 20 years ago has grown into one of the most well-known and iconic food stands in the city. Im so happy to know these people, she said. I have so much history there. I have seen good, bad and sad things. Ive been so happy to see my customers come back. Every time I see one in the window, I get so happy. This is my (legacy). My history is my food cart. Its unclear whether the Legislature will attempt a veto override. Lets hope not. How awful it would be if this were the rare issue that unites Democrats and Republicans making it easier for them to cover up their own misconduct. The people of Wisconsin should not let that happen. Your Right to Know is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (wisfoic.org), a group dedicated to open government. Bill Lueders is the groups president. Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. But Capital High School has always had a special place in my heart from the beginning of my tenure five years ago. One of my best friends was a staff person up until her retirement, and Ive had the honor of getting to know Capitals staff over the years. What Ive learned is that some of our most talented, most resilient and most hard-working students attend Capital High School. Many of our Capital High Royals are wage earners for their families and have to rely on bus transportation to get to school and work. These students and their families and Capital Highs staff members deserve our warmest welcome to the Hoyt neighborhood. My family and I look forward to supporting them, walking the short distance from our home to their home, and experiencing all of their amazing talents. Its like any other job requirement, said Sheila Conroy, a partner in Lake Effect HR & Law, a Madison-based firm that specializes in employment law and human resources. If youre required to wear steel-toed boots on the job and you refuse to do so because you dont like how they look, you could be disciplined or fired for that, too. Conroy isnt suggesting all employers should follow a vax-or-vamoose course with workers. In fact, she thinks its a complicated choice that depends on many variables the nature of the workforce and workplace; navigating proper accommodations for employees with medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs; union relations; geography; and fear of losing otherwise good employees are examples. Still, for those businesses that thought a voluntary approach was going to do the trick, it has become apparent that Plan B is fast becoming an option. It was really clear from the get-go that employers could require vaccinations within established parameters, but I think most (employers) believed that with strong encouragement and some incentives, most of their employees would get the vaccine, Conroy said. There was more resistance than some employers anticipated. DESIGNATING INTERNMENT CAMP AS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE: Voting 416 for and 2 against, the House on Thursday permitted (HR 2497) the National Park System to establish the Amache National Historic Site at the Granada War Relocation Center, a Japanese American internment camp in Colorado. MAKING NATIONAL PARKS FREE FOR VETS: Voting 420 for and 0 against, the House on Thursday directed (HR 4300) the secretary of the Interior Department to make National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes free for members of the Armed Forces. SENATE FUNDING CAPITOL SECURITY AND RESETTLING AFGHAN ALLIES: Voting 98 for and 0 against, the Senate on Thursday approved (HR 3237) legislation that sets aside $1 billion for federal security services at the Capitol and $1.1 billion for humanitarian support and refugee assistance in Afghanistan. The bill also increases the number of special immigrant visas available for Afghan citizens who assisted U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan to nearly 35,000. Linfield University Spring 2021 Deans List Jackson Horner of Kimberly and Katelyn Shearer of Hailey have been named to the spring 2021 deans list at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon. The deans list identifies students who have earned a term GPA at least equivalent to a cum laude (at least 3.650 GPA) for a given semester. Gooding Student Shawna Waasdorp surprised with cash-filled backpack College of Southern Idaho student Shawna Waasdorp stopped by Zions Bank and was surprised with a backpack stuffed with $1,000 in cash by Branch Service Manager Sharon Seifert. She was one of three winners of the banks Student Banking Sweepstakes. Her name was drawn from a pool of more than 2,000 entrants, age 15 to 25, who participated in the sweepstakes by opening a Zions Bank Anytime Checking account, Young Savers account, or Visa credit card. CSI recieves donation from Daimler Corporation The College of Southern Idaho recently accepted a donation of a new 2019 Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck from Daimler Corporation. The truck, previously used for training at the Daimler Bridgeport Training Center in Logan Township, New Jersey, is valued at over $100,000 and is on loan to the college for the next 10 years. 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 Saturday. 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 couldnt 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 Boise and Ada County in southwestern Idaho. Officials with the association said the initial $15 million has been spent as well as nearly $10 million of the $175 million. Boise and Ada County have populations large enough to opt to receive and distribute federal emergency rental assistance funds themselves, which they are doing through the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authorities. That entity has distributed about $8.8 million of the $24 million the city and county have received to help nearly 1,800 households. It must use the money by the end of September 2022. How are the courts handling eviction hearings? Simply Eloped allows couples to choose among 32 destinations, including Boise, Sun Valley, New York City, Yosemite National Park, Las Vegas, New Orleans and San Francisco. A wedding in New Orleans costs between $400 and $2,950, depending on the venue and the number of services provided. The average cost of a wedding from Simply Eloped is $1,500 to $2,000, Dalley said, while a traditional wedding costs about $30,000. The pandemic, Dalley said, changed a lot of peoples minds about using a service such as Simply Eloped. Last year, small weddings became the best option for a lot of people and highlighted the sort of work that were doing, he said. It normalized it for a lot of people, where in the past it had connotations of being maybe countercultural. Now that it became so normalized in 2020, were seeing a lot of the stigmas associated with it falling away. Dalley said he didnt realize White was going to tweet about their breakup, but he wasnt upset by it. The news came after they told their employees Friday that they had broken up as a couple. Previously, they had talked about it only if someone asked. She didnt tell me she was going to tweet it out, but I figured we were going to generally move into a place where we talk about it more openly, he said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 It was easy to fall in love with Preston. The mountains were close, the sparkling clean air was intoxicating, and the people smiled as if they actually meant it. Meanwhile, I was up every morning at 5:30 so I could be on the air by 6:00 with music, weather and hog prices, which, to be honest, I read without understanding what I was talking about. To this day I dont know the difference between a barrow and a gilt. But I was a celebrityor as much of a celebrity as one can be in Preston. Back then a small towns radio station meant a lot to people. In the days before cell phones, email, and Zoom, its how we all stayed in touch. If the sheep got out of Farmer Bobs pen, someone would call me, Id mention it on the air, and folks would spend the day on the lookout for sheep on the lam. Sooner or later Id get the call to stand-down on the sheep search. And Bob says thanks to everyone for helping out! And Ive got the new Charlie Rich song coming right up!but first, dont forget: bananas are 12 cents a pound this week at O.P. Skaggs! Being a celebrity, however, isnt always glamorous. I swear the following story is true. Well, well seems the Idaho lottery is doing just fine, thank you, bringing in some $72 million in record revenue this past year, more than half of which goes directly to Idaho schools. Yet unbelievably, ten members of the House State Affairs committee voted in March to end the Powerball game after they were stampeded by rightist committee crazies to fear intrusion from foreign governments. (Associated Press, 3/10) And who might those dangerous foreign powers be? Australia and Great Britain, you know, those other democratic republics and American allies on many issues. But to members like Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, any involvement with another country leads inevitably to world socialism, ala the United Nations and reduces American national and state sovereignty. So, no lottery which allows other new nations to participate, even though Canada is already a member and has stricter gun control laws then the United States. Its hard to see how adding Great Britain and Australia would harm American sovereignty in any way, much less the limited state sovereignty of Idaho. This is yet another bogeyman dragged out to sway emotional opinion. Its an old ploy of fanatics everywhere who prey on public ignorance to advance their own one world authoritarian order. A woman who pleaded guilty to shaking a baby 35 years ago has been charged with his murder upon his recent death at age 37. Terry McKirchy, now 59 and living in Texas, was babysitting five-month-old Benjamin Dowling in Florida in 1984. The parents came home to find the baby turning blue. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome. McKirchy was charged with first-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery. She was six months pregnant at the time and accepted a plea deal whereby she would only have to go to jail on weekends until she gave birth, reported The New York Daily News. Benjamin was severely handicapped for the rest of his life. His death triggered the new charges against McKirchy. She now faces a possible life sentence. Theres just one problem. In recent decades, shaken baby syndrome has come under increasing scrutiny as an illegitimate diagnosis. One recent meta-study, for instance, was titled Insufficient Evidence for Shaken Baby Syndrome A Systematic Review. This study of studies found that the once indisputable proof that a baby was shaken the trifecta of brain bleeding, swelling and bleeding behind the eye could in fact be caused by many other issues. The Virginia RRP program will provide financial help to renters who have a valid lease agreement in their names, have a rent amount that is at or below 150% of fair market rent, have a gross household income at or below 80% of the area median income and have experienced a financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the coronavirus pandemic. Applicants are required to show proof of income, produce documentation proving a landlord-tenant relationship, a copy of the rent ledger provided by the landlord, a completed application and a Virginia W-9 form. Tenants struggling to me their rent payments are encouraged by the DHCC to contact their landlord about the program and ask them to apply on their behalf if needed. Weilnau said the level of activity in his offices has increased as the expiration deadline approached. Its ugly out there, he said. Were seeing a lot of folks coming in with pretty hefty back due balances and were hopeful that this program is going to be able to help at least some of them, but its a rough time to be doing this work. The Legal Aid Society represents tenants in court in the eviction process. The company has not publicly identified the coal mine, other than to say it is a metallurgical operation in Southwest Virginia, near the West Virginia line. Metallurgical mines produce coal that is often shipped overseas and used in the manufacture of steel. Private contractual obligations prevent disclosing the the name of the mine, Cox said. Im puzzled as to why they would omit the name of the mine if they are putting this out there in such a public way, Sims said. Metallurgical mines make up about 85% of the active coal mines in Virginia, according to the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. An official with the Metallurgical Coal Producers Association said the group does not know the location of the abatement system. While methane is vented out of all coal mines for safety reasons, there is no abatement program like the one planned by Mountain Valley in Virginia, and only three others in the United States, according to the American Carbon Registry. Lazio regional Health Commissioner Alessio DAmato told state TV that the very powerful hacking attack began just after midnight and that by early Sunday evening it was still crippling the website. He said those scheduled to receive the vaccine on Sunday would still get the injection, but that the process would be slow since all data for now must be recorded by hand. So far, some 70% of Lazio residents 12 years or older and eligible for the vaccine have been vaccinated. Nationally, 60% of Italys residents have been vaccinated. WASHINGTON -- The director of the National Institutes of Health says federal guidance urging vaccinated people to wear masks indoors in communities of high COVID-19 spread is aimed at mostly protecting the unvaccinated and immunocompromised. Dr. Francis Collins tells CNNs State of the Union that mask mandates can help as virus infections spike higher in parts of the U.S. because studies show vaccinated people can spread the virus to others. But he stressed Sunday that masks are no substitute for getting a shot, which work extremely well and reduce a persons risk of serious illness and hospitalization by 25-fold, including the delta variant. Signage stands at the ready (foreground) in case COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park reaches capacity, as cars wait in line in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, July 29, 2021. The line stretched through the park for more than a mile out to West Colonial Drive near the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Orange County is under a state of emergency as coronavirus infections skyrocket in Central Florida. The Barnett Park site is testing 1,000 people a day and has closed early in recent days due capacity limits. Credit: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday, as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials' ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. The previous peak in Florida had been 19,334 cases reported on Jan. 7, before the availability of vaccinations became widespread. The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The state's peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over a seven-day period. Deaths usually follow increases in hospitalizations by a few weeks. A group waits to get a COVID-19 test, Saturday, July 31, 2021, in North Miami, Fla. Federal health officials say Florida has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine. Credit: AP Photo/Marta Lavandier DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increasemore Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus. About 60% of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states. The Florida Hospital Association said Friday that statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations are nearing last year's peak, and one of the state's largest health care systems, AdventHealth's Central Florida Division, this week advised it would no longer be conducting nonemergency surgeries in order to free up resources for COVID-19 patients. Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld on Saturday became the latest theme park resorts in Florida to again ask visitors to wear masks indoors, with Universal also ordering its employees to wear face coverings to protect against COVID-19, which has been surging across the state. Cars line up at Miami Dade College North campus' COVID-19 testing site, Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Miami. Hospital admissions of coronavirus patients continue to soar in Florida with at least two areas in the state surpassing previous peaks reached during last summer's surge. Credit: AP Photo/Marta Lavandier All workers at Universal's Florida park on Saturday started being required to wear masks while indoors as the employees returned to practicing social distancing. The home to Harry Potter and Despicable Me rides also asked visitors to follow federal and local health guidelines by voluntarily wearing face coverings indoors. "The health and safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority," Universal said in a statement. Health officials on Friday announced that coronavirus cases in Florida had jumped 50% over the past week with COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state nearing last year's peak. SeaWorld on Saturday posted on its website that it was recommending that visitors follow recently updated federal recommendations and wear face coverings while indoors. The change in policy this week at the theme park resorts came after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that everyone wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Raquel Heres gets a COVID-19 rapid test to be able to travel overseas, Saturday, July 31, 2021, in North Miami, Fla. Federal health officials say Florida has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine. Credit: AP Photo/Marta Lavandier In this Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 file photo, park guests relax and cool off with a water mist under the globe at Universal Studios City Walk in Orlando, Fla. Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld are the latest theme park resorts in Florida to again ask visitors to wear masks indoors, with Universal also ordering its employees to wear face coverings to protect against COVID-19, which has been surging across the state. All workers at Universal's Florida park on Saturday, July 31, 2021 started being required to wear masks while indoors as the employees returned to practicing social distancing. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux Cars wait in line for COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park, in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, July 29, 2021. The line stretched through the park for more than a mile to the entrance to the Central Florida Fairgrounds. Orange County is under a state of emergency as coronavirus infections skyrocket in Central Florida. The Barnett Park site is testing 1,000 people a day and has closed early in recent days due to reaching capacity. Credit: Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP Crosstown rival Walt Disney World started requiring employees and guests older than 2 to wear masks on Friday, but it also went a step further. The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement that it will be requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. who work on site to be fully vaccinated. Disney employees who aren't already vaccinated will have 60 days to do so and those still working from home will need to show proof of vaccination before returning. Disney said it was discussing the vaccine requirements with the union, and added that all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated before starting work at the company. 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The League of Women Voters calls on the U.S. Senate to amend the filibuster rule that stands in the way of protecting our American democracy. The filibuster is an obstructionist tool a minority political party uses to halt business in the Senate by endlessly debating but never voting on a bill. American voters elected senators to legislate, and we want to see Congress pass laws. Under current rules, senators far too often abuse the filibuster to delay important legislation. According to the Brookings Institution, since 1917 when modern filibuster rules were created, there have been about 2,000 filibusters half of which took place in the last 12 years. The more frequent use of the filibuster, and the increased threat of filibusters, has paralyzed the Senate. The Senate requires 60 votes to stop a filibuster debate (cloture) and proceed to a vote, in effect nullifying majority rule and requiring a supermajority to pass legislation. To overcome the obstruction by the minority, the Senate has modified filibuster rules in the past. Between 1969 and 2014, the Senate created 161 exemptions to the cloture rules (Brookings), recognizing the filibuster was imperiling the legislative process. In 2013 the Senate allowed a simple majority vote to confirm presidential appointments and expanded simple majority confirmation to include U.S. Supreme Court nominees in 2017. We know from the 2021 legislative session that Montana Republicans, the elected variety at least, are far right politically. But are they also complicit in Republican attempts to undermine American democracy while promoting lies, conspiracy theories and other nonsense? Montana Republicans gave Donald Trump a 16-point margin in the 2020 presidential election. They elected Gov. Greg Gianforte, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Congressman Matt Rosendale, all supporters of Trump despite his being a lying, corrupt, bigoted, anti-democratic demagogue impeached for abuse of office. None have spoken out forcefully against the Big Lie that Trump and many Republicans are using to undermine confidence in U.S. elections. This should worry Montanans. Two premier international democracy tracking institutions the V-Dem Institute of Sweden and the U.S.-based Freedom House rate the current Republican Party as anti-democratic. Senior Republican Michael Gerson stated that the party under Trump might as well be called the American Fascist Party. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) says it is the American Seditionist Party, in part for its refusal to support a bipartisan investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. Both Daines and Rosendale voted against the investigation of the worst attack on American democracy in over 150 years. Its nothing short of a modern miracle that such vaccines exist and are widely available. Its also amazing to consider the way modern technology has made it possible to track and share important data. We can see, for example, that communities with high vaccination rates tend to have low infection rates. Thats because almost all 97% of new cases are among those who still havent been vaccinated. In Montana, less than half the population has been fully vaccinated. Missoula County boasts a slightly better rate, with nearly 57% of local residents having received at least one dose. But in places like Flathead County, the vaccination rate has barely passed 35%. Its about the same in our neighboring counties of Powell, Sanders and Granite. So its no surprise that in Missoula the current positive test rate is 8%, while in Flathead County, it is approaching 19%. After all those months of wearing masks and social distancing, all those sacrifices made by so many, and after seeing so much progress made over the past year, its been sickening to watch Montana add hundreds of new cases a day. Im astonished and completely bewildered that Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge (thats Grace Hospital to most of us whove been around here a while) is not requiring its employees to be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. What kind of public health care is that? There have been 170 deaths in Burke County from Covid-19; any of us might stand to be No.171 should we need emergency care, treatment or tests at the local hospital where some of the employees apparently dont want to get a shot, and their employers are not making them. The pandemic virus has all but paralyzed this country for a year and a half, and just when we thought we were about to return to a normal way of life, a variant of the virus has emerged to attack again. The surge in cases is occurring is places where vaccination rates are low. More than 95 percent of people across the country who are now being hospitalized with the virus are those who have not been vaccinated. Vaccinations have benefitted us for generations. Here in North Carolina, our school students are required to be immunized for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B and chicken pox. And it is because of these vital vaccinations that we no longer have plagues of these diseases. Last week, Tracy Stone-Mannings nomination to lead the Bureau of Land Management advanced out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, bound for a Senate floor vote to hopefully confirm her appointment to oversee nearly 250 million acres of our much-loved public lands. Unfortunately, activities of acquaintances of Stone-Mannings from over thirty years ago are being used to try to overshadow a career steeped in common-sense, consensus-building solutions for our public lands and waters. For those of us who know Tracy, worked with her for decades, watched her singlehandedly walk heated discussions back to a place of commonality, and consistently approach situations with an open mind, these allegations are white noise to a thoughtful, courageous career that will not be silenced. As a woman working in conservation often a field dominated by white males I wonder if a man had been nominated to lead an eighth of our nations land mass, would they have been met with such vitriol and contempt for alleged passions of youth, or would they be graded instead on the thirty years of work accomplished since? Regardless, the truth always finds oxygen, and Stone-Mannings tireless work on behalf of all Montanans will as well. CHICAGO (AP) A judge on Friday said he would not kick one of Jussie Smollett's attorneys off the case even though he believes the attorney spoke to two men the actor allegedly hired to help him carry out a staged racist and homophobic attack. In his ruling, Cook County Judge James Linn took the unusual step of prohibiting Smollett attorney Nenye Uche from questioning the two brothers, Abinbola and Olabinjo Osudairo, should the case go to trial, and that someone else on the actor's legal team would have to do it should the need arise. Special Prosecutor Dan Webb argued that the alleged conversations between Uche and the brothers in 2019, shortly after Smollett said he was a victim of a hate crime, created a conflict of interest. However Linn found that it was in the court's interest to allow Smollett to retain his chosen lawyer when his liberty is at stake, even if the judge found Webb's concerns to be legitimate. The totality of the evidence shows clearly and convincingly that at different points, Mr. Uche talked to both brothers and their mother, Linn wrote. LOS ANGELES (AP) Saginaw Grant, a prolific Native American character actor and hereditary chief of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma, has died. He was 85. Grant died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on Wednesday at a private care facility in Hollywood, California, said Lani Carmichael, Grants publicist and longtime friend. He loved both Oklahoma and L.A., Carmichael said. He made his home here as an actor, but he never forgot his roots in Oklahoma. He remained a fan of the Sooner Nation. Born July 20, 1936, in Pawnee, Oklahoma, Grant was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He began acting in the late 1980s and played character roles in dozens of movies and television shows over the last three decades, including The Lone Ranger, The Worlds Fastest Indian and Breaking Bad, according to Grant's IMDB filmography. Grant was active for years in the powwow circuit in California and traveled around the globe to speak to people about Native American culture, Carmichael said. His motto in life was always respect one another and don't talk about one another in a negative way," she said. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin fist bumps with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during a courtesy call at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila on July 29, 2021. Many of the worlds top companies, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs, want employees to return to the office. Tech giants like Facebook, Twitter, and Google are also inviting employees who have been vaccinated back to their desks. South Africa is no different. A recent Digital Corporation in South Africa 2021 research study conducted by World Wide Worx revealed that 64% of South African enterprises expect all staff to make a full return to the workplace. Many companies are planning a hybrid model where employees return to the office for a few days of the week. Apple CEO Tim Cook, for example, told employees they should plan to work in an office at least three days a week. Amazon also said its staff should come back to the office three days a week, with the possibility of working remotely for a few days a week. The last year has shown that it is possible for employees to work from home, supported by technological advances like video conferencing and cloud services. This raises the question of why companies want employees to come to the office. Vestact CEO Paul Theron may have the answer tacit knowledge. Theron explained in a recent Vestact newsletter that tacit knowledge is knowledge that cannot be captured through words alone. Riding a bicycle, creating great art, assessing opportunities, avoiding risks, cooking, public speaking, coding, rapid problem solving, and heart surgery. Tacit knowledge instruction mostly happens through imitation, emulation, and apprenticeship. You learn by copying what a master does, often blindly, until you internalise the principles behind the actions. You do not get it by studying written manuals and its not usually gained from deliberate practice. Learning on the job from old hands. I endorse that approach. I have learned a lot in the last two decades from Ted Weisberg of Seaport Securities, our partner firm in New York, said Theron. This is also why Im against working from home. The Vestact team operates from our office in the Rosebank Firestation, and we learn from each other, in person, on the job. Now read: Amazon is looking for South Africans to work from home Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, South Africans consumed 20 million fewer megawatts than Eskom forecasted it would. Had the country consumed electricity in line with Eskoms predictions, load-shedding would have been rampant throughout the country. This is according to live data from Eskoms lockdown demand tracker. Each stage of load-shedding aims to reduce electricity consumption further, and the stages are structured as follows: Stage 1 allows up to 1000 MW to be shed Stage 2 allows up to 2000 MW to be shed Stage 3 allows up to 3000 MW to be shed Stage 4 allows up to 4000 MW to be shed Stage 5 allows up to 5000 MW to be shed Stage 6 allows up to 6000 MW to be shed Stage 7 allows up to 7000 MW to be shed Stage 8 allows up to 8000 MW to be shed From April 2020, the first full month of lockdown, to June 2021, the average deviation from Eskoms hourly estimate has been 1,500 MW. In 2021, despite having far less load on its systems than Eskom predicted it would, load-shedding has still been widely implemented. Had Eskoms forecast been met, South Africa would have had between one and two more stages of load-shedding than it had at any given moment in 2021 so far. Below is a chart showing Eskoms forecasted hourly demand in megawatts, compared to the actual demand. The chart shows monthly averages as calculated from the hourly statistics. Energy expert Chris Yelland explained that the deviation from Eskomss forecast is primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as continued lockdowns dampened business activity. South Africas weakened economy is not a substantial factor in the deviation, as Eskoms forecasts account for the state of the economy. The lockdowns impact on consumption is most obvious in April 2020 the only level 5 lockdown thus far which saw South Africas hourly consumption average of 6,269 megawatts lower than Eskoms forecasts. Between April and August, the demand for electricity in South Africa rose consistently. September was the only month where demand was in line with forecasted consumption, with the hourly average demand 241 megawatts higher than Eskom forecasted. Had it not been for this consistently lower demand, load-shedding in South Africa would have been far worse during this past year. BottleRock Napa, one of Northern California's biggest annual music festivals, will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from attendees this year. Staff will check guests all three days of the event, Sept. 3 to Sept. 5, festival organizers announced Friday on the BottleRock website. 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 year for $26 For those presenting a negative test, it must come within 72 hours of each day in attendance. This means those intending to go all three days must get tested either Sept. 2 or Sept. 3. In order to be considered fully vaccinated in time for the festival and not require a negative test, guests will have to have received their final dose by Aug. 20. Masks will be recommended but not required for the outdoor event, in line with state guidelines. Under California Department of Public Health guidance for "mega events" defined as those with crowds of more than 5,000 indoors and 10,000 outdoors indoor mega events are required to use a vaccine-or-negative-test system; for outdoor events, it is a recommendation. However, the state guidelines say venues may choose to implement self-attestation from guests essentially, the honor system. BottleRock doesn't appear to be offering this option. China premier congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan Armenia ruling party MP Lena Nazaryan states numbers of Armenian soldiers killed Armenia MOD receives Human Rights Defender Opposition 'Armenia' faction leader on deployment of Russian troops in Voskepar village and defense minister's order Armenia ruling faction rejects opposition's proposal to set up parliamentary committee on Karabakh issue Person who burnt statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Yerevan identified Digest: Azerbaijan shelling Armenian positions, COVID-19 situation in Armenia is tense Karabakh State Minister meets with civil society representatives, agreement reached Armenia MOD: Situation in direction of Yeraskh stable as of 6 p.m. First deputy head of Operative Department of Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff dismissed Greek authorities postpone performances in ancient theaters amid forest fires Armenia MOD: Armenian peacekeeping contingent in Lebanon awarded Man found dead after being stabbed in his house in Armenia's Dzoraghbyur village Earthquake recorded in Armenia-Georgia border zone Karabakh emergency situations service: Searches for remains of Armenian servicemen were fruitless today Azerbaijani soldiers deliberately set fires near Armenian border Opposition 'Armenia' bloc MP: I'm not ready to trust current authorities with solution to Karabakh issue Armenia's new justice minister on restrictions on reporters in parliament, says freedom of speech is not absolute value Armenia deputy emergency situations minister meets with ICRC Delegation Dollar and euro down again in Armenia Armenia opposition faction leader: Setting up standing parliamentary committee on Karabakh is a clear political message Armenia economy minister is sure there will be sharp deflation soon Armenia court rejects attorney's appeal, opposition MP Artur Sargsyan to remain under arrest Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani army opens fire at military positions in Yeraskh area Azerbaijan shelling Armenian positions since Friday noon UN Secretary General: The only guarantee against use of nuclear weapons is their complete destruction Turkish companies build new road to bypass Lachin Insanity grows stronger: Turkey calls on Armenia to abandon aggressive rhetoric and actions US ambassador is in Armenia's Syunik province Phone talks take place between FM of Artsakh and Transnistria Pashinyan proposes taxing ads on Facebook and other platforms Changes in Armenian Tax Code: E-service providers will pay VAT Eurasian Development Bank to allocate $ 3 million grant to Armenia to fight COVID-19 Over 70 Democratic congressmen urge Biden to once and for all close Guantanamo Bay Greece is on fire: Thousands of residents flee from wildfire Russian peacekeepers clear 2 hectares of farmland in Nagorno-Karabakh from explosives in day Armenian and Artsakh defense minister's meeting takes place Virgin Galactic plans to start commercial space flights: Ticket price $ 450,000 Beijing accuses Washington of interfering in its internal affairs over decision on Hong Kong 303 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Armenia per day Secret ballot is held to elect Armenian parliament's opposition vice speaker Armenia MOD, Rustam Muradov discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border China seeks to provide 2,000,000,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine to the world Suspect in murder of Kurdish family in Turkey arrested US urges Iran's Raisi to return to talks on nuclear deal Armenia opposition's candidate for deputy parliamentary speaker promises to present talk with PM in detail Russian peacekeepers clear 2 hectares of area of unexploded ordnance in Karabakh's Martuni Military expert on deployment of Russian border guards in Armenia's Voskepar and possible developments Armenia Constitutional Court declares Law on Higher Education and Science and several other laws unconstitutional Armenian Turkologist: Fires in Turkey don't pose a danger to Armenia Republican Party of Armenia vice-president on Pashinyan's behavior at Iranian President-elect's inauguration Armenia MOD orders to destroy Azerbaijani soldiers who attempt to trespass border Turkey's Baykar is leading negotiations with 10 countries to sell combat drones Armenia Armed Forces' General Staff chief awards former head of army department Valery Kocharyan Armenia 1st President hosts Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan at his mansion Armenia MOD: Russian border guards are deployed in Voskepar village within scope of cooperation with Russia Armenia PM attends Iranian President-elect's inauguration Armenia MOD: Advisory Board adjunct to defense minister holds session, discusses situation on border with Azerbaijan Yerevan court adjourns hearing over case of Armenia 3rd President and other persons Digest: Pashinyan visits Iran, Mary Hakobyan appointed Ukraines Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Russian MFA: Russia has always paid special attention to cultural-historical heritage issues in Karabakh Situation is tense in Armenia's Zolakar, police continue to apprehend village council's employees Russia MFA on possibility of deployment of Russian border guards on Armenian-Azerbaijani border Second secret ballot for election of last vice-speaker of Armenia parliament to be held tomorrow Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of another Armenian serviceman removed from Jrakan region Macron, Aliyev discuss regional security issues Azerbaijani and Turkish special detachments conduct joint military exercises in Nakhchivan Russian MFA on possibility of Azerbaijan obtaining status of observer in CSTO Armenia President appoints new commander of Armed Forces' 3rd army corps Armenian NGO president: Ban on entry of journalist in parliament will make Armenia regress in World Press Freedom Index Opposition 'Armenia' faction MP: We discuss our activities with Robert Kocharyan Dollar continues to go up, euro is stable in Armenia Opposition 'Armenia' faction's candidate for deputy parliamentary speaker: I'm not going to ask anyone for anything Ruling party MP: Opposition 'Armenia' faction member Davit Sedrakyan led the vote to failure with his absence Armenia President receives Japan's Ambassador Fukushima Masanori Opposition 'Armenia' faction nominates Ishkhan Saghatelyan for deputy parliamentary speaker for the third time Consul General of Armenia in LA holds remote meeting with Congressman Michael Steele Opposition 'Armenia' bloc's candidate for deputy parliamentary speaker not elected twice Armenian MFA expresses solidarity to Greece in connection with wildfires that engulfed country 2nd secret ballot is held in Armenian parliament on vice-speaker election Mayor of Armenia's Goris to remain in custody 11 people killed in traffic accident with migrants in Texas 329 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Armenia per day Turkmenistan President congratulates Armenia's Pashinyan CSTO Secretary General sends congratulatory message to Nikol Pashinyan Nikol Pashinyan and Ebrahim Raisi discuss issues of bilateral cooperation Armenian MPs to elect 3rd vice-speaker of parliament Nikol Pashinyan arrives on a working visit to Iran Over 80 people injured in clashes in Beirut on day of mourning Artsakh Foreign Minister held a meeting with AGBU and Ronak Press training participants Oil rises in price Microsoft to require fully vaccination of employees to enter company offices Armenia PM introduces newly appointed justice minister Armenia PM introduces new finance minister, sets aside public procurement system and public debt management Lukashenko to Armenia's Pashinyan: Armenian people voted for peace during the recent elections Harut Sassounian says appointment of new Ambassador will negatively impact Armenia and its ties with US Armenia's Pashinyan is still escorted by large number of policemen and bodyguards Lebanese protesting in front of parliament building, security forces use water cannons and tear gas Armenia Public Administration Academy alumnus appointed Head of Office of Deputy PM Merkel to Pashinyan: German government will still support efforts of OSCE Minsk Group for Karabakh conflict settlement The ban on the eviction of citizens who were left without funds to pay for housing due to the coronavirus pandemic expired in the United States on Sunday, ABC News reports. Despite the fact that millions of American tenants will be forced to leave their homes, the US Senate at an extraordinary meeting on Saturday did not consider the issue of a moratorium on the eviction of insolvent persons. On Friday, the US House of Representatives announced it was going on vacation for seven weeks without revising tenant protection. On the last day of meetings, legislators were unable to agree on an extension of the moratorium until October 18: Republicans blocked this initiative. In addition, among the Democrats, this proposal was also not supported by all, as a result, it was never put to a vote. Progressive members of Congress, in a new letter to President Joe Biden and CDC director Rochelle Walenski, urge to use all available powers to extend the moratorium on evictions. The moratorium was introduced almost a year ago by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Earlier, it was extended until July 31. The representative of the CDC confirmed that with the onset of August 1, the moratorium ended, she declined to comment further. A man was shot at a Charlotte hotel on Saturday and died at a hospital, police said. The hotel is in the 8600 block of Hankins Road, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department news release. Thats off West W.T. Harris Boulevard in north Charlotte. Public records list a Suburban Extended Stay Hotel at the address provided by police. The man was shot just before noon and died soon after Medic took him to the hospital, police said. Police said they will release the victims name once they contact his family. Officers havent said if they have anyone in custody or what they believe led to the shooting. Police ask anyone with information call the CMPD homicide unit at 704-432-8477 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. This is a developing story. CHICAGO Twenty-two people were shot Saturday night into early Sunday, with three of those people dying from their injuries, according to Chicago police. One of those homicides came on Saturday, which meant it counted in July month-end statistics released by Chicago police Sunday. It was the second year in a row with more than 100 homicides during the month. July 2021 saw 105 homicides, while July 2020 saw 107. In contrast, there were 44 homicides in July 2019 and 64 in July 2018. The Police Department said more than 90% of this Julys homicides were the result of gun violence. The Saturday homicide happened in the West Pullman neighborhood, during a shooting that also left two others injured. Police were called to the 11600 block of South Peoria Street about 10:15 p.m. and found the three shooting victims, who had been standing near a group of people having an argument when shots were fired, according to a police media notification. A 28-year-old man was shot in the face and chest, and he was taken to Roseland Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He had not been identified by the Cook County medical examiners office as of Sunday. Another man, 31, was shot in the chest, and he was listed in serious condition at Stroger Hospital. A woman, 33, was shot in the hand and she was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where her condition was stabilized. Also Saturday night, two people were in critical condition after they were shot in the 2600 block of West Gladys Avenue around 9:15 p.m. by someone in a red sedan, police said. A man, 28, suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and he was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition and a 28-year-old woman suffered similar wounds and was in the same condition at Mount Sinai Hospital. At 9:23 p.m., in the 6400 block of South King Drive, two men were shot by someone who came up to them on foot and opened fire. A 35-year-old man was shot in the right shoulder and a 36-year-old man was shot in the buttocks. They were dropped off at St. Bernard Hospital and the University of Chicago Medical Center, respectively, and both had been listed in fair condition, police said. Story continues The number of shootings and the number of victims are up so far this year, according to the month-end statistics. Between Jan. 1 and July 31, Chicago saw nearly 200 more shootings than it had during the same period in 2020. There have also been just over 250 more shooting victims this year than there had been at the same time last year, though homicides have held steady. Shootings and shooting victims had already seen a significant bump between 2019 and 2020. By the end of July 2020, there had been 737 more shooting victims than there had been by the same date in 2019. The department said it had recovered 7,289 guns so far in 2021, up 28% from this time last year. In July, the city recorded a 20-year low in burglaries, the department said. Two more people were fatally shot on Sunday, and there were three separate shootings with two or more victims. Minutes before 3 a.m., in the 2700 block of West Jackson Boulevard on the Near West Side, two men were shot, one of them fatally, police said. A 30-year-old and a 36-year-old had been standing outside when someone shot them. They were both taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where the 30-year-old was pronounced dead with gunshot wounds to the stomach and chest. The other man, 36, was shot once in the chest and he was listed in serious condition. Around 12:20 a.m. a 32-year-old man was fatally shot in the South Shore neighborhood, according to police. The man had been standing in the 7200 block of South Bennett Avenue when someone shot him multiple times in the chest. He was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition and later was pronounced dead. Neither of the men killed Sunday had been identified by the medical examiners office. Since Friday afternoon, a total of 55 people had been shot, including four fatalities, according to records maintained by the Tribune. In the summer before the pandemic, a worker on a scaffolding in Seattle could be seen touching up what looked like a routine paint job. Wyland at work. / Credit: CBS News But then you step back A Wyland It's called a "whaling wall." Every creature is life-size, and they look just as they would if you happened to see a pack of wild orcas at sea. The artist's name is Wyland. "People go, 'Well, how could you paint a 110-foot whale on the side of a building? Is that hard?' I go, 'No, you know, I imagine the whale swimming across the building, and I just paint it as it goes by!'" These whales are swimming by on the side of the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle, but Wyland's done more than a hundred other murals like this around the world. "While I'm physically painting the whale, okay, my mind's eye is across the street at the same time." "You can see the whole thing?" asked correspondent Tracy Smith. "As I'm painting it. So, don't tell anybody, it's kind of an inside secret!" But it's no secret that Wyland loves what he does. Over the past 40 years he's made a fortune selling smaller paintings and sculptures, and his work can also be seen in Wyland books, on Wyland shopping bags, the cruise ship Norwegian Bliss, and even the surfboard art for Team USA. A sampling of Wylan's ocean art. / Credit: CBS News It seems his goal is to turn the world into one giant aquatic gallery this from a guy who once could only dream about seeing the sea. Born in Detroit, Robert Wyland never wanted to do anything but make art for a living, and while on a family vacation in California, he had a life-changing moment at the beach: "I came out and I couldn't believe my eyes these two grey whales just broke the surface, spouting. I mean, that was like a miracle." The artist Wyland. / Credit: CBS News A few years later, he packed his paintbrushes and moved to California, where he learned the meaning of the phrase "starving artist." It got so bad that for a time he was living on a single Snickers bar a day. Story continues Smith asked, "You'd get a Snickers bar and portion it out?" "Cut it in threes breakfast, lunch, and dinner!" he replied. But he kept at it, painting the sea creatures that were, for him, a neverending source of inspiration. Wyland's an avid scuba diver, and in 2007 he invited Smith along on a dive off the Florida Keys. "I feel blessed and lucky," Wyland said then, "that I can dive, I can get in the water, I see great animals, and see this beauty, and then all I have to do it is put it up on the wall for people to enjoy. You can choose not to go into an art gallery or museum, but you can't ignore a giant public mural." Watch Tracy Smith's 2007 "Early Show" report on the artist Wyland: But his big canvases can also be big targets: he's been accused of commercialism, and major art museums have all but ignored him. Smith asked, "Do you listen to the critics and those people, those voices?" "Well, I don't paint for the critics; I paint for the people," he said. "I love people. I mean, I'm collected by almost a million people in all 50 states and a hundred countries around the world. Critics? I can't even spell 'critic'!" But Wyland can spell "success" and he counts among his fans some very big names, including Paul Newman, who showed up one of his book-signings. "I look up and I go, 'Holy there's Cool Hand Luke,' right?" "He waited in line?" asked Smith. "He waited in line to get a book signed, okay? And so, he goes, 'Hey, you're younger than I thought.' I go, 'Wow, so are you!'" For the record, Wyland himself is now 65, still young enough to climb a scaffold like he did back in 2019 in Seattle. Restoring that mural took him three days; it might have been quicker if he hadn't let Smith help. Correspondent Tracy Smith helps out on the restoration of a Wyland mural. / Credit: CBS News It turns out that Wyland, through his non-profit Wyland Foundation, does all these whaling walls for free. In a way, each mural is kind of a public love letter to the ocean, and to the creatures that will always be larger-than-life. Smith asked, "Do you feel like you have everything?" "I have everything," he said. "I'm so grateful. I get up every day and I walk out there with my coffee and I look at that ocean and I just go, 'Wow.' I have no idea how this happened, but man, am I happy it did!" For more info: wyland.comWyland FoundationList of Wyland "Whaling Walls" (Wikipedia)Edgewater Hotel, Seattle Story produced by John D'Amelio. Editor: Henry Ledesma. Manchin says Senate wants to pass bipartisan infrastructure bill by Thursday U.S. COVID-19 daily cases higher now than this time last summer Open: This is "Face the Nation," August 1 (Reuters) - Britain will offer COVID-19 booster vaccines to 32 million Britons starting early next month with up to 2,000 pharmacies set to deliver the programme, The Telegraph reported https://bit.ly/37dhYIl on Sunday. The campaign could start as soon as Sept. 6, which would see the rollout completed by early December if it goes to plan, the report added. (Reporting by Akriti Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Chris Reese) BGR Every once in a while, Netflix lets us know which of its original movies have garnered the most views. At last count, Extraction was the most-watched Netflix movie ever, with 99 million views in its first four weeks. In fact, several 2020 movies climbed into the top ten last year, including Spenser Confidential, The Old The post Red Notice is set to be the biggest movie Netflix has ever made appeared first on BGR. Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Alamy/Getty By mid-afternoon of Jan. 4, it had become increasingly clear that a slew of far-right actors were gearing up for violence at the Capitol. Tim Pool derided and dismissed the accurate reporting out of hand. Of all the ideological enemies Pool, 35, rails against on YouTube for an audience of millions each day, few stack up to the mainstream press. In his mind, coverage of then-President Donald Trumps instigations and the mounting threats was yet another example of the medias depravity, he said. What do you think theyre going to do? asked Pool. Its so stupid. Two days later, a mob stormed the Capitol, whipped into a frenzy by nonsensical claims of a stolen election and determined to put a stop to the constitutional transfer of power. To date, nearly 600 alleged riotersa mishmash of Trump backers, QAnon adherents, and members of militias and extremist groupshave been arrested. Throughout the fall of 2020, the wildly successful YouTube pundit had spent countless hours hyping the blinkered legal strategies and half-baked fantasies about voter fraud animating the online right. At the same time, in each video Pool tried to separate himself from the hardcore conspiracy theorists. After all, he was just commenting on the news. What Pool kept secret from his younger, overwhelmingly male, decidedly right-leaning audience during this time is that he seemed to have a pretty good idea what might happen on Jan. 6. Dude, Ive had messages from people saying that theyve already got plans to rush to D.C. as soon as Nov. 3 goes chaotic, Pool said in early September during a recorded conversation reviewed by The Daily Beast. A few minutes later, Pool added: The right-wing militias, the Oath Keepers, the Three Percenters, and just the Proud Boys and Trump supporters, they are going to rush full-speed to D.C. They are going to take the White House and do whatever they can and paramilitary. (Pool made these comments to then-colleagues at the media company he started. The following month, Pool used his YouTube platform to say the Oath Keepers had been unjustly smeared by the Southern Poverty Law Center. He habitually comes to the defense of the Proud Boys, as well.) Story continues This glaring omission was not out of character for Pool. Far from it. A former digital media journalist who originally built up his name with on-the-ground reporting and livestreaming, including stints at Vice and Fusion, Pool now postures as a rational centrist or disaffected liberal who grew to loathe the excesses of the left. If you buy Pools branding, he stands in contrast to the bulk of his journalistic peers: evil liars, he says, whove supposedly capitulated to the agendas of Black Lives Matter, antifa, Democrats, Big Tech companies, feminists, and the like. This self-generated mythologyan anti-authoritarian truth-teller whose successes stemmed from confronting the machine, as Pool puts itbears little resemblance to reality. Contrary to the overall manner in which Pool portrays himself, he was not an intrepid field reporter and streamer who barreled into conflict zones filled with an unshakable desire to ferret out the real story. Pool was at times reluctant to leave the safety of his hotel room, according to several of the nearly 30 former co-workers and other acquaintances from the past decade who spoke with The Daily Beast. Hed come across as uninterested in interviewing subjects or doing much research. During shoots, Pools head was frequently buried in his phone, diligently tracking social media, only to blame his co-workers or equipment when he couldnt live up to his clippings. Pools main focus when reporting, those on the ground with him said, was drawing attention to himself. A coward and a phony, a joke, staggeringly arrogant, totally full of shit, not smart and a bumbling doofus are a representative sample of how those who worked with Pool at digital media companies described him. Most did so on the condition of anonymity, in some instances citing possible reprisals by Pool and harassment from his fans. Since then, Pool has discovered a style of commentary and audience where a lack of knowledge or journalistic skills might not prove an impediment to success. In some ways, incuriosity and incapacity serve as valuable attributes in this medium. Not solely because of the political valence but thanks in part to how YouTube itself functions: rewarding the kind of high-volume, sensationalized, and sloppy churn Pool specializes in. And it has made Pool both exceedingly rich and one of the most-watched independent YouTube political pundits in the countryover 3.3 million subscribers, 1.5 billion views, and, by all estimates, hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue per month. He earned $600,000 just in August 2020 and most of it came from YouTube, Pool claimed in the recorded conversation. Unlike his peers in conservative media, Pool wasnt boosted by the usual suspects. Neither the Koch brothers, the Mercer clan, nor another deep-pocketed billionaire forked over seed money, and he didnt game Facebooks algorithms. Fox News has more or less ignored him, as has the institutional Republican Party and its network of well-funded think-tanks. Now, right-wing and far-right figuresmany of whom might not be welcomed on a platform to the left of Tucker Carlson Tonightnot only have taken notice, they come to him. In 2020 and continuing through 2021, a rotating cast of Stop the Steal activists, Capitol rioters, QAnon and Pizzagate promoters, 9/11 truthers, grifters, anti-vaxxers, antisemites, misogynists, cranks, and neo-fascists trundled down to Pools Maryland podcast studio to appear on Timcast IRL, his two-hour-plus-long YouTube livestream. There, Pool allows them to peddle their wares before six-digit audiences and receive very little if any pushback. This should come as no surprise. Whenever a right-wing politician, personality or group enters the news cycle, Pool finds a way to sand down their actual, stated beliefs or will claim ignorance. Business is booming, per Pool, with a dozen employees on payroll since April, a prominence made possible in no small part by YouTube promoting his work to its front page. I know for a fact, he said during a December 2020 livestream, the YouTube algorithm drives the majority of my content. (At other times hell complain that YouTube is suppressing his content or will soon ban him outright.) YouTube picks and chooses which content gets views and which creators become famous, he told a Twitter follower. Apparently theyve chosen Pool. For some time now, misinformation has proliferated and its merchants have thrived on YouTube, particularly on the right. Three years ago, Pools channel was included in studies about how YouTube serves as a radicalization vector, algorithmically leading viewers to seek out far-right creators and content. But his evolution indicates that YouTube doesnt just impact audiencesthe money and fame radicalizes creators, too. (YouTube did not respond to a request for comment.) The proof lies in his current output. Despite his continued insistence on being viewed as a center-left truth-teller, a Daily Beast review of hundreds of hours worth of Pools commentaries revealed a consistent if broad eschatology: No matter which ginned-up atrocity is roiling the online right on a given day, Pool routinely will deem it a crucial sign pointing towards a civilization-ending crisis or imminent civil war. (Sometimes, hell declare that a civil war is already underway.) Who is to blame? A vaguely defined yet omnipresent and menacing left-wing other. As a matter of course, Pool depicts people and groups on the left as potential bomb-tossing radicals or authoritarian lunatics; cultural shifts or gestures towards social and racial justice will lead to chaos and gulags stocked with the victims of morality policing, like the McCloskeys, according to Pool; and if the police are now siding with terrorists like BLM and antifa perhaps the time has come to flee the cities and stock up on firearms, as Pool himself has done. They will never stop coming. They will take your job away. They will come for your parents, Pool said in a keyed-up June 2020 livestream lambasting those who wont push back against the horde of woke cultists. You will do something wrong, theyll fire your mom. They will come to your house with fireworks and guns. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Recently Pool hired a far-right extremist to run his website and, in private, hell go beyond howling about civil war. On a few occasions hes put it more explicitly: a race war is soon to come. When Pool said so to Tarik Johnson, a Black then-employee of his defunct media company in 2019, he also told him to choose a side, because his ex-boss couldnt ascertain which side youre going to be on, is how Johnson recalled Pool phrasing it. Two individuals familiar with the events backed up Johnsons account. When reached for comment, Pool fervently denied telling Johnson about a race war and called any suggestion he had insane, citing his content and mixed-race heritage. Pool further disputed many of the claims and descriptions of events in this article, and alleged they were provided by individuals who harbored a personal vendetta against him. His responses can be read here. Pools journey from beanie-clad Occupy Wall Street livestreamer to reactionary social media performer, per the Southern Poverty Law Center, may seem improbable at face value. But some whove known him arent exactly surprised. Its a trajectory Ive seen beforealmost always with young and young-ish men who are so laser-focused on making their own careers that they arrive at racism and misogyny almost by accidentbecause thats what gets the most clicks, said Laurie Penny, a reporter and writer who has covered far-right provocateurs and knew Pool when he worked for Vice. This, of course, does not make them any less dangerous. Because theyre not encumbered by ideology, if anything, it makes them more so. The Eyes of the Movement Timothy Daniel Pool was born in 1986 in Chicago. Scant biographical information exists beyond what Pool has made public, but during his childhood his father, a now-retired firefighter, and mother, who sold cars, divorced. The family then fell into financial distress, he has said. He attended a private Catholic school through the fifth grade before transferring to a public school and dropping out by age 14, the year he received all Fs in a progress report. My comprehension level was much higher than that of many of my teachers, Pool says, and so school made him miserable. Jobs in retail and as a baggage handler at American Eagle Airlines while a teenager ensued. (The Transport Workers Union confirmed Pool was a member.) Videos from this time show Pool dabbling in tech and skateboarding. The latter did not abate: Pool erected two custom-built skate ramps at the nearly $1 million eight-bedroom Maryland compound he bought in September 2020. In his early twenties, Pool did some street canvassing for nonprofits, soliciting donations and signatures. That much is certain. Pool, however, has described the bulk of those jobs in ways that strain credulity. Sometimes, Pool held the position of fundraising events and marketing director for one nonprofit, he claimed, and a manager at many of the biggest fundraising companies and nonprofits in the world. Other titles include: fundraising director at a homeless shelter, nonprofit director, director at several [activist] organizations, and even fundraising director for many nonprofits. Pool rarely names the organizationsin one video, he says its to avoid possible litigationbut that doesnt explain why no jobs are listed on his LinkedIn page prior to 2013. On occasion, Pool has let a few names slip. On air and in private, Pool has claimed he worked for Great Lakes Coalition, the Human Rights Campaign, Greenpeace, and Childrens International. Representatives from these organizations said they had no record of Pool directly working for them, though Greenpeaces records only dated back to 2008. In a direct message to a Twitter follower, Pool said he'd been a supervisor with the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Though the PIRG denied employing him directly, a spokesperson for the Fund for the Public Interest, a canvassing organization affiliated with the PIRG, confirmed that Pool worked as a canvasser or field manager in California for a few weeks between April and May 2010. (Pool has mentioned working for an unnamed subcontractor which serves nonprofits.) That said, He definitely didnt run any fundraising, the spokesperson added. Turning street canvassing or a low-grade supervisory role into the lofty title of fundraising director could be dismissed as mere resume-pumping. But Pool cites his past work experiences when inveighing against charities or labeling all nonprofits corrupt, as if he were privy to their inner workings. Most of these nonprofits Ive worked at, I think theyre all scams, said Poola racket designed to wring cash from donors. Theyre really just paying themselves. (In his comments to The Daily Beast, Pool maintained he did work for Childrens International and Greenpeace, though he did not say what his title was and neither organizations records confirmed his employment. Pool further claimed he was a director and manager for two other nonprofits he cant name, citing settlement agreements.) By summer 2011, Pool was living with his brother Chris in Newport News, Virginia. After seeing images of police violence in September from the Occupy Wall Street protests at Zuccotti Park, he hopped on a bus. In New York City, Pool hooked up with Henry Ferry, then an out-of-work realtor and sales manager. The pair began documenting the unfolding political movement on a then-relatively new streaming service: UStream. Before long, Pool had assumed an on-camera role. The live videos took off, and they decided to form a media company called The Other 99. The barebones DIY operationPool filmed using only his cellphonewas often able to get greater access and immediacy than some legacy media shops. Adding to their bona fides, The Other 99 werent perceived as neutral observers but rather actively involved with the movement. Eventually, network and cable-news programs began rebroadcasting their footage. Livestreams lasting for hours became a trademark, too, including a notable 21-hour stretch when cops cleared out the park. Within a month, theyd racked up more than 2 million unique views, Pool claimed, a substantial social media following, and near-universal positive coverage from a wide array of both online and print publications. Awards and accolades followed hard upon. Pool was dubbed the eyes of the movement, by Time magazine. Some of the other activists werent buying the hype. Timothy Fitzgerald and Tess Cohen were both members of the General Assembly (GA), the organizational hub for Occupy. All appearances to the contrary, Pool was never aligned with the movement, they said. That is 100 percent [Pools] mythology, according to Cohen. Fitzgerald described Pools participation as a branding exercisea leveraging of Occupys brief notoriety to elevate his own profile. Unlike livestreamers who were working with the GA, Pool was soliciting donations to The Other 99. This engendered a certain amount of suspicion, if not resentment. (The Other 99 disbanded in 2012 with Pool and Ferry both firing off accusations of mismanaged funds and misplaced priorities. The Daily Beast was not able to reach Ferry for comment.) Many GA-affiliated livestreamers (like Cohen) also felt a duty to not only detail the day-to-day activities of Occupy, but advance the cause. Pool differed. He tended to gravitate towards action and conflict, Cohen said, whether it was a police crackdown or protesters engaging in civil disobedience and at-times illegal activity. To her, Pool had crossed a line. Im not about to endanger other people by creating evidence that could be used against them, and hes happy to do that, she said. (Pool has boasted that the police watched his Occupy livestreams.) Pool parachuted into Occupy without understanding its ideological underpinnings, Cohen explained. Over time, protesters grew increasingly wary of Pools presence and made it clear he wasnt welcome. During one broadcast his phone was knocked out of his hand. YouTube Star Tim Pools News Site Collapses Amid Allegations He Took a Cat Hostage Pool would maintain, both to protesters and in interviews, that his adherence to objectivity and transparency meant sharing almost everything hed recorded. Few would quibble with this explanation from a reporter or citizen journalist. But Pool openly presented himself as a pro-Occupy activist. I dont consider myself a journalist I consider myself an activist 100 percent, he told On the Media in November 2011, who was there to support the movement. Once Occupy was out of the news cycle, Pool flipped. I am not an activist, he told El Pais 10 months later. He was, however, now calling himself a journalist. By 2018, Pool had gone further. I dont align with Occupy Wall Street and never did, he said. His definition of objectivity doesnt hold up for Cohen, either. By singularly focusing on the cop-confrontation and acts-of-dubious-legality beat, he had as much a biased lens as we did, she said in a follow-up email. (Viral-ready videos of this sort have become something of a growth industry on the right.) He wasnt there to document a complicated political moment, he was there to get views. And conflict is what got views. These days, Pool paints a harsher picture of Occupy. It was so crooked, he claimed. Whats more, his opinions were rejected out of hand because others assumed he was white. When he identified as having a mixed-race backgroundPools maternal grandmother is KoreanOccupy welcomed his contributions. These people were racist, the most racist people I've ever encountered in my life, Pool claimed in Februarymore so than the avowed racists and members of the alt-right hes spoken to. (The Daily Beast was unable to identify any interviews with Pool either during or immediately after Occupy in which he mentioned the rampant racism.) Asked about Pools story, Fitzgerald replied: This sounds like a totally fabricated, overheard at the local coffee shop-type anecdote meant to launder the false notion that racial justice is zero-sum. As someone whod documented hundreds of meetings, Fitzgerald said the idea Pool was discouraged from participating is easily disprovable: Pool never participated in public conversations, let alone tried to speak up. In reality, white-identified folks like myself were more than well-heard at OWS, and Occupys efforts to lift up voices of people who have been marginalized did not come at anybodys expense, he continued. So that definitely would not have happened. For the next year and a half, Pool struck out on his own. Pool made appearances at SXSW and journalism panels, and he continued reporting from the field. Offers to crank out a ghostwritten book or work for an unnamed TV news program were turned down, Pool claimed. A hacker space in upstate New York he was helping launch never appears to have materialized. Funds were solicited for a documentary of the ongoing Occupy-related protests, which also apparently went unfinished. The novelty of livestreamed broadcasts was very much held in high regardthe harbinger of a new, democratized, and decentralized kind of reporting. Pool was viewed as its avatar. Vice hired him in spring 2013, when the site was thriving. A partnership with HBO had been announced, and within months, Rupert Murdoch would buy a 5-percent stake, valuing it at $1.4 billion. (By 2017, an additional cash infusion led to a $5.7 billion valuation, and, over time, questions about Vices long-term financial stability.) Pools appeal to the outlet was as a one-man content creatorable to jet from location to location at a moments notice and attract gobs of viewers. It didnt take long before the staff had soured on their new hire. Some former colleagues pointed to Pools evident lack of reporting experience or skills, save for his ability to hit play on a livestream. He was bringing nothing to the table," a former Vice producer said. It felt like we were being conned. The Problem Is... Definitely Not Me. I Think Its Everybody Else. Pools first Vice trip to Istanbul, Turkey, saw his colleagues worries borne out. An ex-Vice staffer familiar with the shoot described their issues with much of the footage Pool sent back: him sitting in his hotel room and talking to the camera, and, once the conflict had subsided, emerging to point and gawk at the rubble. The initial version of the short documentary didnt pass muster with their Vice superiors, they claimed, if only because theyd failed to make it seem as if Pool was on the front lines of the unrest. It had to be drastically re-edited prior to being released. At a different shoot in Thailand, Vice sent two teams of reporters. One positioned itself in the thick of the protests. Pool rode on a moped on the outskirts of town, shouting into the camera, and removed from the conflict. It was just hilarious, a person who worked with Pool at the time said. A February 2014 shoot in Venezuela ended abruptly. According to Pool, he was forced to flee the country after a high-profile pro-Maduro media figure accused him of being a spy. Should he ever return, he will be killed, Pool has claimed. His trepidations were certainly understandable. Providing coverage during civil unrest and from conflict zones can spook even seasoned hands, let alone someone who isnt familiar with the lay of the land, a former senior Vice editorial employee explained. But Pool had trouble fessing up to his fears, multiple Vice sources said. Instead, hed toss out thinly veiled excuses, pinning his reluctance to leave the hotel on problems with his technical gear or producers not comprehending the severity of the situation. (Pool strongly disagreed with the criticisms of his field reporting. I covered the Gezi Park protest to smashing success, he told The Daily Beast.) Back at Vices Brooklyn offices, Pool found other ways to alienate his colleagues. One female ex-Vice staffer recalled a 2013 conversation with Pool in which he told her point-blank: Women are too emotional to be good journalists; their feelings get in the way. An individual who was present for the exchange confirmed her account; another confirmed theyd been told by the female staffer at the time. (Pool told The Daily Beast it was absurd to think hed made this comment.) Somewhat relatedly, two years ago, Pool announced he wanted a wife who would stay at home and raise his children as opposed to having her own career. It bothered Pool that this desire was now viewed as socially unacceptable. Pool complained last year that feminism had negatively impacted his ability to find a romantic partner and start a family. You know what the problem is, though, its definitely not me, he said. I think its everybody else. When Pool was given an early version of Google Glass, he strolled around the office broadcasting his co-workers activities live. It was viewed by some at Vice as a transparent attempt to bolster the image hed been cultivating: a reporter who availed himself of the latest in bleeding-edge tech to expand the boundaries of reporting. Of course there was nothing worth filming in an early 2010s media shop, save for people sitting at their desks, writing stories, and whatnot. Baffled staffers either did their best to ignore him or were forced to politely ask that he stop recording without their consent. Vice also provided reporters working in conflict zones with protective gear. Pool would wear a flak jacket in the office, per multiple Vice sources. Several Vice employees thought it laughable or made him look like a poser, but others found his behavior downright offensive, one former longtime Vice editorial staffer said, since Vice reporters had been detained by hostile foreign governments. In their eyes, Pool treated the gear like a cosplay outfit. Touting his own bravery, accomplishments, Vice paycheck, or the famous people he knew didnt go over well, either. At one point he brought hacker-turned-Nazi troll Andrew Weev Auernheimer to the Vice newsroom and paraded him around. The former longtime editorial staffer felt Pool was showing off, as if to say, Check it out, Im hanging out with Weev, I'm so plugged in to internet culture. (In the documentary Hacker Wars, Pool appears in scenes with Auernheimer.) For another glimpse at how some at Vice viewed Pool, while he was on staff, a co-worker drew a satirical cartoon strip depicting him as a penis wearing a beanie. There was a deficit of ideas from Tim Pool, a former member of Vices video team said. There was frustration about his inability to do a repeat hit like his coverage of Occupy Wall Street. He still had his fans in upper management, and the ability to remain in their good graces also pissed people off. Specifically, how seemingly oblivious the upper management and the execs at Vice were to the fact that Tim Pool was a total hack, as the former longtime editorial staffer put it. Pool has a different recollection of his stint at Vice. In his comments to The Daily Beast, Pool firmly insisted any allegations hed failed to perform under duress or shied away from hazardous reporting were false. I constantly flew into chaos, he said. As to the broader criticisms, I dont care if people say stupid things about me. People are allowed to hate me and there are many people Im still friends with from Vice. Publicly, Pool has repeatedly stated he was both the first and founding member of Vice News. Were it not for him, Vice News might not have existed, even. I convinced [Vice] to do real news, on the ground reporting, he declared in October. The outlet has been sending reporters to cover stories from far-flung locations dating back to the mid-2000s. Danny Gold, one of the first Vice News hires, said while Pool had been brought onboard to the vertical fairly early on, He wasnt the founding member. Thats not true. (Multiple Vice sources agreed with Gold, who has occasionally freelanced for The Daily Beast.) And the idea that he convinced Vice to do real, on-the-ground reporting is also not true, he added. Pool has insinuated that his colleagues were lazy and overpaid. Citing conversations hes had with a couple of unnamed former Vice employees, Pool also said going woke had led to its downturn, financial and otherwise. Unnamed investors capitulation to feminists following high-profile sexual-harassment allegations against Vice in 2017 was also to blame. Imagine what Vice would be today under my leadership, he mused. His most recent attempt at creating an independent news site imploded in January. This despite crowdfunding $1.2 million in 2019. In the aftermath, two employees alleged Pool had kidnapped a cat. The former lead reporter has filed a complaint in California charging Pools company with engaging in retaliatory termination, per documents obtained by The Daily Beast. Pool has filed a $1.2 million lawsuit in the state of Connecticut accusing the two former employees of unjust enrichment. The end of Pools yearlong tenure at Vice came in the summer of 2014. Mass protests broke out in Ferguson, Missouri, following the police shooting of Michael Brown. Vice sent two crews, including Pool and reporters from their recently launched HBO show. But Pool struggled, because he wasnt really a journalist, a staffer who was part of Vices coverage said. Asking questions and interviewing protesters and residents didnt seem to pique his curiosity, despite the stories they were told about disturbing interactions with the police. Pool tended to keep his head buried in his phone. It was so bizarre, said the staffer. It was always about him. Given the heightened tensions in the area and the expanding national conversation about race, many locals were apprehensive when approached by reporters. If you didnt strike the right tone, you could easily be dismissed, and thats what was happening over and over again with Pool, a second staffer present in Ferguson said. From their perspective, Pool was unable to overcome this obstacle because he was focused on promoting himself. It also seemed as if any person of color [Pool] interacted with just really had no time for him, they said. The second staffer also remarked that Pool spent an inordinate amount of time while on the ground checking his Twitter feed and, for reasons they couldnt ascertain, touching base with Casey Neistat, a popular YouTuber who was in town to provide his own coverage. Reached by phone, Neistat confirmed their account. During Ferguson, Tim was very intrigued with how I was able to build this brand for myselfhow I was able to build my own following on YouTube, he said. At first blush, the second staffer dismissed Pool as being clueless, but over the course of the shoot, their perceptions sharpened: He acted like a narcissistsomeone who didnt care about other people. That night in August, the other Vice reporters and producers managed to get behind the barricades law enforcement had established. Pool, who had arrived late, had been shunted into the parking lot of a Target and away from West Florissant Avenue where the main clashes between police and protesters took place. The livestreamed video from that night shows the differences in the two feeds: Pools was shunted into the lower right-hand corner; the other Vice crew took up the rest of the screen. In the comments section, as the evening unfolded, viewers treated the two feeds as if it were a kind of competitionand Pool was losing. Unsurprising, since they were providing real-time reporting, and Pool was merely talking or speculating about things he saw from a distance. Three years after the Ferguson protests, Pool tried to rewrite history, alleging to The New Yorker that a Vice camerawoman, not him, wanted to remain on safe terrain and instead preferred to interview the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Meanwhile, he took to the streets, to cover whats happening, where, he said, grenades were going off. Guess which one got more views. None of that is accurate, per multiple Vice sources. The camerawoman he referred to was his producer, who had gotten past the barricades set up by the cops to cover what was happening in the streetsnot Pool. The brief interview with Jackson took place early the following morning after an all-nighter spent shooting and editing, not while the protests were taking place. (It never aired on Vice.) And it was the other crews videos, not Pools, which drove viewership. Shortly after publication in December 2017, the quotes from Pool about Ferguson were removed from The New Yorkers story, titled The Live-Streamers Who Are Challenging Traditional Journalism. The magazine wrote that the changes were made because Pools statements contained several errors. (In his emailed responses to The Daily Beast, Pool claimed the excised quotes were not reflective of his comments. He expressed similar sentiments recently on YouTube, calling it a fake story. But in August 2018, Pool said while he disagreed with the framing, the reporter whod written the article does a good job and had been fair.) Shortly after that night of filming, Pool got on a plane while Vice continued to cover the events on the ground in Ferguson without him. It didn't take long before Pool had left Vice altogether and moved on to yet another media gig. Tell the Audience What They Want to Hear Fusion had been on a hiring spree in 2014. Flush with Disney and Univision cash, the site had poached well-known reporters, editors, and columnists. They had access to a pricey TV studio in Florida, and a 100-person digital team was soon assembled. (That same year, Fusion reportedly suffered $35 million in losses.) Daniel Eilemberg, then the chief digital officer of Fusion, told The Daily Beast the protests and unrest led Fusion to believe Pool would make for the ideal addition. They had pursued Pool aggressively while he was still at Vice, and signed him to a two-year contract, which Eilemberg said was in the low six figures per year. After coming on board in September, Pool was dubbed Fusions director of media innovation. Soon enough, staffers and executives at Fusion began spotting many of the same issues with Pool that had cropped up at Vice. In late 2014, Fusion sent Pool back to Ferguson. Like the Vice staffers before them, a former Fusion employee familiar with the shoot said interviewing people didnt seem to pique Pools interest that much, particularly Black people. He would check his phone regularly, obsessed with his social-media metrics. Pool took it as a given his colleagues would do the work for him. Very much a prima donna, is how the Fusion employee described him. Juan La Riva, an assistant producer at Fusion who worked with Pool, had a similar experience. [Pool] always came across as this know-it-all who never wanted to hear anybody elses input, La Riva said.. In-office problems like those at Vice persisted, too. The editorial staff took issue with his reporting, said Eilemberg, the ex-chief digital officer. People took issue with his treatment of people. Multiple Fusion sources mentioned an incident in which Pool berated a female subordinate in public to the point she was visibly upset. We didnt like him and the feeling appeared to be mutual, Felix Salmon, one of the splashy Fusion hires, told The Daily Beast. In an October 2020 video, Pool suggested he didnt get along'' with Fusion employees, either. The outlet was not exactly functioning at peak capacity. According to an investigative article by Gizmodo Media Group, a culture of complacency and excess festered at Univision, Fusions parent company. (Univision also owned GMG when the story was published.) Fusion in particular, was pinging from one content strategy to another, and chasing Facebook traffic and virality at the expense of more substantial reporting. One staffer told GMG the outlet decided, Were going to be the super-woke millennial-focused media outlet. How YouTube Built a Radicalization Machine for the Far-Right Pool has similar complaints. After being lured to Fusion with promises of full editorial independence, he claims to have been directed to reinforce leftist pieties. Lie. Lie to the audience. Tell the audience what they want to hear, is how Pool puts it now. Four years ago, Pool indicated in a Reddit AMA that Eilemberg had given him and other Fusion staffers marching orders to side with the audience. The ex-Fusion boss does not recall saying so, nor does Pools description match company policy. To suggest we bent, ignored, or fabricated facts is simply not true, Eilemberg said in a text message. Fortunately, both Fusions reporting and Tims YouTube channel are public, so anyone can come to their own conclusions about whos peddling baseless narratives to fit an audiences point of view. Like some of the other high-profile names on staff, Pool wasnt producing a ton of content for the site. A former Fusion staffer who worked with Pool said, There were many weeks where we didnt do anything. Pool describes his stint at Fusion as having been slapped with golden handcuffswell-compensated but with his ambitions thwarted. So I sat around, he said. It was boring and eventually I left. Pools contract with Fusion ended in September 2016. Invariably, its a tale he recounts constantly and with a purpose, like an origin story: He ditched Fuson and digital media as a whole because theyre utterly corrupt and feckless, not because of his own failings. Only now, unshackled from his corporate masters, could he tell the real truth, the whole truth, the things they didnt want you to know. And no one would be in a position to tell him otherwise or stop him from getting a story floridly wrong. Just Amplifying Someone Elses Ideas Since being liberated from working with editors and producers, Pools affiliations with the seediest elements of the far right have only grown. And the falsehoods have rapidly accelerated. Scroll through Pools current output and its hard to find a video hes produced which does not contain some combination of rank distortions, conspiracy theories treated as if they were credible ideas, or a basic misunderstanding of the subject at hand. (A recent study named Pool as a superspreader of falsehoods about voter fraud in the run up to the 2020 election.) Take Pools response after a handful of stories came out about adverse responses to the vaccine in December. Maybe, Pool baselessly speculated, the left and the media wanted to reduce the publics confidence in the vaccine. That way, they could deny Trump the rightly-deserved credit for this miraculous feat and lower his popularity at a critical momentwhile Trump was fighting for the presidency, he said, (By July, hed pivoted to fearmongering about the Biden administrations efforts to reach the unvaccinated.) Then theres Pools record of political predictions. In 2020, he routinely forecast a Trump winpossibly by a 49- or 50-state landslide, per Pool. When Biden won, Pool tried to retcon his history, claiming when he said landslide it was tied to hypothetical contingencies, like Trump appointing Tulsi Gabbard or legalizing marijuana. (This is false.) This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. As Pool readily admits, I turn the camera on and I rant, whether hes deeply familiar with a subject or not, and for viewers who treat him as a valued source for news and a way to understand how the world really works. Theres no script, theres no plan. Staking out this turf inevitably leads him to some untenable positions. But when confronted with concrete evidence of mistakes, Pool often doubles down. Sometimes, this results in him siding with despots. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Or, as was the case in 2017, hell lend credence to the conspiracy that Seth Rich had been the source for documents published by WikiLeaks. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Two years later, he denied having done so while threatening legal action against outletsincluding The Daily Beastwhich had accurately covered his comments. Pool even announced in March that hed begun strategically posting contradictory information about his opinions and beliefs on Twitter. That way, none of his social-media posts could be included in any articles about him. Of course, no group attracts Pools enmity more than the mainstream media. Most reporters are morons, he has said, who publish garbage nonsensical drama and ragebait trash. As Pool has drummed into his audience over and over again, the profession is rife with lazy incompetents and evil vampires who are perpetually lyingunlike him. They hate you, he often sneers. Mining the right-wing outrage cycle for storiesand serving as a sanitized conduit to the far rightfor an audience desperate to have their misperceptions validated and grievances nursed has proven an extremely effective business model. From summer to early autumn 2020, Pools three YouTube channels racked up over 100 million views per month, according to SocialBlade. Pool claims he topped out at around 120 million during the election season. As a member of YouTubes partner program, Pool was handsomely rewarded. In August 2020 alone, Pool raked in $600,000, as he boasted during the recorded September conversation. By Pools calculations, YouTube accounted for 90 percent. (In his email to The Daily Beast, Pool claimed the income total was wildly incorrect and easily disproved but declined to provide the correct figure. Perhaps the audio has been edited, he said without evidence.) Two industry experts told The Daily Beast that Pool may be exaggerating somewhatSocialBlades public estimates of his potential earnings are lower, toobut banking about $540,000 is within the realm of possibility, they said, if, as Pool claims, 90 percent of his videos are monetized. Anecdotally, the rate squares with the frequency of ads seen by The Daily Beast in its examination of Pools content. These days, and since he more than halved the number of videos produced per week, hes down to 45 million or so, about where he was in April 2020. Still, though his Facebook viewership pales in comparison, Pool has prospered on YouTube. For over a year, hes easily surpassed better-known right-wing yakkers like Dennis Prager, Dan Bongino, and Ben Shapiro on the platform. (Steven Crowder leapfrogged Pool this April, the same month in which he was demonetized for violating community guidelines. The following month, Crowder was suspended for two weeks.) It is unclear how much revenue the podcast version of his videos brings in. Pool said in December the viewership numbers were dramatically lower than on YouTube, despite the show reaching sixth place on Apples charts as of January. He doesnt do many live ad reads on his channels, but one sponsor sells survivalist bulk food buckets. (Pool hawked them while Texas was suffering mass power outages.) During Timcast IRL live broadcasts, which air five times a week and began last summer, fans can pay for YouTube super chats, putting their questions to Pool at the top of the queue. On any given livestream, the take often tops four figures. Production expenses are minimal, he has said. How did Pool reach these levels of prominence and profit? Becca Lewis is a PhD candidate at Stanford University. Three years ago, she conducted a study examining how the YouTube algorithm was funneling viewers to the far right. Pool was a central subject of her work. Like social media influencers, political YouTubers packaged themselves as more authentic and relatableand therefore more trustworthythan mainstream news sources, Lewis told The Daily Beast. And while a great deal of emphasis has been placed on the effect YouTube has on audiences, the converse is also true. They continually A/B-test ideas and receive direct feedback about what works. Pool is no exception. In the recorded September conversation, Pool told his ex-colleagues that since he announced hed be voting for Trump, My views are skyrocketing. Publicly, Pool makes it clear hes well aware of which stories his audience wants to hear. Over a long enough timeline, the question of whether theyre true believers evangelizing for the far right or motivated by profits and attention becomes unanswerable and not really relevant. One of the more visible forms of evidence we can find of radicalization on the platform is watching the influencers themselves get radicalized over time, Lewis said. Thats definitely the direction Pools content has headed. After leaving Fusion, Pool went back to covering demonstrations and political events like the DeploraBall, a D.C. shindig hosted by extremely online MAGA luminaries the week of Trumps inauguration. This meant greater contact with the fringes of the ideological spectrum. Pool scored a few appearances on Fox News and talked about being threatened by antifa. (A trip to Milwaukee in August 2016 was cut short, with Pool stating that the unrest had made the area unsafe for him and others who presented as white.) On YouTube, Pool hosted or was a guest of far-right personalities like Brittany Pettibone, Lauren Southern, Carl Sargon of Akkad Benjamin, Mike Cernovich, Mark Count Dankula Meehan, Gavin McInnes, Anthime Baked Alaska Gionet, and more. Those extremists were given space to air their views without much in the way of resistance from Pool. With Gionet, who had just gained notoriety for tweeting 1488 and other antisemitic memes, Pool asked, Are you a racist? Gionet said no. Pool called the posts jokes and seemed satisfied with his response. Within months, Gionet attended the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville. He used a similar line of questioning to interrogate Cernovich. At that time, the Pizzagate promoter was trying to distance himself from the openly bigoted factions in the alt-right, like the white nationalist Richard Spencer. Cernovich said no and Pool didnt press him. Lewis told The Daily Beast that mutually beneficial collaborations between conservative and far-right circles were commonplace in 2016 and 2017 when YouTube was taking more of a hands-off approach towards moderating extremist content. Far-right creators viewed the soon-to-called Intellectual Dark Web and others like Pool as a useful bridge to a new, possibly lucrative audience, and a batch of fresh recruits. For their interlocutors, engaging with personalities considered to be on the fringe added a patina of salaciousness, bringing them attention as well. (To this day, the far-right mines value from intermingling with ostensible centrists.) At the same time, Pool and others of his ilk strove to maintain some plausible deniability: They werent espousing far-right beliefs themselves, mind youthey were just reporting. Pool is still running the same playbook. He has ridiculed and condemned QAnon, but that hasnt stopped him from inviting QAnon-associated figures on his nightly live show. Stop the Steal promoters and organizers and election-related conspiracy theorists also made appearances, both before and after Jan. 6. None of them, nor any of the other far-right extremists, were pressed on their views. Whether Pool is purposely downplaying his guestss beliefs and prior acts or was not aware doesnt really alter the resulting impact. By definition, YouTube as a platform can blur the lines between a rigorous interview and pals hanging out online. Consciously or not, the end result is actually just amplifying someone elses ideas behind the facade of an interview, said Lewis. In private, such distinctions seem to evaporate entirely. Pool was in Berkeley, California in September 2017 for Free Speech Week, an ultimately canceled four-day event organized by Milo Yiannopoulos. Daniel Lombroso, the director of White Noise, a 2020 documentary featuring white nationalists like Spencer, was in town doing preliminary research. At an AirBnB rented by a handful of right-wing figures, Lambroso drew the ire of Pool and Benjamin, a YouTuber and staunch anti-feminist who told jokes about raping a member of the British Parliament. The two of them were just a nightmare, Lombroso told The Daily Beast. Their behavior was really vicious, he said, with both repeatedly calling him fake news and evil because he worked for a mainstream news outlet. When Lombroso took out release forms, Thats when [Pool] really lost his mind, the filmmaker said. He described Pool as loudly and vehemently arguing he was not to be trusted, saying the release forms shouldnt be signed. (Asking participants to sign a release form is a standard practice when filming a documentary. Benjamin did not respond to an emailed request for comment.) Later that night, Lombroso recalled, Benjamin stridently railed against media coverage of race and equality issues, with Pool concurring. The media was lying to the public and focusing on these issues in order to purposely start a race war in America, he said. They kept saying that. (In addition to the 2019 comment made to Johnson, his Black ex-employee, Pool also told the former Fusion staffer about the race war soon to come.) These associations continue to this day. In the recorded September conversation, Pool confessed to his then-colleagues that former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio privately asked him to delete a tweet, and effectively provide cover for the far-right street gang. On Sept. 7, 2020, a man wearing a Proud Boys T-shirt was caught on-camera bludgeoning a leftist counter-protester in Salem, Oregon. At first, Pool condemned the Proud Boys on Twitter. But Tarrio sent Pool a message saying the alleged perpetrator was not a Proud Boy. Youre going to get my dudes hurt, he claimed Tarrio told him. At his request (and perhaps without checking to see if Tarrio was correct) Pool deleted the tweet and posted a new one, wrongly telling his hundreds of thousands of followerswithout disclosing where his info came fromthat the Proud Boys did not seem to be involved. Currently, Pool boasts more than 841,000 followers. Five weeks later, Pool hosted Tarrio for a friendly sit-down. In private, Pool had offered a much more pointed and accurate assessment of the Proud Boys than he would ever deliver on-air. It sounds like their fucking whole existence is predicated on showing up to where antifa is to start fights and then complain theyre being attacked, he said in the recorded conversation. (Though critical of the gang for attending the same protests as leftists, Pool has asserted the Proud Boys acted in self-defense nine out of ten times.) As of this writing, dozens of Proud Boys have been arrested to date for their roles in the Capitol insurrection. One arrested Capitol rioter, though not a Proud Boy, used a photo of himself wearing a Tim Pool T-shirt as his avatar on his since-deleted Twitter profile in July 2020. A Milquetoast Fence-Sitter During these initial years as an independent act, Pool didnt attract much in the way of attention. That changed when he embarked on a joint effort with Paul Joseph Watson, a YouTuber and conspiracy theorist. Then-President Trump had made a speech in April 2017 partly devoted to wailing about a non-existent terrorist act in Sweden. (Swedes were confused, to say the least.) Watson entered the fray. Regardless of whether Trump had fudged the details, migrants and refugees posed a serious threat, Watson, an Alex Jones acolyte, opined. So did much of the online far right in the U.S. To those criticizing him, Watson proposed footing the bill for any reporter who spent a week investigating the crime-ridden suburbs of Malmo. (The idea that migrantsnonwhite migrantsbring crime and squalor with them is a long-standing white nationalist trope.) Only one journalist took Watson up on his offer: Tim Pool, who was already planning a reporting trip prior to Watsons challenge. The $2,000 from Watson was added to a successful $20,000 GoFundMe campaign for the project, titled Investigating Swedish Crime Waves. In the description, he swore hed only report the facts and not take sides. The final product did not bear this out. But in these dozen-odd videos, you can see how and why Pool began appealing to a right-leaning audience: the patina of authenticity and objectivity masking deep-seated biases, conveniently omitted context benefitting a right-wing narrative, and animosity towards the press fact-checking his assertions. In Rinkeby, a suburb of Stockholm, Pool hunkered down in a bowling alley to gab with three men whom Pool says he just happened to meet. During their chat, the men aired suspicions about the recent influx of refugees while praising Trump. As the Swedish press and leftist YouTubers like HeyItsVadim previously documented, the men werent localsthey didnt reside in Rinkeby at allbut rather members of Folkresningen de Fria (the Free Peoples Movement), an anti-immigrant, far-right fringe group whose leader has blamed Jews for both the Holocaust and 9/11, among other conspiracies. During a Reddit AMA 10 days after the video was posted, a user informed Pool about his interview subjects and de Frias extremist beliefs. Pool didnt seem troubled. I was introduced to them as from Rinkeby, he replied. The description in his video has not been updated. The de Fria members werent the only far-right individuals Pool failed to accurately depict. To introduce IIvar Arpi, Pool says hes a journalist who has a really good perspective, but it might be controversial. What those controversies might be, Pool doesnt say. Arpi is a far-right columnist who later opined that Google search results are manipulated to serve Blacks and gays'' while harming white heterosexuals. Chang Frick, who served as Pools guide in a couple of the videos, is also described by Pool as controversial and aligned with the right-wing, according to some people, but others say he is a good journalist. Viewers are not informed that Frick held political office as a member of the Sweden Democrats, a far-right, anti-immigrant party, as BuzzFeed reported, or that a high-ranking party official prodded Frick to found Nyheter Idag, his right-wing news site. A year after Pools visit, the outlet was named a leading purveyor of junk news, according to an Oxford University study (a charge Frick has disputed). Pool told BuzzFeed in 2017 he wasnt aware of Fricks affiliations. Identifying left-leaning interviewees wasnt a problem. When Pool talked with Nils Karlsson, Malmos deputy mayor, he framed Karlssons responsethat refugees were not responsible for the increase in violent crimeas coming from someone with a very liberal perspective, he said. What caught the conservative medias eye was a scene where Pool and Frick were idling about in a shopping center in Rinkeby when suddenly they had to beat a hasty retreat. Pool claimed he was instructed to leave the area and escorted out by the cops, as up to 50 unnamed men could possibly show up and begin pelting them with rocks. The Stockholm police called the allegation bunk (a small group of individuals made it clear they didnt want to be filmed; Pool was not escorted out) but that didnt stop Pools tale of imminent peril from being trumpeted by the likes of Watson himself, Breitbart, The Daily Mail, The Daily Wire, and even The Daily Stormer. Following the Swedish excursion, Pool began to abandon on the ground reporting and shift almost entirely into commentary. (The death threats he claimed to have received from the left were a deciding factor, hes said.). A second YouTube channel, Timcast News, was created in November 2017 to include less polished work, said Pool, and address a wider array of cultural topics like technology and skateboarding. Initially, not much was posted. By July, the pace had picked up. Pool never did branch beyond culture war battles, but over time, he settled on a replicable, scalable, and cost-efficient format. In each video, hed read a newsworthy article out loud, pausing to add his opinions, cite social media or other stories, and riff. Watch Pools content from this period, and some differences become clear. He still defended and mischaracterized far-right cranks and blamed the media for all manner of ills. But rather than ever openly endorse right-wing ideas, Pool did position himself as a centrist laying out both sides of an issue. But considering whether one party was engaging in hackery or misrepresentation was mostly outside of Pools job description, he told The New Yorker. No wonder, then, a commenter called Pool a milquetoast fence-sitter, a descriptor he has since reclaimed. Later, Pools viewers would say he underwent the worlds slowest red-pilling. In January 2019, Pool ramped up his output. Producing six videos per day, seven days a week became the norm. The uptick coincided with a dramatic increase in views, he has said, over the first two months. Two appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience in February and March 2019 also swelled his number of subscribers, per Pool. Within months, Pool scored an invitation to the White House for a Social Media Summit''a photo op featuring online extremists, conspiracy theorists, and assorted trolls. For close to two years, Pool rarely if ever took a day off. Whatever else one wants to say about him, he maintained a rigorous, diligent pace12 to 16 hours on the job per day, according to Pool. He also insists he spends hours fact-checking, and does a lot more journalism than New York Times reporters tend to, in contrast to what his Vice and Fusion colleagues recalled about his work habits. Creating this sheer amount of content had other unforeseen impacts. Most people would be hard-pressed to maintain the baseline expertise and/or do the extensive research required to pump out multiple 20- or 30-minute videos per day on a wide range of events. (Pool often hits record hours after a story is reported elsewhere. The most frequently used source material in his videos as of mid-2020 was The Daily Mail, according to Jack Lawrence, a British medical student and independent journalist whos carved out a niche documenting Pools work on Twitter at @TimPoolClips. Right-wing shit-stirrer Andy Ngos tweets finished fourth.) Inevitably, this production scheduleand videos needing to last ten minutes in order to maximize monetizationwill result in content packed with careless errors, rambling, circular or contradictory diatribes, and anecdotes which confirm his priors repeated incessantly. But as a growth strategy, its quite shrewd. Viewers know exactly when to tune in and catch their favorite show. (His broadcast times rarely changed, though he ended the three 6 p.m. and weekend videos in December 2020.) They can be assured their extremely online, skater-ish millennial buddy will hit the same beats at some point during each episode: the left has gone insane, the Fake News media is lying to you, the right is being targeted, and societal collapse or a peaceful separation is imminent. Even a 20-minute video from July ostensibly about a George Floyd memorial which was struck by lightning culminates with Pool proclaiming the left is acting against the natural order and is the sworn foe of creation itself. By definition, his content traces the fault lines of the culture wars. Not only because those engagement-grabbing grievances have supplanted policy concerns on the right, but because the logistics alone dont allow for deep-bore policy analysis. If nothing else, it makes for a frictionless consumer experience. The body of Pools work is geared towards triggering his audiences anger and fearsones the host seems to share. A rotating cast of villains are held up for scorn and ridicule in the Tim Pool Cinematic Universe. President Biden, who Pool and his then-co-host called a pedo[phile] last summer, heads one of the most criminally complicit and corrupt families in this country. Whats more, the president may be beholden to China or compromised and is a fascistic nutjob. Dr. Anthony Fauci is evil and a psychopath. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez is obsessively referred to as a lying, evil ignoramus, and cops who enforced COVID-19 regulations during lockdowns were betraying the Constitution or oath breakers. (Capitol rioters screamed the term at police officers on Jan. 6. MAGA internet dwellers similarly consider members of Congress who supported the vote count to be oath breakers.) Nurses posting a TikTok video of themselves dancing werent blowing off steam after a brutal year. To an enraged Pool, they were mocking and laughing at us. Both the Hunter Biden saga and the FBI raiding Rudy Giulianis office were described as, One of the most consequential stories of our generation. The shambolic lockdowns and bungled response to the pandemic might be part of a conspiracy to intentionally tank the economy and impose totalitarian one-world rule. When Gen. Michael Flynn and other bold-font QAnon adherents were grumbling in December about a military coup or begging Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act, Pool posited, Maybe the solution is martial law, if only to restore constitutional rights. Before the 2020 election, Democrats plotted to rig the election, Pool brayed that summer and fall. After Biden won, Pool pinned the defeat on Trump being Oceans 11dthe unwitting victim of an intricate scheme involving shadowy, powerful public and private actors determined to thwart Trump, whom Pool considers an anti-establishment figure. (A Time magazine report detailing how a coalition mobilized to protect election integrity and increase voting access was regularly cited as evidence hed been right.) One day before Jan. 6, he suggested Pence could declare Trump the winner. QAnon circles had been spreading this unconstitutional fantasy, calling it the Pence Card. Confronting these perceived adversaries will win Pools praise. He showers Tucker Carlson and James OKeefe with hosannas and respects the spine shown by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a QAnon promoter and conspiracy theorist. QAnon-friendly Rep. Lauren Boebert, who tweeted Today is 1776 on Jan. 6, also earned Pools admiration for being strong and carrying firearms unlike other spineless, little, weaselly GOP politicians. On the morning of the Capitol riot, Pool praised Boebert as being principled and a person of integrity. Afterwards, not much had changed. I actually think shes kind of all right, he said a week later. She seems cool. To be clear, none of the above would in all likelihood warrant a strike on YouTube. Pool takes great pains not to run afoul of YouTubes community guidelines, and getting kicked off or demonetized would be crippling, he has confessed. Regardless, YouTube generally avoids taking punitive actions against creators with big audiences, especially if there is little public scrutiny or criticism of them, Lewis explained. When it comes to building a durable, large following, this all works. Pool has been approvingly retweeted by both Trump and his eldest son, Donald Jr. On the day of the first 2020 presidential debate, the Trump campaign bought out YouTubes homepage to share a testimonial from a Black man who credited Pool with his newfound admiration for the now-former president. You unlocked me, he says of Pool in the video. And Im sure you unlocked a lot of people. And of course, given his reading material and nightly guests, rarely does Pool expose his audience to anything but a straw-manned version of the countervailing perspective. (When Pool wishes to belittle a leftist perspective, he often adopts a whiny, high-pitched, lisping accent.) To maintain the useful if fictional selling point that hes still left of center politicallyin October 2019, Pool swore he would never vote for Republicans; by 2020 hed donated to multiple GOP candidatesPool will toss out mid-video that he is in favor of a progressive income tax, opposes U.S. military intervention, or believes structural racism exists, as if it counterbalances the entirety of his output. But on the rare occasions he comes face-to-face with an actual leftist, it usually doesnt go well. Sam Seder, the host of The Majority Report, appeared on Pools channel in 2019. For the bulk of the broadcast, Pool stammered and sputtered, unable to offer cogent arguments. In one widely shared and derided clip, Pool said he refused to vote for Hillary Clinton. The only way to justify doing so, he explained, was by adopting a utilitarian philosophy, not unlike the Marvel supervillain Thanos, who wanted to eradicate half of all life in the universe. In October, Pool brought the leftist podcaster Vaush on Timcast IRL. Once again, Pool came across as out of his depth, no more so than when talking about critical race theory. The once-obscure academic theory has become an increasingly prevalent catch-all term wielded by right-wing activists to stave off a reckoning with the ongoing racial disparities in America. More than two dozen states have since introduced legislation broadly targeting critical race theory in education. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Pool was an early adopter, citing critical race theory and leftist identitarianism as key reasons why he voted for a straight GOP ticket. But when pressed by Vaush to define critical race theory, he was at a loss. (On air, Pool blamed not having the academic definition handy. Months later, he still needed to read the Wikipedia page out loud.) That night, he fired off a string of vaguely connected buzzwords. Specifically, like, privilege plus power, whiteness, minorities, white, traits of whiteness would be specifically, like, hard work, scheduling, said Pool before pivoting to one of his pet anecdotes: a chart created and then quickly removed by the Smithsonian Museum. The Nail Is White Dudes More Pool projects are on the way. His recently erected website, Timcast.com, had thousands sign up in 2021, Pool claimed. The site provides protection against his channels being demonetized or removed entirely by YouTube. Subscribers doling out between $10 and $1,000 a month receive access to stuff YouTube doesnt let us talk about, Pool promises. In a June 2021 paywalled interview with Steve Bannon, the former Breitbart honcho called people who get vaccinated for COVID-19 dumb. (Pool implied in December and last month that bad food allergies prevented him from getting the jab.) He also hopes to attract viewers under 18 years old to the site with nonpolitical videos about culture, like skateboarding or UFOs. There, Pool and his younger fans can congregate and not fear the specter of cancel culture. We want to play the circle game without being accused of being Nazis or whatever, he said. Whether throwing trollish white power hand signs or not, there are reasons why Pools programming might prompt such accusations. Cassandra Fairbanks, an extremist online personality and bureau chief for the far-right website The Gateway Pundit, was named editor-in-chief of Timcast.com in June. She has a habit of posting and deleting gleeful tweets about those she disagrees with politically being physically harmed. On the day officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty in the murder of George Floyd, Fairbanks declared him a political prisoner. (Other extreme-right figures reacted similarly.) The daughter of white nationalist Peter Brimelow started blogging for Timcast.com later in June. (In his email to The Daily Beast, Pool wrote, I dont know who [her] dad is, adding that Fairbanks recommended her.) In one paywall-protected video, Pools co-host Ian Crossland bitterly complained about not being able to say the n-word. Its a fucking English word, Crossland yelled. It means black in Spanish. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. In the original Pool-produced livestream, the n-word is not bleeped out. After the clip made the rounds online, Pool claimed it lacked context and was misleading. But a prime example is the livestream on Jan. 20, an episode that started out as fodder for comedy. That night, Pool and his Timcast IRL guests didnt catch the self-evident satire in a Jacobin cover depicting Biden as a saint. They got heated at what they thought was simplified political imagery being used to manipulate clueless Americans. When Pool et al. were ridiculed on social media for their gaffe, Pool began firing off excuses. First, Pool said he and his crew werent familiar enough with the socialist magazine to parse the covers meaning, which doesnt explain why they were discussing the publication without doing minimal research. Then he blamed the giggling onlookers for impeding his efforts to unify people against the machine. Casual observers, the kind who only caught the jokes made at Pools expense, missed out on the extremist politics which followed minutes later. That nights roundtable included Lydia Smith, Pools producer and show booker, who tweeted Pinochet memes at Ocasio-Cortez this past November, plus Crossland and Luke Rudkowski, a former Alex Jones employee and old school 9/11 truther. The shows guest was a frequent one: John Goldman, aka Jack Murphy, a former D.C. charter school employee who was fired in 2018 after pseudonymously blogging since-deleted thought jewels like Feminists need rape. The self-styled leading voice in the mens space on Twitter has of late written about the concurrent decline in male sperm count and grip strength. Goldman made dozens of appearances on Timcast IRL in 2020 and 2021. (Reached for comment, Goldman wrote, eat a bag of dicks. Crossland and Smith did not respond.) After incorrectly dissecting the Jacobin artwork, the quartet veered off into seemingly unrelated topics: Pool falsely said Occupy was intentionally subverted when powerful forces introduce[d] identity politics and drove white people from the movement; Crossland casually called Native Americans cannibals; and Goldman postulated that since the 1960s, people of color had been used as a blunt instrument by the left and the Democratic Party to hammer white men. The nail is white dudes, he said. And the hammer is what now? The state and all the nonwhite dudes behind them. As the old lie goes, one dating long before the 60s, the demands for social justice by people of color are secretly being promoted by a cabal of elites whose true endgame is the subversion of majority-white rule. Sometimes its explicitly Jews out to sow destruction from within. At other moments in history, its been communists and Marxists, the deep state, or an ever-swirling hodgepodge of the above. The names may change, but the paranoia remains the same. During the broadcast, Pool never said he disagreed with Goldman. When asked by The Daily Beast if he too believed people of color were used by Democrats as a cudgel against white males, Pool declined to say. Instead, he listed a few leftist Timcast IRL guests who made several claims I also did not contradict, and said hes pro-immigration. But when Goldman said so on-air, Pool awkwardly changed the subject. Perhaps because he seems to understand how to boost similar narratives without crossing the line. The full livestream has been viewed more than 361,000 times on YouTube as of publication. Four shorter excerpts have been viewed more than 331,000 times. All told, those two hours of fact-free, at times bigoted bantering put a few thousand YouTube ad dollars in Pools pocket. His audience got a free dose of white nationalism. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Ethiopian Airlines, the largest carrier in Africa, on Sunday denied it was transporting weapons and soldiers to the war-torn Tigray region. Calls to boycott the state-owned airline appeared on social media over allegations it was involved in the nine-month-old conflict. "Ethiopian Airlines strongly refutes all the recent baseless and unfounded allegations that are running on social media regarding the airline's involvement in transporting war armament and soldiers to the Tigray region," it said in a statement on Twitter. The war pitting government forces and their allies against Tigray rebels has cost thousands of lives and pushed hundreds of thousands into famine, with claims of rights abuses on both sides. The allegations about the national carrier appeared in numerous Twitter posts, some accompanied by pictures of soldiers boarding one of its planes. But Ethiopian Airlines said the reports "used various photoshopped, old and unrelated pictures to tarnish our brand". Flights to and from Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia, were suspended after the conflict erupted in November and after being reopened for a period, the airspace was shut again a month ago. "We have had no flight to the region since then, and none of our aircraft landed in the conflict area," Ethiopian Airlines said. The United Nations and other aid agencies have issued urgent appeals for the opening of air and road routes into Tigray, where the UN says more than five million people are in desperate need of help. The UN's humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths and US aid head Samantha Power are both visiting Ethiopia to press for access to the region. The Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels have accused each other of being to blame for the difficulties in reaching Tigray by road. txw/jxb Mayor of Laglio Roberto Pozzi with George Clooney in the midst of rubble caused by bad weather in Laglio on July 28, 2021. MEGA George Clooney is doing his part to help Lake Como recover from the damage caused by recent flooding. On Tuesday, the area of Italy where the Oscar winner, 60, has a vacation home was hit by heavy rain and landslides. According to the Evening Standard, 60 local residents had to be evacuated due to the storm. The following day, Clooney who was in town with his wife Amal Clooney and their 4-year-old twins was seen touring the damage. He also helped residents with their clean-up efforts, reported The Independent. "The situation is much more critical than what was imagined. In Cernobbio the situation is very serious, in Laglio, it is even worse," a local source told PEOPLE. "I spoke with the mayor. There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and it will require substantial funds. But I am certain this place will become better than it was before." RELATED: George and Amal Clooney 'Thrilled to Be Back' on Lake Como with Twins Ella and Alexander, 4: Source "However, this town has always been very strong and will continue to be so in the future. This is a very resilient place," the source continued. "[Clooney] came straight to the town hall to see what had happened and we took a tour of the damage," local mayor Roberto Pozzi told the U.K. Times on Friday. "He was really perturbed and said he wanted to help out. We're raising funds and I think he will be using his own channels to do so too so we can help out people who have been made homeless," Pozzi added. A fireman inspects damages caused by a landslide in Laglio, on July 28, 2021, after heavy rain caused floods in towns surrounding Lake Como in northern Italy. Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty Video footage shows Clooney speaking about the damage with a state-run television station. "It's much worse than I thought," Clooney said in the video. "I have spoken to the mayor there will be a lot of work, it will take millions of dollars, but this city is strong. It will react and return better than before. This is a very resilient city." "We had three days of continuous rain and then all hell broke loose and we were flooded with an amazing wall of water and debris from the mountain," Pozzi told The Sun, elaborating on the damage caused by the extreme weather. Story continues Pozzi went on to tell the U.K. outlet that four houses were destroyed in the flooding. RELATED VIDEO: George Clooney 'Laid Out the ABCs of Professionalism' on ER Set, Says Costar Noah Wyle "Now we need the government to declare a state of emergency and provide extraordinary financial support," he told the U.K. Times. 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. In June, a source in the area told PEOPLE that Clooney and his family had returned to Lake Como after being away longer than usual. "They didn't spend time in Lake Como last year. It's the first time in two years that they are back in Italy," the source said. ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) A German couple have been detained in Croatia for leaving their two children and a dog in a locked car with closed windows in sweltering heat, police said Sunday. A statement said that citizens in the northern coastal town of Porec on Friday evening alerted police after seeing the children and the dog in the car with German license plates. Local media said the children were both girls, ages 6 and 8. The couple had gone shopping and left the children with the dog inside the car, police said. The children were treated for heat exhaustion while the dog is being looked after. The mother of the children and her partner, both 28, were detained on Saturday and are facing charges of child rights violation and animal torture. Croatia, and the rest of the Balkan region, has been hit by extremely high temperatures this week reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some places. Authorities have issued warnings to people to be cautious in the heat. Famous for its Adriatic Sea coastline and islands, Croatia has been packed with tourists. The northern Istria peninsula is highly popular because it is easy to access from other parts of Europe. BEIRUT (AP) At least two people were killed on Sunday south of the Lebanese capital when gunmen opened fire at the funeral of a Hezbollah commander who was killed a day earlier, an official from the group said. The Lebanese military said they deployed in the coastal town of Khaldeh to contain the tension after heavy fire including from rocket-propelled grenades terrorized residents and brought traffic to a standstill. The gunmen remain at large. The military warned it would fire at any source of fire or anyone carrying weapons on the main road. It said one of its soldiers was injured in the shooting. The violence is rooted in a personal vendetta. Lebanese media reported that a man from one of the Sunni Arab tribes of Khaldeh opened fire during a wedding party at a club on Saturday night, killing Ali Chebli, a fighter in Hezbollah. Chebli's killer was apprehended, and his family explained the attack as revenge. It accused Chebli of killing a 15-year-old relative of theirs in shooting a year earlier. The family, of the Sunni Arab tribe, said in a statement that authorities never brought Chebli to justice because he was under the protection of the powerful Hezbollah group. The Hezbollah official said gunmen ambushed Chebli's funeral procession when it reached the family home, firing at the mourners, killing his brother-in-law and a friend, and injuring others. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters. The army deployed to defuse the tensions and free the family, who had taken shelter in the house with the body. The official called for the perpetrators of the violence to be brought to trial. Sectarian conflict in the area was sparked last year after a dispute over a Shiite religious banner that was hoisted in the area of the Sunni Arab tribes. Tensions often flare in the area. Dressel snags 5th gold, Schauffele wins men's golf Swimming events wrapped up Sunday at the Tokyo Olympics, but not before Caeleb Dressel could add a couple more gold medals to his fast-growing collection. The Team USA star took first in the 50-meter freestyle before powering the men's 4x100 medley relay team to gold and a new world record. He leaves the Games with an impressive five gold medals. Xander Schauffele won gold for Team USA in men's golf, following a stellar performance across the 4-day competition. Schauffele, who finished at 18 strokes under par, held off a record-breaking effort from Slovakia's Rory Sabbatini, who shot the lowest single-round score in Olympic history on Sunday to win the silver medal. The U.S. has won more total medals than any other country with 59, but its 20 gold medals trails only China (24). August 1, 2021: Caeleb Dressel (USA) celebrates after winning the men's 4x100m medley final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Simone Biles withdraws again The chances of seeing Simone Biles compete again at the Tokyo Olympics are dwindling. USA Gymnastics announced Biles' withdrawal from the floor exercise final Sunday after she had already pulled out of the all-around, as well as Sunday's event finals for vault and uneven bars. The last event final, for balance beam, is Tuesday, but a decision on her availability for it has yet to be made. Biles, who came to Tokyo projected to win a record five gold medals, pulled out of the team competition Tuesday after one event, saying mental health concerns were manifesting themselves in the twisties, a loss of air awareness. What are the twisties in gymnastics and the impact on Simone Biles? Simone Biles, left, and MyKayla Skinner watch the men's all-around final at the Tokyo Olympics. July COVID cases shatter June number; Fauci dismisses idea of lockdowns The U.S. likely won't see the lockdowns that plagued the nation last year despite surging infections, but "things are going to get worse," Dr. Anthony Fauci warned Sunday. Fauci, making the rounds on morning news shows, noted that half of Americans have been vaccinated. That, he said, should be enough people to avoid drastic measures. But not enough to crush the outbreak. The U.S. reported more than 1.3 million new infections in July, more than triple the number from June. Fauci acknowledged that some breakthrough infections are occurring among the vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective, he noted. But he stressed that vaccinated people who do become infected are less likely to become seriously ill than unvaccinated people who become infected. Story continues Real quick: Eviction moratorium expires, putting millions at risk of eviction A federal freeze on most evictions expired Saturday after the House of Representatives on Friday did not pass a bill that would have extended the moratorium. The freeze, which was enacted last year due to the pandemic, 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 nearly $47 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses. Roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. as of July 5 said they face eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey. Vote on $1 trillion infrastructure bill coming soon, Schumer says Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, speaking at a rare Sunday session, said the vote on a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package could be held in a matter of days, but senators still need to finish writing the vast legislation. Senators and staff have been laboring behind the scenes for days to write what is certain to be a massive piece of legislation and a key part of President Joe Bidens agenda. It calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years above projected federal levels, what could be one the more substantial expenditures on the nations roads, bridges, waterworks, broadband and the electric grid in years. Schumer warned Saturday that he was prepared to keep lawmakers in Washington for as long as it took to complete the vote on the bipartisan infrastructure plan. Schumer, Sen. Susan Collins, R.-Maine, and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. all said the bill could be completed this week. What's in the new infrastructure bill? Lawmakers settle on massive package. Wildfire-weary West faces thunderstorms, potential flash floods Western states already under siege from numerous wildfires may face a new threat this week as thunderstorms head their way, raising the possibility of flash flooding. The National Weather Service said the storms are expected to hit the interior western states, particularly the area from the Great Basin to the Rockies, and may help douse some fires but wont provide relief to drought-stricken California. Spots left barren of vegetation by the rash of wildfires throughout the West are especially prone to flash flooding when pelted by heavy rainfall. Parts of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Washington and Montana are under a flood watch. Firefighters in Oregon reported good progress in the battle against the Bootleg Fire, the nations largest one, as containment increased from 56% on Saturday to 74% on Sunday. Wildfire-weary West now faces thunderstorms, potential flash floods. Monsoon rains lead to dangerous floods in Southwest. P.S. Like this roundup of stories? Sign up for "The Short List" newsletter here. This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Associated Press. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caeleb Dressel wins 5th gold, Simone Biles withdraws: Weekend's news A surging number of immigrant families crossing the border in recent weeks has led to overcrowding in border patrol stations, and many of those families will now be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, according to two senior Department of Homeland Security officials. From there, the families will either be released with ankle monitors and a court date to make their case for asylum or put on flights to be quickly deported, the officials said. As of Saturday, border patrol processing facilities were holding migrants 585 percent above capacity. In the Rio Grande Valley, the busiest sector for border crossings, there were 6,671 immigrants being held in facilities meant for 965 people, according to one of the officials, leading to the spread of Covid-19, other viruses and lice among migrants. To deal with the overcrowding and attempt to make more room, border patrol has been releasing undocumented migrant families into the United States without court dates or any way to track their whereabouts. More than 50,000 migrants were recently released without court dates and given a date to report to an ICE field office within 60 days, but approximately 15,000 did not show, the DHS officials said. Now, in an unprecedented move, an agency usually tasked with detention, enforcement and removal of undocumented immigrants, ICE officers will be performing health screenings, offering Covid vaccines, telling immigrants their legal rights and connecting them with non-governmental organizations that can help them, the officials said. Asylum officers will continue making initial determinations for asylum-seeking migrants, either at the ICE facilities or by phone, they said. Spokespeople for ICE, CBP and DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday night. The Biden administration has come under pressure from both sides of the immigration debate for its handling of families during the pandemic. Immigration advocacy groups have argued in a lawsuit that the Trump-initiated policy known as Title 42 that expels immigrants back to Mexico before they can make an asylum claim should be lifted for families. While Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently sought a court order to make Title 42 enforced more widely. All unaccompanied children, some single adults and the vast majority of families are currently not being expelled under Title 42, in part because Mexico refuses to take back many families. LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States and Britain said on Sunday they believed Iran carried out an attack on an Israeli-managed petroleum product tanker off the coast of Oman on Thursday that killed a Briton and a Romanian, both pledging to work with partners to respond. Iran earlier on Sunday denied it was involved in the incident, after it was blamed by Israel. "Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack, which killed two innocent people, using one-way explosive UAVs," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, adding there was "no justification" for the attack. "We are working with our partners to consider our next steps and consulting with governments inside the region and beyond on an appropriate response, which will be forthcoming," Blinken said. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said earlier in the day that UK assessments had concluded that it was highly likely that Iran had used one or more drones to carry out the "unlawful and callous" attack. "We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran," he said. The UK was working with international partners on a "concerted response," he added. The incident involved the Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned ship managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime. The U.S. Navy, which was escorting the tanker with the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, said on Saturday that early indications "clearly pointed" to a drone attack. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had accused Tehran of "trying to shirk responsibility" for the attack, and called its denial "cowardly". Speaking during a weekly meeting of his cabinet on Sunday, Bennett said: "I declare unequivocally: Iran is the one that carried out the attack on the ship," adding that intelligence supported his claim. Story continues "We, in any case, have our own way to relay the message to Iran," Bennett said. Israel's foreign minister said earlier the incident deserved a harsh response. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a weekly news conference on Sunday that the "Zionist regime (Israel) has created insecurity, terror and violence... These accusations about Iran's involvement are condemned by Tehran". "Such accusations are meant by Israel to divert attention from facts and are baseless," Khatibzadeh said. There had been varying explanations for what happened to the tanker. Zodiac Maritime described the incident as "suspected piracy", and a source at the Oman Maritime Security Center said it was an accident that occurred outside Omani territorial waters. Iran and Israel have traded accusations of carrying out attacks on each other's vessels in recent months. Tensions have risen in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with major powers. (Reporting by Jeffrey Heller in Jerusalem, Paul Sandle in London, and Michael Martina in WashingtonWriting by Parisa HafeziEditing by Mark Heinrich, Frances Kerry and Andrea Ricci) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The United Kingdom joined Israel on Sunday in alleging Iran carried out a fatal drone strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, putting further pressure on Tehran as it denied being involved in the assault. Calling it a unlawful and callous attack, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his country and its allies planned a coordinated response over the strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street. It marked the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran and its militia allies have used so-called suicide drones in attacks previously. However, Israel, the U.K. and the responding U.S. Navy have yet to show physical evidence from the strike or offer intelligence information on why they blame Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett went further than Raab in remarks Sunday at a Cabinet meeting, making a point to stare directly into the camera and slowly warn: We know, at any rate, know how to convey the message to Iran in our own way. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The blast killed two crew members from the United Kingdom and Romania. The Navy said the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher escorted the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port. On Sunday, satellite-tracking information from MarineTraffic.com showed the tanker stopped off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. In his statement, Raab said it was highly likely Iran attacked the tanker with one or more drones. We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted and a clear violation of international law by Iran, he said. Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. Story continues Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh described the allegation Iran carried out the attack as baseless." Its not the first time that the Zionist regime occupying Jerusalem has made such empty accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khatibzadeh said. Wherever this regime has gone, it has taken instability, terror and violence with it. He added: Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind. Khatibzadeh spoke around an hour after Irans outgoing president acknowledged that his government at times did not tell part of the truth to the public during his term. From Jerusalem, Bennett offered condolences to both the United Kingdom and Romania for the killing of their citizens. He said Israeli intelligence had evidence linking Iran to the attack, but did not offer it. Iran is the one who carried out the attack against the ship, he said. Irans aggressive behavior is dangerous not only for Israel, but harms global interests in the freedom of navigation and international trade. Bennett took over as premier in June after a coalition deal unseated Israels long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is suspected of launching a series of attacks targeting Iran, including explosions at the countrys main enrichment site and the killing of a prominent military nuclear scientist. However, Bennett as well has made hawkish comments in the past about needing to attack the head of the octopus in Tehran as opposed to Irans regional militias like Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack on the Mercer Street marks the first during his time as prime minister and analysts suggest he could seek a major attack in retaliation. Israel may wish to deliver a resounding blow; thats the spirit of political sources comments in Jerusalem, wrote Amos Harel, a longtime military analyst for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. This blow will be aimed at ending things without a tit-for-tat that could escalate. But as usual, events also depend on the other side. ___ Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Ilan Ben Zion and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. Residents of the Austrian capital have queued for more than 130 years to sample the Italian ice cream of the Molin-Pradel family, one of Vienna's oldest gelato dynasties. "He helped democratise ice cream, which before was reserved for the wealthy," Silvio Molin-Pradel says of his great-great-grandfather Arcangelo, who began selling it out of pushcarts in Vienna in 1886. More than a century later, ice cream consumption among Austrians is higher than in neighbouring Italy. And it was entrepreneurs like Arcangelo Molin-Pradel, born into poverty in northern Italy's Dolomite Alps, who were among the first to benefit from the sweet tooth of the Viennese. The high cost of sugar, milk and refrigeration -- years before electric freezing was invented -- meant ice cream was long reserved for aristocrats. But ingenious Italians like the Molin-Pradels changed that, producing ice cream based on water and fruit extract. - Ice cream migration - Originally from Zoldo, six hours from Vienna by car these days, the Molin-Pradels, like other families, were so poor that migrating for seasonal work was part of life -- whether to work as seafarers, lumberjacks or ice cream makers. Vienna became one of the ice cream makers' first destinations outside Italy, says Maren Moehring, a history professor at the University of Leipzig in Germany. The Italian migrants' "frozen stuff" as some called it quickly became popular with ordinary Viennese. This sparked the ire of Austrian bakers, who perceived them as "dangerous competition", Moehring says. In 1894, the ice cream makers got the right to open shops in Vienna rather than just selling ice cream from carts. "The Viennese were already used to sweets... so it wasn't hard to then serve this cold product," Molin-Pradel, who keeps his recipes a secret, tells AFP as he stands in the back of his salon at Schwedenplatz. At the central, tree-lined square in the heart of Vienna, the family still produces artisanal ice cream. Story continues Each day in summer, about 5,000 customers order from dozens of flavours, ranging from traditional ones like chocolate and vanilla to avocado, lavender and hemp. "Every Viennese will tell you that 'their' Italian ice cream maker is better," says Molin-Pradel. "The colours must be pastel. It is a guarantee of quality," he says, adding that the business has expanded, including selling their ice cream through some Vienna supermarkets. - Lasting tradition - Out of roughly 370 ice cream shops in Austria, about 40 are still run by Italians in the small Alpine nation of almost nine million people, according to the Austrian Economic Chamber. Its data also show that Austria boasts an average per capita consumption of more than 60 scoops per year, or about eight litres of ice cream -- more than in Italy, with an average consumption of six litres. From one generation to the next, the gelato makers' skills and knowledge were passed on, "which explains their success", Moehring says. While ice cream makers in earlier times would typically return to Italy to take care of the harvests in the Alps by mid-August, today the season lasts well into October. Even today, Pradel-Molin goes on a pilgrimage to his ancestral home of Zoldo at the end of each season. It's still his source of inspiration to keep up with the latest flavours and other industry secrets, he says. bg/anb/deh/jza Nala the kitten needed intricate surgery to remove a sewing needle that had lodged near her eye. (SWNS) These amazing X-ray pictures show a sewing needle lodged in a kitten's skull after a freak accident. The curious 14-week-old kitten, called Nala, ate the needle after finding it on the floor, getting it wedged in the back of her throat. The needle pierced the roof of her mouth and became embedded in her skull. Nala's owners Francouis and Inge Kroukamp, both 40, rushed her to the vets who referred her to a top animal hospital. The needle was at risk of leaving Nala blinded. (SWNS) There X-rays showed the needle was just a millimetres from Nalas eye socket and could either blind her or fall into her stomach and cause potentially fatal internal bleeding. Surgeons used a tiny camera to pinpoint the exact spot where they could grab the needle with tiny forceps and gently pull it free, removing it in a four-hour procedure earlier this month. Read more: Grandfather jailed for life after stabbing daughter's ex-partner to death in 'frenzied attack' Nala has now made a full recovery and is back home with her relieved owners. Francouis, of Haverhill, Suffolk, said: "The needle was near Nalas eye socket and there was a danger it could move and shed lose her eye or it could become dislodged and go down into her stomach and damager her intestines." Nala was referred for surgery at specialist animal hospital Dick White Referrals (DWR), near Cambridge. (SWNS) Poppy Bristow, head of cardiac surgery at Dick White Referrals in Cambridge, was part of the team who saved Nala's vision. She said: "Its very unusual to have a case where a sewing needle is stuck in a pets mouth like this. Ive certainly never had a case like it. "Somehow little Nala had managed to eat a tiny sewing needle which became stuck in a rather unusual position. It had travelled through the hard palate and was pointing upwards into her head. "The needle wasnt visible from the mouth so we guided an endoscope, which is like a mini camera on a tube, into the back of the throat and nasal cavity and could see the needle going up through there." Nala has since made a full recovery following the four-hour procedure. (SWNS) She said the combination of Nala's size and where the needle was, as well as how small the needle was, made the surgery "especially fiddly". Story continues "Using a tiny pair of forceps, we then grasped the needle and carefully pulled it downwards, ensuring we maintained the same trajectory throughout so it didnt snap," she added. "It was very tricky but very successful. The needle was removed safely and Nala was bright and happy when she was discharged the following day. "When she subsequently came back for her post-operative check-up, she was doing very well indeed so were all delighted." Watch: Dog seat belts are a thing Tony Combs was jailed for 13 years for stabbing a complete stranger in an unprovoked attack. (Greater Manchester Police) A man who stabbed a complete stranger in an unprovoked attack in the street has been jailed for 13 years. Tony Combs, 39, of no fixed abode, pushed the man into an alleyway and demanded that he hand over his possessions in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, in June 2020. When the man, who was on his way home from visiting a friend, tried to get away Combs stabbed him in the back and then kicked and punched him repeatedly in the head as he lay on the ground. Combs was jailed for 13 years at Manchester Crown Court Minshull Street. (Getty) The man was taken to hospital where he had emergency surgery to remove the knife from his back. Combs admitted offences of wounding and possession of a bladed article at a previous hearing and last week was jailed for 13 years at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. He reportedly told police he "did not mean to do it" and thought the victim was someone else. Read more: Grandfather jailed for life after stabbing daughter's ex-partner to death in 'frenzied attack' Detective Constable Rick McIvor, from Greater Manchester Police's Tameside Operation Challenger Team said: "Firstly, I want to commend the bravery of the victim of this horrific incident as his full support throughout this investigation has ensured we have been able to secure a lengthy conviction. "This was a completely senseless and violent attack on an innocent member of the public who had simply been visiting a friend and was on his way home." He added: "I am pleased that Combs has received a custodial sentence today, as he very much deserves to be jailed for this attack, which has left the victim with lasting mental and physical trauma. "I hope today provides at least a small sense of justice and allows his victim to continue to move on with his life knowing this dangerous man has been removed from our streets." Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK News By Tom Allard, Panu Wongcha-um and Ain Bandial (Reuters) -Foreign ministers from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are under pressure to appoint a special envoy to Myanmar this week after months of negotiations failed to find a consensus candidate. Six months after the military toppled Myanmar's democratically elected government, ASEAN foreign ministers meet on Monday when diplomats say they will aim to finalise a special envoy tasked with ending violence and promoting dialogue between the junta and its opponents. The United Nations, United States and China, among others, have identified the Southeast Asian bloc, whose 10 members include Myanmar, as best placed to spearhead diplomatic efforts to restore stability in Myanmar. Myanmar has been racked by a deadly crackdown on protests, economic collapse and a refugee exodus since the coup. A surge in coronavirus infections has overwhelmed its health system, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the past month. The search for a special envoy began in April, when ASEAN leaders produced a "five-point consensus" to tackle the turmoil in Myanmar. U.N. and U.S. officials have in recent weeks urged ASEAN to expedite the appointment of the special envoy. The second minister for foreign affairs of Brunei, Erywan Yusof, said on Friday night he hoped a final decision would be made on Monday. Brunei is chair of ASEAN this year. "Without the envoy leading the way, it is very difficult" to address the situation in Myanmar, he said. ASEAN - whose members include democracies, one-party communist states and authoritarian governments - has been deeply divided on the envoy, and has discussed appointing more than one to break the deadlock. Four regional diplomatic sources said Erywan was favoured to become envoy and be assisted by "advisers". But a meeting of senior ASEAN officials on Thursday failed to reach agreement, they said. As well as the nine other ASEAN members, Myanmar's military regime will have to approve the appointment, they said. Story continues The country's military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing, said in a speech on Sunday that Myanmar had favoured Thailand's former deputy foreign minister Virasakdi Futrakul as envoy, but "new proposals were released and we could not keep moving onwards". "Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework, including dialogue with the ASEAN special envoy in Myanmar," he said. A spokesman for Sasa, Myanmar's National Unity Government that opposes the military junta, said the envoy must "put the people of Myanmar front and centre". "Anything that can help alleviate the people's suffering is welcome," he said. Erywan publicly confirmed he was one of four candidates. Diplomats said the others were Thailand's Futrakul, former Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda and veteran Malaysian diplomat Razali Ismail. ASEAN will also announce a proposal for aid to Myanmar, including support to combat the pandemic, diplomats said. (Reporting by Tom Allard in Jakarta, Panu Wonngcha-un in Bangkok and Ain Bandial in Bandar Seri Begawan; editing by Christopher Cushing and Mark Heinrich) In a televised speech on Sunday, Myanmar's military ruler Min Aung Hlaing pledged to cooperate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, to bring an end to the country's violence. He further promised to hold multi-party elections, but did not say when exactly that would happen. "Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework including the dialogue with the ASEAN Special Envoy in Myanmar." In February, Myanmar's army seized power from a civilian government, lead by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi after her ruling party won in disputed elections. The military called the vote fraudulent and branded members of Suu Kyi's party 'extremists,' but the country's electoral commission dismissed the allegation. Military authorities have faced near daily protests since the coup and a resurgence of armed conflicts in the borderlands. One local activist group estimated that armed forces have so far killed more than 900 people, with nearly 7,000 military opponents arrested. ASEAN foreign ministers will meet on Monday, as diplomats aim to appoint a special envoy tasked with promoting dialogue between Myanmar's junta and its opponents. NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP) Six months after seizing power from the elected government, Myanmars military leader on Sunday repeated his pledge to hold fresh elections in two years and cooperate with Southeast Asian nations on finding a political solution for his country. We must create conditions to hold a free and fair multiparty general election," Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said during a recorded televised address. "We have to make preparations. I pledge to hold the multiparty general election without fail. The military authorities would accomplish the provisions of the state of emergency by August 2023, he said. The state of emergency was declared when troops moved against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, an action the generals said was permitted under the military-authored 2008 constitution. The military claimed her landslide victory in last years national elections was achieved through massive voter fraud but it has produced no credible evidence. The military government officially annulled the election results last Tuesday and appointed a new election commission to take charge of the polls. The military takeover was met with massive public protests that resulted in a lethal crackdown by security forces who routinely fire live ammunition into crowds. As of Sunday, 939 people have been killed by the authorities since Feb. 1, according to a tally kept by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Casualties are also rising among the military and police as armed resistance grows in both urban and rural areas. Moves by The Association of Southeast Asian Nations to broker a dialogue between the military government and its opponents have stalled after an agreement at an April summit in Jakarta to appoint a special envoy for Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing said that among the three nominees, Thailand's former Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi Futrakul was selected as the envoy. "But for various reasons, new proposals were released and we could not keep moving onwards. I would like to say that Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework, including the dialogue with the ASEAN special envoy in Myanmar, he said. Story continues ASEAN foreign ministers were expected to discuss Myanmar in virtual meetings this week hosted by Brunei, the current chair of the 10-nation bloc. Myanmar is also struggling with its worst COVID-19 outbreak that has overwhelmed its already crippled health care system. Limitations on oxygen sales have led to widespread allegations that the military is directing supplies to government supporters and military-run hospitals. At the same time, medical workers have been targeted by authorities after spearheading a civil disobedience movement that urged professionals and civil servants not to cooperate with the government. Min Aung Hlaing blamed the publics mistrust in the militarys efforts to control the outbreak on fake news and misinformation via social networks, and accused those behind it of using COVID-19 as a tool of bioterrorism. SEOUL (Reuters) - Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said on Sunday that if South Korea carries out a planned joint military exercise with the United States it will damage the resolve of the two Koreas to rebuild relations, state media KCNA reported. Kim Yo Jong also said a recent decision to restore hotlines between the two Koreas should not be seen as anything more than reconnecting "physical" ties, and that it would be "thoughtless" to assume that summits are around the corner. Her comments come at a time when North and South Korea are in talks to hold a summit as part of efforts to restore relations. Washington and Seoul are due to hold a joint military drill later in August. "Our government and military will keep a close eye on whether the South Koreans go ahead with the aggressive war exercises, or make a big decision. Hope or despair? That's not up to us," Kim Yo Jong said in a statement carried by KCNA. The two Koreas, still technically at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a ceasefire, on Tuesday reconnected hotlines the North severed in June last year. (Reporting by Cynthia Kim, Editing by William Maclean) FARGO, N.D. (AP) It was one of the most gruesome mass killings in North Dakota history; four workers at a business who gathered early one morning for coffee club were slain in a matter of minutes. Three were shot and stabbed. The alleged killer shot nine times and flailed away with a knife, cutting one victims throat. The ghastly 2019 scene that gripped Mandan, a community of 22,000 just outside the state capital of Bismarck, is set to be rehashed this week at the trial of Chad Isaak, a Navy veteran and chiropractor whose trailer home is managed by the business police say he targeted. Investigators say the evidence against Isaak is overwhelming, including clothing, handgun parts, a knife and used shell casings, surveillance footage, bank records, and Facebook and phone data. Isaak, 47, is charged with four counts of murder as well as lesser counts. He faces life in prison if convicted. The jury selection that starts Monday is expected to take up to two days, with the trial lasting roughly three weeks. Killed in the attack were RJR Maintenance & Management co-owner Robert Fakler, 52, and co-workers Adam Fuehrer, 42, and spouses Bill and Lois Cobb, 50 and 45. The four were known as the coffee club for frequently arriving early to grab coffee and chat. Isaak's attorneys declined to discuss the case ahead of the trial, but court documents and public comments suggest they will argue that police did a shoddy job in their rush to gather evidence and that Isaak had no reason to commit the killings. No motive has been offered by police or anyone at the company. Juries want to know why something happened, said Alex Reichert, a criminal defense lawyer from Grand Forks who has handled numerous homicide cases but who has no connection to the Isaak case. It sounds like they dont know why, Reichert said. Can they get a conviction without a motive? Yes. There is no requirement for a motive. On the other hand, it gets very difficult in a circumstantial case without a motive. I havent handled a case with no motive before. Story continues The defense attorneys will have two hurdles to overcome before testimony is heard. One is that Isaak has clashed with with his lawyers, at one point saying he wanted to represent himself. The judge removed his primary attorney and essentially told Isaak he needed to be represented by a well-known criminal defense team. The second obstacle is the brutality of the slayings, Reichert said. Absolutely that can sway a jury, Reichert said. Because they become incensed. They become angered and concerned and it stirs up a lot of emotion. Emotion can cloud logic sometimes. Few of the players are talking. Prosecutor Gabrielle Goter said she wants to preserve the defendant's rights and limit potential juror taint. The defense team, from the Vogel Law Firm in Fargo, isn't commenting. Jackie Fakler, Robert's widow and a co-owner of the company, was advised by Goter not to comment. Family members of the other victims could not be reached. Jackie Fakler told the Bismarck Tribune for a story published in April that company workers had had few interactions with Isaak. We have not received any insight on a motive, nor have we been able to find any insight internally, she said. Our thoughts on the motive finding a motive is not going to bring back the precious lives we lost. Nor will any reason be justified. Surveillance video shows the assailant entering RJR wearing brightly colored clothing, then leaving in dark clothing about 15 minutes later, according to court documents. An employee at a nearby McDonalds told police that she saw a man wearing a camouflage ski mask, dark pants and dark shoes get into a white Ford F-150 that morning. Police later linked the vehicle to Isaak. At his home in Washburn, they found clothing matching what they had seen on video, nine spent shell casings, a knife with a bent tip, and gun parts in a kitchen freezer. The clothing, knife and gun parts all smelled of chlorine bleach, court documents say. Rolf Eggers, of Bismarck, said he bought the mobile home park in Washburn in 2018 and that Isaak came with the park. He said he didnt know Isaak, but that Isaak's neighbors never complained about him. The previous owner, Mike Nelson, described Isaak as a model tenant. Paid his rent on time. Took care of his property, Nelson said. Navy records show that Isaak enlisted in the service in 1992 and left in 1997 as a hospital corpsman 3rd Class, with a Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. A missing Arkansas mother of three was found dead this week in Oklahoma where investigators say they believe she was tortured, murdered and left weighted down in a pond. Three men have been arrested in connection with the death of Tara Strozier, a 40-year-old from Fort Smith, Arkansas, who was last seen alive about 20 miles away across state lines in Cameron, Oklahoma, on July 17, according to the Fort Smith Police Department. Strozier was listed as missing on July 19, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. TENNESEE PARENTS' SONS IN STATE CUSTODY AFTER DISAPPEARANCE OF DAUGHTER SUMMER WELLS On July 24, deputies from the LeFlore County Sheriffs Office spotted her car, a black Volkswagen Jetta, abandoned in a Cameron driveway. The deputies found no sign of Strozier and expected foul play, according to the OSBI, which was called in to assist. On Thursday, July 29, they found her body. "Based on the joint investigation, authorities believe Strozier was tortured at an unoccupied mobile home off Neblett Ridge Road in Cameron before being murdered by the pond near Rock Island," the OSBI said in a statement. Investigators zeroed in on three suspects -- Alex Nathaniel Davis, 30, Austin Johnson, 23, and Kaelin Hutchinson, 24. OKLAHOMA MOM ARRESTED AFTER POLICE SAY FAMILY THREW BABY SHOWER FOR 12-YEAR-OLD IMPREGNATED BY 24-YEAR-OLD "On July 29, 2021, Davis admitted to killing Strozier while Johnson was present," the OSBI said. "After she was killed by the pond, they weighed her body down and threw her into the pond." Both Davis and Johnson are facing first-degree murder charges. Hutchinson is accused of obstruction of an officer. Davis faces an additional kidnapping charge, according to authorities. All three were being held at the LeFlore County Detention Center. Further details about the investigation were not immediately available Saturday. By Steve Keating TOKYO (Reuters) - Britain's Max Whitlock said a successful defence of his pommel horse gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday had left him drained but is convinced there is more gas left in his tank. With six Olympic medals already in the bank, including three golds, the 28-year-old said he has plans to add to that haul in three years in Paris but first -- a long rest. "I'd like to carry on," said Whitlock, who had also won gold on the floor exercise in Rio. "It's a shorter (Olympic) cycle which helps. "I will have a long break, I'd like to go on a few holidays and enjoy it. "I still feel there is more in the tank, I'd like to prove that. I have always said it: retaining titles is 10 times harder than chasing (it). Today proved that to me. It's a million times harder." Competing first in the eight-man final was something new for Whitlock and he put his foot on the gas and ran away with another gold. Whitlock delivered a turbo charged effort that judges rewarded with a mark of 15.583, a score no one would catch with Taiwan's Lee Chih-kai coming the closest with 15.400 to snatch the silver. "I never done that before," said Whitlock about starting first. "So the pressure was on. "I was the first man up and it was all in. It was the biggest routine I have ever competed, a 7.0 (difficulty) start. The risk was very high and I had to go for it. "I can't believe it paid off. Even when my feet hit the floor, I thought: 'oh my god, I can't believe I have just done that'. "You kind of want to experience that again, but you know how hard it is to do that." (Reporting by Steve Keating in Tokyo. Editing by Pritha Sarkar) (Reuters) -Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc have raised the prices of their COVID-19 vaccines in their latest European Union supply contracts, the Financial Times reported https://on.ft.com/3j8mbTb on Sunday. The new price for the Pfizer shot was 19.50 euros ($23.15)against 15.50 euros previously, the newspaper said, citing portions of the contracts seen. The price of a Moderna vaccine was $25.50 a dose, the contracts show, up from about 19 euros in the first procurement deal but lower than the previously agreed $28.50 because the order had grown, the report said, citing one official close to the matter. Pfizer declined to comment on the contract with the European Commission, citing confidentiality. "Beyond the redacted contract(s) published by the EC, the content remains confidential and so we won't be commenting," the company said. Moderna was not immediately available for comment to Reuters. The European Commission said on Tuesday that the EU is on course to hit a target of fully vaccinating at least 70% of the adult population by the end of the summer. In May, the EU said it expects to have received more than a billion doses of vaccines by the end of September from four drugmakers. ($1 = 0.8425 euros) (Reporting by Sabahatjahan Contractor in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Aakriti Bhalla; Editing by Louise Heavens, Giles Elgood and Diane Craft) Mindy Jensen Mindy Jensen is the co-host of the BiggerPockets Money podcast and the co-author of First-Time Home Buyer, The Complete Playbook To Avoiding Rookie Mistakes. Shes also a licensed real estate agent in Colorado and has been buying and selling homes since 1998. She is passionate about helping buyers make intelligent, informed decisions about their home purchases. Recognized by GOBankingRates as one of Moneys Most Influential, here she shares the types of properties real estate investors should avoid, why you shouldnt fall in love with a potential investment property and how to get started in real estate investing if youre low on capital. Find Out: 50 Cities With the Most Overpriced Homes Read More: Americans Are Moving Into Larger, More Affordable Homes, According to Zillow What advice would you give your younger self about real estate investing? START! Get a license and start working as a real estate agent. Dive deep into your market and learn everything you can about it. What are houses selling for in great condition? What are they selling for in awful condition? What is the job market like? What are houses renting for? Once I knew all of that, Id start buying houses old houses in appreciating markets to fix up and sell, nicer houses in stable markets to rent out to great tenants. I would also tell myself to avoid condos, townhouses, and homes in strict HOA neighborhoods or neighborhoods that have high association fees. I want to be in control of my expenses. Learn: 20 Great Cities With Shockingly Cheap Real Estate What are the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to investing in real estate? Not running the numbers and making sure there is enough left over for a decent return on their investment. Falling in love with a property there will be others that are just as great. If the numbers dont work, dont buy the property. Not having a large reserve fund or being able to cash flow repairs and mortgage payments. If [the COVID-19 pandemic] taught us anything, its to be well funded. Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Robert Kiyosaki: You Should Never Say I Cant Afford That Story continues What are some rules of thumb you swear by when it comes to choosing an investment property? Have multiple exit strategies. The market can change in a split second. Your sale can fall through at the last minute. Be prepared for anything, and be able to pivot with circumstances out of your control. If the property does not have more than one way to make you money, it isnt a great investment. NEVER buy weird. Weird, unique, unusual are all four-letter words in real estate. You want normal, traditional, interesting-but-ordinary when you are buying a house. What advice would you give to someone who wants to invest in real estate but may not have the capital to make such a large investment? If you want to get started investing without a lot of money, youre starting from a weak position. How are you going to handle emergency repairs? How are you going to pay the mortgage when your tenant does not pay rent? There are ways to mitigate your exposure, such as house hacking renting an extra room(s) in your house or live-in flipping, where you actually live in the home while youre renovating it. (Bonus tax advantages for living in your flip: if you live in/own it for two of the last five years, you pay $0 in capital gains taxes, up to $250,000 if youre single and $500,000 if youre married.) Read: Finance Pro Rachel Cruze Shares the Biggest Money Mistake Youre Probably Making There are other ways around not having capital like partnering with someone who does have the money. If you go this route, make sure to get everything in writing before you enter the partnership. Everyone is friends before the deal, but not always friends afterward. Write up the rules of the investment/partnership while everyone is still friendly. More From GoBankingRates Jaime Catmull contributed to the reporting for this article. Last updated: July 13, 2021 This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Real Estate Investing Guru Mindy Jensen Says To Avoid These Types of Properties Protesters railed against officials for not letting victims descendants play a larger role in the process in Tulsa Residents in Tulsa, Oklahoma are in an uproar over the citys reburial of remains believed to be of more than a dozen victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre that were excavated from the ground. The Hill reports that protests took place on Friday outside of Oaklawn Cemetery, the site where bodies were exhumed. Demonstrators criticized officials for not allowing a funeral to be held for the victims first. In 2020, Tulsa began the process of searching for bodies buried in unmarked graves in the aftermath of the 1921 massacre in Tulsas Greenwood neighborhood. Dubbed Black Wall Street for its financial prosperity and autonomy afforded to Black Americans, the neighborhood was destroyed by a white mob and, after a 2001 commission, it is believed that up to 300 Black men and women were killed, despite previous reports of only 36 deaths. The Oaklawn Cemetery is seen on June 19, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) According to the Washington Post, 35 coffins were found in an unmarked grave in the cemetery, and the remains of 19 bodies were taken in the excavation to be examined by forensic scientists. One of the bodies found had numerous bullet wounds in his head and shoulders. According to Phoebe Stubblefield, the lead forensic anthropologist, a preliminary analysis was completed on nine bodies; five of the bodies were juvenile and one was a woman. All nine were of African descent. The Public Oversight Committee elected to have the bodies temporarily placed back into the original graves until the full work is completed. The site was blocked off by fencing. This decision has angered some of Tulsas residence who believed the remains deserve proper burials and the victims descendants should be more involved in the process. We should have been included, Heather Nash, a Tulsa resident, cried out, as reported by KWTV-DT. We should have been able to stand on those graves and put our spirit in them with them in us. Story continues Another Tulsa resident, Joyce G. Smith-Williams, said, The correct thing would have been if they were gonna have a ceremony to notify the community that there was gonna be a ceremony and to do it the right way: with pomp and circumstance. Stubblefield responded to the protesters complaints. We dont have our people yet, Stubblefield said, as reported by the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma news station. We dont have weve got one probable. Two suspiciously buried. And that still leaves 15. Were not done. We have not stopped. The city issued a statement to explain the rationale behind reburying the bodies: The City remains committed to transparency during this investigation and are focused on fulfilling our commitment to this phase of work that is still underway, as we have for the past two years of the investigation, the statement read. The City of Tulsa moved forward with the reburial as planned today based on the proposal presented to the Public Oversight Committee and approved by the Committee on March 23, 2021, and as on-site forensic analysis, documentation and DNA sampling were complete. The City also had to abide by the permit requirements that were filed with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Tulsa County District Attorneys Office, stating the remains would be temporarily interred at Oaklawn Cemetery (an interment plan was required before moving forward with the excavation.) This fall, research experts will report their findings from the excavation and their recommendations for next steps in the investigation. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post Reburial of exhumed bodies from Tulsa massacre sparks protests appeared first on TheGrio. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois) answers a question from the media next to Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi) with Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-California) at center, after the first hearing of the House Select committee to investigate the January 6 riot. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin Kinzinger would back issuing subpoenas to compel individuals to testify before the Jan. 6 panel. "I would expect to see a significant number of subpoenas for a lot of people," he said on Sunday. The congressman said that Trump may not be called to testify, expressing that testimony from individuals in his orbit may suffice. See more stories on Insider's business page. Rep. Adam Kinzinger on Sunday signaled that he would support using subpoenas "for a lot of people" to bring them to testify in front of the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. During an interview on ABC's "This Week" with co-anchor Jonathan Karl, the Illinois Republican said he was committed to conducting an exhaustive probe. "I think this is ... the shot we have as a country to get answers to what led up to it, what really happened and what happened in the aftermath," he said. "I would expect to see a significant number of subpoenas for a lot of people. But I think the bigger thing is just what is the message that's going to come out this, is that the American people deserve the truth." He added: "It's going to be a thorough investigation, that's for sure." Last week, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appointed Kinzinger to the committee, joining Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming as the only other Republican on the panel. Kinzinger and Cheney were among 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump in January for "incitement of insurrection" over his role in the riot. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy initially picked a slate of Republicans for the committee, which included Reps. Jim Banks of Indiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio, but after Pelosi rejected the two congressmen, the California Republican pulled every Republican member from the committee. During the interview, Kinzinger wouldn't say who the committee might subpoena, only pledging to search for answers. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Read more: Where is Trump's White House staff now? We created a searchable database of more than 327 top staffers to show where they all landed "We want to do this expeditiously," he said. "We don't want to drag this out. ... What led up to it, what really happened and what happened in the aftermath." When asked if Republicans like McCarthy or Jordan might be subpoenaed due to their conversations with Trump on Jan. 6, Kinzinger simply committed to finding out what happened on that day. "I would support subpoenas to anybody that can shed light on that," he said. "If that's the leader that's the leader. If it's anybody that talked to the president that can provide us that information, I want to know what the president was doing every moment of that day." He added: "I want to know if the National Guard took five or six hours to get to Capitol Hill. Did the president make calls? If he didn't, why?" Kinzinger said that those interested in the truth should support the committee's impending work. "If anybody is scared of this investigation, I ask you, what are you afraid of? If you think it wasn't a big deal, you should allow this to go forward," he said. When asked if the panel might subpoena Trump, the congressman was noncommittal. "We may not have to talk to Donald Trump. If he has unique information, that's one thing. But I think there's a lot of people around him that knew some things," he said. Kinzinger also criticized statements made last week by Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, who replaced Cheney as House Republican Conference Chair, where the congresswoman blamed Pelosi for the attack. "To me it's mind-blowing and shows the desperation to derail this," he said. "The speaker and I don't get along on a lot of things. On this, we do. ... Blaming what happened on Jan. 6 on the security posture, that's like blaming someone for being a victim of crime. It's insane." Read the original article on Business Insider Actress Ashley Tisdale arrives at the 'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island' Los Angeles Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on February 2, 2012 in Hollywood, California. Jason Merritt/Getty Rolex makes some of the world's most popular watches, like the Daytona, Submariner, and classic Oyster. The Swiss company is believed to make roughly 1 million per year, each one by hand. New Rolexes can be hard to find for a buyer without an established relationship with an authorized distributor. See more stories on Insider's business page. Semiconductor chips, used cars, Rolex watches: One of these things is not like the other. Yes, people are having a hard time getting their hands on them; and yes, all are more expensive now than they were last year; but unlike the first two, the scarcity of Rolex is strategic. While there may have briefly been a supply chain disruption for watchmakers at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Adam Golden of Menta Watches told Insider the issues in the past year are a mere blip compared with larger trends happening in the luxury watch market generally and with Rolex in particular. "Rolex seems to have structured their business in such a way that they're controlling distribution and who gets what, at a retail level," he said. A decade ago most models were available on-demand from authorized dealers (ADs) of the brand, he explained. Read more: A luxury watch designer who sells timepieces that cost $500,000 reveals how he got his start and his daily routine On a recent trip to a shop in Florida, Golden said there was just one Rolex available to buy - a ladies' Datejust that a customer had ordered and canceled. In Houston, real estate investor Tyron McDaniel tweeted that he was unable to find a men's Rolex and that many stores wouldn't get new ones for another year and a half. But Golden says watches are still flowing to the brand's preferred ADs, and that the backlog is more illusion than reality. Rolex is generally believed to produce as many as a million watches per year. "Rolex would like to perpetuate the image that there's a shortage and that there's such high demand that they can't produce enough to satisfy the demand, but I think in reality it's just very controlled release in order to keep that demand super high," he said. Story continues Rolex did not respond to Insider's request for comment on this story. Another result of this artificially constrained supply of new watches is the absolute explosion of prices on the resale market where some timepieces now command far higher prices used than they do at the retail counter. For example, a steel Daytona is advertised on the Rolex website for $13,150, but over at Chrono24 the exact same watch is listed for more than $36,000. What other asset appreciates so instantly after purchase? Rolex is by no means alone here, but it is a leading brand in the pre-owned watch market, which is expected to reach $29 to $32 billion in sales by 2025, according to a recent report from McKinsey. "Rolex could probably do a number of things to fix the current situation and increase the supplies of these watches and dampen the secondary market," Golden said. "But I think at this point they're choosing not to, because it's good business for them." Over on Twitter, one commenter recommended McDaniel take a look at the exquisitely hand-crafted mechanical timepieces made by German watchmaker Nomos Glashutte, whose most expensive model comes in at $21,500. "Nice watch," McDaniel replied, "but it's not a Rolex." Read the original article on Business Insider Saginaw Grant, a character actor who appeared in Breaking Bad and The Lone Ranger film, has died at 85. The actor's death was confirmed in a post on his Facebook page earlier in the week. "It's with heavy hearts we announce a warrior has been called home," a post on Grant's page read. "Saginaw Morgan Grant, the hereditary chief and medicine man of the Sac & Fox tribe, traveled the world speaking of his traditions, his experiences, his sobriety and his faith as both a Native American and a Christian." Vivien Killilea/Getty Saginaw Grant Grant, who served as a Marine in Korea, appeared in a host of television and film projects since the late 1980s. He played Auggie in Harts of the West, a television series starring Beau Bridges from 1993-1994. The actor also appeared in My Name is Earl, American Horror Story, the "Ozymandias" episode of Breaking Bad, Shameless, and also Veep. "Saginaw was always happiest at pow wow sharing the love, energy and tradition of his people. Watching the children grow in the traditions of their ancestors and to share in the spirits of dance to the beat of the drum brought him both joy and peace," the post on his Facebook page read. "He was a jewelry maker and artist. He joins his nephew and sister Stella Wilson who passed earlier this year from Covid and his sons who preceded him in the last few years." Lani Carmichael, the actor's publicist and longtime friend, told the Associated Press the actor died in his sleep, due to natural causes. "He loved both Oklahoma and L.A.," the rep told the AP. "He made his home here as an actor, but he never forgot his roots in Oklahoma. He remained a fan of the Sooner Nation." The Native American actor is survived by his daughter Lisa, his brothers, Austin Jr., and Francis Sr., and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Related content: Thousands of anti-lockdown demonstrators defied a court-ordered protest ban on Sunday and gathered in the streets of Berlin, resulting in scuffles with police. Police said some protesters had "harassed and attacked" officers and ignored roadblocks, disrupting traffic in parts of the German capital. "They tried to break through the police chain and pull out our colleagues. This led to the use of irritants, batons and physical violence," Berlin police tweeted. A police spokesman said some 5,000 protesters had turned out. More than 600 were detained. The protest was called by the "Querdenker" (Lateral Thinkers) movement, which has emerged as the loudest voice against Germany's coronavirus restrictions. Judges had banned several of its planned demos this weekend, including one for Sunday that was expected to draw some 22,500 people. The court said it could not allow the rallies to go ahead over fears that participants would flout rules on mask wearing and social distancing, at a time when Germany's infection numbers are on the rise again. Berlin police deployed more than 2,000 officers in riot gear across the city, in anticipation of protesters ignoring the ban. Most of the demonstrators gathered in Berlin's western Charlottenburg district and in the city centre. Demonstrators held up signs saying "Freedom" and "No to the corona dictatorship", with few masks seen among them. At one point, officers threatened to use water cannon to break up crowds heading towards the Brandenburg Gate, after which people began to clear the area. By late evening, police said the last groups had dispersed. Germany's Querdenker movement has drawn in a mix of people, including critics of coronavirus vaccines, pandemic conspiracy theorists, and members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Querdenker protests have at times attracted huge numbers but are often broken up early for violating virus rules. Several of the demos have descended into violence. Germany's domestic intelligence service announced in April that it was placing some Querdenker members under observation over concerns they have ties to right-wing extremism. mfp/lc A Canadian fertility doctor accused of impregnating women with the wrong sperm, including using his own, has agreed to a proposed $10.7 million settlement. The potential settlement in a yearslong, class action lawsuit involving hundreds of victims was announced Wednesday against former physician Norman Barwin, whose medical license was revoked in 2019. The lawsuit was started in 2016 by Davina Dixon, Daniel Dixon and Rebecca Dixon. Davina and Daniel in 1989 sought medical services from Barwin, and he performed an artificial insemination procedure for the parents. But in 2016, the family discovered through a DNA test that Barwin is Rebeccas biological father, according to a statement issued Wednesday from a law firm representing victims in the case. The statement claims that 100 children of patients seen by Barwin do not possess the DNA of their intended biological father, including 17 who are the biological children of Barwin himself and 83 who do not know the identity of their biological father. 'Beyond reprehensible': Fertility doctor who used his own sperm to impregnate 11 women loses license Allegations against Barwin date back to the 1970s. They involve patients seen at the Ottawa General Hospital and another area clinic. The proposed settlement, which must formally be approved by a court in Canada in November, will grant payments to families and individuals who received the wrong sperm sample at the time of their artificial inseminations. It also provides money for people whose semen was used by Barwin with the incorrect family or mother. Money from the settlement will also operate a DNA database for victims, including patients who gave Barwin semen and people seeking to confirm the identity of their biological father. Barwin has denied wrongdoing. The proposed settlement notes that he continues to deny all of the Plaintiffs claims and has denied liability of any kind whatsoever. The document says Barwin agreed to the settlement to avoid the time, risk and expense of continuing with the litigation. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Doctor who used his sperm to impregnate women agrees to pay millions A whimsical fortress with an eventful past, it sits these days on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as little more than eye candy. The Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building (AIB for short), vacant for nearly 20 years due to major structural concerns, is about to reopen to the public this fall just in time for the Smithsonian's 175th anniversary. "I love this building," said Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. "Look at the beauty of it, and the architecture. I love that it's got the date on it, and it says, 'The National Museum.' I mean, I just love that." The Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building. / Credit: Ron Blunt Architectural Photography/Smithsonian "To me, this is the Mother of the Smithsonian," he said. "So much of what we do at the Smithsonian began here." That's because before there was an African American History Museum, an Air and Space Museum, or a National Zoo, everything was right here. The Arts and Industries Building was built to be the first national museum of the Smithsonian. "In essence, what this was, was a place that allowed you to understand the history and culture of the United States," Bunch told CBS News national correspondent Chip Reid. The Smithsonian is the keeper of American history, with collections ranging from presidential hair samples and moon rocks, to some of the world's greatest flying machines. The Spirit of St. Louis was originally displayed inside the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building. / Credit: CBS News The AIB was opened in 1881. On March 4, 1881, just four months before he was shot by an assassin, President James A. Garfield celebrated his inauguration here the first large event held in this building. "He would've walked in through those doors right through there, and to your right, there would've been the U.S. Marine Corps Band being conducted by John Philip Sousa," said Rachel Goslins, the building's Director. She and architect-designer David Rockwell know this building better than just about anyone; they've teamed up to imagine new uses for this old space. Story continues AIB director Rachel Goslins and architect David Rockwell show correspondent Chip Reid the interior of the Arts and Industries Building. / Credit: CBS News "We're opening an exhibition in November called 'Futures,'" Goslins said. "Oh, my God. That's so soon!" said Rockwell. "I know! Saying it out loud is a little terrifying!" she laughed. Reid asked, "So, there's a lot of work to do between now and November?" "There is! There's a lot of work to do," said Goslins. Ready or not, "Futures" is on its way an exhibit dedicated entirely to the future, in a building designed to be ahead of its time. Rockwell said, "It was built in a way that is very democratic. There is no set of carved marble steps; it's ordinary, pre-engineered materials, brick and iron. So, it was built to house big ideas." / Credit: CBS News "It is grand, but not grandiose," said Goslins. "It's this hodgepodge of styles: part Victorian castle, part Moorish villa, part cathedral, part fish market." "You sound like you have an emotional attachment to this building," said Reid. "It's like Sleeping Beauty; it's been lying dormant on the National Mall for almost two decades," said Goslins. When the "Futures" exhibit ends in 2022, this beauty will go back to sleep for a little while, to undergo some much-needed interior decorating. Standing on a balcony, Reid asked Goslins, "What do you want to see when you look down here after the reopening?" "I want to hear the excitement, and the questions, and the conversations, the hubbub of this building full of people who are excited, and intrigued, and curious," she replied. For more info: The Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building, Washington, D.C.Rockwell Group Architecture, Planning and Design Story produced by Amy Wall. Editor: Karen Brenner. Jennifer Hudson brings "Respect" MTV turns 40 years old The history of anti-Asian hate crimes in America The Latin American Foto Festival at the Bronx Documentary Center is always expertly curated, balancing the magic of the region with visual stories that explore various social issues. The projects highlighted this year are no exception, uncovering the connection between nature and people in Venezuela and Peru and shining a light on the impact of violence in Colombia, Mexico, and Chile. Two stories in particular stood out this year. Both Cristobal Olivares and Pablo Piovano have worked on projects documenting the struggle of the Indigenous Mapuche people against the Argentine and Chilean governments over land use. The Mapuche have lived in the area for thousands of years, initially resisting the colonization by the Spanish and now the development of lands they see as illegally acquired by state-owned forestry and mining companies. "These communities are not only persecuted for opposing these projects, they also demonstrate another way of relating to nature, respecting the environment, and recovering ancestral traditions," Piovano explained. He has spent the last three years documenting this battle, which represents both an existential fight to the Mapuche people and the ancient connection of consciousness between them and the land. The Mapuche are one of many Indigenous groups around the world advocating for greater recognition of their rights and autonomy over their lands, often in tandem with demands for environmental justice against exploitative industries. But Latin America is the most dangerous region in the world for environmental activists, with dozens of people killed each year. The contemporary Mapuche conflict started in the 1990s and escalated dramatically after several widely publicized deaths of activists in 2018. The UN and human rights groups have criticized the Chilean government over its use of terrorism charges against the Mapuche and for the indiscriminate and injurious use of pellet guns during protests. Story continues "The injuries are both physical and psychological, said Olivares, who has been documenting the Mapuche people since 2018. Many kids are afraid of sleeping at night because of police raids. They are afraid of their own bedrooms. Many others have lost eyes, have scars, and have to go to other countries for treatment. He said that while the conflict is widely known within his home country of Chile, mainstream media outlets often distort the narrative. The country is now reckoning with its deep inequalities. Protests against the government that started in 2019 have resulted in the drafting of a new constitution, one intended to be more inclusive. The current Chilean Constitution does not recognize the existence of the Mapuche people, even though they make up over 10% of the population. The Mapuche themselves are not a monolith; some groups are decrying the violence and working to build trust with the Chilean government. Piovanos and Olivares's photography highlights the deep sense of tradition within the Mapuche culture and the respect held for a rapidly changing land. Their work can be seen in person at the Bronx Documentary Center. "Despite the fact that I do not believe photography can change anything, I do believe in its importance in creating a document, memory, and personal testimonies," Olivares said. "The pure act of showing real interest in other people's lives somehow keeps us connected." Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Danish Siddiqui was killed in clashes in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar city in Afghanistan on Friday. Screengrab. ( TEDx Talks) Taliban fighters mutilated the body of Reuters journalist Danish Siddiqui after he was killed by Taliban gunfire while reporting on the frontline in Afghanistan, officials have said. Mr Siddiqui, 38, who won the Pulitzer prize in 2018, was hit by gunfire while reporting on the attempts by Afghan special forces to retake a key border crossing with Pakistan. The Indian photographer had been speaking to shopkeepers in the market area of Spin Boldak when the Taliban attacked, according to an Afghan commander quoted by Reuters. His death was confirmed by Reuters in a joint statement from the organisations president Michael Friedenberg and editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni, with the pair saying they were urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region. After the Islamist group turned over Mr Siddiquis body to the International Committee of the Red Cross, Indian and Afghan officials told the New York Times that Mr Siddiquis face was unrecognisable and that there were nearly a dozen of bullet wounds in his body and tyre marks on his face and chest. The New York Times said it had reviewed multiple photographs that showed Mr Siddiquis body had been badly mutilated. According to Indias NDTV, Mr Siddiqui was brutally murdered by the Taliban after verifying his identity. It said a local investigation suggested the group attacked the mosque only because of Mr Siddiquis presence there. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has denied any wrongdoing, according to the New York Times, and previously said the group does not know how Siddiqui died. We are not aware during whose firing the journalist was killed, he told Indian television station CNN-News18. We are sorry for Indian journalist Danish Siddiquis death, the spokesperson added. We regret that journalists are entering war zone without [telling] us. Any journalist entering the war zone should inform us. We will take proper care of that particular individual. Story continues Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director for Human Rights Watch, told the New York Times: Danish always chose to be on the front lines so that abuses and atrocities could not remain hidden. The brutality with which Taliban fighters punished Danish proves the abuses that he was documenting. Mr Siddiqui, a senior photographer who had worked for Reuters since 2010, was embedded with Afghan special forces as they attempted to retake the main bazaar in Spin Boldak, which fell to the Taliban. In his last report for the agency, published earlier this week, he documented how Afghan commandos had come under attack by the Taliban while trying to rescue a wounded policeman trapped on the outskirts of Kandahar. The Taliban has captured large swathes of territory in Afghanistan in recent weeks as US and Nato troops complete their withdrawal from the country. Mr Siddiqui won the 2018 Pulitzer prize as part of a team documenting Myanmars 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. He was also at the forefront of Reuters coverage of the devastating toll of Indias second Covid wave and was responsible for taking a series of drone photographs showing the scale of mass cremations that made headlines around the world. His body, in a closed coffin, was returned to his home in New Delhi two days after his death. He is survived by his wife Rike and two young children. Read More China warns b***h Britain about aircraft carrier sailing in disputed South China Sea Pollution turns Argentina lake bright pink Mother of mixed race twins says she is constantly having to explain to strangers how they are related The EU has a dictatorship growing inside of it, warns Verhofstadt over Hungary and Pegasus scandal We dont have the virus, but the pandemic is killing us: Coronavirus has worsened hunger around the world South African president vows to restore order as dozens killed in violence Gunfire on Saturday night at a popular waterpark in Tennessee left at least two women wounded, with authorities detaining at least three people for questioning, according to a report. The incident happened around 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, about 25 miles southeast of Knoxville, WBIR-TV of Knoxville reported. OKLAHOME MEN CHARGED IN ALLEGED TORTURE, MURDER OF MISSING MOM IN ARKANSAS An argument apparently led to the gunfire, WATE-TV of Knoxville reported. Both wounded women were transported to hospitals, the report said. Their medical conditions were not immediately known. The three people detained for questioning included the alleged shooter, WBIR reported. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP A spokesperson for the waterpark said officials there were fully cooperating with Sevierville police as an investigation continued. An attorney for Charles Williams says they released the security footage to tell his side of the story A video of a February shoot-out between police officers and a citizen in a Dallas suburb has gone viral on social media. The spread of the footage on the internet prompted the Corinth Police Department on Friday to issue an official statement regarding the incident. As reported by KTVT, officers were responding to a report of a drunken driver when they made contact with Charles Williams, Jr. The person reporting the claim to police tailed the driver, Williams, to his home and the police arrived at his driveway soon after. Screenshot footage of Charles Williams, Jr. and Corinth police officers engaged in a shoot-out at Williams home in a Dallas suburb. In the video, captured by a home security camera on the front porch of the home, Williams can be seen talking back and forth with the officers. Officers yelled for him to get on the ground as he had a gun at his hip. Williams refused. Williams wife then came to the front porch. Williams then clapped his hands as he stepped off his porch towards the officers, who responded by firing a weapon at Williams. Authorities state that it was a bean bag round. Williams then reached for his weapon, went behind his parked car trunk in the driveway, and began firing back at the officers, before falling down to the ground. Video of the scene was posted to YouTube on Thursday. WFAA reported that Williams was struck with a bullet fired by one of the officers. No officers were hurt and Williams survived. A woman was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Williams was later charged with three counts of aggravated assault of a police officer but according to his lawyer, Justin Moore, Williams contends that he was not intoxicated. Clearly this is a man at his home being approached and accosted by law enforcement for reasons he cant really understand. And hes afraid, Moore told KTVT. If you see the video we have, he didnt have a weapon in his hands. Moore released the video to social media in order for Williams side of the story to be told. After going viral, Corinth police made an official statement via their Facebook page, saying that Williams was immediately hostile and threatening to the officers. Story continues The statement continued, We are extremely proud of the courage and compassion of our officers who first stopped a murderous attack and then applied immediate and successful life-saving measures to Williams. We look forward to seeing Charles Williams, Jr. in court when the full details of his attempt to kill Corinth police officers will be made known. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post Texas police release statement on shoot-out near Dallas captured in viral video appeared first on TheGrio. With weeks left before the beginning of Fort Worths school year, Alex Vorse must deal with a hard decision. Vorses daughter, Hazel, is a student at Daggett Montessori School. Last year, Vorse kept her home after Fort Worth schools allowed students to come back in person. Hazel has an underlying medical condition that would put her at greater risk if she caught COVID-19, Vorse said, and hes worried about the possibility of her being exposed to the virus at school. Remote learning seemed like the safest option, he said, and his daughter took to it easily. This year, Vorse may not have that option. Fort Worth school officials dont plan to offer a remote learning option for the upcoming school year, meaning all students will have to come back to school in person. District officials can no longer enforce mask requirements this year, meaning Vorse has no assurances that other students in his daughters class would be masked. That leaves Vorse in a difficult position. They worry that sending Hazel to school in person without a mask mandate in place could put her at risk. But if he pulled her out of school and kept her at home, they would forfeit her seat at Daggett Montessori. Its an impossible choice for a parent in my position, Vorse said. My daughter has an underlying medical condition. A positive COVID case could mean hospitalization or worse. Fort Worth students return to school Aug. 16. With cases of COVID-19 rising in Tarrant County, some parents are worried about the prospect of sending their students back into classrooms where teachers have fewer tools to keep the virus in check. Fort Worth schools wont offer remote option Vorse said Hazels teacher did a great job of making remote students feel included last year. Each morning, she led conversations about current events and other topics before the class moved on to the material they were covering that day. At the end of each week, Hazel and her classmates each presented a project theyd worked on that week. Story continues She just lit up at that, he said. Vorse had hoped Hazel would have the option of continuing with remote learning this year, at least until the vaccine is approved for younger children. But the Texas Legislature didnt allocate money for districts to continue the online learning programs they began last year. Some districts, including Austin and Round Rock, have announced they will self-fund virtual learning options for students up to 6th grade. But Fort Worth school officials have said they expect to bring all students back in person on the first day of school. District spokesman Clint Bond said Wednesday the district has no plans for remote learning for the upcoming year. The district, like other districts across the state, saw a decline in STAAR test scores last year, due at least in part to the academic effects of the pandemic. The districts plan for helping students catch up requires that teachers be connected with their students daily to make sure they understand the curriculum, Bond said. During the Fort Worth school districts Board of Trustees meeting July 27, Fort Worth Superintendent Kent Scribner said students and parents are excited about coming back to school in person. That return to school will be critical for helping students who struggled last year recover academically, he said. But he acknowledged the district is going to have to be creative in dealing with students who are medically fragile. Bond said district administrators are reviewing policies to come up with recommendations for parents of students at schools of choice with underlying conditions that place them at heightened risk. Abbotts order bars Texas schools from mandating masks Bond also noted that the districts safety protocols were effective enough last year that the district never needed to close a campus due to a COVID-19 outbreak. All those precautions will be in place this year, he said, with the exception of a mask mandate. School officials will continue to encourage students, teachers, staff and visitors to wear masks, Bond said, though the district can no longer require it. Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order in May barring school districts from enforcing mask mandates after June 4. On July 20, Abbott told KPRC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Houston, that he wouldnt impose another mask mandate, despite the rise in new cases across Texas and nationwide. Neither the government nor schools will force children to wear masks at school, Abbott said, although parents may choose to have their children wear masks at school. Public health experts have said for months that, though masks offer the wearer some protection, their primary function is to keep others safe if the wearer is unknowingly infected. Abbott also said he expects more parents will take their children to get the vaccine before the beginning of the school year. But children younger than 12 arent yet eligible to receive the vaccine. When asked what advice the governor has for parents of children who arent eligible to be vaccinated, Abbott spokeswoman Renae Eze didnt answer the question, but instead responded with an emailed statement saying the governor has been clear that the time for government mandating of masks is over now is the time for personal responsibility. Vaccines are the most effective defense against contracting COVID and becoming seriously ill, and we continue to urge all eligible Texans to get the vaccine, she said. The COVID vaccine will always remain voluntary and never forced in Texas. When the Star-Telegram pointed out that the statement didnt address the question of what parents of children under 12 should do to keep their children safe at school, Eze offered no response. Abbotts order runs counter to guidance issued last month by public health officials. On July 19, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidance for the 2021-22 school year, recommending masking in schools for everyone older than age 2, regardless of vaccination status. On July 27, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also updated its guidance to recommend universal masking in schools, regardless of vaccination status. State Democrats have urged the governor to reconsider his position. On July 24, Rep. Vikki Goodwin, a Travis County Democrat, and 31 other Texas Democrats penned a letter calling on Abbott and Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath to allow school districts to require masks in school buildings. The lawmakers also called on the governor and education commissioner to allow districts to implement virtual instruction for students who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Citing the highly transmissible delta variant, the lawmakers noted that districts tried to slow the spread of the virus last year by using a Swiss cheese model of protection, layering several prevention methods on top of each other so that each covers gaps left by the others. This year is poised to offer quite a contrast: in the face of an aggressive new strain of COVID-19, schools have had most of their tools taken away, the lawmakers wrote. As those who represent school districts and parents with grave concerns about returning their children to school under the current conditions, we ask on their behalf that you do the right thing in order to ensure the safety of school communities and the best possible education for Texas children. On July 27, Texas State Teachers Association President Ovidia Molina called on Abbott to allow school districts to implement mask mandates. Texas teachers are eager to get back to work, Molina said, but the pandemic still presents a danger, especially since young students cant be vaccinated. If Gov. Abbott really cares about the health and safety of Texas students, educators and their communities, he will give local school officials and health experts the option of requiring masks in their schools, Molina said. Amid delta variant spread, parents worry about COVID at school During a school trustees meeting, Lark Wallis-Johnston called on the board to find a solution for families who could be put at risk. Wallis-Johnston told the Star-Telegram her family has been cautious during the pandemic because her husband has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. During a group counseling session for children whose parents have cancer, her son asked tearfully what would happen if he caught the virus at school and inadvertently brought it home to his father. Wallis-Johnstons heart sank. I dont have a good answer for you, she told him. But Im going to do everything I can to keep us safe. Wallis-Johnston asked the board to help her keep that promise. Many students in the district must be at school in person, she said. But district officials need to remember that most students in the district cant yet be vaccinated, she said, and some of those students and their families would be at heightened risk if COVID-19 made its way into their homes. If you cannot enforce a mask mandate at all the schools, then there must be an option for all our fragile families, she said. Vorse, the Daggett Montessori father, said he hopes the district can find a solution to the problem that wouldnt force him to choose between putting his daughter at risk by sending her to school and pulling her out of school and forfeiting her seat there. Hed like to see the district push back on Abbotts mask mandate or come up with a remote option for students like Hazel. At minimum, he hopes the district will allow her to stay home temporarily and still keep her seat at Daggett Montessori. If the district wont do any of those things, Vorse said it would leave him with a hard decision to make. As difficult as it would be to forfeit Hazels seat at the school, he knows her safety has to be his highest priority. Wed rather be going in person, Vorse said. But until she can be vaccinated, especially with an underlying medical condition, its just not safe. A helicopter responds to the forest fire that broke out in Marmaris district in Mugla, Turkey on July 31, 2021. Mahmut Serdar Alakus/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Turkey is battling raging wildfires that are destroying homes and forcing people to flee. Tourists were evacuated from hotels and rescued by boats at the Mediterranean resorts. These included private boats and yachts that helped the effort. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Tourists in Turkey are being evacuated from beaches due to raging wildfires amid a severe heatwave with temperatures rising above 40C. Around 100 fires broke out this week across southern and western Turkey, Reuters reported, and at least six people, including two firefighters, have died. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes, and tourists were ordered to evacuate hotels. They gathered on beaches of their resorts where they were picked up by boats, including private vessels, The Guardian reported. Coastguard vessels picking up tourists were joined by boats and yachts in the rescue effort, according to The Guardian, which cited Turkish media. Authorities had asked people with their own boats for help, the Press Association reported. Videos show fires near tourist resorts: This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that the government would step in to help people and businesses. "We cannot do anything beyond wishing the mercy of God for the lives we have lost but we can replace everything that was burned," he said, PA reported. Smoke from the fires has reached far away - including to Cyprus, which is around 150 km (100 miles) away, Reuters reported. Read the original article on Insider Groups affiliated with former President Donald Trump raised close to $82 million in the first half of 2021, a surprising sum for a former president. Trump's affiliated political groups, which raised the large sum from 3.2 million contributions between Jan. 1 and June 30 of this year, have approximately $102 million cash on hand, Trump's Save America political action committee announced Saturday night. "Bringing the truth about the Rigged and Stolen 2020 election to light is critical to restoring faith in our election process and our country itself. On behalf of the millions of men and women who share my outrage and want me to continue to fight for the truth, I am grateful for your support. And I can't imagine a more important time to elect good Republicans to the House and Senate. Commonsense conservatives were never more badly needed," Trump said in a statement. "We must have people who will stand for our America First Agenda of lower taxes, fewer regulations, support the Second Amendment, strong Borders, honoring our vets, and are very tough on crime. The American people know what's at stake," he said. ARIZONA AUDITORS COMPLETE THIRD BALLOT RECOUNT AND SHIP MATERIALS BACK TO MARICOPA COUNTY The next report detailing the committees' financial figures will cover the period from July 1 through Dec. 31. Trump has frequently claimed the 2020 presidential contest was rigged without offering evidence in support of his claims. The former president has supported efforts to investigate the election results, particularly audits in swing states President Joe Biden narrowly carried, such as Arizona, where an audit of Maricopa County's election results has produced initial audit counts that initial audit counts and the number certified by Maricopa County officials did not match. Biden won Arizona and its 11 electoral votes by more than 10,000 votes out of the 3.3 million across the state. His lead of roughly 2 percentage points was due partly to his advantage in Maricopa County, where the Democrat scored nearly 45,000 more votes than Trump among roughly 2.1 million ballots cast in the populous county. Story continues CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The Trump campaign filed several lawsuits alleging widespread voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election, the vast majority of which were tossed by the courts. Trump, who remains popular among the GOP base, has teased a 2024 bid, saying in April, "I may even decide to beat them for a third time, OK?" Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Donald Trump, PACs, Fundraising Original Author: Carly Roman Original Location: Trump-aligned groups have raised nearly $82 million in first half of 2021 Things are slow at the airport. Parkn Fly lots around Pearson International Airport are showing the effects of reduction of national and international travel. Toronto is in phase three of reopening along with other parts of Ontario as the province tries to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Toronto. August 14, 2020. ( Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) Two people who traveled from the US to Canada received multiple fines for providing fraudulent vaccine documents. Each traveler was fined $19,720, the Public Health Agency of Canada said. Giving false documentation to authorities could result in fines or criminal charges. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Two people traveling from the US to Canada were fined nearly $20,000 for fraudulent vaccination documents and failing to comply with entry guidelines, KATV reported. The two travelers arrived in Toronto the week of July 18 and were given multiple fines, according to a press release from the Public Health Agency of Canada. "Each traveler received four fines-a total of $19,720 for each traveler-for providing false information related to proof of vaccination credentials and pre-departure tests, as well as for non-compliance with the requirement to stay at a government-authorized accommodation and on-arrival testing requirements," the agency said. According to the press release, the Canada Border Services Agency "works closely with domestic and international partners to detect and intercept fraudulent documents." The agency said anyone who provides false information could result in punishment like fines or criminal charges. Canada relaxed some requirements for fully vaccinated residents on July 5, but they must provide proof of their fully vaccinated status before entering the country. The Canadian Press reported that people who are not fully vaccinated must stay at the hotel for three days, as well quarantine for about two weeks. In addition, they receive multiple tests; including pre-departure, on arrival, and eight days after that. According to the Government of Canada, fully vaccinated Americans will get the green light to travel to the country on August 9. Read the original article on Insider The United States and the United Kingdom on Sunday accused Iran of Thursday's drone strike on an oil tanker that resulted in two deaths. In separate statements, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said they believe Iran was behind the deadly attack in the Arabian Sea. Israel first accused Tehran of issuing the July 29 attack, but Iran has denied involvement. "Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack, which killed two innocent people, using one-way explosive UAVs, a lethal capability it is increasingly employing throughout the region," Blinken said. BLINKEN WARNS IRAN: CLOCK IS TICKING ON NUCLEAR TALKS Last week, two strikes were aimed at the merchant tanker Mercer Street. The first attack did not cause damage to the vessel, but the second strike affected the ship's crew rooms. One Romanian national and one British national died from the strike. The vessel was owned by a company based in Japan but was managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime. Israeli officials alleged this was the reason the ship was targeted. "There is no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior," Blinken said, while Raab added that "the UK condemns the unlawful and callous attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman." Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid thanked the U.S. and the U.K. for their acknowledgments regarding the attack. Israel will continue to hold conversations with our allies around the world and work together to formulate the necessary steps needed against ongoing Iranian terror, Lapid said, according to the Times of Israel. In response to the attacks, British and Israeli diplomats will attempt to hold a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, officials told Axios on Sunday. Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law, Raab said. Story continues CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The U.S. will consult with governments within the region to develop an appropriate response, Blinken said, noting that it "will be forthcoming." Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Iran, Antony Blinken, United Kingdom, Drone, Tehran, Israel Original Author: Kaelan Deese Original Location: US and UK accuse Iran of drone strike on oil tanker Workers at the world's biggest copper mine, in Chile, have called a strike after rejecting a compensation offer by Anglo-Australian giant BHP. The world's top producer of the mineral, Chile makes up 28 percent of global copper output, and the last time workers at the Escondida mine staged a major strike, in 2017, BHP lost $740 million. Escondida workers are demanding a one-off bonus to recognize their work during the Covid-19 pandemic -- the equivalent of one percent of the dividends the company's shareholders made. They are also asking for a career development plan and education benefits for their children. In April, the price of copper reached a 10-year high of over $10,000 per ton, and the Escondida mine has projected revenues of more than $10 billion for this year. Chilean media have reported that the company offered workers a bonus of some $23,000 each. A vote late Saturday saw 99.5 percent of workers in favor of a strike, according to the Sindicato No 1 labor union, which said the offer "does not contain any advance in the legitimate demands of the workers." The 2017 strike, which lasted for 44 days and was the longest in Chile's mining history, contributed to a 1.3-percent decline in GDP. - 'Decisive wake-up call' - With annual production of some 5.6 million tons, copper accounts for 10-15 percent of the South American country's GDP, half its yearly exports and employs eight percent of the workforce. Much of it goes to China, the world's biggest consumer. Copper is an efficient conductor of electricity and heat, used widely in systems to generate power from solar, hydro, thermal and wind sources. Mining and Energy Minister Juan Carlos Jobet had forecast production for 2021 to rise to 5.9 million tons from last year's 5.7 million, and to six million by 2022. Union and company leaders can seek a final dialogue with government mediation within five to 10 days. If they fail to reach an agreement, workers will embark on a strike at the open-pit mine in the region around Antofagasta, in the country's north, which produces about 1.1 million tons of the metal per year. Story continues In a statement, BHP said it would seek mediation and remained open to dialogue. "We hope that this strong vote is the decisive wake-up call for BHP to initiate substantive talks... if it wants to avoid an extensive conflict, which could be the most costly in the country's union history," said the union. Chile is home to the world's main copper mines, mainly in the Atacama desert where the country's richest deposits are found. pa/ll/mlr/ec WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sat motionless Sunday as members of the Pacific Island community pulled a large white mat over her head, completely covering her. Moments later they removed it and embraced her. It was part of a emotional ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall during which Ardern formally apologized for a racially charged part of the nations history known as the Dawn Raids. Its when Pasifika people were targeted for deportation in the mid-1970s during aggressive home raids by authorities to find, convict and deport visa overstayers. The raids often took place very early in the morning or late at night. By being covered in the mat, Ardern was taking part in a traditional Samoan ritual known as an ifoga, in which the subject seeks forgiveness by exposing themselves to a kind of public humiliation. Ardern told a tearful crowd of several hundred that the government was offering a formal and unreserved apology. The government expresses its sorrow, remorse, and regret that the Dawn Raids and random police checks occurred and that these actions were ever considered appropriate, Ardern said. At the time of the raids, many Pacific people had come to New Zealand on temporary visas to help fill a need for workers in the nation's factories and fields. But the government appeared to turn on the community by deciding those workers were no longer needed. People who didnt look like white New Zealanders were told they should carry identification to prove they werent overstayers, and were often randomly stopped in the street, or even at schools or churches. Even though many overstayers at the time were British or American, only Pacific people were targeted for deportation. Ardern said that while the raids took place almost 50 years ago, their legacy continued. It remains vividly etched in the memory of those who were directly impacted. It lives on in the disruption of trust and faith in authorities. And it lives on in the unresolved grievances of Pacific communities that these events happened and that to this day they have gone unaddressed, she said. Story continues Ardern said that as a gesture of goodwill, the government would fund new education and training scholarships for Pacific communities and would help compile an official account of the raids from written records and oral history. As part of this, the community will have the opportunity to come forward and share their experiences, Ardern said. Tongan Princess Mele Siuilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili said the impact of the Dawn Raids had haunted her community for generations. We are grateful to your government for making the right decision to apologize, she said to Ardern. To right the extreme, inhumane, racist and unjust treatment, specifically against my community, in the Dawn Raids era. The princess said that while some members of her Tongan community might have been on the wrong side of the law at the time, it didn't warrant the extreme measures taken against them. But the princess said the government could do a better job of responding to current immigration needs, a comment which drew sustained applause. She said petitions had been submitted to find pathways and residency for overstayers and visa-holders. This is a new dawn for my community and the Pacific community at large, she said. Sunday's ceremony had originally been scheduled for June but was delayed due to coronavirus measures. The apology didn't come with any broader financial compensation or legal changes, but many Pacific people say it represented an important first step. New Zealand's Prime Minister has formally apologised for an immigration crackdown in the 1970s against Pacific Islanders. The Dawn Raids targeted people who overstayed their visas, deporting them to their countries of origin. They disproportionately affected Pacific Islanders, despite most visa overstayers being from the UK, Australia and South Africa. Jacinda Ardern has now issued a "formal and unreserved apology". Pacific Islander communities in New Zealand still "suffer and carry the scars" from the policy, she said, adding that she hoped the apology "has brought some much-needed closure". Ms Ardern spoke at a gathering of affected families, Pacific Island dignitaries and government officials in Auckland. According to news site Stuff, Princess Mele Sui'ilikutapu of Tonga welcomed the New Zealand government's attempt to address the "inhumane and unjust" treatment of her people. She called the apology "a dawn for my community". Beginning in the early 1970s, the Dawn Raids saw government forces launch early morning operations in the homes and workplaces of people who had overstayed their visas. New Zealand had welcomed thousands of migrants from Pacific Islands after the end of World War Two, needing workers for its booming economy. By 1976, the government says there were more than 50,000 Pacific Islanders in the country. But an economic crisis in the early 1970s caused unemployment to rise. Some politicians and in the press began to attack migrants. Raids began in 1974 and continued through the decade. The policy spawned mounting criticism from religious, political and civil groups until it was eventually halted by the start of the 1980s. New Zealand's minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio, was himself a victim of the operation. Born in Samoa before moving to New Zealand, he has said that the day of the raid was "etched into my memory". "To have someone knocking on the door in the early hours, flashlight in your face, disrespecting the owner of the home, with an Alsatian dog frothing at the mouth wanting to come in... It is quite traumatising," he said when Ms Ardern announced the apology in June. Click here to see the BBC interactive New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern issued a formal apology Sunday for immigration raids targeted the country's Pacific Islanders in the 1970s. State of play: During the "Dawn Raids" of the 1970s, police, often accompanied by dogs, would burst into homes in the early hours of the morning to find and deport people who had overstayed their visas, writes Al Jazeera. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Pacific Islanders represented a third of visa overstayers but comprised 86% of those prosecuted for deportation, per Al Jazeera. Catch up quick: In the aftermath of World War II, New Zealand welcomed thousands of Pacific Islanders on temporary visas because the country needed workers. The raids, which lasted from 1974 to 1976, were spurred on by an economic downturn that prompted some New Zealanders to see "migrants as jeopardising [sic] their financial security and quality of life," Arden said during a speech in Auckland Sunday. The big picture: "Today, I stand on behalf of the New Zealand government to offer a formal and unreserved apology to Pacific communities for the discriminatory implementation of the immigration laws of the 1970s that led to the events of the Dawn Raids," Ardern said. "The Government expresses its sorrow, remorse, and regret that the Dawn Raids and random police checks occurred and that these actions were ever considered appropriate." The government will offer $1.5 million worth of academic education and vocational scholarships to Pacific communities, the government announced in a press release. It will also offer nearly $700,000 in short-term training course scholarships to delegates from Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Fiji, and offer additional resources to schools to teach the history of the raids. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. There will be some changes, but the business will remain as people know it as a gift shop and cafe. We definitely have some big shoes to fill, she said. The Godseys are pros and Kerry has done a fabulous job. General Manager Kerry Giles had worked at the Farm Basket for 14 years before retiring last Friday and said the change of ownership was an opportunity for her to do so. Its something that I have planned for the last few years, and was holding out until this change happened, she said. She is most excited that the story of the Farm Basket will continue to be written. Im excited for the community, and that their beloved favorites will hold their signature status, she said. There are so many products out there that have been there since the 1960s with the Flippin family that people love and they still come for and that wont change, which is a good thing. She said working with Rie Godsey has meant a lot to her over the years and has been an important part of her life. Wood said there will be some changes in inventory but the shop will continue to offer gifts, bridal registries, fine china and home decor. Chief Grinch may be Sen. Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, who tweeted about the new CDC guidance: Hell no. This is politics, not science. Thats absurd. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Republican of California, the minority leader, claimed the masking guidance was conjured up by liberal government officials who want to continue to live in perpetual pandemic state. Hes such a moron, reporters heard House Speaker Nancy Pelosi say as she was getting into a car. So, now, conscientious Americans are helping protect the reckless. Fully vaccinated people need to mask up again indoors in areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates, per the CDC. These include many counties in Virginia. While 80% of those infected with the delta variant are unvaccinated, vaccinated people rarely become infected as well, and their viral load is similar to the unvaccinated, meaning both the unvaccinated and the vaccinated can spread the variant. The delta variant is showing every day its willingness to outsmart us and be an opportunist, CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Tuesday in a briefing. This new science is worrisome and unfortunately warrants an update to our recommendations. Johnson concluded that he needed congressional authorization to fight a wider war. Following a naval encounter off North Vietnams coast, Congress gave him the Tonkin Gulf Resolution permitting the use force to repel Communism in Southeast Asia. He thought that faced with American power, principally air power, Hanoi would agree to a settlement. That was a major mistake, similar to Trumans in 1950. Military leaders convinced the president that air power would not stop the Communists and that a large ground force was required. In July 1965, Johnson sent 200,000 troops to South Vietnam, again expecting that Hanoi would decide it could not win. Hanoi refused to negotiate on U.S. terms and Johnson then escalated further. By early 1968, half a million American forces were in Vietnam. Then things changed: North Vietnams Tet offensive and a new secretary of defense persuaded Johnson to deescalate the war and negotiate. It was left to Richard Nixon to withdraw US forces in an honorable manner. All troops were out by May 1973, but U.S. diplomatic personnel had to be airlifted out in 1975 when Hanoi used its own troops to invade the south and take Saigon. The war cost 58,000 American dead and over 74,000 wounded. Unlike in Korea, the U.S. was thrown completely out of Vietnam, a major disaster. What have we learned? In my view, two clear lessons. The country realized the high price it paid in lives and financial support for three wars we could not win. And many learned that we should not elect presidents and members of Congress who get carried away with the dream of America as a hegemonic world power. Donald Nuechterlein is a political scientist who lives near Charlottesville. E-mail him at nuechtd@cstone.net. Kyodo - Aug 03 The Japanese government said Monday it will tighten border controls for travelers from three U.S. states, Finland and some other areas in response to the spread of highly contagious variants of the novel coronavirus. Kandahar [Afghanistan]: Several rockets struck Afghanistans Kandahar airport overnight, RT reported. No casualties have been reported so far. Violence has escalated in Afghanistan in recent weeks as the Taliban have intensified their offensive against civilians, Afghan defense and security forces. This comes in wake of foreign troops drawdown from the war-torn country. Rockets hit Kandahar airport in Afghanistan, airport official: AFP pic.twitter.com/sRtxK5Rm0t ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2021 Last month, three rockets landed in areas near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers. Over the last few weeks, the Taliban captured several districts in Afghanistan including Takhar, the countrys northeastern province. The Taliban seized over 193 district centres and 19 border districts, according to the Afghan foreign ministry. The Taliban have also taken control of 10 border crossing points across the country in Takhar, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Herat, and Farah provinces leading to the complete shutdown of cross-border movements and trade in these areas. The ministry further disclosed that since April 14, nearly 4,000 ANDSF personnel had been killed, over 7,000 injured, and about 1,600 captured by the Taliban. As many as 2,000 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the violence, while 2,200 were injured. CHICAGO Maria Brown is expecting to do more shopping than usual before starting freshman year this fall. Last years uniform for virtual classes sweatpants and T-shirts wont cut it now that she will be attending in person every day. Im definitely going to get more clothes, said Brown, 14, of Elmwood Park. Back-to-school sales are expected to hit $32.5 billion nationwide, the strongest theyve been in at least five years, according to an annual survey by Deloitte. Families who skipped buying some items last year when many kids attended school remotely are stocking up again while preparing for a return to the classroom. They also plan to do more of their shopping online. Chicago families surveyed said they expected to spend about 42% of their back-to-school budget online, up from just 24% in 2019, according to Deloitte. In prior years, some families said they liked letting kids pick out items or found it easier to track down items on highly specific school lists in person. But consumers got accustomed to shopping online during the pandemic, and retailers invested in making it easier, said Matt Adams, principal at Deloitte. We had been seeing an increase in online spending across the board, but last year really accelerated it, he said. Hy-Vee will always hold a special place in Mike Baschs heart. After serving his country in the Air Force, Basch returned home to Council Bluffs in 1988 and took a job as a checker/stocker at the Madison Avenue Hy-Vee. Not only did Mike find employment at Hy-Vee, he also met his future wife, Amy, who was working in the bakery at the time. Together, they raised three children Tyler, Cody, and Ciara. Tyler and Cody have made their homes in Chicago and San Diego. In his spare time, Mike enjoys distance running and playing poker. He has played in the World Series of Poker several times. Jennie Edmundsons Spirit of Courage fundraiser also holds a special place in Mike Baschs heart. After losing both parents to cancer, he understands the emotional and financial impact that the disease can have on a family. Basch is proud to work for a company that encourages its employees to support fundraisers like Spirit of Courage. Hy-Vee has been a sponsor of the Jennie Edmundson Spirit of Courage fundraiser since 2003, thanks in part to the support of former store director John Allen, now retired. In addition to being one of Mikes mentors, John is a 2007 Spirit of Courage award recipient. "To me that seems very reasonable," said Dr. Joseph Kanter, the state health officer of the Louisiana Department of Health. "You achieve the goal of providing a safe environment. You maintain some choice in there. And clearly most people are going to look at that and say it make sense for them to get vaccinated, given that context." The push to vaccinate children varies by country. Half of 12- to 17-year-olds in Estonia's second-largest city of Tartu have received their first vaccine shot, and local health officials are working to push the number to 70% before the school year begins. Countries such as Denmark and France also are actively encouraging vaccination of children, while others such Sweden and the United Kingdom have yet to begin mass vaccinations for those under 18. The Pfizer shot is currently the only U.S. vaccine authorized for children 12 years and up. Moderna expects the Food and Drug Administration to rule soon on its application for children in the same age group. Moderna said Monday that it expects to have enough data to apply for FDA authorization for younger children by late this year or early 2022. Pfizer has said it expects to apply in September for children ages 5 through 11. But we need this statute because we need to set the record straight. There can be no double standard when it comes to acts of terrorism. Whether the perpetrator is Christian or Muslim, American or foreign, violence committed on behalf of an ideology needs to be called out by its proper name. Weve had far more mischief caused by right-wing extremists than we have by Islamists, said Gary LaFree, a professor of criminology at the University of Maryland. I think part of the reason we are getting more domestic right-wing terrorism is because we have been so tepid in our response. A federal statute would provide impetus to take a more proactive and direct approach to domestic extremism. We have the resources we need, Chapman University professor Peter Simi argues; were just not using them. We didnt ignore this problem because we didnt have the right tools, Simi said. Most of the failure to address this problem has been that we just havent perceived it as a problem. What we really need is a fundamental shift in the way we view domestic actors. 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. Dear EarthTalk: Are the new SST jets friendlier to the environment than the SSTs of the 1970s? P. Barnes, Midlothian, Texas Nearly 20 years have passed since the last flight of the Concorde, the first supersonic passenger-carrying commercial airplane (or supersonic transport, SST). The aircraft cruised the Queen of England and the ultra-wealthy across the seas at Mach 2 speed, or 1,350 mph, while soaring at an altitude of 60,000 feet. In 1996, the Concorde achieved its fastest flight from New York to London in under three hours. Now a new wave of supersonic flight may be on the horizon with the recent partnership between United Airlines and Denver-based Boom Supersonic. In June 2021, United Airlines announced plans to purchase 15 of Boom Supersonics first commercial supersonic jet, the Overture. Boom plans to engineer the Overture to fly up to 88 passengers at a speed of Mach 1.7, or 1,300 mph, at 60,000 feet. Most flight times will be cut nearly in half: Traveling from Paris to Montreal will only take three hours and 45 minutes instead of the usual eight and a half hours; a trip from San Francisco to Tokyo will take just six hours rather than the usual 10 hours and 15 minutes. If we pride ourselves in our cattle heritage and support our cattle growers, it would be the height of hypocrisy to literally turn up our noses at the prospect of their building a meatpacking plant in our midst. Residents who fear being overwhelmed by odor and stink nonetheless have legitimate concerns. One cannot live 60 miles from a Big Four plant in Lexington and not realize that. This plants organizers propose to use the most up-to-date technology to combat odors. City leaders must use their good judgment in weighing whether itll eliminate them or at least reduce them to tolerable levels. Remember, also, that building next to the city wastewater plant is part of the anti-stink strategy. Winds typically blow from the north-northwest half the year, away from the bulk of North Platte. None of the active or retired lagoons has come close to being breached by floodwaters. Neither have the few industries between the would-be beef-plant site and the South Platte River. This plant would go inside the retired lagoons existing berm. Its base must be raised substantially to build the plant, but that still leaves several feet of flood protection. Its unreasonable to think Sustainable Beef wouldnt enhance the berm even more. Shattered image Generations of school children were taught that one characteristic distinguished American democracy, one that offered a lesson to the rest of the world. It was that after every presidential election, no matter how bitterly fought the campaign, there was a peaceful transfer of power from the outgoing administration to the new one. On Jan. 6, 2021, that image of a mature American government was shattered, and we stood on the brink of becoming the northernmost banana republic. The crowd that stormed the Capitol was not the public exercising its right peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. They were attempting to set aside the will of a majority of the voters in the 2020 presidential election. The mob had mayhem on its mind. On Jan. 6, people died. People were injured. Property was damaged. There is increasing evidence that much of what occurred was planned. One would think that conservatives would want to examine how the insurrection occurred and how we should prevent it from happening again. A year ago, the idea of a carbon border tax was more of a hypothetical than an actual plan. But a year ago, the EU had not yet tightened its already tight emission reduction targets that forced a number of businesses in highly polluting industries to invest in emission-cutting. Now, we have the brand new EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and a proposal for a carbon border tax in the United States. There is also talk about other countries following. The U.S. case is particularly interesting. Washington was quick to react to the EU's idea of a carbon border tax earlier this year when it was first floated, and that reaction was, while polite, not exactly positive. In fact, none other than President Biden's climate envoy John Kerry warned the EU that a carbon border tax should be a last resort. Fast forward to mid-July, and a group of Democrats in Congress are drafting plans for nothing other than a carbon border tax for certain imports such as steel to reduce the amount of emissions associated with these imports. According to the sponsors of the bill, the tax would level the playing field for domestic manufacturers that are subjected to more stringent carbon emission regulations. "International cooperation will be critical to reaching net-zero emissions," said one of the bill's authors, Senator Chris Coons from Delaware, as quoted by Reuters. "We have an historic opportunity to demonstrate that climate policy goes hand in hand with providing economic opportunities as U.S. innovators develop and scale clean energy technologies." The EU's idea of a carbon border tax, by the way, also came after a pushback from industries that stand to suffer loss of competitiveness as their products become more expensive than imports because of tight EU emission regulation. On the face of it, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has the potential to kill two birds with one stone: help European steel producers and other big polluters clean up their act and reduce the so-called carbon leakage from foreign producers by levying what is effectively a tariff on their exports to the bloc. But carbon border taxes are potentially problematic as well. China unsurprisingly criticized the European Commission's tax proposal saying it violated the rules of the World Trade Organization. Related: ExxonMobil Beats Earnings Estimates As Its Chemicals Business Booms "CBAM is essentially a unilateral measure to extend the climate change issue to the trade sector. It violates WTO principles ... and (will) seriously undermine mutual trust in the global community and the prospects for economic growth," said a spokesman for Beijing's Ministry of Ecology and the Environment earlier this month, as quoted by Reuters. The spokesman also noted China's official stance on carbon emission reduction, namely that the efforts undertaken in this respect need to correspond to a country's level of economic development. This is certainly a valid argument. Developing nations often rely more on manufacturingand polluting industriesfor their economic growth than developed economies. China is by far the biggest among these manufacturers. As such, it stands to lose the most by any carbon border taxes. The U.S. carbon border tax proposal also has a worrying focus on trade, Energy Intelligence's Emily Meredith wrote in a recent commentary. She cites the bill as mentioning "protecting jobs" as smacking of protectionism, quoting Aaron Cosbey, with the International Institute for Sustainable Development as saying, "It says a lot that there's 'competition' in the name of this act." And it's not just competition. The bill also says, "The FAIR Transition and Competition Act of 2021 will protect U.S. jobs, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, and drive climate innovation and resilience." The reduction of reliance on foreign energy sources could also be seen as a protectionist ambition. The trade aspect of carbon border taxes would certainly be one sticking point in international relations going forward. It is no coincidence that some experts are arguing for a concerted global effort in this respect. However, the success of such an effort is highly questionable for the reasons mentioned by China: climate change efforts depend on a nation's level of development. What's perhaps worse for the proponents of carbon taxes is that instead of reducing carbon leakage, they might stimulate it. Carbon leakage is the phenomenon where a country with laxer emission regulations exports its products to a country with stricter regulation, undermining the competitiveness of the latter's own output and, consequently, emission reduction efforts. Carbon border taxes aim to make these higher polluters pay for their pollution. Some skeptics, however, argue that these taxes might force some businesses to up and leave emission-strict locations for laxer ones, effectively motivating more carbon leakage. It will be a fine balancing act, therefore, to make sure you both "punish" polluting importers for their emissions and stimulate your domestic businesses to invest in cleaner production. The act becomes even finer in light of plans to make carbon increasingly expensive. The higher the price of emissions goes, the more businesses would need to invest in reducing their footprint. Eventually, many may opt for relocating and emitting instead of paying through the nose for low-emission output. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Local officials plan to meet Aug. 10 in Tekamah to discuss long-term plans. One option theyre considering, he said, is a county-run quick-response vehicle, staffed by trained county employees, that could transport patients and relieve the burden on volunteers. Hansen said Chartis data indicates the Oakland hospital was providing care to a shrinking share of its community. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data indicates it had operated at a loss for three of the past four years for which data was available. The Chartis report also lists 453 U.S. hospitals as vulnerable to closure. With the Oakland closure, the number of Nebraska hospitals on the vulnerable list stands at 15, Hansen said, with five considered at high risk. But while challenges exist, Hansen said, the situation is not all doom and gloom. Over the past decade, many of Nebraskas critical access hospitals have performed well compared with others nationwide on financial and quality metrics, according to Chartis. Palm, an economist, said he does not foresee a lot of additional closures in Nebraska in the next year or two. But he said officials need to consider what rural health systems should look like in the future to keep them viable. Dennis remained free with authorities apparently unable to piece together enough evidence for even a parole violation that could send him back to prison. That all changed last week. A federal jury convicted Dennis of attempted robbery, using a firearm in a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm in what prosecutors said was another drug-related robbery plot. According to court records and accounts of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Nebraska: In January 2020, Dennis cased a familys home four different times trying to discern the familys movements and the layout of the home, according to documents filed by the U.S. Attorneys Office. A single mother of two young children lived in the home, along with the childrens grandmother. Dennis planned to do physical harm to that woman in the presence of her elderly mother once he gained entry to the residence, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Attorneys Office. Dennis ultimately planned to leave no witnesses behind, and to shoot anyone who saw his face during the home invasion. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) Authorities on Saturday night reopened the Interstate 40 bridge linking Arkansas and Tennessee that had been closed ever since a crack was discovered in the span in May. The Hernando DeSoto Bridge, a key artery for U.S. commerce, reopened to the public for eastbound traffic, according to video shared by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The eastbound lanes had previously been scheduled to open on Monday, but officials recently moved up those plans. The transportation department has said it plans to reopen the bridges westbound lanes Aug. 6, though it said that could also get moved up. The I-40 bridge over the Mississippi River was shut down May 11 after inspectors found a crack in one of two 900-foot (275-meter) horizontal steel beams critical for the bridges structural integrity, forcing thousands of trucks and cars to detour to the nearby Interstate 55 bridge during the I-40 bridges repairs. Beverly Robertson, CEO and President of the Greater Memphis Chamber, celebrated the news of the re-opening. CORONA, Calif. (AP) A young TikTok star who had been on life support after he and a friend were shot inside a Southern California movie theater has died, police and his family said Saturday. Anthony Barajas, 19, was watching The Forever Purge at a theater in Corona with Rylee Goodrich, 18, on Monday when they were each shot in the head. They were found by an employee after the last showing of the night. Goodrich died at the scene. Barajas was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was placed on life support. Barajas, known online as itsanthonymichael, had nearly a million followers on TikTok and more on other platforms. The suspect acted alone, and theres no indication he knew the victims or that Barajas role as a TikTok influencer played a role in the crime, Corona police Cpl. Tobias Kouroubacalis told reporters last week. It was completely unprovoked, and the victims were shot without any kind of prior contact, Kouroubacalis said during a news conference Wednesday. Police were working with Riverside County prosecutors to add a second murder count against the suspected shooter, Joseph Jimenez. Targeting by such groups helped sink three moderate Republican lawmakers in 2016. All three were attacked for votes that put them at odds with Gov. Pete Ricketts, and all three lost, despite outspending their opponents' campaigns. Geis said candidates tell him that they have to "over-raise and overspend" in preparation for possible spending by such outside groups, in addition to countering spending by their opponents' campaigns. Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers of Lincoln said he expects such pressures to continue pushing up campaign costs. Hilgers spent $261,813 on his 2016 race, making him the top spender that year. He spent $375,656 on his reelection bid last year, which was the second-most for the election. "In competitive races, and with the increase in outside group spending, it can take a lot of resources to get your message out and communicate with voters," said Hilgers, a Republican. In addition, Bostar pointed to the growing polarization of society, which has made donors more motivated to see their ideology prevail in the State Legislature. He said that has translated into larger campaign donations and harder-fought, partisan-tinged races. Workforce development is a very institutional term. Maybe it should just be thought of as an intentional system for helping people improve themselves and their position. New skills, more advanced skills, different skills. This is best accomplished when high schools, postsecondary schools, cities and employers have strong relationships and work together to bridge the gap between employers and potential employees. We must have a local system for helping ourselves, our friends and our neighbors become and remain effective in a fast-moving economy. Housing has become rural Nebraskas Achilles heel only five houses are for sale in Valentine right now, and its a similar story in most communities throughout Nebraska. Weve made recent progress on housing in this state, but we must redouble our efforts. We need to attack housing with the same urgency we attacked broadband to quickly bring more quality, affordable and diverse types of housing. Without more housing, our communities cannot grow. This deserves far more conversation than this paragraph, but Im pretty sure Im already preaching to the choir. So lets rally as Nebraskans to do whatever we can to make our communities the best in the country. We could end up with a growing Mayberry in every corner of the state. Not cookie cutter outposts, but authentic, locally driven communities that are places existing residents want to stay and potential residents want to make home. If we get this right, we wont even have to ask for those state jobs to be sent out west because the employees will be clamoring for it to happen. Kyle Arganbright is co-founder and executive vice president of Sandhills State Bank, mayor of Valentine, co-founder of Bolo Beer Co. and lover of all things Sandhills. The latest analysis by the federal Centers for Disease Control points to major need in much of Nebraska. The CDC says that 40 of 93 counties, including Douglas County, are considered communities with substantial or high rates of transmission of COVID-19. The federal agency recommends that even vaccinated people in those communities should mask up in indoor public places. To boost protection against the virus, Nebraska organizations must continue their outreach efforts to communities of color, where vaccination rates often have been low. Leaders in those communities have sent important signals that getting vaccinated is vital. They will need to step up that messaging, given the threat from the delta variant. Another factor hindering vaccination is the stop bothering me about it mindset of vaccination skeptics. Some people urging vaccination are rude and arrogant, they say. That might be the case. The reality, though, is that vaccination critics are vulnerable to the virus as long as they decline to get the shot. Consider this analogy: Vital protection Studies previously had shown that vaccinated people with breakthrough infections were highly unlikely to infect others. New studies covering the delta variant have shown otherwise, that people with breakthrough infections of the delta variant were just as capable of transmitting the virus as unvaccinated infected people. The vaccines remain highly effective against serious illness and death. This means we all need to be vaccinated to protect ourselves, and we all need to wear masks to protect others, even if we are fully vaccinated. Andrew R. White, Kearney, Neb. Ricketts wrong So, in regard to CDC guidance on the new rise in COVID cases, Gov. Pete Ricketts states the government has to get out of the way and to stop trying to tell people how to live their lives. Interesting. Isnt this the same man who wanted government to not allow casino gaming in his state? The same man who wants government to block medical marijuana? The same man who used the power of government to delay expanded Medicare in Nebraska that the populace voted in? The same man who wanted government to maintain a ban on same sex marriage? The same man that wants government to prevent a womans right to choose? The Electoral Commission (EC) says it is waiting for an official communication from Parliament regarding a by-election at Assin North Constituency. Once it receives the communication, the EC will be ready to conduct a fresh election in the constituency as part of its constitutional mandate. A Deputy Commissioner of the EC in charge of Corporate Services, Dr Bossman Eric Asare, disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic yesterday. As we speak, we have not received any official correspondence from Parliament. We will act on any correspondence we receive as contained in the law, Dr Bossman stated. Context A by-election is likely at Assin North following a court order restraining Mr James Gyakye Quayson from holding himself as Member of Parliament (MP) for the area. The Cape Coast High Court last Wednesday annulled the December parliamentary election in the Assin North Constituency, stating that Mr Quayson did not qualify to contest the election and called for a rerun. The court, in its ruling, said the election of the first respondent was illegal, void and in contravention of Article 94 (2) of the Constitution. It said Mr Quayson held allegiance to Canada as of the time he filed his nomination to contest as a parliamentary candidate for the 2020 general election. The Presiding Judge, Mr Justice Kwasi Boakye, said Mr Quayson was, therefore, not qualified to contest the election because the certificate denouncing his allegiance was issued in November 2020 while he filed to contest in October 2020. The development has reduced the number of parliamentarians of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from 137 to 136, which gives the New Patriotic Party (NPP) a slim majority of 137 plus one Independent candidate. Ready Dr Asare said the EC as an institution was ready to conduct elections or undertake any official assignment anytime. Constituency profile The seat was firmly held by Mr Kennedy Agyapong from 2000 until Assin Central was carved out of the constituency in 2012, which went to Mr Agyapong. Since then, the Assin North seat has become a swing seat. The seat was first won by NDC's Samuel Amber with 14,338 votes, representing 51.64 percent in the 2012 parliamentary election. The NPP's Ebenezer Appiah-Kubi polled 12,281 votes, representing 44.24 percent. In 2016, the NPP's new entrant, Abena Durowaa, wrested the seat from the NDCs Amber with 15,553 votes, representing 56.77 percent, against Mr Ambers 10,751 votes, which represented 39.24 percent of the valid votes cast. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A pro-NPP group named Federation of NPP Youth has called to question the role of Dr. Nsiah Asare at the Presidency. The group alleged that they have suspicion that the former Director-General is engaged in a duplication of duty with the Health Minister. A press statement signed by Ishmael Awuku, Spokesperson for the group, asserted ''they believe the role assigned to the former Director-General gives room for sabotage of the substantive Health Minister's work''. The group is therefore calling on the President to prune the office of the Special Advisor on health issues from the Presidency. The group also claimed they have ''information that some vital documentation regarding the Health Ministry and government business are coming out from the office of the President's health Advisor and passed on to media houses for publication; all in his attempts to undermine the work of the Health Minister, a position he has been yearning for''. They further alleged that some details of the Sputnik V vaccine and the subsequent inquisition of the Minister were purportedly instigated by the office of the Special Advisor and his allies. The statement said some of the issues raised during the public inquiry of the Health Minister and his role in the botched transaction with Sheikh Maktoum group, suppliers of the Sputnik V vaccines were leaked to the press and the Parliamentary Committee by that office. The group has cautioned the Special Advisor to desist from sabotaging the Health Minister with the aim of replacing the Minister as he plots for the Health Ministers removal by the President. How on earth can someone who after being removed from office as the Director-General for Ghana Health Services and later hopping from one radio station to the other claiming to be assured by the President to be appointed as Health Minister which later turned out to be false be trusted of his loyalty at the Presidency? How can the loyalty and integrity of a disgruntled advisor who was later fighting to be appointed as Deputy Health Minister and even nursing the idea of an appointment as Board Chairman of Ghana Health Service be trusted?, the group queried. The group expressed its support for the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, for superintending over a smooth health system including making the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) robust. They noted that many health infrastructure projects have been seen communities under the leadership of the Health Minister, hence he should be maintained. Mr. Awuku noted that many in their communities who had completed nursing training colleges have had opportunity to get formal employment into the Health Ministry, adding that this is due to the effort of Hon. Agyeman Manu who has seen to the clearing of all backlog of trainees. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video President Nana Akufo-Addo has stated that for Africa to be able to transform herself and become the epitome of economic empowerment and self-reliance, she needs to have the wherewithal to be able to protect and optimize the resources at her disposal. To this end, President Akufo-Addo, speaking at the EBII Africa Investments Risk and Compliance (IRC) Summit, on Friday, at the Oxford University, has admonished African governments to build robust financial compliance systems, and ensure strict enforcement of these systems. Speaking on the theme Financial Crime Compliance and ESG The Future of African Investment, the President stated a recent report has put the cost of financial crime compliance across all financial institutions, globally, at an all-time high of $180.9 billion for the year 2020. Part of the reality in Africa, according to President Akufo-Addo, is that there are huge illicit financial outflows, as captured in the 2015 Thabo Mbeki report on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa, which revealed that Africa was losing, annually, more than $50 billion through illicit financial outflows. Five years later, according to UNCTADs Economic Development in Africa Report 2020, the figure has gone up from $50 billion to $88.6 billion each year. That is a lot of money in any currency, and it is money we ill-afford to forego. It is money that would make a significant addition to the investable funds of the continent, he said. Persons, largely the multinational companies, who come to do business in Africa, the President said, are, undoubtedly, involved in these illicit transactions, with the complicity of some Africans. We must, therefore, build robust financial compliance systems, and ensure strict enforcement as a deterrent. A strong regulatory environment, whilst reducing these illicit outflows, would, in the end, lead to more private capital being attracted to the continent for genuine investment, he added. Welcoming the OECDs new initiative that would require multinationals to pay tax in countries where they have commercial, not jurisdictional, presence, President Akufo-Addo stated that the acid test of our friendship with countries, which are the hosts of these multinational corporations, should be the extent to which they oblige them to comply with this new initiative. He was, thus, glad to note that this principle has been publicly accepted by the G7 Nations, at their recent conference, with a proposal for a fifteen per cent (15%) minimum tax rate for multinational groups on their revenues from the countries of operation. It is clearly a positive step in the right direction. We, in Africa, must be both vocal in defence of our interests, and vigorous in promoting remedial measures, he stressed. Whilst expressing relief that Ghana had been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, following the renewal of the international communitys confidence in Ghanas Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime, President Akufo-Addo pointed out that many of the regulatory requirements put in place are cumbersome and expensive for small countries. For example, the FATFs Recommendation thirty-two (32) requires countries to take measures to prevent terrorists and criminals from using cash couriers to finance their activities and launder their funds. Countries are required to implement a compulsory declaration system requiring everyone crossing a border and transporting currency or bearer negotiable instruments of a value exceeding a certain threshold to declare it to the authorities. To Africas predominantly cash-based economies, this is a daunting task, he said. President Akufo-Addo continued, You might, thus, find your country falling foul of the regulations, not because you have done anything wrong, but because you do not have the means to keep up with the paperwork. It would be worthwhile for all stakeholders to agree on efficient, workable measures. And yet, there is not really an option of opting out. If Africa is to be an integral part of the financial world, the President reiterated that we would have to demonstrate that we can play by the rules, just as the investors should, and, thereby, safeguard the future of African investments. 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 Turkey has suffered its worst fires in at least a decade. Dozens of villages were evacuated in tourist hotspots in southern Turkey on Sunday as wildfires that have claimed eight lives raged for a fifth day, while blazes also hit Greece, Italy and Spain. Fanned by soaring temperatures and strong windswith experts saying that climate change increases both the frequency and intensity of such blazesthis year's fire season has been significantly more destructive than the previous average, EU data shows. Turkey is suffering its worst fires in at least a decade with nearly 95,000 hectares (235,000 acres) burnt so far this year, compared with an average of 13,516 at the same point in the years between 2008 and 2020. A neighbourhood in the tourist city of Bodrum has been evacuated, CNN Turk broadcaster reported, as strong winds fanned flames from the nearby Milas district. Unable to leave by road, 540 residents were taken to hotels by boats, the channel said. People were also evacuated from the resort city of Antalya, and two bodies were found in that region on Sunday, taking the number of people killed to eight. After hitting record levels last month, temperatures are set to remain high. A temperature of 49.1 degrees Celsius (120.3 Fahrenheit) was recorded in the southeastern town of Cizre on July 20. More than 330 people have received medical treatment since the fires in Turkey broke out. And the mercury is expected to reach 40C in Antalya on Monday. Turkey's defence ministry released satellite images showing the extent of the damage, with forest areas turned black and smoke still visible. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been criticised after it emerged that Turkey has no firefighting planes even though one-third of its territory is forested and fires are becoming increasingly frequent. According to EU figures, Turkey has been hit by 133 wildfires in 2021 so far compared with an average of 43 by this point in the years between 2008 and 2020. Greek 'catastrophe' Meanwhile a major blaze broke out early Saturday near Patras in the western Greece. Five villages have been evacuated and eight people were hospitalised with burns and respiratory problems in the region, which remains on alert. Around 20 homes have been burnt down, according to a provisional figure from the fire brigade. Nearly 300 firefighters, two water bomber planes and five helicopters battled a forest fire in Greece. The mayor of nearby village Aigialeias, Dimitris Kalogeropoulos, called it "an immense catastrophe". Flames consumed around 30 houses, barns and stables in the villages of Ziria, Kamares, Achaias and Labiri. "We slept outside overnight, terrified that we would not have a house when we woke up," a Labiri resident told Greek TV station Skai. The seaside resort of Loggos was also evacuated, with nearly 100 residents and tourists sent to the nearby city of Aigio. According to EU data, 13,500 hectares had been burnt in Greece, compared with an average of 7,500 at this point in the year from 2008-20. 'Crazy summer' Italy was again hit by fires after more than 20,000 hectares of forest, olive groves and crops were destroyed by a blaze in Sardinia last weekend. More than 800 flare-ups were recorded this weekend, mainly in the south, Italy's fire brigade said. A graph showing the progression in area burnt by wildfires in EU countries so far in 2021 compared to the 2008-2020 average. "In the last 24 hours, firefighters have carried out more than 800 interventions: 250 in Sicily, 130 in Puglia and Calabria, 90 in Lazio and 70 in Campania," the brigade tweeted. It added that firefighters were still battling blazes in the Sicilian cities of Catania, Palermo and Syracuse. While the south of Italy has been burning, the north has suffered wild storms. "The cost of the damage caused throughout the northern Italian countryside by the violent storms and hail during this crazy summer amounts to tens of millions of euros," the Coldiretti agricultural organisation said. In Spain, dozens of firefighters backed by water-dropping aircraft were battling a wildfire that broke out Saturday afternoon near the San Juan reservoir, about 70 kilometres (40 miles) east of Madrid. Firefighters said Sunday they had managed to stabilise the blaze overnight but local authorities urged people to stay away from the reservoir, a popular bathing spot for residents of the Spanish capital. Explore further Forest fires rage near Turkish resorts, killing four 2021 AFP Turkey has suffered the worst fires in at least a decade, official data show. The death toll from wildfires in southern Turkey rose to eight following the discovery of two bodies on Sunday, officials said, as more people including tourists were evacuated to safety. Turkey has suffered the worst fires in at least a decade, official data show, with nearly 95,000 hectares (235,000 acres) burned so far this year, compared with an average of 13,516 hectares at this point in the year between 2008 and 2020. Two bodies were found in Manavgat town in Antalya province, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted. The Turkish national and a German died in their fire-damaged home, according to state news agency Anadolu. Since the fires broke out Wednesday, 864 people have received medical treatment, the health minister said. Several neighbourhoods in the tourist city of Bodrum were evacuated, the mayor said Sunday, as strong winds from nearby Milas district fanned the flames. Over 1,100 residents were taken to another part of Bodrum aboard nearly 20 boats, mayor Ahmet Aras said, since it was not possible to evacuate people by road. Fire in eastern Turkey More residents were evacuated from the coastal city of Marmaris in Mugla province by boat with assistance from the naval force, the defence ministry said. Since the fires broke out Wednesday, six people have died and more than 330 have received medical treatment. People were also evacuated from the village of Sirtkoy in Antalya, NTV broadcaster reported Sunday, showing images of grey smoke clouds enveloping homes. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said 111 forest fires were now under control, while five blazes continued in the holiday regions of Antalya and Mugla. He added that another forest fire was recorded in the eastern province of Tunceli. Temperatures are set to remain high in the region after record levels last month. The general directorate of meteorology registered a temperature of 49.1 degrees Celsius (120.3 Fahrenheit) on July 20 in the southeastern town of Cizre. The mercury is expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in Antalya on Monday. 'Unbelievable' The defence ministry released satellite images showing the extent of the damage with forest areas turned black and smoke still visible. The opposition attacked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan late Saturday after a video showed him throwing tea to residents in fire-affected areas. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said 111 forest fires were under control, while five blazes continued in the holiday regions of Antalya and Mugla. Another video also shows him throwing tea to people on the side of the road from a bus. "Tea! It's unbelievable. Those who lose their shame lose their heart too," main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) spokesman Faik Oztrak tweeted. The government has also been criticised over the lack of firefighting planes, with Turkey forced to accept help from Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Ukraine. "If we don't have planes or helicopters, we must buy them," Bodrum mayor Aras of the CHP said in a video shared on Twitter. Erdogan insisted Saturday that Turkey had "the strongest infrastructure in the region to fight forest fires" as he promised financial support for those affected. Experts warn that climate change will wreak further damage in Turkey, causing more fires and other disasters if necessary measures to tackle the problem are not taken. According to European Union figures, Turkey has been hit by 133 wildfires in 2021 so far compared with an average of 43 by this point in the years between 2008 and 2020. Last month six people were killed after heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in northeastern Turkey. Explore further Fires rage across southern Europe, forcing hundreds to evacuate 2021 AFP VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Of all the things you do, note how many of them you wanted to do, measured against what you were expected or pressured to do to fulfill a role. If the ratio is out of balance, now is the time to fix it. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your muse prefers beautiful surroundings and will gladly grace you with an abundance of inspiration once you tidy up. And your muse isn't the only visitor you'll have in your sparkling clean and organized environment. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Oh, the trouble you'll see! You don't need to have all the answers to be of help. Your willingness to be present and listen will do more good than you can imagine. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You won't know how you feel until you start trying to put it into words. The best way is to work it out privately first, because your words have more power than you think. They can unite, define, create, uplift or end. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You may feel unclear about what to do, and a little foggy on your "why" as well. No matter. Your time is best spent mastering the realm of "how," focusing on technique, practicality and production. The vast majority of the breakthrough cases have involved mild or asymptomatic illness, and officials said data continues to show that vaccines reduce the severity of illness for those who become infected. Several recent Warren County resident cases have involved people who went to work, school or child day camp programs while ill, potentially exposing others, officials said. If you are ill, county health officials advise to not go to work or elsewhere in public, and seek a COVID test as soon as possible. As of Sunday, 50 of 41,054 fully vaccinated Warren County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. All three vaccines were involved with these cases. A total of 43 of 50 had mild illness, while three became moderately ill, one seriously ill and three critically ill before dying. For those who want to educate themselves further about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Warren County COVID Hub website, warrencountyny.gov/covidhub. Health Services also issued a reminder to the public that since most remaining COVID restrictions were lifted in June, the state of New York and Warren County have both recommended wearing masks or face coverings in crowded public places where you do not know the vaccination status of all around you. CDC encourages use of new tests that detect both COVID-19 and the flu Kristen Nordlund, health communication specialist at the CDC, told The Associated Press the agency made the move because newer PCR testing options now exist. "The CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019 nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel met an important unmet need when it was developed and deployed and has not demonstrated any performance issues," Nordlund said. She said the agency was encouraging labs to switch to tests that can detect influenza at the same time, since it will "save both time and resources." But social media users misinterpreted and misrepresented the announcement. False claims circulated on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram that the CDC's move meant the agency and the FDA had admitted PCR tests do not work. Some posts online falsely said the test was unable to differentiate between coronavirus and influenza, leading to inflated COVID-19 counts and depressed flu counts. In fact, PCR tests are designed to detect very specific areas of the viral genome, so tests do not get confused between which virus is present, said Matthew Binnicker, director of the clinical virology lab at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "PCR tests, including the one developed by the CDC, are highly accurate and are able to differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza," Binnicker said. "In other words, a COVID-19 test will not be positive if a person really has influenza, and vice versa." Binnicker said there are benefits to having one test that can detect both viruses, since the symptoms for both illnesses are often similar early on. Furthermore, neither the CDC nor the FDA has cast any doubt on the effectiveness of PCR technology. "PCR tests are generally considered to be the 'gold standard' for COVID-19 diagnosis," said James McKinney, a press officer for the FDA. Editor: I note that the Gov. Cuomo sexual accusations are coming to light again. I am annoyed that many persons take accusations as fact, establishing guilt. I see a ton of accusation and not even an ounce of proof. Only the accusers' words, as opposed to Cuomo's denial. Neither is proof. In our American justice system, a person is considered innocent until convicted in a court of law. I am sensitive to this issue, coming from a vocation that makes accusation of impropriety easy. Clergy Protestant, Catholic and Jewish spend a lot of time alone, counseling with women, often with the office door closed to provide confidentiality. In more than 50 years of ministry, I learned early on to have my secretary nearby during the interview. That, however, doesn't help in calling in homes. I once had a woman greet me wearing only her birthday suit. I indicated to her that was inappropriate and quickly left. This is not a common experience but happens often enough that young, inexperienced clergy are warned to be careful. The point of this is accusations without proof can destroy a man. A high school teacher in my church was accused by three female students of inappropriate touching. The accusations made the local newspaper and people were horrified. The teacher resigned his position, his life ruined, and moved across the country. The mask has two separate benefits, Trivedi said. The most obvious benefit is that it prevents you from being able to spread any type of particulate into the air. The second, he said, is that it helps filter out particles coming into your nose and lungs. Trivedi said that if two people are wearing masks, their likelihood of passing the virus between them is greatly reduced. He also dispelled a myth that mask wearing is dangerous for the wearer. There is excellent transmission of the air we breathe through the mask; it filters particulates, Trivedi said. Diamond said vaccinated individuals should really evaluate where they are going before they decide to go maskless, and that the unvaccinated should continue to wear masks indoors. We just continue to monitor it and continue to emphasize those layers of measures that will be protective if youre unsure, she said. Theres still a large percentage of the population who are not eligible for vaccination. Diamond said Atlantic County is working with towns and cities with low vaccination rates to set up clinics and put out messaging to let residents know the vaccine is free, no identification is required to receive it and it is safe. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Then Murphys attorney general directed law enforcers to avoid charging youths and subjecting them to the justice system unless a serious crime required it. Police instead may issue curbside warnings, or arrange a meeting at the police station with the youth and their parents. Pagliughi and many business owners blamed Murphy directly for these changes to juvenile justice law and guidance. Sen. Michael Testa, representing districts in Cape May, Cumberland and Atlantic counties, said, Gov. Murphy has stripped police of their power to enforce the law and protect the public while clear violations are being committed before their eyes. Kids know theyre above the law and theyre taking advantage of it. The pandemic is surely another factor in this summers increased disruptions by young people. Even though COVID-19 is mostly a high-risk disease only for older adults and those with existing health conditions, young peoples lives were largely shut down as if they needed special protection, costing them the social experiences and education much needed at their age. Give Gov. Murphy credit for recognizing that among the reasons for the behavior was coming out of a pandemic when youve been locked down, when youve been going to school remotely. To get around the state-action problem, Trumps lawyers alleged that Democratic lawmakers coerced Twitter to ban Trump, specifically by threatening to revoke the famous Section 230. That is the law giving legal immunity to providers of computer services, including social media platforms, for any action voluntarily taken in good faith to restrict access to or availability of material that the provider or user considers to be obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing or otherwise objectionable. The same law also says that the platforms wont be treated as publishers of posts made by third parties. That means that if someone libels you on Twitter, you can sue the person who posted the defamatory and false material, but you cant sue Twitter. There is no question that Section 230 has been advantageous to the platforms. If it were revoked by Congress, the platforms would have to find a way to remove potentially libelous material or else face lawsuits from people who have been defamed on their services. And although some eventual reform of Section 230 seems likely, the way that revision is undertaken will affect the platforms, which therefore care a lot about the laws future. The delta variant is spreading rapidly in California and nationwide, but happily so are crackdowns by public and private employers aimed at limiting the ability of their unvaccinated workers to infect others with COVID-19. On Monday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced new rules requiring vaccination or regular testing and masking for the 246,000 state government employees; the rules will apply as well to workers at both private and public health care and long-term care facilities. Similar workforce rules have popped up around the nation, including in the city of Los Angeles. On Thursday, President Joe Biden said civilian federal workers and on-site contractors, too, would need to receive COVID-19 vaccination or submit to regular testing and other infection-control restrictions to remain on the job. Meanwhile, Google, Facebook and a number of other tech companies say they will require employees to be vaccinated in order to return to their desks when their offices eventually reopen. Hooray. Its time the stubbornly unvaccinated are held to account for their part in the resurgence of COVID-19. In Montana, a wind-driven wildfire destroyed more than a dozen homes, outbuildings and other structures, authorities said Sunday. Evacuations were ordered after flames jumped a highway and moved toward communities near Flathead Lake in the northwestern part of the state. Crews also battled major blazes in northeast Washington and northern Idaho. Nearly 22,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 91 large, active wildfires covering 2,813 square miles (7,285 square kilometers) in mostly western states, the National Interagency Fire Center said. A historic drought and recent heat waves tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported last week that while a robust monsoon has delivered drought-easing rainfall to the Southwest, critically dry conditions persist across Northern California and the Northwest, where there has been an expansion of exceptional drought, the worst category. Dry conditions and powerful winds made for dangerous fire conditions in Hawaii. A wind advisory was issued Sunday for portions of Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. 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 Contact tracers identify people who have been exposed to the coronavirus so they can quarantine. The Wolf administration said people receiving text messages gave their phone numbers to their health providers when they made their initial vaccine appointments, and the providers themselves also send text reminders. We need to use all the tools at our disposal to encourage everyone 12 and older to be vaccinated, said Health Department spokesperson Barry Ciccocioppo. He accused House Republicans of fearmongering that spreads disinformation and puts people at risk. The back-and-forth came amid word of a second serious incident of mishandled COVID-19 data this one involving the health department of the state's third-largest county. The Montgomery County Office of Public Health said it inadvertently released COVID-19 test results and other personal health information of students and staff at county schools. Students' names, dates of birth, symptoms, exposure to the virus and other protected information was released in response to an open records request, the county said. The information should have been redacted but was not. Officials would not disclose who made the public records request. The Virginia event in late July is part of a growing national movement bolstered by tens of billions of dollars in federal rental assistance to find ways to keep millions of at-risk tenants hurt by the coronavirus pandemic in their homes. The push has the potential to reshape a system long skewed in favor of landlords that has resulted in about 3.7 million evictions a year about seven every minute according to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. Many are Black and Latino families. This is an opportunity not to go back to normal, because for so many renters around the country, normal is broken, Matthew Desmond, author of a Pulitzer Prize-winning book on evictions and the principal investigator at the Eviction Lab, told a White House conference on the issue. This is a chance to reinvent how we adjudicate and address the eviction crisis in a way ... that works for tenants and property owners better than the status quo, in a way that clearly invests in homes and families and communities, with the recognition that without stable shelter, everything else falls apart." Housing advocates have mostly attacked the problem from two directions. Thompsons and Ruffalos palpable let that sink in shock at the insurrection and at its denial is the point of the hearings convened by the select committee. Its their reason for being. We have to go over the indisputable facts of the Capitol attack and its aftermath again and again so we fully comprehend what happened, and so we refuse to allow history to be reconfigured by revisionists and justifiers. Its been only seven months since American terrorists, flying Trump flags and Confederate flags, violently attacked their own Capitol, at what they claim was the behest of the then-president, and with the spoken intent, in some cases, to kill public servants and elected officials. Would such a sentence have tracked at all five years ago? And, even now, can anyone honestly claim theyve registered I mean in their bones that American terrorists brought a noose to the U.S. Capitol and called for the hanging of former Vice President Mike Pence? But they did. And thats why the video shown in the hearings and the testimony of those who were there should be required viewing and listening for all Americans. Snows case aside, we should note that the number of Americans who die or disappear in Mexico is tiny compared to the millions who visit there and return safely. And it must be said that some of those who meet violent ends are in Mexico precisely because theyre engaged in dangerous or illegal activity that puts them at risk. Further, we shouldnt lose sight of the fact that Mexican lives are even more at risk in their own country than American lives. While its regrettable that 324 Americans have vanished in Mexico since 2006, the number of Mexicans who have disappeared in that time frame is a staggering 70,000. On average, 94 Mexicans were murdered every day last year. Mexicos murder rate is the 18th highest in the world, according to data compiled by Statista. The obstacle to progress has generally been lack of funding. Fortunately, unprecedented levels of federal funding sent to the Quad-Cities to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic gives us a chance to do something about it. We urge cities that have not yet acted to allocate these funds to give a high priority to creating and incentivizing more affordable housing in this community. This is not a luxury, it is a basic building block for a successful community. On Thursday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law devoting some of the state's share of federal Covid funding to affordable housing assistance. We applaud him from doing so, but we would note this also is a local responsibility. Last week, the city of Moline began considering its strategic plan, and as we understand it, council members will make decisions how to spend the federal money as part of the budget process. The city of Rock Island also is in the midst of planning. We urge them to build on state efforts and make housing a priority. The city of Davenport is further along in figuring out how to spend its Covid funding. On Wednesday, aldermen approved a $41 million plan for the funds. What were doing here is a personalized, from start to end, a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork made to order, Roberts said. We do everything but grow the trees, I dont have time for a tree to mature. Roberts and his wife, Nancy, will attend the art show and meet prospective buyers. Well have plenty of western art there for you to enjoy, he said. Its a good cause with food, and beverages and should just be a good community thing. It will be great to be together. Pennington is selling $25 entry tickets to the event, with all ticket proceeds going to the cancer center campaign. Live music will be provided by a quartet orchestrated by Tasha Fain. Tastings will be offered by Seppis European Market and ShedHorn Cellars. We wanted to spotlight local places that were new to the valley to showcase their products, Pennington said. Like the quality of wine they are bringing in from Napa and the fact that theres a European deli with non-gmo ingredients. Seppis creates party platters that are also a work of art and we will be featuring their charcuterie board. Were excited to be partnering with them. Now, were not saying that the flaw uncovered by UVA researchers was exploited in any of these hacks. We are saying that the problem of cybercrime is extensive, dangerous and growing. To further illustrate that danger, consider that both Russia and China are believed to be behind some of these attacks, perhaps working covertly with independent criminal groups. The U.S. this past week accused China of being involved in a ransomware hack of Microsoft last spring, and already had blamed the massive SolarWinds attack of 2019-2020 on Russian espionage.Anything we can do to defend against such attacks is welcome. The UVA researchers found a weakness in a defense that already had been constructed. The original problem was discovered in 2018. It involves a microchip feature that increases processor speed by allowing the computer to successfully predict the users next instructions and to act on those instructions even before they can be fully input a process called speculative execution. But of course, such predictions also can involve such things as passwords. Hackers found a way to gain access to this type of sensitive information through the speculative execution process. Learn from mistakes to create better future Editor, Times-Dispatch: I am grateful that President Joe Biden has revoked the executive order by former President Donald Trump combating race and sex stereotyping. When Trump issued the order, he wrote, "Its time to stop teaching people that men, members of certain races, and venerable institutions are inherently sexist and racist. Trump argued that it no longer was necessary to continue the conversation about race and sex injustice. At that time, the order prohibited any agency seeking federal funding from training or discussing, specifically, the historic and contemporary effects of race and sex. The order posed a grave threat to the well-being of our nation. I joined the public health sector to become an advocate for my community. Growing up in Henrico County and now living in downtown Richmond, I see how social injustice has marred the health care landscape. Redlining during the 1930s labeled Black neighborhoods of Richmond as hazardous, preventing members from attaining home loans or investments. Today, it is the reason why these communities were hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic. John Hull became fascinated by the stories hidden inside data as a student at Roanoke College. He was writing a paper on Appalachia for a geography class, before census data was widely available in a digitized format. He spent hours in the library digging up demographic, political and economic data on the whole region, down to the county level. The paper made an impression on his professor, Wayne Strickland, who offered Hull an internship at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission that later turned into a job. Hulls career in economic development can be traced back to that paper, which was more of a passion project than an assignment. I was able to see you could use data to tell a story and understand a place, he said. Then I learned later that you could use that same data to tell a convincing marketing story and build up a place, improve the condition. That really meant something to me. His work at the regional commission eventually led to a job at the Roanoke Regional Partnership, and after 10 years as the director of market intelligence there, Hull was named its executive director at the beginning of the year. Heroin was present in 19% of meth-connected deaths. There might be overlap in those figures in cases where three or more substances were detected. The mixing of substances has been a long-running and dangerous problem, first responders said. Some people might not even realize what theyre taking. Authorities have reported finding marijuana laced with fentanyl or heroin cut with meth. The cocktails are just more and more creative and dangerous, said Battalion Chief Jim Cady of Roanoke Fire-EMS. The potential complexity of each overdose call can make the work of emergency medical responders difficult. People on scene might not know exactly what substances are causing the crisis. And Narcan, so effective in opioid overdoses if administered in time, has no effect on methamphetamine and other psychostimulants. It can be hard, for us at our level without lab work done, to know what were dealing with, Cady said. Medics do whats possible to provide care until a patient can be taken to a hospital, and Roanoke Fire-EMS has been adopting new techniques to keep airways clear and place breathing tubes. The protocols can be employed for overdoses or other conditions where a swift restoration of oxygen and blood flow is needed. The grave is currently marked with a marker, as it should be, cemetery President Myrteen Heslep told me. Moreover, we do our own [grave marker] ordering, and we have records, Heslep added. Almonds marker, she added, was paid for by the U.S. Veterans Administration. Fair View has no records indicating it ordered two markers, she said. I dont think the VA would have paid for two, Heslep added. She declined to tell me when the marker was ordered, or from whom, saying that was information the cemetery would divulge only to members of Almonds family. In her letter, Hightower raised the possibility that the Flood of 85 could have moved Almonds gravestone. But that seems highly unlikely for reasons of both geography and a branch of physics known as fluid dynamics. The Flood of 85 drained to the south and east of Roanoke, while Union (as the crow flies) is about 40 miles northwest. In between are some tall mountains. And besides that, Unions elevation is 2,073 feet, which is more than 1,200 feet higher than Roanokes. Major floods can do many strange things but they cannot transport granite tombstones that weigh hundreds of pounds to elevations 1,200 feet higher in the opposite direction as floodwaters flow. I am shocked and deeply saddened that the town would even consider placing sign boards and derisive narration in the town square, wrote Montgomery County resident Sharla Conner in a May email. They want to display that information next to the Confederate memorial. Does that not sound ill-willed to you? While slavery did exist and [its] history should be recognized and discussed, why are these sign boards and other things not being placed at CI? Conner wrote. In response, Poff argued to council that African American history should not be relegated only to certain spaces. When I was growing up in this town, it seemed that the Blacks was relegated to Depot Street and Cambria, and unfortunately, it appears to me 60-plus years later that some still feel that at least the African American history should be segregated and kept from public view, he said. Slavery was very real and robust in Montgomery County, CI Executive Director Chris Sanchez said. Part of what were wanting to do is tell that truth because actually not many folks seem to know that. If we say we want to build trust, I think we have to be very honest. Other concerns had more to do with the present. Variants of concern are more easily transmitted than the original strain, while those of interest could possibly fall into the same category. Variants of concern include alpha, from Great Britain; beta, from South Africa; gamma, from Brazil; and delta, from India. Variants of interest include eta, which was found in several countries; iota, from the U.S.; kappa, from India; and lambda, from Peru. There are 16 variants to be monitored, including epsilon, from the U.S.; zeta, from Brazil; and theta, from the Philippines, which were downgraded from variants of interest. The CDC said studies in Canada, Singapore and Scotland showed the delta variant is more contagious and likely causes more severe illness in the unvaccinated population than the other variants in circulation. Dr. Patrick Jackson, an infectious disease expert at UVa, said the delta variant has changed the virus game. In May and the early part of June, I think we thought we were really seeing the tail end of COVID-19. We thought wed get to the point where it would be a routine infection that wed have to deal with on an ongoing basis, but it would never be an emergency again, he said at Fridays press conference. Vaccination rates are still below herd immunity levels and, with many Virginians returning to normal, the virus has room to run, the report read. If vaccination rates pick up, the model estimates that over 60,000 cases could be avoided. While Virginia is averaging the same doses administered per day that it was in January when most residents were ineligible, data on Friday indicated that could soon change with a steady rise past 12,000 for the first time in nearly a month. But as vaccinations increased, so did the number of new infections every day this week, from 505 on Monday to 1,178 on Friday, which is why the UVA report emphasizes the need to give vaccines time to have an impact. A person is not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after receiving the final dose. Virginias seven-day case average remains lower than last years figures when there were no vaccines available to curb hospitalization and surges. The difference isnt substantial 865 on Friday versus 1,095 in July 2020 but last year, there wasnt a delta variant, either. That doesnt mean vaccines arent working. For more than a decade, Virginia has been wrestling with the issue of outdated and ineffective school facilities without finding a solution. All the while, we have seen facility conditions worsen, more schools added to the list of disrepair, and the total price tag soar. In 2013, the cost to repair Virginias crumbling school infrastructure was estimated at $18 billion. In the most recent estimate provided by the Virginia Department of Education, that price tag now stands at $25 billion. The cost of inaction to Virginias taxpayers on this issue is currently almost $1 billion per year. Unfortunately, high poverty school divisions are disproportionally represented in these numbers. Operating crumbling schools during normal times is unacceptable. Sending Virginias children to crumbling schools during a global pandemic is unconscionable. As you can imagine, providing appropriate and safe educational experiences for students in the midst of a pandemic has proven to be extremely challenging. Providing those experiences in buildings that were built in the early 1900s has been even more difficult. This is just one example of the many projects that leaders are implementing, and they are not stopping until they achieve universal access for all. We are proud to help them reach their goals even sooner than expected with the $700 million in ARPA funds. To help ensure the quality of the connection is good enough to future-proof infrastructure enhancements and buildouts and meet the needs of every Virginia family, we are excited that the ARPA guidance calls for projects to reliably deliver minimum download speeds of 100 mbps, well above the current Federal Communication Commissions standards. We also support the White Houses guidance that ARPA funds be used to increase competition and price transparency by lifting barriers that prevent municipally owned or affiliated providers and rural electric co-ops from competing on an even playing field with private providers. Our ultimate goal is to close the digital divide in our Commonwealth. To do this, we need to enable localities, cooperatives, broadband networks, and municipal authorities to work not just for financial returns, but for the greater good and internet connectivity of the communities and citizens they serve. Del. Luke Torian represents the 52nd district in Prince William County in the Virginia House of Delegates and is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Sen. Janet Howell represents the 32nd district in Fairfax and Arlington Counties in the Senate of Virginia and is chairwoman of the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee. Last year marked the centennial of women getting the right to vote, but this year marks another centennial the first year in which women could run for office in Virginia. And some did. They all lost, but that does not diminish the historic nature of what they did and it shines some light not always a favorable light on our politics today. By the time the 19th Amendment was ratified in August 1920, the party slates for president, Senate and the House of Representatives were already set. But 1921 was a different matter. That year, like this year, Virginia elected statewide officers and members of the House of Delegates. One woman dared run for governor. Lillie Davis Custis of Accomack County got into the race late she didnt declare until October and polled either 227 or 251 votes, 0.11% of the total (accounts vary). Still, she goes down into Virginia history as the first woman to run for governor. She was also a Socialist. We have before us one of the starkest contrasts weve ever had in a Virginia governors race. In Republican Glenn Youngkin, we have a candidate we really know nothing about. Hes never held office, and hes said precious little in his campaign beyond some conservative bromides. All we know is that he was for a time co-CEO of the worlds second-largest private equity firm so we can surmise he knows something about money and might have some management acumen (although not enough to survive very long in the top post). In Democrat Terry McAuliffe, we have a rarity of the opposite kind a former governor seeking a second, non-consecutive term. That means while we know almost nothing about Youngkin and what kind of governor he would be, we know all there is to know about what kind of governor McAuliffe would be, because hes been governor before and the reviews on him were decidedly mixed. As weve pointed out before, near the end of his term, the Roanoke College Poll found only 43% of Virginias approved of his handling of the office. Thats hardly a mandate for a second term. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. With things starting to open up, it was becoming more evident that people were going to be more comfortable knowing others around them were vaccinated. In my line of business, I need my clients to feel comfortable doing business with me, talking to me and meeting with me. Hunt decided to get the vaccine. She chose Pfizer, which required two doses at least three weeks apart. Her first shot was March 24, and her second was on April 23, 2020. The first shot made me feel sickish and a little drained, like I had a bad cold, Hunt said. Then, a few days later, I got another case of shingles. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, also known as the varicella zoster virus. After a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in the body and becomes inactive. Years later, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles (also known as herpes zoster.) Scientists dont know exactly what causes the virus to reactivate, but there may be multiple factors. As a person ages, the immune system begins to weaken and is less likely to prevent the virus from reactivating. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get shingles. It wasnt as bad as the first time; this only lasted about two weeks. Hunt said As best I recall, the sequence of statements coming from the government and experts since the beginning of COVID-19 has gone something like this: You dont need to wear a mask and its no more serious than the flu; you do need to wear a mask, though the virus is so small it can penetrate all but the N95 brand, so you should wear two masks; a vaccine will protect you from catching the virus and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you wont have to wear a mask if fully vaccinated; you must still wear a mask even if fully vaccinated because of the Delta variant; If you have been fully vaccinated, it is unlikely you will catch the Delta variant, but wear a mask anyway just in case; kids may or may not return to school and if they do return, they may or may not be forced to wear masks, even though young children appear to be less affected by the virus. An Afghan National Army commando stands guard on top of a vehicle along a road in the Enjil district of Herat province Families abandoned their homes in droves, air strikes rained down on neighbourhoods and bodies filled the streets as the Taliban took their fight to Afghanistan's cities over the weekend, starting a new bloody chapter in the country's long war. Residents in the southern city of Lashkar Gah said the Taliban were fighting pitched battles from "street to street" with Afghan security forces and had surrounded the police headquarters and governor's office. "The aircraft are bombing the city every minute. Every inch of the city has been bombed," Badshah Khan, a resident of Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, told AFP by phone. "You can see dead bodies on the streets. There are bodies of people in the main square," he added. The government remained in control of Lashkar Gah as of late Sunday thanks to the constant barrage of air strikes, but the future of the provincial capital seemed to hang from a thread as wave after wave of insurgents entered the city. Violence has soared across Afghanistan since early May when the Taliban launched a sweeping offensive across large swaths of the country as the US military began its final withdrawal following nearly 20 years of operations. The Taliban gobbled rural districts at a rapid rate, often without a fight. But the country's military has been digging in to defend a string of provincial capitals scattered across Afghanistan -- including Lashkar Gah, Kandahar and Herat. Following a brief lull in fighting during the Eid al-Adha holidays late last month, the Taliban appear to have turned their attention to capturing cities, launching withering onslaughts on several provincial capitals. - 'Situation getting worse' - In Lashkar Gah, resident Hazrat Omar Shirzad was livid after the Taliban forced him out of his house to take shelter from the air strikes. "The Islamic Emirate set the earth ablaze and the republic put the sky on fire. Nobody cares about the nation," said Shirzad. Story continues Fighting was also reported in Herat near the border with Iran to the west for a third straight day, where militants swarmed the outskirts of the capital. "With every passing day the security situation is getting worse," said Agha Reza, a businessman in Herat. "There is a 90 percent chance Herat city will collapse to the Taliban," he warned, saying that it lacked a steady supply of electricity and key roads were blocked due to clashes. A school teacher in Herat on condition of anonymity told AFP that only some schools were open in the city as children preferred to stay indoors. "Last night we heard a lot of planes over the city... Today, I went to school and only boys had dared to come," she said. Fighters with veteran warlord Ismail Khan whose militia helped US-led foreign forces topple the Taliban regime in 2001 have rallied to save the city, marching shoulder to shoulder with Afghan security forces in the streets headed to the front. And in Kandahar, days of fighting have displaced thousands of people who crowded into the city centre to escape the crossfire on the edge of the provincial capital. Kandahar resident Khalid Hewadmal said the Taliban were forcing residents out of their homes as they moved closer into the city. "On Friday they had warned residents to leave their homes," said Hewadmal. Kandahar was the birthplace of the Taliban movement and the fall of the city would deliver a massive blow to the government, effectively splitting the country into two before winter, when retaking of territory is particularly difficult. The government has repeatedly dismissed the militants' steady gains over the summer as lacking strategic value but has largely failed to reverse their momentum on the battlefield. strs-emh--mam-jds/ds/axn How Italians sold ice cream to the masses in Vienna Ice cream consumption among Austrians is higher than in neighbouring Italy Residents of the Austrian capital have queued for more than 130 years to sample the Italian ice cream of the Molin-Pradel family, one of Vienna's oldest gelato dynasties. "He helped democratise ice cream, which before was reserved for the wealthy," Silvio Molin-Pradel says of his great-great-grandfather Arcangelo, who began selling it out of pushcarts in Vienna in 1886. More than a century later, ice cream consumption among Austrians is higher than in neighbouring Italy. And it was entrepreneurs like Arcangelo Molin-Pradel, born into poverty in northern Italy's Dolomite Alps, who were among the first to benefit from the sweet tooth of the Viennese. The high cost of sugar, milk and refrigeration -- years before electric freezing was invented -- meant ice cream was long reserved for aristocrats. But ingenious Italians like the Molin-Pradels changed that, producing ice cream based on water and fruit extract. - Ice cream migration - Originally from Zoldo, six hours from Vienna by car these days, the Molin-Pradels, like other families, were so poor that migrating for seasonal work was part of life -- whether to work as seafarers, lumberjacks or ice cream makers. Vienna became one of the ice cream makers' first destinations outside Italy, says Maren Moehring, a history professor at the University of Leipzig in Germany. The Italian migrants' "frozen stuff" as some called it quickly became popular with ordinary Viennese. This sparked the ire of Austrian bakers, who perceived them as "dangerous competition", Moehring says. In 1894, the ice cream makers got the right to open shops in Vienna rather than just selling ice cream from carts. "The Viennese were already used to sweets... so it wasn't hard to then serve this cold product," Molin-Pradel, who keeps his recipes a secret, tells AFP as he stands in the back of his salon at Schwedenplatz. At the central, tree-lined square in the heart of Vienna, the family still produces artisanal ice cream. Story continues Each day in summer, about 5,000 customers order from dozens of flavours, ranging from traditional ones like chocolate and vanilla to avocado, lavender and hemp. "Every Viennese will tell you that 'their' Italian ice cream maker is better," says Molin-Pradel. "The colours must be pastel. It is a guarantee of quality," he says, adding that the business has expanded, including selling their ice cream through some Vienna supermarkets. - Lasting tradition - Out of roughly 370 ice cream shops in Austria, about 40 are still run by Italians in the small Alpine nation of almost nine million people, according to the Austrian Economic Chamber. Its data also show that Austria boasts an average per capita consumption of more than 60 scoops per year, or about eight litres of ice cream -- more than in Italy, with an average consumption of six litres. From one generation to the next, the gelato makers' skills and knowledge were passed on, "which explains their success", Moehring says. While ice cream makers in earlier times would typically return to Italy to take care of the harvests in the Alps by mid-August, today the season lasts well into October. Even today, Pradel-Molin goes on a pilgrimage to his ancestral home of Zoldo at the end of each season. It's still his source of inspiration to keep up with the latest flavours and other industry secrets, he says. bg/anb/deh/jza SIOUX CITY -- With new CDC guidance recommending students, teachers and staff wear masks in the fall, regardless of their vaccination status, some metro Sioux City schools have yet to decide how to proceed and others are following last year's plans. In Iowa, K-12 school districts are not allowed to adopt mask mandates due to a new law signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds that forbids such a move by local governments. The Sergeant Bluff-Luton district had a mask mandate in place during the previous school year and Superintendent Rod Earleywine said it went well. Due to the new state law, Earleywine said the district won't follow the previous plan. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} If state leaders rescind or relax the law, Earleywine said the school board will decide whether to require masks, based on local transmission levels for the virus. The Sioux City Community School District also had a mask mandate in place last school year. School administrators are working on a return to learn plan for the new school year that starts next month. District spokeswoman Leslie Heying said more information will be communicated after an Aug. 9 meeting. Nebraska and South Dakota do not have laws preventing local districts from adopting mask mandates. "So mine was just a little bit different," Mahon explained about her audition. "I didn't go on stage and audition per se, but we kind of went over some of my previous experience and then met at the meetings and read through the scripts." Mahon's character is the female counterpart of P.B. Miller, an accountant who worked in Sioux City during the mid-1920s. So far, working as a storyteller has been a really fun experience for Mahon and all of the reenactors. "You get people of all ages and you try to interact with kids," Mahon said. "They're a little quicker to maybe participate or ask questions. Although sometimes the adults, they'll get some of the little humor and all of that. But yeah, it's great." This summer, 12 storytellers work in shifts of six each on Saturdays. Obermeyer said the museum is looking to expand the program next year. "We're piloting it this year on just Saturdays," he said. "But we are going to hold more auditions this fall and winter to build up the storytelling crew." "We also have more railroad workers we're going to add so we'd like to build up to about 20-25 storytellers during the week and expand it to every day." An expansion could include a Christmas event where reenactors portray characters telling about their lives during the holiday season. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 ATLANTA (AP) As the national ban on evictions was ending, an Atlanta area judge enacted her own county-wide moratorium keeping landlords from removing tenants struggling to pay their rent because of the coronavirus pandemic. DeKalb Chief Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson signed a new emergency order creating a ban on evictions throughout the county for another 60 days, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday. Jackson filed the order Friday. It took effect when the federal eviction ban expired Saturday. This emergency order is a godsend, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond said in a news release. Without this local extension to the (federal) moratorium, thousands of DeKalb residents faced the stark reality of having their belongings set out on the street in the midst of surging COVID-19 infection rates. The judge's order cited the continued COVID-19 public health emergency and a cyberattack that targeted DeKalbs Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition earlier this year, which delayed distribution of federal aid for tenants and landlords. Hanson said she is disabled but otherwise would have participated in the nearly 30-mile walk. Instead, she hoped to make a statement with her presence as she sat chanting in support on a bench under a tree. The march began Wednesday and ended Saturday when participants walked up to the doors of the Texas Capitol building in a rally sponsored by activist group Poor Peoples Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. It was led, in part, by Beto ORourke, the former Democratic congressman and presidential candidate who has not ruled out a run for Texas governor in 2022. Earlier this week, ORourke and marchers shut down the frontage road of Interstate 35 during the morning rush hour, funneled between restaurants and cut a path from Republican-controlled statehouse districts to Democratic ones. Marchers compared what the GOP says are measures meant to protect against fraud and restore confidence in American elections to Jim Crow-style restrictions. There has been no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. I ask you to think about every man and every woman who had the courage in their convictions and did what they needed to do in their own moment of truth in this country's history," ORourke told the crowd. Federal judges and U.S. attorneys, along with a host of agency heads, are being appointed on a daily basis who actually care about people, instead of the greedy corporate bosses. Voting rights are being promoted while many states are rushing to restrict voting rights without any evidence whatsoever that there has any voter fraud. Republican state governors and legislators are pushing everywhere to disenfranchise millions of minority voters. The horrors wrought upon Black citizens in the late 19th century are being resurrected on a daily basis. The Biden administration is contesting this wholesale racist attack on on democracy. On the world scene, President Biden is asserting our leadership of the free world. Unlike Trump, he is neither compromised nor deluded that Putin is our friend. He is not; and we should never have thought such rubbish. China is determined to make us a second class power and we must resist any and all attempts on their part to cause us economic harm. Withdrawing from both Afghanistan and Iraq are the right things to do and President Biden has become the first president in two decades to do it. Under President Biden, the U.S. has again become a leader in confronting climate change. Obviously the ongoing climate disasters of this summer finally and unfortunately provide the proof of the damage we have done to that the planet we inhabit has reached catastrophic levels. Hanft said his department does two things when they get a complaint: Send the offending property owner a notice, and reach out to the DNR. he acknowledged that, often, the DNR has little more authority than his agency to deal with such problems. He said complaints are somewhat common this time of year because chicken materials can work as well as a fertilizer. "Its an unfortunate sidebar that people who live out in the country and dont farm are at the mercy of property owners who decide to have that dumped on their ground, he said. John Robbins, the planning and zoning administrator for Cerro Gordo County, said officials there take a similar approach when they receive complaints. Really the only authority we have is to respond to complaints and forward it on, Robbins said. State Rep. Sharon Steckman, a Mason City Democrat, said lawmakers may want to take a look at existing Iowa laws. Many of us in the statehouse have considered revisiting this situation trying to balance the farmers needs with those of the rural homeowner, Steckman wrote in an email. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Globe Gazette. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 COVID-19 infections were up last week. Some businesses implemented mask mandates. Health experts warned we possibly could be facing lockdowns again. No. No. No. We didnt get this far to go back to the beginning. And, considering how uncomfortable masks are in 90-plus degree heat, we certainly dont want to cover up during the hottest season of the year. If we have to do it, though, we will because we trust the experts who say thats whats needed to quell the virus. And yet, think how far we might be now if everyone had gotten vaccinated. We wouldnt be worried about unvaccinated children -- who aren't yet eligible for the vaccine -- going back to school. We wouldnt freak about the economy. We wouldnt question whos acting in our best interests. Dear Mr. Pitts. I am often moved by your columns, but never as much as the one that appeared in the Sioux City Journal on July 29. The experiences of our young people will likely impact the future of our nation. However, our dreams of a better world for our children seem to be in peril, especially, when we consider the awful incident in Washington DC, our nation's capitol, that you described. I challenge everyone to think back to their own 8-year-old selves. Growing up on an Iowa farm, death held no mystery to me. The chickens we raised ended up on our dinner plates, and we never gave it a second thought. The same applied to the hogs that began as cute baby piglets that our father sometimes brought to the house in a basket to protect them from the frigid winter weather. Eventually, they became chops and roasts that we enjoyed. My older brother owned guns he used for hunting, and sometimes we devoured fried rabbit as the result of his marksmanship. But we never, never feared for our own lives because of someone's hateful use of a firearm. When I was 8-years-old, such a thing was unthinkable. I cannot even imagine it becoming commonplace. Despite this, or maybe because of this, some fishers shun the Lakes because of the heavy leisure-boat traffic, which can cause fishing boats to toss and rock from one side to the other uncomfortably. Smaller boats are particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon, and especially in the afternoons when the lakes are a madhouse of boaters. "This is kind of a hidden gem for open-water fishing, because there's so much boat traffic, pleasure-boating here, that the fishermen kind of avoid this lake," Grosvenor said, referring to West Lake Okoboji. "So, this lake, I believe, sees a lot more pressure in the wintertime with fishermen than it does in the summer." "If you're going to fish East or West Okoboji, you probably want to fish earlier in the day, because the pleasure boats don't tend to really get going until about noon," Campbell said. "The other lakes don't have quite the boat traffic, and so you could really fish those all day long." During the weekends, Campbell often heads to Spirit Lake, where the pleasure-boat traffic isn't as extreme. What catches best? In the matter of bait, Grosvenor says to "keep it simple." We already knew that former President Donald Trump had pressured Justice Department officials to follow his lead in claiming there was fraud in the election despite the lack of evidence. Now new documents suggest the pressure may have been even worse than initially thought. During a December phone call with acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue, Trump had a simple answer when he was told the Justice Department didnt have the power to change the outcome of an election. Just say that the election was corrupt + leave the rest to me and the R. Congressmen, Trump said on the call, according to Donoghues notes. Advertisement Trump said in another part of the call that We have an obligation to tell people that this was an illegal, corrupt election. The notes from the call show how Trump was obsessed with the election results and focused on specific states where he said there was fraud. He received pushback. Much of the info youre getting is false, Donoghue said. Trump kept insisting. You guys may not be following the internet the way I do, Trump said at one point. Advertisement Advertisement The notes had been handed over to the House Oversight Committee, which is investigating Trumps efforts to overturn the election. Although the notes from the Dec. 27 phone call do not specify the lawmakers Trump had in mind that would help his efforts, in other points of the call he mentioned Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania as well as Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. The call amounted to perhaps the most audacious moment in a monthslong pressure campaign aimed at enlisting the Justice Department in his crusade to overturn the election results, notes the New York Times. Advertisement Democrats said the notes provide further evidence of how Trump tried to get a department that has historically been rather independent from the White House to illegally get involved in the political dogfight and bolster his case that the election was corrupt despite the lack of evidence. These handwritten notes show that President Trump directly instructed our nations top law enforcement agency to take steps to overturn a free and fair election in the final days of his presidency, House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney said in a statement. Trump released a statement Saturday blasting the Oversight committee for releasing the documents, calling it corrupt and highly partisan. Advertisement The notes of the conversation are intriguing and show why a full investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot is needed, writes the Washington Posts Dan Balz. He explains: Advertisement Former President Donald Trump may have been ousted from the main social media platforms, but that hasnt prevented him from remaining a fundraising powerhouse and far surpassing anyone in the Republican Party. Trump ended the first half of the year with a war chest that amounts to a whopping $102 million, an amount that virtually assures the former president will hold significant influence over next years midterm elections when Republicans hope to win control of Congress. Its an unprecedented scenario considering no former president has ever had so much cash to influence campaigns so soon after leaving office. Advertisement In an illustration of how much of a backing Trump enjoys among his followers, the former president raised more money than any other Republican as well as the three main fund-raising arms of the Republican Party through WinRed, the main site for processing donations to the GOP. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the strong numbers, Trumps people still felt they needed to stretch the truth a bit. Trumps advisers said Saturday that Trumps affiliated political committees raised nearly $82 million in the first half of the year. But in reality, at least $23 million of that included money raised last year that has been transferred to his new political action committees, details the New York Times. Trump collected more than $56 million from WinRed, Around 60 percent of that total went to the Trump Make America Great Again Committee, which the former president shares with the Republican National Committee. Under the agreement, Trumps political action committee gets 75 percent of the total while the party gets 25 percent. Trump also raised more than $21 million into two political action committees he controls. Advertisement Trump has turned his lies about the election, and his continued denial that he actually lost the race, into a rallying cry that has helped him raise cash. On Saturday, he celebrated that his fundraising prowess shows many Americans believe his lies. On behalf of the millions of men and women who share my outrage and want me to continue to fight for the truth, I am grateful for your support, Trump said in a statement. Advertisement Most of Trumps cash is in his Save America leadership political action committee, which had $90 million in its coffers as of June 30. The group is the main outlet the president uses to issue statements and endorse candidates. But despite the huge coffer, Trump has barely spent any money and the PAC did not send any contributions to any congressional candidates in the first six months of the year. A spokesman says $5,000 checks went out in July to candidates the former president endorsed. Despite Trumps large numbers, Democrats still outraised Republicans. Overall, Democrats raised more than $373 million in the first six months of 2021 through ActBlue, higher than the $258 million that Republicans raised through WinRed. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy was facing furious backlash Sunday after he joked it would be hard not to hit Speaker Nancy Pelosi with a gavel if Republicans take control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections next year. I want you to watch Nancy Pelosi hand me that gavel. It will be hard not to hit her with it, but I will bang it down McCarthy said, according to audio posted to Twitter by a Main Street Nashville reporter. The crowd burst out laughing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCarthy made the comments after members of Tennessees Republican congressional delegations handed him an oversized gavel with the words Fire Pelosi on it during the Tennessee Republican Partys annual Statesmans Dinner fundraiser on Saturday. McCarthys words came at the end of a week in which he repeatedly clashed with Pelosi over mask mandates. Pelosi called McCarthy a moron for opposing the required use of face masks in the House. Advertisement Drew Hammill, Pelosis deputy chief of staff, was quick to criticize the remarks. A threat of violence to someone who was a target of a #January6th assassination attempt from your fellow Trump supporters is irresponsible and disgusting, Hammill tweeted. He was hardly the only Democrat to criticize the remarks as several lawmakers condemned McCarthy for his words and demanded he apologize. Dont you think America has had enough political violence? tweeted Rep. Ted Lieu of California. You need to apologize for your statement, or resign. Rep. Eric Swalwell, also of California, said McCarthy needs to resign after his statement. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that it was just that type of language that led to violence and death at the United States Capitol. After the Capitol Riot, This behavior is intolerable, Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island tweeted. Violence against women is no laughing matter, tweeted Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Advertisement Follow Cyril and Methodius on Europes new cultural route The route was certified by the Council of Europe before the summer. Devin Castle is one of the stops on the Cyril and Methodius European Cultural Route. (Source: Dano Veselsky/TASR) Font size: A - | A + Missionaries Cyril and Methodius, the co-patrons of Europe, visited and worked in a number of European countries. Now, tourists can follow in their footsteps. The Council of Europe certified the route named after the missionaries, involving several countries in central and southeastern Europe, including Slovakia, in April of this year alongside four other European routes. The Cyril and Methodius Route aims to raise awareness of common European heritage, the Council of Europe said. The route contributes to the development of cultural cooperation throughout Europe, it added, and promotes European values. The route thus enjoys the same status as the well-known Santiago de Compostela pilgrim routes and more than 40 others. In Slovakia, tourists can find 33 stops linked to the missionaries, spreading across the countrys western regions. What to see in Slovakia Most of the places people can set off to are either churches or castles and ancient wooden fortresses. Well-preserved and popular castles in Nitra, Trencin and Bratislava are on the list of sights. The route in Slovakia is made up of 13 wooden forts as well, including the Ostra Skala fortress in Vysny Kubin, Zilina Region. Pilgrimage sites Hajicek in Trstin, Trnava Region, and Marianka in Bratislava are also worth visiting. The Valy fort was an important centre of the Great Moravian Empire and today is a rich archaeological site. (Source: Martin Palkovic/TASR) Although there are 33 strategic localities to explore in the west of Slovakia, according to the official website of the Cyril and Methodius Route, another website mapping the 863 missions of Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia focuses only on 24 places in the regions of Bratislava, Trnava and Nitra. Four branches This European cultural route has four branches, each of which is significant for different reasons. For instance, the first path focuses on the territory of Great Moravia, nowadays Slovakia and the Czech Republic, where Cyril and Methodius did most of their work. Another route, in southeastern Europe, draws attention to their legacy continued by their disciples. The third route covers Austria, Bavaria, Slovenia, and Italy. It symbolises the patrons journey to Rome, where they sought the recognition of the Christian liturgy in Old Slavonic. Nitra Castle. (Source: Henrich Misovic/TASR) The last branch of this European cultural route takes tourists to the south of Poland because the teachings of Cyril and Methodius reached this region as well. Other routes linked to Slovakia In 2021, the Council of Europe certified four other cultural routes in other parts of Europe in addition to the Cyril and Methodius Route. The Aeneas Route is linked to the legend of the ancient hero Aeneas. The Alvar Aalto Route celebrates Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, and the European Route dArtagnan gives the story of French musketeer dArtagnan a whole new dimension. The last certified route is called the Iron Age Danube Route. Despite the Danube being mentioned in its name, Slovakia is not a part of the route. A chapel in the Marianka pilgrimage site. (Source: Martin Baumann/TASR) However, three other routes certified in the previous years the Saint Martin of Tours Route, Transromanica, and the Iron Curtain Trail run through Slovakia. Spectacular Slovakia travel guides 1. Aug 2021 at 6:38 | Compiled by Spectator staff Universities passed pandemic test, but students suffered from lack of contact, massive survey finds Research shows traineeships and practical education suffered during Covid-19 crisis. Halls of universities remained empty after the Covid pandemic broke out in Slovakia. (Source: TASR) Font size: A - | A + Like thousands of other university students, Marianna Prikazskas life changed dramatically in March 2020. Student life during the pandemic was very different to what we had been used to, Prikazska, who is studying ecology at Comenius University in Bratislava, told The Slovak Spectator. As the first cases of Covid-19 emerged in the country, primary and secondary schools as well as universities closed and students had to get used to a new normal of online classes and very little, if any, on-campus university life. While Prikazska is full of praise for the efforts her teachers made with distance learning describing how they tried to make lectures interesting using videos or unusual ways of illustrating subjects she keenly felt a lack of personal contact with both her classmates and teachers. Prikazskas experience was a common one, as the results of the first survey of its kind of university students in Slovakia have shown. Universities coped well, but shortcomings evident The Quarter to Quality Education survey carried out between late April and late May 2021 by the Slovak Accreditation Agency for Higher Education (SAAHE) asked nearly 20,000 university students about their experiences during the pandemic. In the poll, 79 percent of respondents said their educational institutions had handled their studies well during the pandemic. 1. Aug 2021 at 17:10 | Radka Minarechova Aviation can teach health care a lot. Both fields depend upon skilled professionals who are responsible for the lives of their customers. Markets, relatively unfettered by laws and regulations, determine the numbers and kinds of pilots. The numbers and kinds of healthcare workers, however, are heavily influenced by political processes. The ways that pilots and healthcare professionals are trained and licensed accounts for much of the disparity. On July 20, 82-year-old Wally Funk rode into space atop Blue Origins New Shepard rocket. If American politicians had had more foresight in 1961, Funk might have been the first woman in space. In training tests, Funk supposedly outperformed all seven men chosen for the Mercury programincluding Alan Shepard, for whom her rocket was named. The government didnt send her up, most likely because of her gender. But 60 years later, the private sector (specifically, fellow astronaut Jeff Bezos) carried her into space. In a pre-flight interview, Funk said, I have 19,600 flying hours. I have taught over 3,000 people to flyprivate, commercial, instrument, flight engineer, airline transport, gliding. Everything the [Federal Aviation Administration] has, Ive got the license for, adding, and I can outrun you. A second murder trial has been delayed for a Nebraska prison inmate after his attorneys claimed that state prosecutors had missed a "speedy trial" deadline to hold the court proceedings. The first trial of Eric Ramos, who is accused of killing another inmate during a 2017 prison riot at the Tecumseh State Prison, ended in a mistrial. A second trial had been scheduled to begin Aug. 10. But attorneys for Ramos recently filed a motion to discharge the first-degree murder charge against him, maintaining that the trial should have been held back in June or earlier. State law requires that a trial be held within six months of a charge being filed, but the calculation of that time period was complicated in Ramos case by the mistrial and then an unsuccessful appeal to the State Court of Appeals. Johnson County District Court Judge Vicky Johnson took the discharge motion under advisement Thursday after a court hearing. She also postponed the second trial and asked lawyers to file written arguments on the speedy trial issue. Ramos, 30, is accused in the slaying of Michael Galindo, one of two inmates found dead in March 2017 after prisoners took over a portion of a maximum-security housing unit at Tecumseh. The prisoners started fires and ransacked cells. The Celina Police Department on Friday evening reported that there were gunshots fired near the U.S. Post Office in Celina. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved, in heat hot enough to cook a pot roast in your driveway. I shall write this story while sitting over an air conditioning vent. Right now, its 96 degrees outside, humid, and the temperature is predicted to keep rising. Your brain shrinks to the size of a pixel, you crank the air conditioner downward and burn volumes of non-renewable resources for your own fleshy pleasure you visualize the snow cap shrinking on Mount Kilimanjaro. Thoughts turn to cool liquids. I like lemonade, lots of ice. Its better than beer because you can drink seven or eight glasses and still put the key into your cars ignition switch on the first try. I bought some all natural lemonade at a craft fair from one of those booths ran by people wearing a lot of turquoise jewelry and clothing made from what appeared to be free range basil leaves everything there was organic, which by my definition is kosher, which means someone else did the moral arithmetic so my conscience was clear. Morality never bothers me in the summer. I sit by a pool my nose covered by a thick white layer of industrial grade sunscreen, and read trashy magazines about the decadent life styles of movie stars and people famous for absolutely nothing. For some of the rural counties, there is nothing like that out there, Sturgill said. There is no group that has been doing rental assistance in an organized fashion. Some of the rural places, if you need help for your rent, you just go to a church on Sunday and you talk to the pastor or something like that. One of Sturgills greatest concerns is the people who will fall through the cracks, including those who have requested funding but may not receive assistance before facing eviction. HOPE Program The HOPE Program is a state program offering rental assistance throughout North Carolina. It provides funding in all but 12 counties in North Carolina. The program is not available in 12 mostly urban counties, which are served by local programs. To qualify for the program, tenants must have been late on rent at some point since April 2020, must have faced financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, and must have an income equal to or less than 80% of the median income for their county, the program's website says. HOPE provides a maximum of 12 months of rental assistance. While program funds remain available, some landlords have refused HOPE money. Argentina thought it had solved its problems with Chinese poachers five years ago when an Argentinian coast guard ship sank a Chinese trawler that was illegally fishing in coastal waters. As the trawler sank the Argentines rescued five of the crew, including the captain and arrested them. China complained but did nothing else. In fact, within weeks China publicly reaffirmed its growing economic and diplomatic ties with Argentina. Meanwhile, the owners of the lost fishing trawler were quietly compensated by China. The Chinese did not abandon the lucrative Argentinian fishing ground after 2016 but instead planned a much larger and stealthier poaching effort. An international anti-poaching organization detected the Chinese stealth poaching by various means, the most important one involved collecting data on the location of Chinese fishing ships that turn off their mandatory AIS transponders. AIS reveals ship location to other ships, shipping companies and anyone else willing to collect this data from websites that provide it to all. A suspicious pattern was discovered involving over 800 Chinese ocean-going fishing trawlers that were scouring the waters within 36 kilometers of protected (by international law) Argentinian fishing grounds that contained one of the largest concentrations of shortfin squid in the world. Squid is particularly popular in China and the Chinese trawlers were apparently seeking as much, which was not much, of the squid as they could. This was a minor bonanza for Chinese trawlers but for Argentinian fishing boats these rare squid are was worth over half a billion dollars a year. Offshore fishing is big business in Argentina and represents 3.5 percent of GDP. The Chinese were apparently poaching large quantities of Argentinian seafood by operating close to Argentinian waters and noting the location of Argentine fishing boats and coast guard vessels and, when the opportunity presented itself, turning off their transponders and moving into Argentine waters at night to grab all they could before getting back to international waters before dawn or any suspicious Argentine coast guard ship got too close. The transponder use analysis showed that since 2017 there were over 6,000 instances when Chinese trawlers near Argentina went dark for a total of 600,000 hours. During this period Chinese trawlers spent 900,000 hours fishing close enough to Argentine waters to regularly turn off their transponders and move into more lucrative Argentine waters, grab what they could and get out undetected. China denies doing any such thing and knows that if just turning off the transponder doesnt work anymore, they have inexpensive (and illegal) GPS spoofing devices that can cause the AIS transponder to report a trawler is still in international waters while it is actually in Argentine waters poaching. China has its own reasons for condoning the large scale poaching form of piracy their trawlers are also part of the naval militia, which is often called out to passively defend illegal Chinese claims to the South China Sea. China will have nearly 3,000 ocean-going fishing trawlers operational by the end of 2021. China does not officially reveal much about its growing fishing fleet but more and more foreign countries, as far away as South America, report hundreds of Chinese trawlers showing up just outside, or are caught inside, the local EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). Waters 360 kilometers from a coast are considered the EEZ of the nation controlling the nearest land. The EEZ owner can control who fishes there or extracts natural resources (mostly oil and gas) from the ocean floor. Chinese violations of foreign EEZ to obtain oil and gas get a lot of media attention but these activities are currently restricted to the South China Sea. The Chinese fishery poaching, often inside foreign EEZs, gets less notice but is a growing threat to fishing stocks worldwide. China needs these illegal catches to justify the subsidies it has provided to get more Chinese companies to get into the trawler business and stick with it. China does not officially approve of this poaching but does little to halt it. China provides enormous, often unreported, subsidies to its fishing fleet because newly affluent Chinese want more seafood and the government seems reluctant to restrict the amount its fishing fleet is bringing in. China officially condemns poaching and supports international agreements that limit what can be taken of species that are in danger of population collapse if overfished; become too small to rebuild while moving towards extinction. Yet the Chinese poaching grows, in part because the Chinese never imposed any system of regulation on the thousands of ocean-going trawlers its subsidies have created. The trawlers involved in these incidents are formally called "freezer trawlers." These ships are up to 100 meters (320 feet) long and have facilities onboard to store hundreds of tons of frozen fish. These ships normally stay at sea months at a time and have crews of 14-30. The number of Chinese trawlers has expanded enormously since 1985 when there were only 13. Now there are over 2,500 of them operating worldwide. China helped with this expansion by subsidizing ocean-going fishing boats. Those subsidies have since been withdrawn but meanwhile, the number of larger (more than 100 meter) freezer trawlers has grown and these are meant for use in distant waters. These trawlers have to bring back lots of fish to stay in business and trawler captains know that their own government is the least of their worries when it comes to poaching. Poaching tactics vary. Well-guarded EEZs will often report hundreds of Chinese trawlers suddenly showing up just outside the EEZ and venturing into the EEZ in large numbers when the opportunity presents itself. Many vulnerable and valuable fisheries are not inside any EEZ, like krill in Antarctic waters. The tiny krill are at the bottom of the food chain but provide sustenance for many larger species, including whales. China admits it is taking more and more krill but says that it will not take quantities that will cause krill populations in any area to collapse. Despite the assurances Chinese trawlers in Antarctic waters appear to take more and more krill without any restrictions from their own government or the need for preventing population collapse. Some facts about Chinese management of its commercial shipping, particularly freighters and ocean-going fishing ships have been revealed since 2015. Many of these ships are considered part of a military maritime reserve force and are expected to follow orders from Chinese navy or coast guard ships whenever called upon. Compliance is enforced by threats to withhold subsidies or prosecution of offenders. These commercial fishing ships are expected to collect intelligence and even risk damage and injuries by blocking the movement of foreign ships, including warships. In return, the Chinese navy and coast guard will come to the assistance of Chinese commercial ships in trouble with foreign navies or coast guards. But this arrangement does not always work out as it should when stealing fish is involved. And its not just aggressive nations like Indonesia. This sort of illegal fishing is a worldwide problem. In waters closer to China, Chinese warships will often try to rescue Chinese trawlers seized for illegal fishing. This doesnt always work but it sets a scary precedent. This has happened several times in Indonesian waters, even in areas where China does not dispute ownership. China justifies its armed intervention because the Chinese trawlers were in traditional Chinese fishing grounds. Some wealthier nations are trying to help. Japan is providing assistance to upgrade the Indonesian coast guard. This will help Indonesia to deal with aggressive Chinese illegal fishing off the Indonesian coast. The first item of Japanese aid was a used fisheries patrol ship, the Hakurei Maru. This 731-ton coast guard vessel was built in 1993 and for over two decades patrolled distant Japanese fishing grounds. Hakurei Maru has berths for up to 29 crew and passengers. It is a slow vessel and only armed with some heavy machine-guns. It can send boarding parties to suspect foreign ships but usually has to call in more heavily armed ships or aircraft to deal with troublesome, usually Chinese, intruders. Japan has, since the 1990s, built a new class of larger (1,100 ton) vessels for fishery patrol. These new vessels carry a helicopter and more powerful sensors (radars and the like) as well as heavier armament. That means a 30mm autocannon in addition to the 12.7mm machine-guns found on older patrol vessels. Japan installed several million dollars of upgrades to the Hakurei Maru before delivering it to Indonesia in 2020. These upgrades are also provided for other Indonesian fishing patrol ships in a $20 million dollar effort to improve the ability of Indonesian patrol vessels to spot and track trespassing Chinese fishing boats in any kind of weather conditions. With this improved detection ability, Indonesia will be able to send in small warships assigned to deal with Chinese poachers. The Indonesian warships are essential when the poachers are escorted by armed Chinese coast guard ships. This last occurred at the end of 2019 when dozens of Chinese fishing ships, escorted by Chinese coast guard vessels entered Indonesian waters to fish illegally. It was this brazen invasion that caused Indonesia to ask Japan for some help and the Japanese agreed. Since about 2014 China and Indonesia have been unofficially, but very visibly, at war with each other over illegal fishing. Many of the victims did the math and noted that the most frequent offenders are Chinese. These are either Chinese owned fishing ships or ships from other countries that register themselves as Chinese to gain a measure of immunity from being stopped or punished by the nations being plundered. While most nations just complained, others are fighting back. In the case of Indonesia, the fighting back consists of shooting at poachers and, since 2014, destroying (via explosives or burning) about 200 poacher ships. Indonesia calculates that this poaching costs Indonesia over $2 billion a year and that Chinas worldwide poaching operation brings in over $20 billion a year. Since China does not officially admit it is organizing and controlling this, and the Indonesians are using large warships with orders to fire on any poacher caught and refusing to surrender, the Chinese are taking most of the losses off Indonesia. For a while, China sent warships to accompany flotillas (often ten or more ocean-going fishing ships) and protect the poachers if caught and keep the police or coast guard boats busy while the poachers escaped. But Indonesia responded by sending out warships (corvettes and frigates) with orders to fire on any foreign warships caught with the poachers. China stopped sending warships but the poachers kept on coming and Indonesia kept capturing and prosecuting the crews. The poacher ships are often destroyed as media events, with local news being allowed to capture and broadcast videos of the fires and explosions. The experience off Indonesia led other informal trawler fleets, especially those operating off South America or East Africa to develop new tactics that rely more on stealth than force. China has been actively poaching in all these foreign EEZs, especially off South America where several nations have stocks of rare and exotic species that Chinese diners will pay a premium for. China openly supports its trawlers with information of who (schools of fish or local patrol boats) is operating in these distant EEZ fisheries. China has lots of satellites and ELINT (electronic intelligence) ships operating off distant shores, always unannounced. If these Chinese methods risk causing a collapse of fishing stocks the Chinese government will plead ignorance. That may be technically true but it is willful ignorance backed by hefty financial incentives for Chinese trawlers to take all they can, but any means necessary. Australia has decided to spend over $4 billion to refurbish all six, instead of just three, of its current Collins class diesel-electric submarines to deal with delays in the construction of the twelve new Attack class boats. The Attack class are actually the new French Barracuda class SSNs (nuclear attack submarines) built without the nuclear reactor. These SSNs took longer than expected to enter service and that delayed equipping the Australian shipyard selected to use French SSN tech to build the non-nuclear Shortfin Barracuda design. As a result of the delays in France and Australia the cost of developing and building the Shortfin Barracudas in Australia has risen by over fifty percent. Extending the life of all six Collins class boats was seen as a cheaper and safer alternative than scrapping the innovative Shortfin Barracuda project and accepting the design that came in second in the competition to replace the Collins class. This would be the German 216 class boats, which are smaller and less effective, on paper, to the Shortfin Barracuda. The 216s can be delivered on time and at half the original cost of the Shortfin Barracuda and is still a possibility if the Shortfin Barracuda continues to encounter expensive delays. The Collins class boats entered service between 1996 and 2003 and were expected to retire after 30 years of service. That long service life was attained by giving each Collins class boat one or more expensive refurbishments when the boats got older. By refurbishing all six Collins class boats one more time all will have a useful life of 37 years and retire between 2031 and 2041, giving the Attack class enough time to enter service to replace the six retiring Collins class subs. The first Attack class boat is expected to be in service by 2035. In early 2016 Australia selected a French firm (DCNS) to build twelve new submarines. Australians preferred the French design because it was a larger boat than those offered by Germany and Japan. The French proposal was a diesel-electric version of their new Suffern (Barracuda) class SSNs. This non-nuclear Shortfin Barracuda design was about 20 percent smaller (in surface displacement) than the 4,700-ton nuclear powered Suffern but was otherwise very similar with a crew of about 60, four 533mm torpedo tubes and 24 torpedoes, missiles or mines. A major selling point for the Barracuda was the proven silencing technology France had developed for their SSNs. This would now be added to an inherently quiet diesel-electric design. The Shortfin Barracudas are being built in Australia as the Attack class and cost about $2.4 billion each. This includes an AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) system that will allow these boats to operate submerged for two weeks at a time. French firms will only control about half of the construction budget, with much of the rest going to American firms that will provide the electronics and weapons. The RAN Attack will begin construction in 2022 and enter service in 2035. In mid-2019 the first of six new French Barracuda class SSN's, the SNA Suffern, was launched. This first one officially entered service in late 2020 but will not be completely operational until sometime in 2021. All six will enter service by the late 2020s. Back in 2006, France decided to buy six new Barracuda class SSNs, for about $1.5 billion each. The 4,700-ton (surface displacement) boats are smaller than America's new 7,300-ton Virginia class subs (which cost about $2.8 billion each) and use different nuclear power plant and silencing technologies. The unique French tech works but since they develop it themselves, without relying on the use of American tech, like the British do, getting a new class of SSNs into service usually takes longer than expected. Construction on the first Barracuda began in 2007 and it was supposed to be launched by 2012. That launch date was tentative and was delayed until 2019 because development of the Barracuda nuclear power plant began in 2003 and soon ran into problems. Problems with the power plant were no surprise because France, unlike Britain, did not license the American SSN power plant. This would make it more difficult to export French nuclear subs and so on. The French chose a different design that used commercial (not military) grade nuclear fuel. This meant French nuclear subs had to be refueled more often but this was made easier by building the hull with special large hatches that could be quickly opened once every 7-10 years for refueling then sealed again. France is the only nation using this type of ship power plant and has to handle development and maintenance procedures itself. With a small fleet of nuclear subs, this drives up the cost per sub. Britain, by licensing the American tech, gets the benefit of a much larger American nuke fleet and the larger budget for work on the power plants. Ever since the first Barracuda began construction, the delays have come from power plant problems. By 2012 it was believed that launch date could be 2017 but delays perfecting the power plant continued. The sub could not be launched until the power plant was completed and the hull made watertight The Barracudas rely on a lot of automation and have a crew of sixty, plus berths for 12 passengers. These will usually be commandos and their gear will be stored in a pod attached to the subs sail. The Barracuda design emphasized silencing, making it more difficult to detect. The Barracuda's have four 533mm (21 inch) torpedo tubes, which can also be used to launch missiles, mines or torpedoes. Twenty weapons are carried, the mix of torpedoes, mines and missiles depends on the mission. French SSNs have two crews which each having the boat for three months. Enough food is carried to sustain the crew for 70 days. The nuclear power plant must be refueled every ten years. Two more Barracudas are currently under construction, Its a long drive east along Forest Road 57 before the fire damage becomes noticeable. The trees south of the road through Gifford Pinchot National Forest are untouched. Eventually, on the north side of the road, a narrow gulch filled with charred stumps and collapsed trees appear. A brown, fully-burned hill is just visible across the valley in front of Mount St. Helens. This road is one of the successful fire breaks used to contain the Big Hollow Fire in September. During the fires month-long reign through the woodlands, the blaze devastated 25,000 acres in the remote center of the national forest. James DeBarber has been working for the Forest Service in Gifford Pinchot for 20 years, starting as a forest technician and firefighter and currently serving as acting fire management officer. Big Hollows scale was an anomaly among the small fires DeBarber usually handled in the forest. The actual damage from the burn was expected, or even welcomed. This is what our forests are supposed to look like. Lots of trees, lots of underbrush, and when it does get dry enough to burn, its supposed to kill everything and start over, DeBarber said. Big Hollow was the largest fire in the recent history of Cowlitz Countys only national forest, but it was barely a top-10 national priority at that point in the 2020 fire season. The three largest fires that hit Washington last year all began around Labor Day, as did the Santiam Fire across the border in Oregon. The fire season this year may end up being even more damaging to the Pacific Northwest. The National Interagency Fire Center moved to a Level 5 of preparedness on July 14, the earliest the agency had moved to the most extreme level of concern. As of Friday there were nine large fires in Washington and six in Oregon, including the countrys largest active burn with the Bootleg Fire. DeBarber was not upset about how the priorities were laid out during the Big Hollow Fire. Even as this years fire season gets off to an aggressive start across the Pacific Northwest, he and the firefighting crew at Gifford Pinchot are splitting their equipment between local fire prevention and putting out fires across the country. Our main job is to catch initial fires before they become a problem, DeBarber said. If we had every resource in the country last year on the day [Big Hollow] took off, were not containing it. Earlier this week, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler helped introduce the Resilient Federal Forests Act into Congress. The bipartisan-supported bill increases funding for forest management projects that help reduce the risk of major wildfires and exempts categories of forest service programs from needing environmental impact statements. Unless we deal with the maintenance side of the forests, the firefighting budget is always going to need to be bigger, Herrera Beutler said. The initial attack As the engine operator for one of the largest firetrucks in Gifford Pinchots modest fleet, Christian Buettner was one of the first responders to the Big Hollow Fire. Buettner is the operator for fire engine 631, one of the two largest firetrucks in Gifford Pinchots modest fleet. The truck is a modified Ford F-150 that holds 300 gallons of water and camping gear for a crew to stay out working on a burn for 14 days in a row. Buettner led a team of responders who evacuated Cougar and the forest campgrounds on Sept. 9. He stayed on call throughout the majority of the main fight for containment, from morning briefings at 6 a.m. until the last of the daylight was gone. During the 16 days it took for the fire to be manageable by local crews, Buettner had one day off. [The Forest Service] knows there is a physical and mental fatigue to manage each day youre out there. We need a break for rest and recovery, Buettner said. Buettner grew up south of the national forest in Stevenson. His grandfather was a structural firefighter and Buettner followed in his footsteps by joining the local volunteer fire department at age 16. Buettner studied fire science at Montana State University, spent two years with the Washington Department of National Resources before landing back in Gifford Pinchot. Gifford Pinchot encompasses 1.3 million acres, including the entirety of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Its a lot of remote land for the three trucks and essential crew who serve as the forest services initial attack crew on fires. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} DeBarber said the forest relies heavily on campers and visitors to call in small fires before they become dangerously big. Buettner and his crew responded to three minor fires in the Trout Lake area of the forest by the middle of July this year. If you dont put your resources into initial attack, then it just means more fires on the landscape and more resources that are going into putting them out later, said Robin DeMario from the Northwest Interagency Communication Center, the agency that organizes federal fire responses throughout Oregon and Washington. East winds, vandalism had impact The cause of the Big Hollow Fire is still under investigation. DeBarber suspects it was human-caused but said the wind conditions were what made it dangerous. An east wind event blew through the region in early September and exacerbated the fire once it sparked. During an east wind event, a high-pressure weather system forced wind from eastern Washington up and over the Cascades, where it headed up and gathered speed as it came through the national forest. Two days before Big Hollow, east wind events in Oregon caused the explosive growth of the Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires. Beachie Creek added more than 100,000 acres in one night due to the east winds, eventually merging with other burns to create the Santiam fire. We knew the weather pattern was coming, and we knew in the back of our minds how that would affect fire behavior if we did get something to start, Buettner said. The biggest impact of Big Hollow might be what happened even before it was sparked. About 15 miles east of the Big Hollow trail is the Canyon Creek Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS). The station is one of about 2,000 sites used by the National Interagency Fire Center to predict fire dangers by tracking the conditions on the ground in real time. A few days before the Big Hollow Fire started, vandals took the station offline. Solar panels and cables were stolen from the site, leaving it incapable of recording any data about the fire when it began to burn. DeBarber said the station would not have stopped Big Hollow from happening. The Forest Service knew about the east winds and other risk factors well ahead of time, and the stations dont detect smoke or wildfires directly. The bigger loss was the real-time data that would have been collected during the burn and reviewed later by forest scientists. We will never be able to correlate the data that would have come out of that with the fire and how it behaved, DeBarber said.The Canyon Creek station was not back online until July 1, according to site data logged by the Western Regional Climate Center. Push for federal firefighter pay Herrera Beutler has pushed for additional federal action on firefighting issues outside of this weeks act. She and Rep. Josh Harder of California sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service in June asking them to address concerns that federal firefighters were earning less than federal minimum wage, as well as communication issues between the department and contracted fire stations. About a week after that letter, President Biden announced a plan to increase federal firefighter pay. The one-time bonus will bring wildland firefighters up to $15 an hour and provide bonuses for full-time employees working the frontlines. Herrera Beutler said that actions were promising but that more needed to be done to help understaffed fire crews. Pay alone is not the only thing that drives workers. Were seeing this on Main Street and bigger companies and these forests, Herrera Beutler said. We need to be incentivizing the ability to retain them. Hiring new workers is not a priority for Gifford Pinchot; their crews are fully staffed outside of the temporary role DeBarber is filling. He said they would happily accept more funding and additional resources to cover their region but knew other parts of the country would likely have higher demand. One of Gifford Pinchots three trucks was sent with a crew to Arizona and DeBarber said that resources from the other Forest Service sites in southwest Washington have been deployed at many of the countrys largest fire. Is that more firefighters for us here, or is that more firefighters for us to house here and send elsewhere? DeBarber 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. Google took the world by surprise when it announced in 2019 that it would block third-party cookies on its widely used Chrome browser, while testing a new tracking mechanism it is developing called Federated Learning of Cohorts or FLoC. The system is part of the companys Privacy Sandbox initiative, which analyses user activity in the browser and anonymously groups them with thousands of other users who access similar content. It has been criticised by the Electronic Frontier Foundation while experts have also expressed concerns about fingerprinting. Even browsers like Brave, Vivaldi, Opera and services like WordPress, Amazon and GitHub have reportedly disabled the feature on their domains. Many countries are also investigating the technology for compliance with the EUs GDPR rules. Google has, however, decided to continue working on its upcoming FLoC tracking mechanism, which will impact a large number of users on the web as Chrome commands most of the browser market share on Windows and Android. It began testing the technology in March this year, with plans to shut down support for third-party cookies by the end of the year. However, the search giant later pushed the implementation of the new technology to 2023, which means advertisers have some breathing room to figure out how to deal with the impending death of third-party cookie tracking. Read more: Googles FLoC: What is it and why so many other browsers are against it Many companies have begun working on alternative tracking mechanisms that can be used in place of third-party cookies, while addressing some of the shortcomings of the now outdated browser cookie. One of these newly emerging mechanisms is called Unified ID 2.0 a technology worked on by The Trade Desk, a California-based firm that powers advertising campaigns globally, across multiple channels. We spoke to Tejinder Gill, general manager at the company which recently launched its India operations, to understand what happens once Google kills off cookies and what the company is working on in the meanwhile, and here are some of the edited excerpts. How will users be impacted when Google eventually turns off cookies in the future in favour of its own tracking mechanism? Tejinder: The core problem that everyone is going through, is that the digital ecosystem is basically looking for a universal identifier across the web. India is a mobile heavy market and 20% of browsing happens on the internet. This is just a small percentage, which means theres no need to like panic. Whenever you visit any website you see a pop up asking you to accept cookies followed by pages of privacy policies that most users do not read. The ecosystem has never exchanged the actual value proposition with consumers, theres no clarification that targeted advertising funds great content. Thats the primary hypothesis that we need to clarify. Consumers want free content, marketers want targeted ads publishers want to get the best value of their inventory. Now, if the entire third party cookies system goes away, one scenario would be that two major advertising giants would control everything. The second scenario would be every single piece of content could go behind paywalls. Meanwhile, the third possibility could be that consumers might have to log in, multiple times, everywhere as they browse the web. The fourth could be an independent group creating a better balance of working with the ecosystem together, and we feel the future probably lies with the fourth scenario. Do any of these alternatives offer a privacy friendly alternative to cookies? Do you think users would care for such an alternative? According to our research based on a consumer survey, we found that three out of four consumers understand what data is being collected as they browse the internet, and 65% of them feel that they do not have enough control over the online data that has been used. There is a need to design a privacy-conscious identity solution that puts the consumer in the drivers seat. In India, we love free content, but we also know that there are no free lunches, which means advertisements need to fund this content. But what Indian consumers want is also more control in their hands. This is why weve designed the Unified ID 2.0 (or UID 2.0). From the day we started building UID 2.0, we said this cannot be a Trade Desk solution, this has to be an open Internet solution. We do not control it we have handed over this to Partnership for Responsible Addressable Media (PRAM) which is a third party. They control the development and decide the guidelines for the project. While we help them with the technology aspect, we are simply one of the partners who are supporting UID 2.0, besides championing it and bringing it to life. Why should one or two companies control our future? Let this be open. A user should be able to decide if they want to share their data with NDTV or with Spotify or with Google or the Trade Desk. It should be that easy and that open. The industry is very young, and there will be a lot happening in the next 12 months so were very excited. When I read that there are 70 different identity solutions getting worked on globally, I thought that it was a high number and that there has to be some consolidation. How are companies both in India and abroad looking at the impending switch away from cookie-based tracking? One of the most common misconceptions that is confusing people is the concern that digital advertising will go away. The answer is no, digital advertising will not go away. Only the targeting advertising will get affected. So rather than now seeing one or two targeted ads, they will start seeing one out of 10 ads targeting them. That is not good for a consumer if I am a mother, for example, and I get a relevant message saying 50% off on Mothercare, thats a very relevant message for me. Its targeted advertising, but Ive not shared my phone number, Ive not shared personal information, but I voluntarily went and said Hey Im a mother, Im happy to receive alerts or messages or advertising around offers, which are related to baby products. Our UID 2.0 system basically involves asking the consumer for their email ID, which is converted into an anonymous identifier, that will be encrypted into a string of code. This code is also regularly rotated. The consumer can, at any given of any given point of time, see why the publisher is using this identifier, and what is the value exchange in laymans terms. This puts more control in the hands of the consumer. This hashed ID can never be reverse engineered to identify the consumer, and there is no personally identifiable information involved. And the publisher will only get access to that hashed ID, when a user says yes I want to browse this app, or I want to share my details with this service. Youre asking us if this is a replacement to cookies, Im saying its an upgrade to cookies. How well does UID 2.0 perform in a cross-platform environment? Firstly, UID 2.0 can be applied across advertising scenarios, whether you want to do retargeting or whether you want to focus on new customers. Secondly, it will work across display, video, OTT, CTV, mobile basically on all platforms. Advertising on mobile today works on ad IDs nobody knows the future of ad IDs two years down the line, because of incoming privacy laws. The time has come where we need to think 10 years down the line, because connected TV (CTV) is now catching up, were just building a market probably in two years, which could eat up most of the market share from linear to CTV. Cookies have no role to play here. It is important that, as an ecosystem, as publishers, and as advertisers, we think of solutions that work across platforms. With UID 2.0, whether you're on mobile, whether you're watching OTT content in the evening, or you're streaming music, it will be the same identity we will be able to identify with your email ID. With every sign in, we will clearly ask if the user is willing to share their information for targeted advertising with that publisher. If a user says yes, it will detail the information to be shared and ask the user if they agree this is a very seamless experience. Once they are signed in, they don't need to re-sign in repeatedly. UID 2.0 appears to have quite a few parties on board already. How will it provide enough information to clients for it to replace third-party cookies? In India, we have already partnered with top CPG companies in India, and helping them build their own first-party audiences. Marketers can do goal-based media buying and easily build first-party data onboarding. The latter is the biggest shift in the market and will make it as seamless and simple as possible. This means that if your first-party data comes onboard, you can actually build look-alike modelling, you can do retargeting, so everything is very interoperable. They can also bring along third-party data if they want to, apply measurement tools, and even put a Nielsen study on the data. A lot of brands are actually thinking about it, especially all major global FMCG brands that have already begun in India. Coming back to the survey we did, the data says that 55% of Indians are still ready to watch relevant ads, and this number is around 29% in the US. These users are fine with targeted advertising in exchange for free content, among our large 1.3 billion population we also have users who cannot afford premium OTT subscriptions that could cost $20 a month. I recently read that there are currently about 150 million subscribers on OTT and only 18% are paying users. What about user privacy? How will UID 2.0 allow users to control how their data is used? With UID 2.0, the control is in the users hands. If a user feels they dont want to share some details with, with a publisher or another portal, they can go and revoke their consent. Spotify actually does it, with a very clear freemium model they inform the user that this is free, but if they do not want to see then here is the alternative model. I love that clear communication to a user, where even a young user can read and understand what they are getting into. Users are less aware of how cookies work, why they are being used older users usually press yes without reading or understanding. But if you inform them that this is the information you're probably sharing with this publisher, and this is the value exchange which means you might get targeted offers for your health, they might be interested and say yeah, it's okay, I don't mind. On the privacy front, we're making it very clear that we put consumers in the driving seat, so it's about the right balance between privacy and relevance. That's one of the reasons why people are signing up, advertisers and partners. I was recently reading that there are almost 70-odd identity solutions that exist globally today. One of these is a users email address, which is something almost every internet user owns. As I said, everything is in the hands of the consumer so you can switch it or switch it on at any time. With single sign-on, publishers will only be able to access user data once a user signs in, once third party cookies go away. Users can also opt out of UID 2.0 and/or request that their UID 2.0 is deleted by all data holders through the Transparency and Control Portal. Construction of a tiny home village for the homeless in Brunswick is progressing on schedule and should be ready to house its first residents early next year. Texas A&M University officials are still working to solidify plans for the upcoming school year about how to contend with the COVID-19 pandemic. The hope, Chief Operations Officer Greg Hartman said, is to release guidance in the coming days so parents, students, faculty and staff can know what to expect this fall. It is information that Hartman said may have come sooner if not for the increasing case numbers throughout the state that now have leaders rethinking some of how the year will look. Even so, Hartman said the goal is to run classes as close to what they used to look like prior to the pandemic as possible, with students in person for their course work. But as with all plans, that could change as the situation fluctuates. In recent interviews, Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks has expressed a strong desire to have a normal school year. Before his recent move to the COO position, Hartman was the senior vice president and chief operating officer of Texas A&M Health. There are some things that Hartman is absolutely sure about for the year: COVID-19 tests and vaccines will be readily available and free on campus. Other things like what type of information the university will collect and share regarding case numbers or other similar information on campus is still to be determined. With 92-year-old co-founder Willie Pruitt smiling in the front row, more than 60 people crowded into the Brazos Valley African American Museum on Saturday to celebrate the Bryan museums 15th anniversary. The museum opened on July 22, 2006, about seven years after receiving official recognition. On Saturday, past and present stakeholders and supporters gathered for a formal ceremony, cake-cutting and conversation to commemorate the milestone. Longtime Texas A&M history professor Albert Broussard was one of several speakers at Saturdays celebration. He said he was on the museums first board of directors and saw involvement with the museums creation and growth as connected to his professional work. Broussard said he is optimistic about the museums future. We live in a multiracial world, we live in a multiracial state and we live a multiracial community, so I think this is part of their history and part of their experience, Broussard said of the museums role in the broader Bryan-College Station community. With students returning to Bryan and College Station classrooms in just more than two weeks, both school districts are working with the local health authorities and state agencies to determine protocols for the 2021-2022 school year. Under an executive order from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, school districts cannot require masks on campuses, despite increasing cases of COVID-19 in Brazos County and a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week for universal indoor masking for all employees, students and visitors to K-12 schools. The CDC recommendation states, Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place. Representatives from both districts said masks will remain optional. Families who want their children to wear masks at school or students who want to wear a face covering are encouraged to do so. Matthew LeBlanc, executive director of communications and public affairs for the Bryan school district, said masks will be required on all Bryan school buses under the federal transportation mandate. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Face coverings will not be required on schools buses in the College Station school district, said Chuck Glenewinkel, director of communications for the district. Thomas said when the medical community recognizes somebody with prediabetes (where blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes), intervention is necessary then and not after a diabetes diagnosis. Waking up at night to empty your bladder more than you used to (increased thirst paired with increased urination)? Blurry vision (fluid shifts in the eye, associated with high blood sugar)? Increased appetite (due to insufficient insulin)? Unexplained fatigue? Thomas recommends people who have a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes, those who carry excess weight, and workers of certain jobs that affect sleep and circadian rhythms (i.e. shift work), get screened for diabetes. When we have that family history of diabetes the same for high blood pressure or coronary artery disease we can intervene early and delay the onset of the disease, she said. Too many of our patients are being diagnosed in the hospital when they should have been screened in the clinics. When we see people in the emergency department, when we gather that history, symptoms have been going on an average of weeks and they are not recognizing it. Creating a digital twin means building a model of how plants perceive and respond to their environment, Schnable said. Once we have that, we can run hundreds of thousands of different simulations where we put the digital twin of an individual corn plant or a whole field through different weather or agronomic practices, or make specific changes to the plant we know is possible to achieve through breeding. Running all these simulations lets us prioritize which combinations of plant genetics and farm management practices are likely to give the best outcomes for farmers in specific environments. For farmers, this could eventually translate into a decision support tool that provides actionable information. Today, farmers make decisions about which hybrid to plant, and the timing and amount of irrigation and fertilizer, based on their knowledge of the weather, their farms soil and previous experiences. But for farmers who may have only 40 growing seasons in their careers, big changes can be risky. Digital twins would let them test out a wider range of options on a computer, helping farmers maximize profit and minimize environmental impact. Douglas Frank visited Grand Island Saturday to explain his theory of how the 2020 general election was stolen. A group of 40 people attended the event at The Chocolate Bar. Frank, an Ohio physicist and software designer, said he has scientifically and mathematically determined that the 2020 general election results were manipulated by an algorithm using the 2010 census data. I figured out the algorithms that are controlling the election in each state, he said. I spent months and months figuring out how everything was being controlled. Frank is an associate of MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, has made multiple appearances on Lindell TV, and appears in Lindells recent documentary, Absolute Interference. In July, Frank appeared at a rally in Ohio hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump. It comes down to algorithms, Frank said. Frank claimed he found algorithms were used in every state to regulate voter registrations and ballots and control the election. This predicts the number of ballots that will be cast in any county. At the Regional Cancer Center, Horn said, NCS will be leasing 19,000 square feet. A second location at the Grand Island Regional Medical Center will be opening in early 2022. Building will begin this fall. The cancer center will include exam rooms, a pharmacy and a full infusion suite for hematology and oncology patients. Our independent practice model has allowed us to provide care in a wide variety of settings over the years and has allowed us to adapt to the needs of our patients and colleagues, said Dr. Robert Langdon, NCS president. Striving to meet communitys needs Horn said NCS core values impact where and how they deliver care. When communities identify a need and reach out to us, we do the research to determine how we can provide support, she said. In this case we knew with our team of experts and services we had the capacity and the knowledge to deliver care where its needed. We go to where our patients are and we are proud to be serving the Grand Island and Hastings area beginning Aug. 1, 2021. Why some vaccinated people contract the virus while others do not, Tierney said, probably comes down to two factors: how well a person responded to the vaccine, which can vary by factors such as age and immune status, and the amount of virus to which theyre exposed. A person who knows that she doesnt respond well to vaccines, she said, might want to consider wearing a mask when out in public. Some scientists also have begun to suggest that even vaccinated people consider masking indoors in crowded spaces, particularly if theyre in places where cases are high and the delta variant is prevalent. But the CDC recommends only that unvaccinated people mask in public. Tierney said its important for people to be understanding if they see someone wearing a mask. If somebodys wearing a mask, they might be wearing it for a reason, she said. Bryant, a former reporter and copy editor at the Grand Island Independent, said she only recently stopped masking in public. She didnt wear one in Colorado. She said she has no regrets about getting the vaccine or complaints about its effectiveness. She said she knows that her symptoms could have been much worse if she hadnt received the shots. Over the years, again because of changes in technology and sophistication and services that we offer to students, that position evolved and ultimately became the central focus if you will for the student information system, which is again the automated repository for all institutional records. So as the registrar not only do we oversee the operations of the office issuing transcripts, evaluating transfer credit, clearing students for graduation, putting together the semester class schedule, room assignments, doing grading and registration, those kinds of things, but we also then were the key player in reaching new technological advances out to students, she explained. One of those technological advances was developing the first web pages for the Registrars Office in 1997. When Schipporeit first began working in the Registrars Office, everything was done manually. There were no laptops or desktop computers, and all the student records were kept in a vault in the former administration building. The college would hold arena-type registrations for students, and staff from the registrars office would have to cart 80 to 90 dumb terminals simple monitors connected to a main frame computer to the student union so students could register for classes. Schools are soon to start back in session just as Covid-19 cases are rising in the Red River Valley. The rise is due to the delta variant, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is as contagious as chickenpox and four to nine times more infectious than previous Covid-19 strains. The majority of cases are being seen in unvaccinated people, a group that includes school-age children. The back to school guidance from local and national medical groups includes having mask requirements in place, however, Gov. Greg Abbott has prohibited schools from taking such action. Should schools be allowed to require masks? You voted: Several local businesses have donated to Houses For Heroess upcoming Rivalry Royale event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Love Civic Center, 2025 S. Collegiate Drive. Houses For Heroes is a local nonprofit attempting to raise money to buy land and build homes for veterans and their immediate families to use until the veterans are financially stable and receiving their benefits. The Rivalry Royale is a cosplay event featuring professional and amateur cosplayers dressed up as todays popular superheroes, villains and video game characters. It is free for children accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $15 each the day of the event. Donating businesses include: Top row, left, Aarons; top row, right, James Hodge Dodge; middle row, left, First Christian Church; middle row, right, Paris Coffee Co.; bottom row, left, Paris Lumber Building Center; and Bottom row, right, WashMasters Car Wash. Close Kareyn Hellmann Follow Kareyn Hellmann 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 The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. An Illinois State Police trooper was injured while responding to a car crash on Interstate 94 near 59th Street late Saturday night, state police said in a statement Sunday. The trooper was directing traffic after a three-vehicle crash shortly before midnight when he was struck in the shoulder and upper arm by a side mirror of a red Ford traveling south. The trooper was treated at a hospital and has since been released. The driver of the red Ford, 33-year-old Alcantar Castellanos of Chicago, has been charged with several violations, including driving under the influence and a violation of Scotts Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on. State police trooper Genelle Jones said in an email that an investigation was ongoing and that further details, such as Castellanoss blood alcohol content at the time of the crash, were not available for release. It is very important that drivers are aware of the dangers faced by our troopers and continue to make responsible choices when behind the wheel, state police director Brendan Kelly was quoted as saying in the news release. COLUMBIA Show your appreciation for local businesses and South Carolina farmers during this years National Farmers Market Week. By shopping at a farmers market, you are supporting your neighbors and what better time than during the abundant summer months for South Carolina produce, Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that farmers markets are essential businesses, and Im grateful for the work they do to connect people to farmers and fresh food. Farmers markets are an ideal venue for smaller farms to sell food directly to the public, lowering the barrier for people to buy fresh local products. They offer a unique face-to-face experience where consumers can meet the individuals responsible for their food. American farmers only receive about 14.3 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food, with the rest going to off-farm costs like distribution, marketing and retail. Selling at farmers markets cuts out some of those other costs, allowing farmers to earn more money from what they grow. Government-and-politics editor's pick alert top story Lawmakers: Much done, not done amid COVID Govan Cobb-Hunter Ott Orangeburg and Calhoun state representatives are looking back on what was and was not done in the 2021 session of the General Assembly impacted by COVID-19. The elected officials, all Democrats, gave their thoughts on how the session played out, assessing the states $10 billion budget and offering insight on redistricting and the upcoming fall session. Rep. Jerry Govan Govan said the session was impacted by the pandemic in many ways. The past legislative session, of course, was basically beset with all of the states efforts dealing with and the countrys efforts dealing with the coronavirus, or COVID-19, Govan said. Which really had a dampening effect on the session. We made it through financially, I think, based on very prudent decisions from a budgetary standpoint, Govan said. Govan believes the General Assembly handled the pandemic and made better decisions than other states. Because of some of the measures we took, the state fared better than a lot of states in the country when it came to being able to handle the physical impact of COVID-19. So the states response, though not perfect, I thought was in some cases robust enough to get us through the crisis in pretty decent shape, even though theres still a lot that needs to be done, Govan said. Govan said some things could have been done better in terms of communication with communities that were greatly impacted by the pandemic. Govan highlighted some positives from the session. Rural SC districts worry redistricting will curb their power SUMTER South Carolina's rapid growth isn't happening in rural areas, and people who live outside places like Greenville, Myrtle Beach and the state's suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina, are worried this year's redistricting is going to take away more of their dwindling power. We did a lot in terms of when it came to legislation that dealt with children and education. There were several bills that were enacted into law dealing with things such as the expansion of vaccination capacity, rental assistance to eligible households, step increases for teachers, installment plans for property taxes, and requirements for student identification cards to identify suicide crisis, Govan said. Financially, protections for financially exploited or vulnerable adults, just to name a few, Govan said. Govan said he wished the state would have passed a few bills he viewed as important. I guess the biggest would be the failure of this state to pass a hate crimes bill, which is still held up in the Senate. We got it through the House, but we were not able to get it passed. Even a much less robust version of the bill that passed out of the House was unable to make clearance in the Senate, Govan said. That is something that I hoped we had gotten done, Govan said. Just the time and effort put into that, and the state still is now amongst the last three states in the country to have passed hate crime legislation, Govan said. Just kind of befuddles me. A bill regarding student loans was also needed, Govan said. SC health officials encourage masks, vaccines in schools COLUMBIA South Carolina health officials are still recommending students and teachers wear masks indoors to curb COVID-19's spread in the upcoming school year, though state lawmakers have already banned school districts from requiring the face coverings. I had hoped that we would have passed the student loan bill of rights because of not only the statewide but national impact of student loan debt that is saddling down not only students but parents and grandparents as well, those who co-signed for these loans, Govan said. Its a major crisis, its not going to go away and its trillions of dollars. Congress hasnt been able to tackle it, and I had hoped that we would be more transparent and try to do something on a state level. Unfortunately, that hasnt been done, Govan said. Govan provided his thoughts on the $10 billion budget the state passed. Its interesting that because of the actions of this administration and Congress, were going to have some additional money that were going to have to go back in September, probably late September, to spend, Govan said. Govan noted the state will receive approximately $2.1 billion from the federal American Rescue Plan. Govan noted some of the local projects that received funding. I was able to secure $50,000 for the Samaritan House, and some additional funding for a future project dealing with a community center in the heart of the district. And doing some community revitalization efforts to fund some of that, or to provide some seed money for that, Govan said. Thats going to take more than those dollars, particularly for the community revitalization effort and community projects. My hope is that we will be able to collaborate with the city and the county in terms of trying to leverage those funds for others that we can really do something significant to improve housing and other worthwhile economic projects that can stimulate the local economy, and provide better hope and opportunity for this citizens in the district, Govan said. There are some things that we didnt get through that are still alive on the legislative calendar, Govan said. GOP govs, lawmakers supporting Mississippi anti-abortion law A dozen Republican governors and more than 200 GOP members of Congress are wading into a court fight over a Mississippi law to restrict abortion, the outcome of which could have implications for similar measures across the country. He listed the hate crimes bill, student loan bill of rights, financial literacy, compulsory school attendance and limiting the use of ketamine as legislation he would like to see passed. He also spoke on a need to address education issues in the state. We still were struggling with providing ... each child in this state with a high-quality education, Govan said. I dont see why were reluctant to put that in writing, put in our constitution to make that promise to people of South Carolina, to the parents of South Carolina, Govan said. Govan proposes putting education up for a vote as an amendment to the constitution. Lets put that on the ballot and let the citizens decide whether they want South Carolina to be fully committed to providing children with a high-quality education. I think thats a no-brainer, Govan said. Govan said there should also be laws in place to prevent persons who are an immediate danger to themselves and others from being able to obtain lethal weapons. Govan said there should not be a decrease in the focus on the coronavirus, and how it is still impacting citizens. One of the things that I hope we do moving forward, and I dont think we can afford to be regressive in terms of how we address what is not going away anytime soon, and thats the dreadful impact of the coronavirus on our population. ... Ill be working very diligently to try to convince the governor and others who are opposed to allowing our health care officials to be aggressive about getting the word out, Govan said. Govan said the pandemic should still be at the forefront of concerns for all government officials, making sure that citizens continue to get vaccinated, and that the proper measures are put in place to ensure that children and teachers are safe upon their return to school in the fall. Govan said combating the virus and establishing the safety and well-being of citizens should not be a partisan issue. Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter Cobb-Hunter described the session as unusual. This session was unusual because of the pandemic, and the impact the pandemic had with us working remotely and taking time off and all of that. It was a unique session, Cobb-Hunter said. As far as legislation that was passed, I was not happy to see the changes that the House passed in election laws, changing the makeup of the election commission. Of course, very, very disappointed to see us pass laws on open carry and constitutional carry, which is just, in my view, adding to the potential violence in our communities. I just dont think its a good idea to allow people to walk around with open firearms given the level of intolerance in our communities across this state, and our country, Cobb-Hunter said. And of course, I was very opposed to the heartbeat bill, Cobb-Hunter said. 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 Cobb-Hunter highlighted a few positives from the session. On a positive note, I was very pleased with what our subcommittee did about funding higher education across the state, and in particular, what we were able to do for O-C Tech and Denmark Tech and South Carolina State. Those three, our subcommittee funded those three institutions. We were generous, Cobb-Hunter said. Although I wanted more, I was pleased to see that state employees finally got a 2.5% raise. I am hopeful that when we go back in the fall, and we talk about the money that is coming down from the federal government, that we will be able to at least look at hazard pay and giving state employees some kind of bonus if we are able to use the money for that, Cobb-Hunter said. She said she was pleased with the state budget. Although it was a unique year, from a budgetary standpoint, I thought it was a pretty successful year. And of course, we were able to use CARES funding to mitigate some of the losses in our state, and its important for people to know that South Carolina was able to access those CARES dollars because of Democrats in Congress. Not one Republican in the South Carolina delegation voted for that rescue package, and that CARES funding, Cobb-Hunter said. Cobb-Hunter said she will pick up where she left off in the upcoming session. One of the things, I ran out of time. I introduced a resolution called the Justice 40 oversight committee, Cobb-Hunter said. All this does is create a committee made up of all of the various stakeholders in state government, to make sure that the money that comes down to the state, that at least 40% of those dollars be spent on these vulnerable communities which have been impacted by environmental justice, Cobb-Hunter said. She said state agencies, such as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and state Housing Finance and Development Authority, would be members of the committee. Cobb-Hunter said Delaware lawmakers used her bill as a model and a bill was passed there. So the goal is to get at the systemic issues, Cobb-Hunter said. The other priority for me is trying to get traction on H.3822. Thats my priority for next year, she said. The bill will restructure some same-day voting laws. My colleague, Brandon Newton, a Republican who also sponsored a bill, he and I have agreed to work together in the interim to see if we are able to join forces with pieces of both bills and have something in January that the House can consider, Cobb-Hunter said. Cobb-Hunter said she will also be focusing on redistricting, which will take place this year. I am going to be focusing on my redistricting legislation. I have legislation which takes it out of the hands of the General Assembly and creates an independent commission because I think voters ought to choose the politicians, as opposed to having politicians choose what voters they want in their district, Cobb-Hunter said. I am realistic. I do not think the legislation will go anywhere because there is opposition from both Democrats as well as Republicans, which is not surprising, Cobb-Hunter said. Rep. Russell Ott Ott also said the session was not normal compared to past sessions. It was an interesting session for sure. Dealing with COVID-19, it was certainly a unique session. There were high points and low points, Ott said. I think that it was clear that there was a lot of legislation this year that seemed more partisan than in the past. There were just a lot of bills introduced that ultimately made it to the floor that, typically over the course of my eight years, I havent seen legislation ultimately make the floor and continue to eat up so much time, Ott said. Ott said legislation on guns, abortion, transgender and other issues dominated headlines and time. Ott cited high points in the session. For me, Santee Cooper. Ultimately getting some resolution on Santee Cooper was a huge deal. That was something I worked extremely hard on to try to determine what was the best course of action for Santee Cooper, which ultimately led to major reforms with the utility, but also the determination that we werent going to move forward with a sale, Ott said. I think thats very important as far as giving stability to the utility, and knowing that weve got some new measures in place, as far as transparency and trying to have a better working relationship with the General Assembly and Santee Cooper. The intent, obviously, is it provide that reliable electricity at an affordable rate, Ott said. Ott said he was proud of the budget process. I think it was definitely an education budget. We were able to appropriate and allocate additional monies for teachers this year, and public education in general. And I think thats going to continue. There was $100 million that was appropriated to Title 1 rural districts that I think is going to go a long way in trying to upgrade facilities in those areas, which I think is long overdue, Ott said. Ott also noted the 2.5% raise to all state employees, saying it was long overdue. Its not enough, but at the end of the day its certainly a step in the right direction." I feel like it was a productive budget, and hopefully well be able to build off that in the coming year, Ott said. Ott said he was able to secure funding for local projects in his district. We made some major strides on that transparency side of things, as far as making sure that people that were trying to have earmarks within their district, they do it the proper way, they do it on the record, they put their name beside, and so its out there for everyone to see, Ott said. He said that was a major step in budgeting the right way and appropriating state dollars the right way. Looking ahead to the next session, Ott said he will be focusing on a few issues. Im working on some special committees right now. Ive got an equine study committee that Im really interested in trying to bolster the equine industry in the state. Obviously, in Orangeburg County, Calhoun County, equine, and horse training, and horse racing is a big issue. So, Im very excited to see what the final product of this special committee that Im chairing right now ultimately comes out with recommendations. And then I would like to see that put into legislation and introduced, Ott said. Ott is also a member of a Regional Transmission Organization. Were taking a look at the way we generate electricity in the state of South Carolina through the investor-owned utilities and Santee Cooper. Is that the most efficient way for us to provide electricity to South Carolinians and our constituents? There are other models out there that other states are using where there is more electricity that is ultimately purchased off of the grid, Ott said. So were going to be taking a hard look at what is the best system for South Carolina to kind of try to tackle as we move into the next couple of decades. Whats the best model for us to try to adopt? Thats going to be a big deal. Obviously there will be some legislation thatll come from that, and hopefully, it will be good, Ott said. Ott said reliability is just as important as the price. Ott said he does not want to see a scenario similar to one that took place in Texas earlier this year when rolling blackouts caused very high electric bills. I think that weve got to be able to produce for ourselves to a certain extent, but I also want to make sure we get the best price for our customers, Ott said. Ott expects redistricting to be a leading topic during the session. Itll be interesting to see how redistricting plays out this year. I think thats whats on everybodys mind right now as we head into the fall. Ultimately what these district lines are going to look like for House, Senate, congressional districts, as well as local government. Youve got county council and school board thats going to have their lines redrawn as well, and I think that going to be important for everyone, Ott said. In a rare moment of moral clarity, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, points out that "America's daughters shouldn't be drafted against their will." As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the usually bellicose Cotton voted against advancing the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act after committee chair Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, added an amendment requiring women between the ages of 18 and 25 to register with the Selective Service System. It's good to see Cotton on the right side of an issue, as happens occasionally (very occasionally). And the NDAA, being mostly unrelated to anything resembling actual "national defense," deserves to go down hard for many, many reasons. But where's Cotton's opposition to requiring MEN to register for the draft? In the early 1970s, the U.S. armed forces transitioned to an "all-volunteer force" after drafting 2.2 million men into its Vietnam war machine between 1964 and 1973. About 1.5 million Americans were drafted for the Korean War, 10 million for World War 2, and 2.8 million for World War 1. Draft registration ended in 1975, but resumed in 1980. The legislation would stiffen penalties for firearms thefts, which can aid in curbing violence only if the law is enforced. When people are arrested, they cannot be immediately released back to the streets. And when they are convicted, they must serve time. Biden and his allies address the issue of rising crime as if the problem is guns themselves. The real problem is criminals and their use of guns, which they generally do not get from a licensed firearms dealer. Two cities that are being plagued by violent crime in 2021 are Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Their police chiefs are offering words about crime and the courts that should echo all the way to the White House and Capitol. Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown spoke out after another weekend of carnage: 12 dead and 70 people shot in the city. "What we can do different is challenge the courts to render Chicago safe," Brown said. "Holding offenders in jail longer not releasing murderers back into our community. Thats what we can do different." He said 90 people in the city have been charged with murder and released on electronic monitoring. Brown claimed that police officers in Chicago were doing their part, but contended that violent offenders needed top consequences in the city's courts. This subscription will allow existing subscribers of The World to access all of our online content, including the E-Editions area. NOTE: To claim your access to the site, you will need to enter the Last Name and First Name that is tied to your subscription in this format: SMITH, JOHN If you need help with exactly how your specific name needs be entered, please email us at admin@countrymedia.net or call us at 1-541 266 6047. Wind farms have been popping up all over Wyoming. Solar arrays, for the most part, havent. The states wind turbines supply thousands of megawatts of power to the electric grid. But the 97.9-megawatt Sweetwater Solar project, which became Wyomings first utility-scale solar farm when it was completed in 2018, still makes up most of the grid-connected solar supply. There are a number of reasons why wind is, by far, the dominant source of clean energy in Wyoming. The main reason is simple: Wyoming is just really, really windy. Wind is our most outstanding renewable resource in this state, said Connie Wilbert, director of the Wyoming chapter of the Sierra Club. Solar is good here. But its affected by latitude, simple as that. Were a northern state. And the farther north you go, the more seasonal difference you see. Despite its latitudinal disadvantage, Wyomings clear skies and high elevation make it one of the better states for solar power generation. But its contentious energy politics and limited transmission infrastructure have likely caused potential solar developers to turn instead to friendlier, sunnier states farther south. Harlins traveled the country and the world as an officer, U.S. Marine and on his own time. Thats only confirmed that he landed in the right place here in Natrona County, he said. Hes technically a Florida native, born in Miami. He moved to Phoenix later, where he went to high school before graduating and joining the Marines. After his leave, he landed in a surveying job in Colorado. There was just something missing with that private-sector job, Harlin said. I just had to figure out what it was. Hed gone to Wyoming for work several times before finally making the move. Since then, hes raised a family here and doesnt plan on leaving. I wanted to do something for the greater good, to contribute in some way, Harlin said. This is me. I like the people here, the area, the mountain, the independence. At times, its hard to separate his professional life from the personal. He occasionally gets calls while off-duty, and has to work at trying not to bring the job home with him at the end of the day. That gets harder with certain kinds of cases especially ones involving kids. In most cases, employers were understanding as their workers left to fulfill their Guard responsibilities. For some, the Guard duty provided a critical paycheck as companies scaled back or shut down while the pandemic raged. For others, particularly those in the medical fields, reporting to Guard duty was not a good option. We didnt want to tap into those who are already providing emergency services, Switzer said. So we had challenges based on not using our first responders because theyre also fighting this in a different capacity. Those limitations, he said, reduced their pool of troops, and it was exacerbated by Guard members who would suddenly either contract COVID-19 or be forced into quarantine because they were exposed. The Guard focused on calling in unemployed soldiers first, he said, including some who worked on the oil rigs. A lot of the oilfield workers that were laid off would come in and work until they can get back into that field, said Switzer. We were able to give them employment. So not only did they help meet the mission, they were also helping their families by finding employment. Since then, though, no significant tips have come in, according to the department. Despite this, police project an air of resolve, vowing not to give up until an arrest is made. Were still not at a dead end, by any means, Francisco said. We have some things we still want to look into, some things we want to revisit, so its certainly active. What makes the case difficult, the chief said, is that homicides are typically personal or can be connected to an aspect of an individuals lifestyle. While those things arent completely ruled out here, theyre also not obvious, either, he said. What youre missing is an obvious motive for someone to want to take this action, so it makes it difficult to narrow your focus. The incident was originally reported as an armed robbery, but it was unclear whether anything was taken from the shop. Police found a class ring at the scene, according to previous reporting, but Francisco said its still not known how or if the ring is connected to the murders. The fact that the crime happened during Frontier Days, when the city of Cheyenne sees an influx of hundreds of thousands of people, adds another layer of difficulty. The campaign was quite serious and that was a clear signal that her life would be in danger in Belarus, Alexander Opeikin, a spokesman for the BSSF, told The Associated Press in an interview. Tsimanouskaya summoned Japanese police at Haneda Airport and did not board a flight departing for Istanbul. Foreign ministry officials arrived later at the airport, Opeikin said. In a statement released by the BSSF, Tsimanouskaya said she was in a police station early Monday morning. "I explained the situation to a police officer of how I was taken from the Olympic Village," she said. Now I am in a secure situation and am figuring out the question of where I will spend the night. The IOC, which has been in dispute with the Belarus National Olympic Committee ahead of the Tokyo Games, said it had intervened. The IOC is looking into the situation and has asked the NOC for clarification, it said in a statement. Belarus' neighbor, Poland, where many critics of the Minsk regime have come to live, offered help to Tsimanouskaya. Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz said on Twitter that Tsimanouskaya has been offered a humanitarian visa and is free to pursue her sporting career in Poland if she so chooses. Representatives of the Wyoming School Boards Association and, Wyoming Education Association opposed the bill. A representative of the Wyoming Business Alliance supported it. After the bill was well-watered down by the committee it failed on a 4-5 vote. Recently members of the Joint Education Committee said they believe an incremental approach to school funding will carry the schools through for a couple more years, according to published reports.. . Zwonitzer said recently in an e-mail that he probably would not bring the bill again in the budget session next year but he might propose it as an amendment to one of the education bills that will be moving through the Legislature. Its been six years now of stalemate, he wrote, as the Legislature has not cut K-12 to the level of being sustainable, nor raised the necessary revenue to continue funding it at current levels all the while taking the difference out of our rainy-day fund. Eventually, we will have to do something, and the Wyoming Constitution requires education funding to be efficient- I certainly cant say funding 48 school districts is efficient for 95,000 students; not sure how many of my colleagues could say that in good faith. Editor: Is the Wyoming GOP properly vetting political Candidates? On March 4, 2021, I emailed the Wyoming GOP with troubling details I discovered online about the congressional candidate, Anthony Bouchard. Their response was to swiftly deny the information. Nevertheless, two months later, national news reports substantiated my findings. I don't know much else about Anthony Bouchard except that he founded Wyoming Gun Owners, (WYGO) which is currently under investigation by the Secretary of State. WYGO has lots of affiliates across the nation, with similar websites. And, like WYGO, their office address is a UPS mailbox. I know very little about Darin Smith, except he's a realtor and he's an attorney and he has an apparent fondness for Jimmy Stewart. The Wyoming GOP needs to do a better job of vetting political candidates so voters can make informed decisions. Thank you GEORGE HAHN, Cheyenne Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Former Senator Michael B. Enzi was a champion for Wyoming and for individuals with disabilities, especially developmental disabilities. As a four-term senator with strong conservative principles, he sponsored, supported, and worked in bipartisan fashion to enact legislation to improve rights, services, health care, education, and employment for individuals with developmental and other disabilities. Senator Enzi was especially supportive of the work of the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities and shared our vision of a Wyoming where all people can participate in community life as they choose. We thank Senator Enzi for his advocacy for all Wyoming citizens; his voice will be missed. Do you have a news tip? Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you. More here The comment of many of our economists as they lament (even blame our Government for) the poor state of the energy sector and its inability to supply the natural gas required by the LNG and petrochemical plants (hence the rents needed by the on-shore), is that we have to diversify the economy into new and globally competitive exports. But for author R. L. Scifres, Roswell is a hometown in fact, he was raised there himself and for him its a place where people live and work and sometimes find solace. In the way of hometowns, its also a place to which people return to revisit their past, as in the story about the woman finds out more about her father than she ever knew when she comes back to town for his funeral; in another, a sailor home on leave answers for long-ago youthful indiscretions at a local honky-tonk. These eight stories run the gamut from contemporary fiction to the supernatural, but most of them share the New Mexico setting that tips its hat to both the unique southwest landscape and the local, unmistakably New Mexican cuisine. Scifres, who now lives in Green Valley, is retired from Eastern New Mexico University/Roswell, where he was an instructor in psychology and sociology. Helene Woodhams is retired from Pima County Public Library, where she was Literary Arts Librarian and coordinator of Southwest Books of the Year, the librarys annual literature review. Christine Wald-Hopkins, a former educator and occasional essayist, has long been a book critic for national, regional and local newspapers. If you are a Southern Arizona Author and would like your book to be considered for this column, send a copy to: Sara Brown, PO Box 26887, Tucson, AZ, 85726-6887. Give the price and contact name. Books must have been published within a year. Authors may submit no more than one book per calendar year. In 1826, Whittier, then 19, submitted his poetic work entitled The Exiles Departures to the Newburyport Free Press in Massachusetts for publication. The editor of this newspaper at the time was abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, who, after seeing the teens poetic skills, asked him to submit other poems and also encouraged his learning, writing and active participation in the movement to end slavery in the country. While Whittiers home state of Massachusetts had been the first colony to legalize slavery among the 13 colonies, it was now an epicenter of the abolition movement. Under the auspices of Garrison, Whittier began working in journalism, editing newspapers in Haverhill and Boston. By 1830 he had become editor of the well-known New England Weekly Review in Hartford, Connecticut, the leading organ of the Whig Party in New England. He also continued to write on his own, which the following year led to his first book of poetry, Legends of New England. His time at the New England Weekly Review was short-lived. A failed romantic relationship, poor health and disheartenment led to his resignation and return home to Haverhill. SAN CARLOS, Sonora Along the rocky shores of San Carlos, peering out of seaweed forests or fluttering silently across the seafloor, the weirdos of the sea emerge after sunset. For biologists and environmental educators Stephanie Jo Bowman and Paul Hamilton who lived in Tucson before moving onto their San Carlos-based sailboat in 2018 that makes nighttime the perfect time to snorkel. All the cute, easy-to-love fish go to sleep, and all the weird invertebrates and other marine life come out, said Bowman, who is also an artist and former Vail School District teacher. Our special area of interest has always been the creepy, weird stuff that most people dont really pay much attention to, or are freaked out by. The couple, who had their first date hiking in Sabino Canyon 12 years ago, share a love of overlooked and understudied species, and a passion for getting people interested in science. In July, Bowman and Hamilton held a series of guided night-snorkel events in San Carlos, about 330 miles south of Tucson. The free gatherings were open to anyone who wanted to show up on the beach and brave the sea at night. For San Carlos boat broker Marisa Velasco, who moved to San Carlos from California 18 years ago, night snorkeling wasnt about the wildlife. SAN CARLOS BEACHES CLOSED As of July 26, the beaches are closed in San Carlos, part of the municipality of Guaymas, because of a dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases. Last week, Guaymas Mayor Sara Valle pleaded with tourists to stay away, at least through Aug. 1. Bars, nightclubs and gyms are closed, and yacht tours and live music are suspended. Restaurants will have limited seating and close at 10 p.m. Last week state health officials declared Guaymas to be at maximum risk for the spread of COVID-19, the highest risk-level of any municipality in Sonora. For updates on municipalities risk levels, check the state health secretarys Twitter feed: twitter.com/Enrique_Clausen. If Guaymas remains at maximum risk (riesgo maximo), the restrictions will remain in place this week. This is about conquering my fear, she said as she prepared to enter the water with one of Bowman and Hamiltons groups on a hot July night. Ive been (scuba) diving since I was 16, but I refused to go on night dives. She figured starting closer to the surface, with a group snorkel at a familiar beach, would be a good way to break through that mental barrier. I can do this, she said, before stepping into the dark water. Sailing for science Bowman and Hamilton hope those who attend the night snorkeling events feel empowered to continue exploring nature on their own, as citizen scientists. Hamilton founded the Tucson-based Biodiversity Group in 2003. His and Bowmans work with the conservation nonprofit group took them around the world, from Ecuador to Vietnam to Mexico. They conducted research and promoted outdoor learning through a science-and-arts-focused curriculum that Bowman developed. (It has since been taught in after-school programs in the Sunnyside, Tucson Unified and Marana school districts, Bowman said.) In 2018, the couple both stepped down from leadership roles with the nonprofit, rented out their Picture Rocks home and moved almost full time onto a sailboat in the Sea of Cortez. San Carlos was a natural choice for their home base: The couple has been visiting the Sonoran beach town for more than a decade. Bowman said they were blown away by the unique desert-meets-sea environment, where one can have the surreal experience of surfacing from a dive and seeing cactus on the shore. Like the Sky Island mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico, the northern part of the Sea of Cortez is isolated, leading to new species like the critically endangered vaquita porpoise evolving for that unique ecosystem, Hamilton said. In the southern part of the sea, for as narrow a body of water as it is, the depth is incredible, Bowman said. That creates a rich basin of nutrients for large species like humpback whales to feed on. From here, Bowman and Hamilton say theyre well-positioned to pursue one of their missions: introducing the public to overlooked species, including strange-looking invertebrates and nocturnal marine life. Those species are what hold the ecosystems together, Bowman said. Humans lose so much by not being connected to the little stuff thats so easy to see and to share the world with. Finding and observing overlooked species doesnt require an epic journey or exotic destination; a kid with a magnifying glass can discover a jungle in the school playground, Bowman said. Just go out in your backyard, or snorkel in the bay right here, to see incredible life that most people just overlook, she said. The couple also offers boat rides they call it sailing for science on their trimaran Triplefin, the name a reference to the vessels three hulls and a tribute to triplefin blennies, a fish with three dorsal fins thats extremely common, yet understudied, Bowman said. Bowman and Hamilton plan to visit friends and family in the U.S. for the rest of the summer, but will restart their night snorkeling session in the fall, when they return to Mexico. The rocks have eyes On a recent July evening in San Carlos, Bowman and Hamilton spoke to their night-snorkeling group on the beach in front of the Soggy Peso restaurant, near the small Isla San Luis where theyd be snorkeling. As the sun set behind them, Bowman paged through a dog-eared copy of Sea of Cortez Marine Invertebrates, describing the creatures to look for, and which to avoid, in the dark sea. Among the vertebrates to watch for: stone scorpionfish. Disguised as seaweed-covered rocks, theyre hard to spot as they wait for their prey. Their eyes are like other worlds when you look into them. Its mesmerizing, Bowman told the group. But those eyes should serve as a warning to snorkelers, she said; their spines are venomous. If you go to grab a rock, just make sure it doesnt have eyes, she said. Sea cucumbers One of the most important, and imperiled, creatures that snorkelers would encounter that night: the brown sea cucumber. Sea cucumbers perform a crucial purifying function, cleaning the seas by ingesting sea water and sediment, before excreting clean sand. Sea cucumbers are not the prettiest animal, but they have a very important role in the ecosystem, said Alejandro Olivera, senior scientist and Mexico representative for the Center for Biological Diversity. But the mostly sedentary creatures are being hunted, dried and salted, and shipped en masse to China, where they are considered a tasty aphrodisiac and increasingly, a status symbol. A lucrative market has developed over the past few decades, fueling a hunt that is decimating the sea cucumber population in Mexico, including in the Sea of Cortez, Olivera said in an interview. When they were first listed under Mexicos Endangered Species Act in 1994, brown sea cucumbers had special protection status, the lowest level of protection, coming before the threatened, at risk of extinction and extinct levels. Two years ago, the sea cucumber was moved up to threatened status, Olivera said. Protected species are regulated by the Ministry of Environment who can set quotas for legal hunting limits and create a management plan, but regulation is weak and enforcement sporadic, he said. Those with legal permits often hunt more than theyre allowed, and others just hunt illegally, he said. Sea cucumbers dont reach sexual maturity until about 6 years old, and many are killed before they can reproduce, he said. There is no management plan, even though they have been protected for decades, and the population is depleting, Olivera said. That decline is obvious to snorkelers, Bowman said. Ten years ago in San Carlos, you wouldnt be able to look at the bottom without seeing at least several sea cucumbers in your view, she said. And now its like you have to hunt to find one. Shortly before dark, Bowman emphasized to the night snorkeling group that they should not touch anything unless they are absolutely sure its safe to touch. For example: As long as your hands are free of bug spray and sunscreen, its all right to gently pet a brown sea cucumber but do not pick it up, Bowman said. If it feels threatened, a sea cucumbers defense mechanism can be traumatic: it spews out its intestines to distract predators. The sticky sea cucumber is another story: even a small touch could be disastrous. Their long bodies are scrunched up tight like accordions, Bowman said, and so sticky that a touch could tear its skin. You could kill it just by touching it, she said. This night, San Carlos resident A de la Maza Perez Tamayo and her son Axan, 9, were out for their second night snorkeling with Bowman and Hamilton. Its my favorite type of snorkeling now, said de la Maza Perez Tamayo, who works in the sociolinguistics field. All the creatures of the ocean seem a lot more relaxed. The fish are a lot less jittery, theyll swim up really close to you. And the timing is perfect for her Axan, who would rather boogie-board in the day. All his favorite creatures the ones that look like aliens come out at night, she said. Hes always been incredibly interested in the creepy crawlies, she said. Ive always liked that hes able to see beauty in unconventional things. Axan, who wants to be a marine biologist, was on a mission. I want to see moray eels, said Axan, as he followed Bowman and Hamilton toward the snorkeling site. Risks of the night The gentle hum of waves and the cracking of snapping shrimp whose powerful, tiny claws snapping shut can be heard up to a kilometer away were the only sounds for those out on another night snorkel. This time, Bowman and Hamilton led snorkelers to a beach called Shangri-La, near Marinaterra Beach Club in San Carlos. The underwater ecosystem was buzzing with life, under the glow of snorkelers dive lights. Illuminated in a green cone of light, a finger-sized fire worm floated vertically, its fuzzy-looking body belying the potential for a fiery sting. A red-and-white striped zebra worm, which can expand up to 8 meters in length, was tucked amidst the sea rocks, a living puzzle with no clear beginning or end. A reef stingray, like a spotted brown pancake, fluttered just above the seafloor, eyeing the snorkeler above. Balloonfish and parrot fish, normally skittish during the day, calmly slept or observed the visitors. Hamilton gently held a hairy-looking brittle star, closely related to the starfish. Later, a delicate arrow crab so thin it looked like an aquatic daddy longlegs danced around Hamiltons fingers. Then, drawing its legs together like an octopus, it propelled itself away like an arrow. Bowman even managed to alert her fellow snorkelers to a brown sea cucumber, its plump dorsal side covered with a sprinkling of small yellow protrusions. Snorkelers who turned off their flashlights saw the electric-green lights of tiny, bioluminescent plankton, whose glow crackled to life with each wave of the hand through the water. But there are drawbacks to the darkness: Its harder to see potential threats. Though wearing a long-sleeve shirt, Hamilton was stung on the neck and wrist by a Portuguese man-o-war, a relative of the jellyfish, at the end of this snorkeling session. On the rocky shore, Bowman carefully pulled the bright-blue tentacles from Hamiltons wrist using the pads of her fingers, where the skin is too tough for tentacles to penetrate. Smiling despite his discomfort, Hamilton said he was relieved he was the unlucky one that night. NIGHT SNORKELING SAFETY TIPS Take a comfortable mask and snorkel and fins, and a life vest if youre not a strong swimmer. Go with a friend and wait until well after sunset, when the nocturnal creatures will have emerged from their hiding spots. Snorkel in a rocky area that youve already explored by daylight. Notice the different creatures that emerge at night. Bring a strong dive light, but avoid shining the light directly onto the light-sensitive night creatures. Instead, move your flashlight in circles around the animal. (A red filter, or red cellophane rubber-banded over your dive light, is even better to create less disturbance.) Wear a dive skin or tight-fitting clothes to protect yourself from stings and to stay warm. (Even in the summer, it gets cold at night.) Don't stay in one spot too long or tiny zooplankton (baleen whale food) will start to swarm around your light. You can cover your light for a minute so they'll disperse. Try surface diving down to the seafloor, but be sure to gently equalize (pop) your ears on the way down before they start to hurt. If you need to adjust your mask or talk, swim over to deeper water first, so your fins don't disturb the life under you or stir up the sand. Dont touch marine life, unless youre with an experienced naturalist who can tell you whats safe to touch. Even a little sunscreen or bug spray on your hands could harm the creatures. Source: Stephanie Jo Bowman Conquering a fear After her first-ever night snorkel, Velasco declared victory over her fear of night diving. Im happy to report that I basically got over it, she said by phone. It was familiar; its like snorkeling in your own backyard. I was like, If Im going to conquer this, its going to be someplace where Im comfortable. She had searched carefully for all the species Bowman had described in their prep session on the beach. Within 15 minutes, we found just about everything she said we were going to find, she said. Among her most exciting sightings: the cowrie, a colorful snail that lives in a smooth shell, with a narrow mouth-like opening. In the daytime, the snail is hidden inside, but at night, cowries come outside of their shell and wrap their brightly-colored bodies around it, so that the shell almost becomes an internal skeleton, Bowman said. A native of the Philippines, Velasco said she previously found day-time snorkeling in this desert region to be underwhelming compared to the vibrant colors of the tropics. But at night, illuminated by flashlight, the desert colors glowed with unusual vibrance, she said. The sea at night was way more alive than I was expecting it to be, Velasco said. Nine-year-old Axan had an amazing time, said his mom, de la Maza Perez Tamayo. He saw octopus, a ton of very active starfish and his favorite, a moray eel. I could hear him squeal underwater when he spotted one, she said. Hes absolutely obsessed with eels. Existential dilemmas Hamilton, a field biologist whose specialty is herpetology, believes most children are naturally fascinated by creepy, crawly things. I was born interested in lizards, he said. Some of us grow up thinking thats not cool, because someone taught us that. A lot of that imagination and that innate curiosity is kind of beaten out of us as kids. We need advocates out there who are willing to stand up and say, This is awesome. This is worthwhile. As a rising tide of anti-science propaganda seems to be moving toward the mainstream, politicizing the debate over crucial issues like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists are facing an existential dilemma, Hamilton said. Its just tragic that we cant use facts. We cant use sound arguments, he said. We cant use much of anything that I would be able to provide (as a scientist). Where does that leave someone like me? The spread of misinformation as it relates to the pandemic has both a professional and personal dimension for the couple: Bowman and Hamilton both lost loved ones in the pandemic. Hamiltons father died of COVID-19 in January, and the recent death of Bowmans sister is suspected to be related to the virus. In May, Hamilton wrote a blog post exploring the existential malaise that arises when ones life work sometimes seems without purpose. He recounted a recent experience that helped him cope. In his post, Hamilton describes how he encountered, and rescued, a humpback whale caught in a massive fishing net in the southern Sea of Cortez. Bowmans video of the rescue went a little viral this summer and for a few days, Hamilton had people from all over the world calling him a hero. It was a privileged experience, he said: the chance to do something unambiguously good, with clarity of purpose a far cry from the often thankless work of scientists in the trenches. The whale rescue was one hour of work. It was a lot easier than writing a grant, he said with a laugh. Instead, talk about working for 10 years on something, or one year, and all of these people out here who arent ever going to be called heroes including me, the day before that. So how can scientists help renew public discourse? Night snorkeling may be a start. Shared adventures in nature can help transcend political tribalism, leading to conversation and connection, Bowman said. We have so much more in common, Bowman said. None of us want to see species go extinct. No one wants to see that. So just getting out there together, and sharing some experiences, I think will help us heal some of these divides. For those fighting a sense of environmental fatalism, Bowman says the best way to cope is by taking some action even something as simple as organizing some friends for a new experience. Do something, she said. Do something, even if you cant see where that end is going to be. Dont just turn on the TV and drink a beer and tune it out, which is so easy to do and I do it some. Instead, she said, just get out there and let yourself be moved by the beauty of this planet. Opinion: Many opinions about those choosing to go unvaccinated, City Council endorsements and the proposed I-11 are the topics of the day. Join the discussion by submitting a letter at tucson.com/opinion. Local journalism is important and producing it costs time and money. To continue viewing content on tucson.com, please sign in with your existing account or subscribe. OPINION: "I hope these politicians reflect more deeply on the meaning of representative democracy and the contested history of the pledge," before requiring Arizona students to recite it, writes UA history professor Michael Schaller. There is so much wait and see, said Dr. Mike Angelidis, chair of Saint Francis hospitalist services and chief of internal medicine, addressing patient concerns ranging from false claims that vaccines cause infertility among women to the temporary side effects the vaccine can cause for a day or two. What I try to tell patients is that this is different than any other vaccine weve had in a lot of ways, and one of those ways is the widespread use of it. There is so much research and data on these vaccines. But they already have these ideas about it. Where are they getting their information from, and why are they so scared? Its very frustrating. The local doctors said the only success theyve had in changing anyones mind about getting the vaccine is after theyve become infected with COVID. And Angelidis said his unvaccinated patients are also not wearing masks. When I tell them they still should, they give me a shocked look and say, `Well the government told me I didnt have to, but that (previous) recommendation was only if youre vaccinated, he said. The people who are getting this are not fine, whether they die or they have long-term effects where it takes a month or more to recover. Our lowest tier is going to be cases with uncooperative victims, where they make the report but dont want to follow through with an investigation or prosecution, and those are put in line at our lowest priority level, and those are generally by now probably about a year out, Ehrenrich said. The Norman Police Department was recently told to try to find third-party testing labs as the OSBI continues to be backed up, NPD spokesman Eric Lehenbauer said. Ehrenrich said the Tulsa Police Department has been partnering with an outside lab to help test the kits in TPDs backlog, as well as the ones that are continuing to roll in. TPD has been able to pay for outside testing thanks to a four-year national grant the agency received in 2018. The problem of backlogged rape kits has been going on for years, leading Gov. Mary Fallin to sign an executive order in 2017 to create a task force to combat the issue. As many as 3,300 may still be in the initial backlog, after peaking around 7,000 in 2018, according to the organization End the Backlog. Melissa Blanton, director of Oklahomas executive task force, said the work behind testing the original backlogged kits has begun to create a new logjam, forcing the task force to look at their work in two phases. Dr. Jennifer Clark addressed the hospital capacity situation in her weekly COVID-19 data presentation Wednesday morning for Project ECHO. Clark said she spoke with her colleagues who are leaders across the state. Anecdotally, she said, they are telling her that more younger people are affected and, when hospitalized, tend to stay hospitalized for a longer period of time, thereby growing the number of patients in medical-surgical beds. Oklahoma City and the large health care systems there were having to divert patients to Tulsa to Kansas and down into Texas, Clark said. So well see kind of how that peels out relative to the next handful of days with hospital capacity. COVID-19 hospitalizations in Oklahoma were records for two consecutive nights: 738 overnight Monday and 699 the night before. The figure came down some overnight Tuesday at 697 hospitalizations. The previous high was 663 hospitalizations reported July 28. Project ECHO is an OSU Center for Health Sciences program that offers medical education and care management to rural and underserved areas. Clark, a physician and former hospital administrator, went through the new case rates in Oklahomas eight medical regions in her presentation. While working the fire, Ojeda learned many fellow firefighters on the frontlines of the battle were also Latino immigrants like himself, and he was proud to see so many immigrants helping protect Americans. Many of the Latinos working the fire are brought in from private companies to assist in fires like this, Ojeda said. Many of them, like Ojeda himself, were firefighters before coming to the U.S. When Ojeda met the brigade of firefighters from Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala, he helped relay information and instructions to them in Spanish. And once his frontline deployment finished, he worked in the fires command post as a bilingual public information officer. Ojeda said it was very inspiring to work with so many different people from all over the country as well. My division supervisor was from Georgia, and the task force leader was from Kansas, Ojeda said. I was a paramedic from Oklahoma, and we had the crew with immigrants from Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. It was very diverse and everybody works for the same purpose. It was very gratifying to see. Ojeda said while the fire is extreme, they have not seen major injuries or fatalities fires of this magnitude can produce. Halstead said staffing is the largest concern because the hospital industry has lost medical professionals not just to COVID deaths but burnout, too. She said hospitals in Grove, Miami and Tahlequah are full as the hospital community works to handle the rapid influx without the leeway offered by an emergency order from the governor. At the moment its being managed, and I dont want to underplay that, Halstead said. I do not want to say that everythings OK, but its being managed. Dr. Mary Clarke, president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, called it alarming to have this much viral disease spread in the summer when the flu and other upper respiratory infections are much more prevalent in colder weather. Its unfathomable that we are dealing with this disease again when we have a safe and effective vaccine to prevent it, Clarke said, adding that medical and public health professionals are still fighting a groundswell of misinformation. Clarke expressed sadness that hospital pediatric wards are filling up, resulting in children being taken 100 miles or 200 miles from home for treatment. An emergency declaration from the governor would do more than allow hospitals to ramp up capacity. The McGirt case has caused a reevaluation of tribal sovereignty in the state, and its implications could well spread beyond criminal justice. We understand and have some sympathy for the governors need to defend the states sovereignty, but, quite frankly, we see far greater threats to the states future at the moment. The deadly potential of COVID-19 and its delta variant are a much greater threat to the future of the states health and economy than McGirt. The resistance of far too many Oklahomans to the vaccines that can protect them from the disease and a new law hamstringing the ability of schools to respond to the threat make the danger even greater. The delta variant is a greater threat to younger Oklahomans and especially those who have not been vaccinated. Thats why this is a critical time for the states leadership to be pushing members of the public to protect themselves through vaccination. They should use all available resources to market the vaccine creatively and aggressively. Cambodia will begin offering a booster shot against Covid-19, switching between the AstraZeneca and Chinese COVID-19 vaccines in an effort to fight the spread of the coronavirus in the Southeast Asian country. Prime Minister Hun Sen, launching the vaccination campaign for 12-17 years old, said on Sunday that the third dose will be offered to between 500,000 to one million frontline workers as a priority. "People who have already been vaccinated with Sinopharm and Sinovac should be given AstraZeneca as the third booster dose," Hun Sen said in a speech which was broadcast on social media. "For Cambodians who have been vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Sinovac should be given as the third dose," he added. Hun Sen also said the country will purchase more AstraZeneca vaccines through Covax for the booster shots and the recent U.S funded Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be used to vaccinate indigenous peoples in northeastern Cambodia. Cambodia has launched a lockdown in eight provinces bordering Thailand this week in a bid to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus in the Southeast Asian country. The World Health Organization (WHO) said this week that the Delta variant has been detected amongst migrants returning from Thailand through land borders and is now in the local community. "We are racing against new variants. We must act today, and we must act fast to have no regrets tomorrow," said Li Ailan, WHO Representative to Cambodia, in a statement on Saturday. Cambodia managed to largely contain the virus for most of last year, but an outbreak first detected in late February has driven up total cases to 77,919, with 1,420 deaths. A 15-year-old boy was killed while his four family members were seriously injured after they were hit by a truck while traveling home from Ho Chi Minh City on a three-wheeled motorbike. The accident occurred along a section of National Highway 1A in the south-central province of Binh Thuan at around 11:00 pm on Saturday, according to officers. A three-wheeled motorbike was pulling over to a COVID-19 checkpoint on the side of the road for heath declaration when it was rear-ended by a truck. There were five people on the three-wheeler, including a married couple and their three children. The crash killed the 15-year-old son on the spot, while the other four family members were severely injured and rushed to the hospital. The force of the collision also caused the three-wheeled motorbike to crash into the checkpoint, injuring two on-duty officers. One of the officers was admitted to the hospital for emergency treatment due to his serious wounds. Police officers examine the site of an accident between a truck and a three-wheeled motorbike in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam, July 31, 2021. Photo: Mai Thuc / Tuoi Tre Police said the five family members had just left Ho Chi Minh City and were heading to their hometown in north-central Nghe An Province due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The truck driver was required to undergo rapid COVID-19 testing, and his result came back positive. Ho Chi Minh City is currently the biggest COVID-19 epicenter in Vietnam, having recorded 92,270 local cases since the fourth wave began on April 27. Municipal authorities have implemented social distancing at various levels since May 31 and repeatedly tightened pandemic response measures to struggle with the worst-ever outbreak. A lot of people have been fleeing the city for their hometowns over the past weeks after their livelihoods were affected by the pandemic. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Da Nang began reinstating extensive social distancing measures from 6:00 pm on Saturday to cope with the rising number of local COVID-19 transmissions. In a decision signed on Friday, secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang stated that the central Vietnamese city will follow the prime ministers Directive No. 16 but with even stricter measures. All business operations with low priority, including takeaway services, and public transport are suspended. Officers establish a checkpoint on a street in Da Nang, July 31, 2021. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre Local residents are required to stay indoors and are only allowed to go outside for food, medicine, emergency medical services, or work at state agencies or in essential sectors. People who go outside must present documents proving their appropriate reasons upon request by police officers. An officer checks documents of a commuter in Da Nang, July 31, 2021. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters on Saturday evening, police units had established many checkpoints to make sure all citizens complied pandemic prevention and control regulations. Officers stated they only issued warnings on the first day of social distancing. Many streets in the city were quiet and nearly empty, and only people who had just left work or those who went out for supplies were spotted. Few vehicles travel on Tran Hung Dao Street in Son Tra District, Da Nang, July 31, 2021. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre Vietnam had documented 150,060 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday morning, with 38,734 recoveries and 1,306 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The country has recorded 146,249 local infections in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities, including 938 cases in Da Nang, since the fourth wave began on April 27. A checkpoint is set up in front of the iconic Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, July 31, 2021. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre Nguyen Van Linh Street in Da Nang, July 31, 2021. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre Officers pull over commuters for inspection along a street in Da Nang, July 31, 2021. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre Police arrest a man for drug-related crime during their patrol in Da Nang, July 31, 2021. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A 79-year-old Hanoi man has been fined for failure to wear a face mask in public after he was filmed hitting a police officer who reminded him about the face covering regulation. An official from the Peoples Committee in Nghia Do Ward, Cau Giay District told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Saturday that the administration had imposed a VND2 million (US$86) fine on Nguyen Van H., 79, for not wearing a face mask in public. Cau Giay police are finalizing their investigation to decide whether they will charge H. for obstructing law enforcement officers. At around 4:50 pm on Friday, H. was walking without a face mask in an alley on Lac Long Quan Street. Hoang Van Tho, a police officer who was on duty at a COVID-19 checkpoint in the alley, spotted H. and reminded him to put on a face mask in accordance with regulations. The elderly did not cooperate and began yelling at Tho. As Tho continued to explain about the rule, H. hit the officers face with his pith helmet. The officer suffered minor bleeding following the attack. H. was eventually escorted to the police station. The incident was filmed by several bystanders. Hanoi has recorded nearly 1,400 local COVID-19 transmissions since the fourth wave hit Vietnam on April 27. The capital previously reinstated extensive social distancing measures for 15 days from July 24. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Nineteen southern localities, including Ho Chi Minh City, have continued applying enhanced social distancing measures for two more weeks under a prime minister decision as an effort to contain the surging COVID-19 cases. In addition to Ho Chi Minh City, the other localities enforcing the extension include Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Tien Giang, Long An, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Bac Lieu, An Giang, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Kien Giang, and Ca Mau, according to a decision issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday. The extended period is counted from the end of 14-day extensive social distancing that was stipulated under an urgent dispatch issued by the prime minister on July 17. Accordingly, these cities and provinces are required to maintain social distancing measures under Directive No. 16 and to forbid interprovincial travels from Sunday forward, except for those authorized by the government, until the social distancing extension ends. Leaders of the provinces and cities will be held accountable to the prime minister if they let people move out of their localities. For people who have left their province or city before the decision was issued, local authorities have to help them reach their destinations safely. Desigated authorities are required to set up effective treatment and care systems for COVID-19 patients, especially those in severe conditions, to minimize fatality rates, the decision said. The PM also requested all local administrations to strictly comply with epidemic prevention and control rules under the directive, take measures to contain the coronavirus spread, and provide appropriate support and aid for virus-affected areas. Directive No. 16 includes the closure of non-essential businesses and services, a stay-home order, a ban on gatherings larger than two people, a minimum two-meter distance between people, and the suspension of public transport. Residents are completely prohibited from going out, except for seeking medical treatment and buying food at designated points. The prime minister ordered local authorities to immediately provide enough food and healthcare for all the poor as well as people who lose income due to the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination must be organized quickly, safely and effectively, and any violations related to the inoculation must be punished strictly and promptly, the PM underlined in the decision. Among the 19 localities, Ho Chi Minh City and its neighbor Dong Nai Province began their two-week social distancing on July 9. Both later extended their restrictions until Sunday amid soaring coronavirus infections. Binh Duong has applied social distancing to certain areas since late last month, while Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, and the Mekong Delta region commenced their two-week period on July 19. Besides the restrictions under Directive No. 16, many of the cities and provinces, including Ho Chi Minh City, have added night travel bans, whereby people are prohibited from going outdoors from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am the next day, except for emergencies. Since the pandemic hit Vietnam in early 2020, the country has recorded 150,060 COVID-19 patients, including 147,819 domestic and 2,241 imported cases, the Ministry of Health reported on Sunday morning. About 38,700 people have recovered and 1,306 others died. As many as 146.249 domestic infections have been detected since April 27, when the pandemics fourth wave erupted in the Southeast Asian country. During this wave, Ho Chi Minh City has become the largest epicenter, with nearly 92,200 cases recorded by Sunday, according to the municipal Center for Disease Control. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Ministry of Health reported almost 8,600 locally-acquired COVID-19 infections in Vietnam on Sunday, along with more than 4,400 recoveries. Forty provinces and cities logged 8,597 domestically-infected patients while another 23 cases were imported from abroad, the health ministry said. More than 2,000 cases were detected in the community whereas the remainder were found in isolated areas or centralized quarantine facilities. Ho Chi Minh City recorded 4,052 of the latest domestic infections, Binh Duong Province 2,179, Long An Province 569, Dong Nai Province 425, Khanh Hoa Province 298, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province 184, Tay Ninh Province 102, and Can Tho City 100. Since the fourth COVID-19 wave began in Vietnam on April 27, the country has detected 150,474 community transmissions in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities. Ho Chi Minh City is on top with 94,295 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 16,858, Long An Province with 6,012, Bac Ninh Province with 5,735, Dong Nai Province with 4,551, Dong Thap Province with 3,187, and Tien Giang Province with 2,220. 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 health ministry documented 4,423 recoveries on Sunday, taking the total to 43,157 recovered patients. The death toll has reached 1,306. The Southeast Asian country has overall logged 152,044 domestic and 2,262 imported cases since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit it on January 23, 2020. Health workers gave 276,373 vaccine doses today. Over 6.2 million jabs have been administered to medical workers, teachers, factory workers, elderly people, and other frontline staff since Vietnam rolled out inoculation on March 8. Nearly 621,000 people have been fully vaccinated. The Vietnamese government expects to obtain 175 million shots of various vaccines, including 51 million Pfizer-BioNTech jabs, by early 2022. It 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! Vietnams COVID-19 vaccine candidate Nano Covax has entered the third clinical trial phase, with both the injection and nasal pray forms to be put to the test, the producer told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Friday. According to Nanogen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology JSC, Nano Covaxs producer, their vaccine is Vietnams first homegrown COVID-19 jab that was approved for human clinical testing, with a projected total of 14,000 people participating in three rounds of trial. While the first round, which started in early 2021, included 60 volunteers, the third round that commenced in June is divided into two phases: the eariler phase 3a includes 1,004 participants, while the later phase 3b will have 12,000 people. On July 27, the Military Medical University started administering the second jab to 12,000 participants of phase 3b, while those in phase 3a, who had all received two shots, were going through a blood sampling process for vaccine efficacy assessment that lasts until early August, local media reported. Researchers are also scrambling to complete reports on the third clinical trial phase to meet the Ministry of Healths deadline on August 4. In the meantime, Vietnam's ambassador to India has been given the greenlight to negotiate Nano Covax testing in India, a Nanogen representative revealed. Several foreign governments have shown interest in either procuring the Nano Covax vials or acquiring the manufacturing technology, the representative added. The manufacturer is expecting to present their vaccine in two forms: injection doses and nasal sprays. As the current legal framework is pushing back the launch of the vaccine due to strict requirements on testing and proof of efficacy, the prime minister has urged the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice to untangle regulations in favor of the Nano Covax approval. The registration of the vaccine is expected to be done between August 15 and 20, as announced at a meeting on Friday between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, representatives from designated ministries, and the COVID-19 vaccine developers in Vietnam. In the near future, four vaccines will be manufactured in Vietnam, of which two are domestically developed while the others are to be produced from technology transfer, the meeting was told. Besides Nano Covax, the second vaccine is Covivax, developed by the Nha Trang Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals, is set to enter the second-phase clinical trial. Among the two vaccines based on technology transfer, one will come from cooperation between Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup and U.S.-based Arcturus Therapeutics, and the other is the result of an agreement between the two Vietnamese developers, AIC and Vabiotech, and their Japanese partner, Shionogi. In addition, under a deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Vabiotech has packaged Russias Sputnik V vaccine since July, with an expected capacity of five million doses per month, getting closer to the transfer of production technology with a scale of 100 million shots per year. To date, Vietnam has granted emergency approval for six foreign COVID-19 vaccines, namely Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sputnik-V, Sinopharm, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. The Southeast Asian country has set a target of securing at least 150 million vaccine doses to vaccinate two-thirds of its population of about 98 million people by the first quarter of next year. More than 6.2 million vaccine shots have been administered in the country since inoculation began on March 8, with 620,611 people fully vaccinated. Vietnam had documented 150,060 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday morning, with 38,734 recoveries and 1,306 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The country has recorded 146,249 local infections in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities since the fourth wave began on April 27. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in Vietnam have fined a woman VND7.5 million (US$325) for circulating fake news on a method to cure COVID-19 at home through her Facebook account. Officers in Vinh Long Province have recently cooperated with the municipal Department of Information and Communications to summon V.K.L., the woman in question, to the police station for interrogation. L. admitted that she took her husbands name to create the Facebook account TanDat Cao and used it to publish false information on a 'homemade cure' for COVID-19 that was neither supported by science nor approved by authorities. On Saturday, Vinh Long police decided to levy a fine of VND7.5 million on her for the misleading content she spread on social media. Vinh Long has recorded 852 coronavirus cases, including 50 announced on Sunday morning, since the fourth wave began in Vietnam on April 27. In mid-July, the province was put under an elevated social distancing mandate, which requires all residents to stay home unless there are essential duties and is expected to last until August 15. The locale has also banned all outdoor travels from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am the next day, save for emergencies and pandemic missions. Vietnam had documented 150,060 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday morning, with 38,734 recoveries and 1,306 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. During the fourth -- and worst -- COVID-19 wave, the country has recorded 146,249 local infections in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! True story of a soldiers journey from hero to alleged war criminal, the lawyer on his tail and their search for truth in the fog of war. 8:30pm Sunday on BBC First. Kevins Grandest Designs Australian Survivor Innocent 60 Minutes Beauty & the Geek Watch: UK and US blame Iran for 'targeted' drone attack on oil tanker MV Mercer Street off coast of Oman The UK has said it is highly likely Iran carried out an unlawful and callous attack on a ship in the Middle East which left a Briton dead. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the Government believed the drone attack on the oil tanker off the coast of Oman was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. The strike on the tanker, Mercer Street, on Thursday night was the first known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. British maritime security firm Ambrey said the attack, which saw a hole blasted through the vessels bridge, killed one of its employees aboard. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Iran denied responsibility after Israels prime minister directly blamed it for the attack, but Mr Raab said the UK Government backed Naftali Bennetts claim. The UK condemns the unlawful and callous attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman, which killed a British and a Romanian national, said the Cabinet minister. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those killed in the incident. We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. UK assessments have concluded that it is highly likely that Iran attacked the MV Mercer Street in international waters off Oman on July 29 using one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. The UK is working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack. Britains stance was supported by the US, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating he was confident that Iran conducted this attack. Israels Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has blamed Iran for the Mercer Street vessel attack (Sebastian Scheiner/AP) Labour shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy has urged the Prime Minister to make it clear to the incoming Iran president Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the killing of a British national will carry costs. Story continues The Mercer Street is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. The Foreign Office said the drone assault followed similar attacks on three other Israeli-linked ships in the region since February. Officials said that in the summer of 2019 Iran was also almost certainly responsible for attacks on two vessels in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, responding to Israels accusations, described the allegation that Iran carried out the attack as baseless. The Mercer Street, empty of cargo, had been on its way from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, at the time of the attack, Zodiac Maritime said. The attack targeted the tanker just north east of the Omani island of Masirah, 185 miles south east of Omans capital Muscat. The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher were escorting the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port, the US navys Middle East-based 5th Fleet said in a statement on Saturday. The oil tanker Mercer Street (Johan Victor via AP) It said navy explosive experts believed a drone attacked the vessel. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a US official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack was still ongoing. Zodiac Maritime said the Mercer Streets owners are Japanese, without naming them. Shipping authority Lloyds List identified the vessels ultimate owner as Taihei Kaiun, which belongs to Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Group. Watch: Iran's alleged secret cyber files revealed Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations in recent times are growing and cooperation is on the rise between the two important countries of South Asia and Central Asia. The recent visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to Uzbekistan was an indication the two states are expanding their multi-faceted mutual cooperation. As Eurasia Review writes, during his two-days visit, Imran Khan addressed Uzbekistan-Pakistan Business Forum on Central and South Asia 2021: Regional Connectivity and Opportunities. Mr. Khan expressed his hope for connectivity of both the states through aviation, road, and rail. Pakistan has immense potential to connect Central Asia with the rest of the world and become a hub of trade, Khan added. The recent cooperation is happening in a time where there is a change in the regional dynamics. The U.S. and China are trying to make their clout strong in Central Asia while the change in Afghanistan is going to happen once the U.S. completes its withdrawal. Islamabad sees the potential to connect with Uzbekistan through Afghanistan. In his address, Mr. Khan said, Pakistan is keen for peace in Afghanistan and considers it vital for trade connectivity among the regional countries. Pakistan aims to link Uzbekistan through a rail link with Pakistan via Afghanistan. An agreement has been signed in February this year to develop a railroad through Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar, an important connectivity project that would boost trade between the three states and get two important regions connected in addition to Uzbekistan and Afghanistan access to Pakistani Seaports. The project will take five years which is 600-kilometer-long. Tashkent aims to diversify its Sea access option beyond its reliance on Iranian ports. On the other hand, Pakistan will also get access to Central Asia and beyond which it has sought since the independence of the Central Asian States in early The 1990s. the said railroad will decrease Pakistans transportation costs to Russia by 15-20 percent. For two major reasons, Uzbekistan prefer Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railroad: its shortest one. Secondly, it connects the Uzbekistan-Kyrghizstan-China corridor with Europe and South Asia. Among other reasons, the U.S.-Iran rivalry is also a factor because of that reason Uzbekistan want a safe passage and option. Tashkent has hugely invested in the transportation sector to connect the Iranian ports with Uzbekistan but it fears Tehrans escalation with Washington can cost Tashkent of heavy price. Bandar Abbas is the main port Tashkent is using for its trade. Once these projects are materialized, it will add great value to the objectives of both states. Pakistans strategic policy vis-a-vis Central Asia has five broad objectives: trade and connectivity, strong political link, investment, and energy sector cooperation, defense and security and people-to-people contact. Islamabad has made many endeavors since the independence of the Central Asia to get access to it yet due to Afghanistans precarious security situation, this plan did not come true. Now at the moment when a change is going to occur in Afghanistan, Islamabad sees a ray of hope to get safe access to Central Asian states. On the other hand, Pakistan is the shortest, easiest and economical connectivity route to the Arabian Sea for Central Asian states and specifically for Uzbekistan. Islamabad is willing to help facilitate Central Asian states to engage in trade via its sea routes. Similarly, Uzbekistan and Pakistan can engage in various sectors including trade, tourism, education, health, and energy projects. Moreover, Pakistans renewed focus is geo-economics which can strengthen Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations. However, for the said purpose, peace in the region and particularly in Afghanistan is essential for any trade, investment, and connectivity initiative. Similarly, the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative will further bring both countries close to each other as it has to connect Pakistan with Central Asia and beyond. The Azerbaijani and Turkmen ministers have agreed upon further steps in cooperation on the Dostlug (Friendship in Turkic) offshore oil and gas field in the Caspian Sea. As Caspian News reports, on July 28, the delegation led by Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov paid a visit to Turkmenistan within the framework of the joint group established to prepare and verify a draft intergovernmental agreement. According to a statement issued by Azerbaijans energy ministry, the document is supposed to regulate cooperation between the parties on joint exploration, development, and exploitation of the hydrocarbon resources of the Dostlug field. Parviz Shahbazov and Turkmenistans Minister of State, Chairman of the Turkmengaz State Concern Batyr Amanov, reviewed the work done on the draft agreement and identified the next steps in connection with this issue during the meeting in Ashgabat. The working group was established by order of the Azerbaijani president on February 25, 2021, based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashit Meredov and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov. So far, the joint working group has held three meetings. The joint development of the Dostlug offshore oil and gas field by Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan will make it possible to export gas to European countries if the Trans-Caspian underwater pipeline is realized. In this case, the pipeline could be connected to the Southern Gas Corridor that links Azerbaijan with the EU countries through Georgia and Turkey. On March 15, Turkmenistans parliament ratified a memorandum on joint exploration and development of the Dostlug field. For its turn, the Azerbaijani parliament approved a memorandum of understanding on the development of the field on February 23. According to the document, hydrocarbon resources of the field will be distributed in a ratio of 30 percent (Azerbaijan) and 70 percent (Turkmenistan). The transportation of Dostlug fields resources bound for the international market will be implemented with the use of Azerbaijan's existing transit transport systems on the basis of competitiveness and in accordance with the norms and practices of the international oil and gas industry. The field, previously named Kapaz by Azerbaijan and Serdar by Turkmenistan, had been discovered by Azerbaijan in 1959, and an exploration drilling was commenced in 1986. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the two countries were at odds over the ownership of the undersea field, and the area was left undeveloped for years. In 1997, Turkmenistan announced tenders for the development of the Kapaz field. In response, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) said the field was located in the Azerbaijani sector, adding that Turkmenistan had no legal basis for offering such a tender. Under the agreement reached between Baku and Ashgabat in 2008, the sides agreed to suspend any exploration works until all issues involving the field are resolved. It is estimated that the field located in the middle of areas belonging to Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan hosts reserves of 100 billion cubic meters (over 3.5 trillion cubic feet) of natural gas and 60 million tons of oil. On August 1, at about 03:45 am, units of the armed forces of Armenia from positions near the village of Arazdeyen in the Vedi region fired at the positions of the Azerbaijan Army in the direction of the settlement of Heydarabad in the Sadarak region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic from small arms of various calibers, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. "There are no casualties among the personnel of the Azerbaijan Army. The Armenian Armed Forces were suppressed by return fire. At present, the situation in the indicated direction is stable, the operational situation is controlled by the units of our troops," the ministry said. Britain has reported another 26,144 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 5,856,528, Trend reports citing Xinhua. The country also recorded another 71 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 129,654. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test. Meanwhile, the British government are no longer considering making it compulsory for university students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend lectures in England, the BBC reported on Saturday. Nguyen Thien Tu Vinh failed the university entrance exams twice and was rejected by nearly 200 companies before becoming a specialist in the New Zealand government. The secret of her success is that she never gave up. Nguyen Thien Tu Vinh Born in 1991, Vinh is the youngest child in a family with three sisters in HCM City. As the father died early, Vinh lived with her mother and two elder sisters. She has a strong character, and did not want to lead a restrained life. When she turned 18, she realized that studying at university was not a right path for her. However, as she loved her mother, she tried to apply for the HCMC Economics University. But she failed the exam to the school. I did not have interest in the formulas for calculation that I did not understand, and I did not know how they could be applied. During the three years at high school, the subject that I was best at was physical exercise, she recalled. Attending to the mother and sisters desire, she continued reviewing for university entrance exam once again. However, she also practiced English at the same time. Learning English was the thing that I did with highest enthusiasm, because I believed that English skills would bring many opportunities, she said. Vinh once again failed the exam to enter the university. However, she was admitted into a joint training program co-organized between the HCM City Economics University and Victoria Wellington University thanks to her high-school learning records and IELTS score. This gave her the opportunity to study in New Zealand for two years. She was enthusiastic about the schooling environment in New Zealand. However, Vinh met an obstacle in the country language skills. Despite her IELTS 6.5 score, she could not communicate and listen to lectures. If I had to retake exams, it would be unbearable for me, because the tuition here is much higher than my familys income, she recalled. She asked for permission to be an observer at the lectures of subjects she was about to study. This improved her knowledge. In order to improve her language skills, she became a member of the schools presentation club and is still there, though she now can speak English fluently. Since the tuition in New Zealand is very high, Vinh had to take extra jobs to get money to fund her living. She believes that one needs to be optimistic in all circumstances so as to find opportunities for himself. For me, doing extra jobs is an opportunity. I always worked seriously even though I was just a cleaner. I told the manager that I was studying business administration and I wanted to take the jobs related to my major, she recalled. Vinh applied the knowledge she learned at school in improving the operation process of a supermarket, systemizing everything to cut the time needed to implement works. As her solutions brought clear effects, she became a manager just after one month. Failure could be key to success In 2014, New Zealand allowed foreign students to stay in the country for only one year to seek jobs. This once again put pressure on Vinh. Meanwhile, all her relatives advised her to come back to Vietnam as they did not think she could find a job there. And her 200 applications for jobs were refused. However, she never thought of giving up. The refusals, for Vinh, were valuable lessons, and she believed that the failures would help her succeed one day. After every failure at an interview, she asked the interviewers about the reasons and asked for advice. Thanks to this, she could do better the next time. I told the employer the truth that I was rejected by 200 companies. Instead of being discounted, I could get respect, because the employer believed that I can grow from failures, she said. At that moment, Vinh realized that she had strength in data research and system management. Meanwhile, New Zealand then lack workers in digitized system and data management. She joined groups and made friends to learn experience from them, consult with them and ask for advice about what she needed to improve. She also attended a lot of short-term online training courses to improve her capability. In September 2016, an opportunity came when she was offered the post of data analyst from the education, power and business ministries. She finally decided to work for the Ministry of Electricity. After 18 months of working, in 2018, she successfully applied for the job of data development specialist at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Vinh said her GPA and degrees are not too important in the labor market. At most interviews, employers did not ask me about score board and degrees. Their questions were about my experience and skills. These are exactly what they seek from candidates, she said. One failure doesnt mean failure forever. I believe that patience will help one succeed with her own abilities, she said. Thuy Nga Economics professor in the UK: you can contribute to homeland from abroad I chose to stay in the UK, not because I can find a good job here, but I believe that I still need more time to accumulate experience and money before I return to Vietnam and do something bigger, said Trinh Quang Vu. The 927-Yet Kieu vessel is equipped with a propulsion system, medical equipment, and life-saving and modern rescue devices, and can operate continuously for 30 days and nights at sea. The 927-Yet Kieu vessel. In the northern port city of Hai Phong, the Z189 factory under the General Department of Defense Industry on July 31 handed over the multi-purpose submarine search and rescue vessel MSSARS 9316 or 927-Yet Kieu to the Vietnam Navy. This is a new generation rescue ship, performing submarine rescue missions with specialized equipment with outstanding features such as coordinate detection, intercom phone and diving robot connected to the submarine to rescue sailors when their ships meet in accident. Vessels can locate and anchor wirelessly in complex weather conditions. The vessel has a length of nearly 100m, a width of 16m and a side height of 7.2m, with a displacement of up to 3,950 tons. It is equipped with modern devices, and can operate continuously at sea 30 days and nights. It is capable of withstanding waves of level 9 and wind of level 12. The building of 927-Yet Kieu was started in mid-2018. During the construction process, Z189 factory strictly followed the technological process under the strict supervision of the investor. The ship has been technically accepted by the Acceptance Council of the Ministry of Defense and the Navy. This ship was built to meet the urgent requirements of search and rescue missions for submarines, surface ships, and survey, study the seabed, and search, rescue and fishing out underwater objects and perform other assigned tasks. Successfully building a multi-purpose submarine rescue ship has demonstrated the capacity of Vietnam's defense industry in accessing and mastering modern shipbuilding technology, meeting the tasks and goals of modernization of the defense industry. Tran Thuong In the midst of the stressful and complicated developments of the epidemic, touching stories shared in the community have added motivation and strength to fight the epidemic. In recent days, social networks have spread many touching stories and pictures about sharing between people in difficulties. These include images of traffic police officers in the provinces of Gia Lai, Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Tri and Da Nang joining volunteers through the night to give free gas, food, and drinking water to thousands of people who drove motorbikes from Ho Chi Minh City to their hometown. There is also the image of Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Thanh Binh of the Da Nang Border Guard carrying an elderly Covid-19 patient from the 4th floor of the quarantine center to an ambulance to go to the hospital. Or the story of a man in Ho Chi Minh City who went out at midnight to seek an oxygen tank for his cancer-stricken son. With the assistance of traffic police officers, he bought and carried the oxygen tank back to his home. Recently, social networks spread the image of Miss Universe Vietnam H'Hen Nie as a volunteer. Wearing a simple outfit, the beauty queen drove a motorbike to deliver food and necessities to people in the quarantine area. Emotional images captured in recent days: Traffic police officers prepare free food for workers who ride motorbikes from Ho Chi Minh City to their hometown in the central region. Traffic police officers work through the night to help provide traffic guidance, free gasoline, food and water to thousands of people riding motorbikes from Ho Chi Minh City to their hometowns to avoid the outbreak. In order to ensure that people do not stop during the journey, traffic police of Gia Lai province give each motorbike driver 1.5 liters of gasoline, drinking water... People with broken motorbikes are carried on trucks of Da Nang Traffic Police. A restaurant in Trieu Phong district (Quang Tri province) prepares hundreds of free meals for those who drive from HCM city back home. Da Nang SOS group donates food to disadvantaged people in a quarantine area. Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Thanh Binh of the Da Nang Border Guard carrying an elderly Covid-19 patient from the 4th floor of the quarantine center to an ambulance to go to the hospital. Photo: Nguyen Tong Khiem Mr. Le Dinh Van went out at midnight to seek an oxygen tank for his cancer-stricken son. With the assistance of traffic police officers, he bought and carried the oxygen tank back home. Wearing a simple outfit, the beauty queen drove a motorbike to deliver food and necessities to people in the quarantine area. Ho Giap The 500-bed field hospital for the treatment of severe and critical Covid-19 cases is under construction on 3.5 hectares of land in Yen So ward (Hoang Mai district) by the Hanoi Medical University Hospital. The construction of the hospital began on July 24 and is scheduled to finish before August 30. The field hospital will have about 1,000 medical staff, including 272 doctors and 680 nurses, who come from the Hanoi Medical University Hospital and a number of hospitals supported by the Ministry of Health. The hospital is built according to the standards of ICU treatment, with areas for nutrition, testing and separate treatment to ensure sterility, infection control, and avoid cross-infection. Workers are working days and nights to complete the hospital. During the time of social distancing in the capital city, all workers must undergo strict temperature checks and medical declarations before entering the construction site. The entrance to the field hospital is located at 587 Tam Trinh Street. Workers have to pass body temperature check before entering the work site. The foundation of the hospital, divided into separate functional areas. It is expected that on August 30, the hospital will be put into use. Many stages have been completed after a week of construction. Machines and human resources are mobilized to the maximum to build the hospital. The field hospital is built at the time of social distancing in Hanoi, when many new covid-19 cases of unknown infection sources are reported. Doan Bong Hanoi during days of social distancing under PMs Directive 16 Hanois bustling streets have turned quiet during days of social distancing under the Prime Ministers Directive 16 starting from 6am on July 24. TEA and the governor of Texas are still leaving things very broad and open as usual, Marlin said. Craine said the local health district is ready to gives chool leaders the information they need to set policies specific to their districts and campuses. We need to address it and we are working with the schools, Craine said. They know their school so they need to be a part of it and have a say on what they can manage. Waco ISD Superintendent Susan Kincannon said the district, which has 15,000 students, is moving forward with preparations for the year while waiting on the health district to finalize COVID-19 protocols. We are aiming for as normal of a school year as possible but of course normal isnt going to look like it did pre-COVID, Kincannon said. We will open as near to normal as we can and see how things progress. Waco ISD, whose first day of school is Aug. 23, will encourage masks and vaccinations, but not require them, and will implement social distancing measures. For example, classroom desks will be arranged in rows rather than clusters with students facing each other. After a 2016 commemorative service marking the centennial of the lynching, the Waco NAACP and Community Race Relations Coalition decided to push for a state historical marker. The marker will be located in front of City Hall, between GiGi Mygdal's "Friendship" sculpture and the sidewalk leading to City Hall's main entrance, Welter said. That is not believed to be the actual location where Washington was tortured and burned to death, but the marker's location is more accessible for public viewing, she said. Toni Herbert, an organizer of the centennial commemoration and a former Waco City Council member, wrote the initial wording approved for the marker, one slightly amended by the McLennan County Historical Commission and the Texas Historical Commission before final approval. "I think, overall, we got what we wanted in there," Herbert said. Her research supporting the marker application found eyewitness accounts that suggest the public lynching may have happened behind the 1915 city hall. Even if not located in the exact place of an event, a physical marker is important, Herbert said. "If you don't have something in the ground to point at, it can be so easily ignored," she said. For the first time, the Waco Fire Department would like to give residents of McLennan County a closer look at firefighters by starting a Citizens Fire Academy. Chief Gregory Summers said starting the academy had been part of his plan since he became Wacos chief in March of last year. I previously was a fire chief in Little Rock, Arkansas, and we initiated a citizens academy there and it provided information to the citizens on what we do as a fire department. and it got great reviews, Summers said. McLennan County residents will have an interactive learning experience that includes lessons on fire and life safety awareness. Participants will learn about the departments hiring and training process, hazardous materials, fire tactics, various firefighting tools, and urban search and rescue. Summers said residents will also undergo CPR training, but the academy will not offer certification. Bringing a program like this to Waco is a great way to let residents learn about their first responders and give them a better understanding of what firefighters duties are, including responding to health calls, Summers said. Seven months have passed. Where are these facts that developed? Numerous audits have been undertaken in several states and massive voter fraud has not been uncovered. Nothing has surfaced to allow the states to re-certify the results. Yet I havent seen or heard you concede that such evidence doesnt exist. And I along with millions of others watched in horror and disbelief as the violence of Jan. 6 played out on our television screens, an insurrection pressing for the same outcome you did to stop certification of the Electoral College results. And I watched you, Congressman Sessions, still vote against certification, even after the mob atrocities of that day drove you into hiding. I also watched as you deleted your Jan. 3 post with the Stop the Steal group. Hmm, what made you do that, I wonder? Not to worry: Many of your constituents took screenshots of that post so it lives on in infamy. CEDAR FALLS A new center at the University of Northern Iowa will teach students valuable skills to boost their chances of finding a job while providing local businesses and community members with sales expertise. The UNI Center for Professional Sales Excellence will feature space for sales development activities, student internship opportunities and recruiting events. The events will allow students to build skills, earn badges and certificates that showcase their professional sales capabilities, and build relationships with potential employers. The centers first workshops will be held this summer. Employers are always happier to hire students who are ready to hit the ground running, said Dale Cyphert, head of the marketing and entrepreneurship department, which is launching the initiative. An important piece of the College of Businesss mission involves identifying areas where we already do a really great job of preparing students and making sure that they are able to prove their value to prospective employers. The sales center, which will be open to all majors, was born from that idea of helping students succeed. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} A federal freeze on most evictions that was enacted last year expired Saturday, after the Biden administration extended the original 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 nearly $47 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses. Advocates for tenants said the distribution of the money had been slow and that more time was needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to oust tenants who were behind on their rents. Even with the delay, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. as of July 5 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 pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households. Heres the situation in Iowa: Imagine two ends of a spectrum human cleverness at one end and natures wisdom at the other, explains Jackson. The Industrial Mind, over the past one hundred years, has increasingly relied on human cleverness as the culmination of (o)ur ten-thousand-year history of growing food tied to the notion that nature is to be subdued or ignored. And it worked until it didnt. Today this cleverness has also delivered future-altering consequences like soil erosion, climate change, and hypoxic zones in both inland and coastal waters. To surmount these growing problems will require extraordinary political will, both to conserve topsoil and stop climate change and develop renewable energy technology. There is hope, however, Jackson suggests. I am not proposing that we quit being clever; instead, cleverness should be subordinated to nature. And, despite industrial ags strong effort to slow or halt much of it, that subordination is happening. Slowly, at least. For example, renewable energy solar, wind, and water power now delivers 18% of Americas electricity. That will more than double by 2050. In 2020, U.S. organic food sales totaled $62 billion, a record 6% of all U.S. food sales. So change is coming. Knowing 44 of the Problem Solvers and G-22 are Republicans, this bilateral support may be of sufficient size to get the infrastructure plan approved. Who will be sitting on the sidelines twiddling their thumbs? Iowas delegation. The bipartisan National Governors Association is on board with the Problem Solvers and G-22. Arkansas Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said, on behalf of the National Governors Association, we are pleased that senators of both parties have come to an agreement on a framework for funding critical infrastructure investments. We urge Congress to capitalize on this rare bipartisan agreement to deliver a transformative infrastructure bill to the American people. No Labels (a not-for-profit bipartisan organization) and HarrisX (a marketing research firm) surveyed over 12,000 voters and produced findings that are quite different from what left- and right-wing biased media, Democrats and Republicans have been spouting (July 22, The Hill). Seventy-two percent of voters favor the Problem Solvers bipartisan $1.249 trillion infrastructure plan investing in roads, bridges, water, power grids, broadband and other physical assets. However, 76% of the public do not want the infrastructure bill to be linked to the $3.5 trillion social spending bill. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... The most stunning thing about the Great Ice Cream War between Ben & Jerrys and Israel is the explosive Israeli reaction. The ice cream maker, famous for social consciousness and such iconic flavors as Chubby Hubby, announced Monday it was ending sales in Occupied Palestinian Territory, meaning Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. But the announcement stipulated it would still sell ice cream inside Israel (meaning within the pre-1967 borders before Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza in the Six-Day War). Yet, the level of outrage from Israels leaders across the political spectrum and from many U.S. politicians and Jewish organizations seemed more appropriate for Irans ayatollahs than the maker of frozen treats. A new form of terrorism, charged Israels president, Isaac Herzog, a former chairman of the left-leaning Labor Party. A shameful surrender to antisemitism, tweeted centrist Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. An anti-Israel ice cream, stated Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. But Ben & Jerrys wasnt calling for a boycott of Israel proper. It was focused on Jewish settlements in the mostly Palestinian West Bank, which the U.S. State Department regards as occupied territory. U.S. policy for decades, before the Trump administration, sought to curb growth of settlements lest they rule out any future political accord between Israel and the Palestinians. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ So why is the Ben & Jerry boycott inspiring such rage? Critics have linked it to the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which calls for countries, businesses and universities to sever all ties with Israel unless it withdraws from all land captured in 1967. The movement is based on the boycott of South Africa under apartheid. But its demands, if fulfilled, would rule out a Jewish homeland. However, the controversial ice cream freeze is not currently tied to BDS or to sales within Israel (although there is some discord between Ben & Jerrys independent board and its parent company, Unilever, over future developments). The furious reaction to the current boycott only gives free publicity to the BDS movement, and allows it to claim an unearned victory. So, again, why all the sound and fury over denying Cherry Garcia to settlers, coming even from Israeli politicians who have decried the expansion of settlements? In part, the answer is emotional, the memory of past boycotts of Jews, in Europe and by Arabs, that led to wars and death. But those days are long gone as Israels economic stature grows exponentially and key Arab states make peace. In part, the angst stems from fear that the Ben & Jerry move marks the beginning of a slippery slope, a prelude to adoption by major international companies of the BDS call to boycott Israel entirely because it maintains an apartheid system over Palestinians. Yet, by insisting that a boycott of West Bank settlements is the same as one of Israel in other words, that settlements are an official part of Israel Israeli officials only strengthen the BDS line. West Bank settlements have not yet been formally annexed to Israel (although former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was willing). However, the continued expansion of Jewish settlements and special settler roads on the West Bank leaves the Palestinians divided into unconnected chunks of territory that make any future Palestinian statelet unviable. Meantime, the settlers enjoy economic, civic and legal rights denied to Palestinians. By equating West Bank settlers with citizens in Tel Aviv, the Israeli attack on Ben & Jerrys effectively concedes there is only one Israeli state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean. This brings international attention back to BDS demands for rights for disenfranchised West Bank Palestinians in such a binational state. In effect, the Ben & Jerry boycott is a reminder that the Palestinian issue wont disappear, despite the fact it is mostly off the global agenda. Israel cant ignore the political status of the Palestinian population in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza and inside Israel proper, whose numbers now equal the population of Jews. True, it is almost impossible to envision any peace negotiations in the foreseeable future. For one thing, the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank is near collapse, and Gaza is controlled by Hamas, which doesnt recognize Israel. For another, while many Sunni Arab countries have recognized Israel, Iran and its proxies in Lebanon and Syria still present a serious threat. However, those facts do not disguise the reality that Ben & Jerrys ice cream war lays bare. If Israel treats West Bank settlers as part of the Jewish state, then it must confront the question of Palestinian rights within a one-state reality. Unless it distinguishes between the West Bank and Israel proper, and regenerates some kind of Israel-Palestinian negotiations, it will encourage the claim it is an apartheid state. This is fact, whether fair or unfair. As Alon Pinkas writes in Haaretz: Ironically, it may be the decision by Ben & Jerrys that ultimately proves to Israel that, as the cliche goes, denial is not just a river in Egypt, and the Palestinian situation needs to be dealt with one way or another. Thats something for U.S. supporters of Israel to consider before they rule out buying another Chunky Monkey cone. Trudy Rubin is a columnist and editorial-board member for the The Philadelphia Inquirer. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Santa Fes approach to homelessness keeps getting tweaked, even as some of the issues problems and symptoms seem to never change. On the good news side is the Alternative Response Unit, a partnership of the Santa Fe police and fire departments. It screens dispatch calls to determine where and when services beyond a typical police response can be appropriate. The ARU team, which includes a caseworker, a paramedic and a police officer, can help in a variety of circumstances, including mental health issues and homelessness. Andres Mercado of the Fire Department says the program shows how to get out of the brick-and-mortar institutions and take care to where the people are, and straddles the intersection of public health and public safety the same space where most people find themselves when trying to settle on their own views and attitudes about the homeless. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ On a recent day, the ARU team cleared out a homeless camp from beneath a St. Francis Drive overpass, but offered the campers help on how to find another place to live and access other services. They also tried to help a woman facing a trespassing charge for parking her motorhome on the lot at the Santa Fe Suites, the former hotel thats been converted to affordable, rehab and homeless housing, and set up a medical appointment for a man camping along the Rail Trail near Second Street. Mayor Alan Webber told the Journal Norths Isabella Alves that the city has spent $3.4 million a year chasing homeless encampments across the city. The ARU is an effort to get to the root causes of homelessness and getting different outcomes, Webber said. The ARU, which went online in May, now operates three days a week, with plans to expand to a fourth, and the city departments are interviewing for a second team. The program also includes office-based caseworkers. The ARU looks like a welcome addition to the citys homelessness toolkit, joining other recent efforts, such as using former college dorms to take some people off the streets and the Santa Fe Suites project. Its hard to know whether the ARU program can make a major dent in homelessness, but it does combine appropriate community values of enforcement and compassion. Meanwhile, problems remain around Santa Fes ground zero for homeless issues the Interfaith Community Shelter at Petes Place on Cerrillos Road. In the latest public discussion about the shelter, neighborhood residents and businesses complained anew about such longstanding problems as drug dealing, sexual assault and overflow sidewalk camping. Probably nothing will change much in the near future, although leaders from the city and the shelter said theyll work to make things better and that the Santa Fe community needs to come together if a better location is to be found. That better location probably wont be on the city schools-owned open space along Siringo Road between Santa Fe High School and the La Farge branch library, near Milagro Middle School. The school district, with the city providing police security, recently cleared out a major encampment in an arroyo that runs through the property, an unsafe spot during the monsoon season. As the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up last year, the city eased restrictions on camping on public property, but now says it will respond to complaints from the public and remove encampments considered hazardous. This policy surely will be tested soon and often, as it appears that at least some campers from the school district property have already simply moved to other public spaces in Midtown, such as Southridge/Llano Street Park to the east. As the homeless issue continues to simmer, the city is coincidentally reopening discussion of what to do with another, particularly large public space its mostly vacant, 60-acre Midtown Campus property. This time around, whether some segment of the campus should be used for a major homeless center has to be on the table, even if the vision of the campus becoming a gleaming mix of residential, retail, office, education and arts- or tech-based development remains. Santa Fe needs a central location to provide the homeless population with shelter, and maybe camping space, along with such amenities as showers and services, including health care, counseling and job training. Some portion of the campus property could be the best option, particularly if the campus is expanded with the addition of adjacent state property. That would mean more land to provide a buffer between a homeless center, other development and nearby neighborhoods. Trying to push such a facility far out to the citys edges is unrealistic its not where the clients for the needed services congregate. As weve said before, homelessness is an extremely difficult issue that can overwhelm even the best intentions of combined city/private efforts. Santa Fe needs to continue to try new options toward reaching the mayors goal of different outcomes on this issue that dont include continuing to ask one particular group of residents or businesses to take the hit for all of us. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal In every city, the location of shops, houses and manufacturing are all carefully planned out. A citys zoning helps determine its look and function, and now, with New Mexicos cannabis legalization, where dispensaries fit into this mix is being determined. The city of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County have been working on creating zoning ordinances to help pave the way for dispensaries and cannabis consumption areas that will begin popping up within a year. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The city is currently reviewing regulations for cannabis shops, but hasnt passed anything at this time. The city council heard a preliminary presentation on zoning at its most recent meeting in early July, and is slated to approve recommendations Aug. 25. Noah Berke, planner manager for the city, said the city has been issuing zoning approvals for medical cannabis for several years and can apply many of the same rules toward recreational cannabis. The city is anticipating zoning code changes by October, but in the interim can use existing medical provisions for producer permitting, which is slated to begin statewide on Sept. 1. Recreational cannabis dispensaries will likely fall under existing retail use zoning and the city will expand the definition of retail establishments to include cannabis, he said. For consumption areas, these rules will likely mimic bars. From what we have researched, and discussions with the state and other municipalities, Santa Fe is ahead of most other jurisdictions, Berke said in an email. We already have lots of provisions in our Zoning Code that regulate growing, manufacturing, apothecaries and retail uses. Ben Lewinger, executive director of the New Mexico Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, said dispensaries should be treated more like pharmacies than bars. He said the behavior around dispensaries is more akin to people shopping at a Walgreens than partying at a bar. Undoing prohibition is really hard, he said. I think the challenge is, how do we look beyond the stigma of cannabis? Emily Kaltenbach, state director of the Drug Policy Alliance, said its important for local governments to keep equity front and center in its policy making, including zoning. For example, making sure micro-businesses have equal opportunities with larger businesses. She said there should be a level playing field between existing medical cannabis licensees and new businesses. Zoning should also ensure dispensaries arent all located in low-income communities. Part of the discussions surrounding zoning have included comparisons to Trinidad, Colorado. In Trinidad, there are multiple cannabis dispensaries along Interstate 25 and surrounding areas as people enter and exit town. In Durango, Colorado, dispensaries are scattered farther apart throughout the town, primarily on side streets. As you get closer to the border entering Trinidad, you start seeing huge billboards. There are dispensaries everywhere. Lewinger said. Compared to Durango, which possibly as a result of better zoning, its not as overwhelming for people who object to cannabis. Lewinger said he doesnt foresee this type of zoning occurring in Santa Fe, Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico due to increased legalization in the United States. When it comes to zoning, he said the only thing that really needs to be paid attention to is outlet density or how close cannabis dispensaries can be to one another. This helps ensure businesses can remain competitive, and helps places look more like Durango and less like Trinidad. In Santa Fe County, the proposed ordinance would prevent cannabis establishments from being closer than 200 feet from each other. In addition, the establishments must be at least 300 feet from schools and day care centers as mandated by state law. Previously, the county was discussing only allowing personal cannabis growth indoors prompting several commissioners to voice concerns because they said they thought it was unnecessarily restrictive. I made one of the changes that I felt was really important, (namely) that personal use be allowed to grow outside in their backyard, Commissioner Anna Hansen said. To me, that was really important. She said some people might want to grow only two plants in their backyard, which is simpler than having to set up lights and other equipment for indoor growing. At the Santa Fe County Commission meeting July 13, commissioners discussed how indoor personal growing could potentially be cost-prohibitive for some people. Since that meeting, county staff said the nuisance code should prevent people from creating too much odor from cannabis growth. Hansen said its important to remember the county is a much larger area than the city, and people live on larger lots, so she doesnt foresee odor being an issue. I think we are a progressive county and we are also a traditional, historic county, she said. I think there are going to be different impacts in different communities, and I think were just going to have to see how it evolves. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Homicide detectives were called to two deaths in less than 12 hours on Saturday in different parts of Albuquerque. Police spokeswoman Rebecca Atkins said one incident happened in a Four Hills neighborhood and another in Southeast Albuquerque. No arrests have been reported. Atkins said officers responded around 5:30 p.m. to an incident at an apartment complex in the 6000 block of Anderson S.E., near San Pedro and Kathryn. When they arrived they located a deceased individual, she said. More details will be released as they are available. Then, around 7 a.m., police were dispatched to a death outside a home in the 1000 block of Cuatro Cerros Trail SE, just south of Central and Tramway. Atkins said officers found a man dead. She gave no other details on either incident. There have been 75 homicides investigated by Albuquerque police so far this year, approaching the record total of 80 tallied in 2019. By this time in 2019, there had been 43. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Derek Lucero stares at the flag spread out on a table in his West Side home as if such intense scrutiny will suddenly unlock the secrets of the Japanese characters inscribed on the banner. The pennant is a Japanese Good Luck Flag (yosegaki hinomaru), a gift traditionally presented to Japanese men serving their country in military campaigns. The flags were especially popular during World War II. Japans national symbol, a red circle or sun, is in the center of the white flags. Hinomaru means circular sun. Stretching out like rays from this sun are messages written by family, friends, neighbors, teachers, colleagues and local leaders, words that remind the recipient of his duty and/or wish him victory, safety and good luck. Yosegaki means collection of writing. During World War II, Japanese military men usually carried the flags in a uniform pocket. If such a flag is in the United States, it may not have been good luck for the man it belonged to because it likely means he was captured or killed. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Derek Luceros late grandfather, Las Vegas, New Mexico native Benny Lucero, brought the flag now owned by Derek Lucero to this country. Benny Lucero served with the U.S. Army in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. But my grandfather did not kill the soldier who had this flag, Derek Lucero said. He explains that the Japanese soldier died of wounds while being treated by the U.S. Army medical unit in which his grandfather served. Now, Derek Lucero is trying to get the flag to the Japanese soldiers family. Im paying tribute to (my grandfather) by returning the flag, he said. My grandfather went to war and fought. And so did the Japanese man who carried this flag. Send that back Derek Lucero is himself an Army veteran, having served with armor units before an injury forced a medical discharge. He received his grandfathers flag as a gift for his 50th birthday, which he celebrated in May. I had grown up watching my grandfather with the flag, he said. It was a souvenir, a war trophy. Almost as soon as he got the flag, Derek Lucero started thinking about giving it to the dead soldiers family. I was talking to my first cousin about it, and he said Yeah. You got to send that back. I got on Facebook and wrote Can anyone help me? I want to get this to his family. A Japanese woman was able to translate enough of the writing on the flag to suggest that it comes from Hita, Japan, a city on Kyushu Island. But the name of the soldier to which it was given remains a mystery. Lonnie Lucero, Bennys son and Dereks father, was the keeper of the flag before it was given to Derek. Benny Lucero died in 2010 when he was 89. Lonnie Lucero, 72, lives in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He said his father Benny was a carpenter before World War II and worked as a carpenter with his Army medical unit. They used him to make operation tables on the fly, Lonnie Lucero said during a phone interview. An article in the Jan. 6, 1945, issue of Yank Magazine, a U.S. Army weekly published during World War II, illustrates the ingenuity Benny Lucero employed while doing his job. T/5 (Technician fifth grade) Benny Lucero, plaster man and carpenter from Las Vegas, N. Mex., constructs operating tables out of bamboo, ether masks from adhesive tape cans, ward tents with supply-drop parachutes and blackout operating rooms with walls and ceilings of GI blankets. Benny Lucero used trench shovels and scrap wood to make stands on which to rest the legs of patients suffering leg wounds or breaks. Yank described the innovative stands as looking like something dreamed up by Rube Goldberg or Salvador Dali. According to the Yank article, the portable hospitals in which Benny Lucero worked were set up about 400 to 800 yards from the fighting lines, close enough that machine guns bullets some times ripped through the hospitals grass roofs. It may have been during just such a time that the Japanese soldier who owned the flag in question was brought to the American field hospital. Lonnie Lucero said he is not sure where that hospital was, but he thinks it was in Burma. My dad said that what happened there is that they brought in a Japanese soldier to keep him alive, Lonnie Lucero said. I guess he had penetrated pretty far into the American lines and got shot up. They put him on the operating table to keep him alive, but he did not live long. Benny Lucero found the flag while disposing of the dead soldiers clothes. Next step It was Lonnie Lucero, doing research on the internet, who discovered that his fathers war souvenir was a Good Luck Flag. He told his father what he found out. Dad said he guessed that is what it was because other Americans had picked up similar flags, Lonnie Lucero said. I said Maybe we can get this flag back to who it belongs to. Now, thats Derek Luceros job. His next step is to contact the OBON SOCIETY, a non-profit organization whose mission is returning Good Luck Flags to Japanese families. I would love to go to Japan and return the flag to the family, Derek Lucero said. But, he admits, thats just wishful thinking and not the most important thing. The most important thing is finding out who and where that family is. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal In April 2010, Paul Beebe, Jesse Sanford and William Hatch were accused of kidnapping a Navajo man with mental disabilities in Farmington, writing anti-gay slurs on the man, branding him with a wire hanger and shaving a swastika on to his head. The three became the first in the country to be charged with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. More than a decade later, the FBI fears hate crimes in New Mexico are going unreported and is trying to better document incidents across the state as federal authorities focus on civil rights as one of their top priorities. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Raul Bujanda, special agent in charge of the FBI Albuquerque office, said the issue is dear to the heart of the agency and he believes they could be collecting better data. The FBI defines a hate crime as a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offenders bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity. Bujanda said that in 2018, 25 hate crimes were reported in New Mexico. In 2019, the number jumped to 50. Data for 2020 was not available. Theres just a lot of instances that have happened, unfortunately, in the past several years that have made us look to see, What is going on in America? he said. Bujanda has noted an uptick in hate-based threats that are more violent in general and believes, based on whats being seen across the country, the numbers are much higher. We dont have a whole lot of confidence in the numbers. We felt for the most part that hate crimes were being underreported, he said. How do you quantify hate crimes? Its all really based on what people tell us and how it gets reported to us. To that end, the FBI is launching a campaign to raise awareness in the community about hate crimes and how to report them to the FBI, while planning to train local and state law enforcement to better document such crimes. In recent years, the bureau changed its crime data reporting system from the Uniform Crime Reporting model to the more-detailed National Incident-Based Reporting System, which specifies hate crimes in a way the UCR didnt. Although its voluntary for local and state law enforcement agencies to provide crime data, Bujanda believes NIBRS will give a clearer picture of hate crimes in the state. Bujanda said they are planning to start training, either in-person or virtual, for local and state law enforcement on what a hate crime is in the hopes of getting better data through those partnerships. On the community side, the FBI is meeting with civic leaders and holding events to get the word out. They attended a recent event at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque and are going to be at the Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival in September. Bujanda said there is much more to come. We want to make sure we get that word out to the community and say, If you are or if you believe that youre a victim of a hate crime, simply just call us, Bujanda said. We want to get that message out there so we can go from maybe underreporting to actual true numbers. To report a hate crime If you believe you are a victim or a witness of a hate crime, the FBI is encouraging you to report it by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a tip, which can be anonymous, at tips.fbi.gov. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE, N.M. A mislabeled invoice more than three years ago followed by persistent inquiries from the Albuquerque Public Schools business office raised questions about former Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapletons relationship with Robotics Management Learning System LLC eventually triggering an investigation into fraud, racketeering, illegal kickbacks and money laundering. No charges have been filed, but investigators have laid out allegations that Stapleton not only helped Robotics get and keep a contract with APS but also used her legislative position to secure funding that went to Robotics and ultimately to four entities she controlled or had a direct interest in. The FBI and IRS Criminal Division also are investigating and have served federal grand jury subpoenas on APS. Documents in the case say that Robotics was paid more than $5 million dating back to 2006 and that more than $950,000 of that was funneled to the two businesses and two nonprofits with ties to Stapleton A Taste of the Caribbean Restaurant, the S. Williams Associates, the Ujima Foundation and the Charlie Morrisey Foundation. Stapleton, director of APS Career and Technical Education, has been placed on administrative leave by Superintendent Scott Elder pending the criminal investigation. APS has placed another 11 employees on administrative leave while it conducts its own internal review. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Stapleton, who held the No. 2 leadership position in the House as floor majority leader, resigned from the Legislature on Friday. In her resignation letter, she unequivocally denied the allegations. Her attorney, Ahmad Assed, said in a statement that she is eager to cooperate in the investigation to clear her name of any wrongdoing. Purchase order Documents in the case show that the alleged scheme began to slowly unravel when the New Mexico Public Education Department notified the APS business office in early 2018 that it was refusing to pay a purchase order submitted by Robotics because it should have been submitted as an invoice. The purchase order had gone to PED because it involved grant money. Rennette Apodaca, who heads APS business systems and procurement department, began looking into the mislabeled invoice after it was rejected by PED, asking her staff to investigate the problem and have the company fix the invoice. What she found and didnt find led to more and more questions about the company and its relationship with Stapleton. What APS discovered was that the problematic purchase order originated with Stapleton. The purchase order was for something called Cyber Quest, which was listed on other records as Cyberquest. Apodaca told her staff to contact Robotics and have it submit a proper invoice. Contacting Robotics proved difficult. The company didnt respond to telephone messages or emails. The address Robotics listed on its paperwork was an apartment building, and the company had an Albuquerque post office box where APS sent the company checks. An accounts payable manager at APS tried to check the two websites listed on Robotics paperwork but found that neither of them worked. There is some question about whether either website ever existed. The lack of a website for a company involved in computer software raised more questions at the APS business office. Based on prior invoices, Robotics supplied software that was supposed to provide students with multiple choice online quizzes and develop teacher training materials integrating math and science into the Career and Training Education programs that Stapleton oversaw. Apodacas staff began asking questions about Cyber Quest, and a teacher in the program was asked whether it was even being used. Fifteen minutes later, Stapleton called the procurement office asking why it was looking into Robotics. She was told the office was doing due diligence. Apodaca continued to try to find out who owned Robotics or Cyber Quest. After finding the person who originally owned the company and getting referred to another person, Apodaca received a telephone call from Joseph F. Johnson, who said he had taken over the company after the prior owner had a stroke. Apodaca explained the problem with the paperwork and the lack of information in APS files about the company. She never heard back from Johnson. Instead, Stapleton and her staff provided corrected invoices and documents about the company. Those documents raised more questions. Among them: Did Robotics have a New Mexico tax identification number? Did Robotics have an Albuquerque business license? Why did the Washington, D.C.-based firm receive its checks at an Albuquerque post office box? Why did the firm deposit checks into New Mexico banks? Why was APS paying $40,000 for a licensing fee for each school using the software, instead of one fee for the entire school system? Why did Robotics have a sole source, no-bid contract with APS? APS officials could answer only the last question, and they didnt like the answers. The company claimed that it held a copyright on the software used in the program and that no other companies offered it. But APS procurement officials were concerned about the sole-source nature of the contract as far back as 2013. Attorneys for the school district said at the time that there was an exemption for copyright material and that the company would not have to go through a competitive bidding process. When the question was raised again in 2016, it was Stapleton who defended the sole-source contract because Robotics software was unique. After the investigation into the mislabeled Robotics purchase order began, APS purchasing department found that other companies offered similar services and software. In 2019, APS put the contract out to bid through a request for information. Five firms, including Robotics, responded. Robotics came in second in the evaluation scoring, but procurement staffers were concerned that three of the evaluators were teachers who were paid by Robotics to attend past training sessions in using Robotics software. Robotics was awarded the contract which was allowed by its second-place finish but procurement officials continued to raise questions, partly because the three evaluators who had received payments from Robotics were also involved in issuing change orders that increased the amount of money Robotics received. Staff in the purchasing department continued to dig into Robotics. Among other things, they found: The Albuquerque post office box receiving checks from APS appeared to be owned by Stapletons son. The owner of Robotics was president of two charities of which Stapleton was an officer and registered agent. Much of the work attributed to Robotics in the past two years may have been done by another company. A review of Robotics software by APS information technology specialists found it to be antiquated, raising concerns that change orders from APS employees were paying for Robotics software updates. Some ugly evidence The attorney generals investigation was triggered by an April 19 letter from Elder, who told Attorney General Hector Balderas that APS suspected violations of the procurement code and Governmental Conduct Act by Stapleton. The investigation burst onto the public stage when investigators from the AGs Office and New Mexico State Police served search warrants Wednesday on Stapletons Albuquerque home, APS offices and the state Legislature. Those warrants were based on other information collected in earlier warrants by investigators working behind the scenes, gathering bank records and other evidence. In his letter to Balderas, Elder said the frequency of the training was questionable and the quality of the software is suspect. Elder also commissioned an investigation by attorney Luis Robles, the results of which were forwarded to the attorney general. The superintendent, who had only been named on a permanent basis on a 4-3 vote a month before he wrote to Balderas, pulled no punches in a letter to APS employees. Our previous system did not establish adequate controls over this employee, he wrote. The internal processes failed to stop this fraud. I apologize to you and the public. He also said there will be a high priority on deterring procurement fraud. In this particular case, we let in the sunshine and discovered some ugly evidence, he said. We didnt look away. We will not become complacent. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Albuquerque police launched the third homicide investigation of the weekend early Sunday after a man was found fatally injured in the Nob Hill area. Gilbert Gallegos, a police spokesman, said in a news release that around 2:30 a.m. Albuquerque Fire Rescue was flagged down at the 3200 block of Central SE to check on an unconscious man. Firefighters noticed the man had traumatic injuries and was unresponsive. He was taken to University of New Mexico Hospital, where he died, Gallegos said. On Saturday, there were two separate homicides. At 7 a.m., police were called to the 1000 block of Cuatro Cerros Trail SE, south of Central and Tramway. Rebecca Atkins, a police spokeswoman, said officers found a man dead but didnt release any other information. About 5:30 p.m. Saturday, police were called to a reported shooting at an apartment complex at 6021 Anderson SE. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Gallegos said that when officers arrived, they found a man with multiple gunshot wounds outside one of the apartments. Police havent said if there are any suspects in the cases, and the department didnt announce any arrests. Albuquerque police this year have investigated 76 homicides, which is quickly approaching the record of 80 homicides in all of 2019. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... BLY, Oregon Firefighters in Oregon reported good progress in the battle against the nations largest wildfire, while authorities canceled evacuation orders near a major blaze in Northern California. Containment of the Bootleg Fire in remote southern Oregon was up to 74% on Sunday. It was 56% contained a day earlier. That reflects several good days of work on the ground where crews have been able to reinforce and build additional containment lines, fire spokesman Al Nash said Sunday. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The blaze has scorched over 646 square miles (1,673 square kilometers) since being sparked by lightning July 6 in the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Californias Dixie Fire covered nearly 383 square miles (992 square kilometers) in mountains where 42 homes and other buildings have been destroyed. The fire was 32% contained Sunday, and evacuation orders and warnings were lifted for several areas of Butte and Plumas counties. The cause of the blaze, which ignited July 13, was still under investigation. Authorities warned that with unpredictable winds and extremely dry fuels, the risk of flare-ups remained high. In recent days, lightning sparked two wildfires that threatened remote homes in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Evacuation warnings remained in place Sunday for communities along the Trinity River. In Montana, a wind-driven wildfire destroyed more than a dozen homes, outbuildings and other structures, authorities said Sunday. Evacuations were ordered after flames jumped a highway and moved toward communities near Flathead Lake in the northwestern part of the state. Crews also battled major blazes in northeast Washington and northern Idaho. Nearly 22,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 91 large, active wildfires covering 2,813 square miles (7,285 square kilometers) in mostly western states, the National Interagency Fire Center said. A historic drought and recent heat waves tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported last week that while a robust monsoon has delivered drought-easing rainfall to the Southwest, critically dry conditions persist across Northern California and the Northwest, where there has been an expansion of exceptional drought, the worst category. Dry conditions and powerful winds made for dangerous fire conditions in Hawaii. A wind advisory was issued Sunday for portions of Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. A fast-moving wildfire on Hawaiis Big Island grew to 62.5 square miles (100.58 square kilometers), prompting evacuation orders. The wildfire prompted officials to ask about 2,500 residents living in Waikoloa Village to evacuate Sunday, a day after people living in two other communities were asked to evacuate. This isnt the time to panic, Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said during a televised briefing. About 50 fire apparatus are being employed to fight the fire, and the National Guard has been called in to help, he said. Due to the high wind and weather patterns that are going on through the area, the fire is continuing to break through our fire breaks, Todd said. Local media report at least one home has been destroyed. An evacuation center was being set up at the old Kona airport. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. When Sir Richard Branson flew into suborbit from Spaceport America on July 11, New Mexicos reputation as a global hot spot for the emerging commercial space industry climbed right along with him. Bransons flight cast an unprecedented international spotlight on New Mexico as the birth place for commercial space travel. And that, followed by billionaire Jeff Bezos July 20 launch into space from West Texas, is firing up global anticipation for a new 21st Century era of space tourism. Virgin Galactic plans two more flights this year. The next one, possibly later this summer, will include the companys former CEO, George Whitesides. After that, the company will launch its first truly commercial flight in the fall to carry a four-member passenger crew from the Italian Air Force to space for experiments in microgravity and future astronaut training. And then, following a four-month hiatus for spaceship maintenance and upgrades, Virgin Galactic will finally open the gates to regular tourist flights in early 2022, ferrying paying passengers on joy rides into suborbit from southern New Mexico. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ But while most public attention is riveted on Virgin Galactic and Spaceport America, a lot more space development is also gaining momentum in New Mexico, particularly in Albuquerque, where government entities and business organizations are partnering to build out state-of-the-art facilities and programs that could turn the city into a bustling center of production for new space technologies. That includes plans by one large investor to create a massive complex to design and manufacture satellites near the Albuquerque International Sunport, plus another business-led effort to develop a separate, mixed-use complex on Kirtland Air Force Base that will house many space-related companies starting next year. Thunderbird Kirtland Development LLC which is spearheading the planned MaxQ project on the base expects to break ground this month on the first two buildings at the site for two different companies. That includes the space-focused national engineering firm BlueHalo, which plans to invest $60 million in a 200,000-square-foot facility to design and manufacture new space technology. BlueHalo announced its investment on July 20 in a press conference with local, state and federal officials, who hailed the progress underway in building New Mexicos commercial space industry. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the state is reaching the tipping point in industry development, elevating New Mexico into a leadership position. For the first time for as long as I can remember, were beating out other states, Lujan Grisham told the Journal. We have the right talent and vision in place to do it. I believe were already beyond the tipping point. Albuquerque and New Mexico are rising up and the country is taking notice, added Mayor Tim Keller. Were committed to being the home for space technology, Keller said at the BlueHalo event. We are winning this race, and Albuquerque will be known for it for decades to come. Pushing momentum Many factors are propelling local industry momentum. Chief among them are U.S. Department of Defense efforts to modernize military capabilities in space, plus the DODs reliance on private sector ingenuity and agility to design and develop the new innovative technologies it needs. Albuquerque is front and center in those efforts, because many of the military entities directly involved in space defense are located at Kirtland. That includes the Space & Missiles Center, the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, and the Air Force Research Laboratorys Space Vehicles Directorate. Thats led to a steady flow of contracts for local companies, and for national firms with facilities here. Just since last fall, BlueHalo has won six different AFRL contracts worth a total of $136 million to develop things like modern space communications and sensing systems to improve autonomous spacecraft controls and enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The DOD needs a broad range of products and services, generating opportunities for companies with many different areas of specialization. That includes manufacturing systems and components, plus operational management services for spacecraft, satellites, launch operations, ground control, and software development. It also includes firms that can harvest reams of newly-generated data from space for information processing and analysis. To help tap into those opportunities, Kirtland entities are working in partnership with local government and industry organizations to build connections between businesses and DOD agencies. NewSpace New Mexico, an industry association that launched in Albuquerque in 2018, has spearheaded a lot of those activities, largely in cooperation with the AFRL. NewSpace will receive $11 million in federal funding over the next five years to accelerate those efforts, allowing it to build two new innovation hubs where companies can connect and network with the AFRL and other government agencies to launch and grow business operations here. The association inaugurated a new, 8,700-square-foot facility on July 8 near the Sunport called the Unite and Ignite Space innovation hub that will provide resources, co-working areas, meeting spaces and networking events to facilitate connections and collaboration. It opened the center in partnership with the AFRL. It also plans to open another 15,000-square-foot space at the forthcoming MaxQ development site where similar services will be offered, including secure management for companies to work on classified projects there, said NewSpace founder and CEO Casey Anglada DeRaad. And the AFRL itself opened a separate innovation hub for space-related companies in Nob Hill this past spring. That center, called Q Station, will help facilitate direct connections between companies and DOD entities to work on new technologies. These new facilities and programs can provide a lot of resources to connect space suppliers with buyers, DeRaad told the Journal. It allows us to really bring everyone together in a cohesive, collaborative ecosystem. Getting really excited Like others, DeRaad said the momentum now underway represents an inflection, or tipping point. Weve been in cheerleader mode for the last couple of years, but now people are getting really excited, DeRaad said. We have a real opportunity to become a leader in the space industry. New Mexico has long been home to space innovation and development, said AFRL Technology Outreach Lead Matt Fetrow. But were now seeing an acceleration of that innovation with new programs and companies based in New Mexico, Fetrow told the Journal. That brings national recognition for New Mexico as a key place for the industry and thats new. The MaxQ development site and the satellite-manufacturing complex that the Washington, D.C.-based Theia Group wants to build next to the Sunport are particularly significant achievements, Fetrow added. MaxQ could potentially concentrate dozens of high-tech companies together on about 70 acres of space on the north side of Kirtland. The complex will be built in phases, eventually encompassing more than 2 million square feet of office, laboratory, retail and manufacturing facilities that stretch from Carlisle to Truman on the south side of Gibson. The satellite-manufacturing complex, meanwhile, would be located on an 114.5-acre parcel of land just west of MaxQ. That project, dubbed the Orion Center, would include a 4.1 million square-foot factory plus other facilities. It would employ 1,000 people to start, potentially expanding to 2,500 later, according to the Theia Group. That would be a game changer, Fetrow said. The Orion investors have already leased a 72,000-square-foot building in the Sandia Science and Technology Park. And in June, the Theia Group paid the city $1 million to lease the land targeted for the Orion Center, said Albuquerque City Councilor Pat Davis, who represents the area. They already made their first rent payment, and theyre now doing a road show to raise more capital for the project, Davis told the Journal. Given all the developments underway, New Mexico is gaining national validation for its efforts to build a bustling commercial space industry here, Davis added. It feels like where the film industry was 10 years ago, Davis said. We planted the original seeds with incentives and resources to build that industry 20 years ago, but it took a decade to come into its own, and then another decade to become a national leader. The space industry is following in that same path. Instagram Celebrity The 'Conga' hitmaker and her husband have scored a huge $33 million profit after offloading the Miami house, which they bought for $2 million in 1993, for $35 million this year. Aug 1, 2021 AceShowbiz - Gloria Estefan and her husband have scored a big property win after selling their Miami, Florida mansion for $35 million (25.1 million). The couple bought the six-bedroom pad on exclusive Star Island in 1993 for almost $2 million (1.4 million), according to TMZ. The Estefans bought another home on the same street years later and moved into that, turning their first Star Island property into a luxury guest space. The corner plot on the waterfront features views of Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline and a private dock. Meanwhile, many other celebrities struggled to sell their houses amid pandemic. Sandra Bullock, John Legend & Chrissy Teigen, as well as Kelly Clarkson were forced to slash their asking prices in order to offload their properties quicker. Pamela Anderson also shaved off the sale price of her treehouse-style Malibu, California mansion after she relocated to Canada with her new husband Dan Hayhurst. Justin Bieber and wife Hailey Baldwin suffered $500,000 loss as they let go of their Beverly Hills home for $7.955 million after purchasing the property for $8.5 million in 2019. However, Liam Hemsworth, Chris Hemsworth, and Luke Hemsworth were lucky to sell the house they shared in Malibu for $4.9 million as the trio moved back to their native country Down Under amid the health crisis. The three brothers bought the property in 2016 for $3.45 million. Liam's former wife Miley Cyrus also collected sizeable profit after she managed to sell her Hidden Hills, California home, which she bought for $4.9 million in 2020, for $7.2 million this year. She scored huge profit after renovating the property with a little help from her mum Tish and decor expert Mat Sanders. WENN Celebrity The Blondie lead vocalist found it 'wonderful' to finally be able to 'embrace [her] friends and have them over for a meal' as she marked her 76th birthday. Aug 1, 2021 AceShowbiz - Debbie Harry was "very touched" to see people at her 76th birthday party as she emerged from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blondie frontwoman was able to celebrate her special day with friends earlier this month and she admitted it was "wonderful" to finally see her pals in person after spending so much time in isolation due to the coronavirus pandemic. She said of her "little party," "I finally got to see people properly. I was very touched and emotional about it. It was wonderful just being able to embrace my friends and have them over for a meal." The "Hanging on the Telephone" hitmaker has been mourning the loss of some friends, including producer Hal Willner, after they lost their lives to COVID-19. She told British newspaper The Sun, "Tragically, I've lost some people to the virus. Including Hal Willner, one of the most talented music people ever," adding "the statistics were staggering in New York" in the early stages of the pandemic but she's thankful the city had such strong leadership. She said, "I'm so grateful for Governor Cuomo going on air every night being strong, encouraging and honest." "We were so fortunate to have him standing up to Washington's political empire. He was fighting for us, the city... when it was completely scary." "My friends in London say it's been the same in the U.K. though some were fortunate enough to leave the city and move to higher ground, so to speak." The "Call Me" hitmaker returned to the stage in the city's Battery Park last month and it was a special moment for the star. She said, "This was on the day that the mask mandate was lifted and I'll just never forget the feeling. It was only seven or eight songs but it was very meaningful to me." Meanwhile, despite her advancing years, Debbie has no plans to retire. "To be creative and to keep that part of my brain going is essential and as I get older. I just want to feel that side of life and feel that I am contributing somehow to my own well-being. Music is my life force." "And I've had so much support from family, friends and fans that I can't think of any other way. What else would I do? Become a race car driver?" WENN Celebrity The 'Happy Days' actor has personally reached out to his childhood friend by calling the woman he once grew up with when she celebrated her 101st birthday. Aug 1, 2021 AceShowbiz - Henry Winkler surprised a childhood pal by phoning her on her 101st birthday. Back in the 1950s, the "Happy Days" star grew up in the same New York City building as the woman, who is now fighting Alzheimer's disease, but her granddaughter insisted she's never forgotten the beloved actor. "He was about 10-ish and he had a big crush on her (sic)... That's the story I heard growing up," Natalie Lebovits-Zaidenberg told the New York Post's Page Six. Lebovits-Zaidenberg's grandmother, Florence Keller, made a really big impression on the future TV heartthrob - and he's now one of the few people she remembers as she battles the memory-zapping condition. "My grandmother has Alzheimer's," said Natalie, "but whenever she watches TV and he comes on, she goes, 'It's Henry,' and gets very excited... Sometimes she doesn't remember us so it's really special." She shared the sweet story about Winkler and her grandma in a private Facebook group, called PR Czars, asking if any Hollywood insiders might be able to help reconnect the pair. The request worked and Winkler was able to thrill Florence with the special birthday call. "He called and he was lovely," Lebovits-Zaidenberg raved. "He just said he wished her a happy birthday, and said he appreciates that we have followed his career this whole time. They spoke for about five minutes. We were all excited." "He's 'the Fonz' (Happy Days character). It was just so cool. It was a story I grew up with my whole life that was a great NYC (New York City) story. But to see it be real was very special." She also thanked members of the Facebook group for making it happen, "It was really the power of people coming together. Everyone wanted to help." And Florence isn't the first person to pick up the phone and find the Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner, known as one of the kindest guys in showbusiness, on the line. New York City Governor Andrew Cuomo also previously received a surprise call from Winkler, after talking about how much he admired the actor. "I mentioned to someone that I was a fan of the Fonz from Happy Days," Cuomo wrote in his 2020 book, "American Crisis: Leadership Lessons" from the COVID-19 Pandemic, "and the next thing I know, Henry Winkler called." Democratic Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut did not want to lose his cool, but he said this week he couldn't help it. Himes was at the residence of an ambassador with two Republican lawmakers on Tuesday for dinner, just hours after police officers gave explosive testimony about fearing for their lives on January 6 during the Capitol Hill insurrection, when the ambassador asked the group what it was like to be in Congress during the insurrection. "I'm usually the conciliatory person but I just said 'screw it,'" Himes recalled to CNN, sharing that he could not refrain from calling out his Republican colleagues in that moment. "I'm not going to sit here and say anything other than what we all know happened," Himes added. "I just said, you know, I will never forgive the President for so damaging our democracy and it's been very, very hard to watch my Republican colleagues collude in this big lie." After that, Himes said there was a "very long awkward silence." In the direct months after January 6, tensions between members of Congress were at an all-time high. Many lawmakers refused to work with those who did not vote to certify the presidential election and the installment of the metal detectors off the House floor bred distrust and resentment. On the Senate side, thawing tensions had slowly become more evident, culminating in the bipartisanship shown in the recent vote to advance the $1 trillion infrastructure package where 17 Republicans joined Democrats. But on the House side, the last two weeks have put into sharp focus that tense dynamics have gotten worse. The creation of the select committee to investigate the January 6, which pitted House party leadership against each other and put members' previous positions on the attack back in the forefront, followed by a mask mandate being reinstated, has infused a level of rage through the hallways of the House that has poured gasoline on an already scorching working relationship. "Especially for people who have experience and a history of working with each other across the aisle, I felt like things were finally starting to thaw" a Democratic aide, reflecting on the last few months told CNN. "Unfortunately, now it feels like that came to a halt this week." The staffer cited the pushback over having to again wear masks and the reality that some lawmakers were not moved by the testimony from police officers at the select committee hearing as the sources of the new tension. McCarthy withdraws Republicans from a second committee Just days before his confrontation with his Republican colleagues at the residence of an ambassador, Himes had fallen in the crosshairs of yet another example how political brawls are affecting unrelated business in Congress. Shortly after he was appointed to serve as chair of the select committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, Himes found out that none of the Republicans initially announced to serve with Democrats on the committee would be joining. Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy had retracted his selections to the key select committee on the economy because he was still upset that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected two of his picks for a much more contentious select committee: the one investigating the January 6 riot. "It's disappointing to me obviously that we got caught up in the whole January 6 committee issue because we are obviously totally, totally separate from that," Himes told CNN. Himes said he had spoken with McCarthy about his intentions for the select committee ahead of the announcement and got no indication that McCarthy would pull back his appointments until it happened. Although he says he has not spoken to McCarthy since the decision to remove Republicans from his select committee was made, hoping to let "tempers settle," Himes told CNN he plans to reach out to Pelosi and McCarthy about finding a way to "insulate" the committee from being derailed by future political fights. 'I wish we weren't going down this road right now' Earlier this week, a routine Rules Committee meeting turned into a viral back-and-forth over how members talk about the January 6 insurrection. Chairman of the Committee on Rules Jim McGovern, a Massachusetts Democrat, pleaded for members to stick to the topic at hand as partisan fights started brewing and detracting from members' work. "I wish we weren't going down this road right now," McGovern said. "We're now prone to too many generalizations here that paint people here with a broad brush that is inaccurate. And I think if we want to get back to a time where we can actually find common ground, we all got to kind of cool it a little bit." But things reached a fever pitch when Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who serves on the select committee investigating the riot, utilized part of his time to rail on GOP Rep. Andrew Clyde and pin him down on whether he still stands by his previous comments of calling scenes of the January 6 "a normal tourist visit." Many members called for order, but Raskin pushed to get Clyde to admit that he did not regret his previous statement characterizing January 6 as "a normal tourist visit" even though Clyde refused to concede that by extension he was calling the rioters from that day tourists. The mask mandate being reinstated in the House has only infused another fiery level of resentment between the two parties. Lauren Boebert threw a mask at a floor staffer when she was intercepted trying to walk onto the House floor without one. Republicans forced multiple procedural delays on the House floor to protest the new mask mandate. Many in the GOP railed against guidance from Capitol Police on Thursday that said staffers and visitors could be subject to arrest for evading mask rules, even though that exact language was used in a similar release obtained by CNN that went out last year. The House Republican Freedom Caucus held a press conference pressuring McCarthy to bring a resolution to the floor to remove Pelosi from her chair. Many of them later walked back and forth between the House and Senate without a mask to highlight that the mask guidance is different between the two chambers, and protest its use in the House. And above all, the rhetoric has reached a screeching new pitch. It starts at the top McCarthy said he did not watch the select committee's first hearing investigating January 6. When Pelosi was asked about that by CNN, she shot back, "anytime you mention his name, you're not getting an answer from me. Don't waste my time." After McCarthy framed the new mask guidance in the House as "a decision conjured up by liberal government officials who want to continue to live in a perpetual pandemic state" Pelosi told reporters, "he's such a moron." Rank-and-file members have also taken shots at their opposing side. When McCarthy came to the House floor to rail against the new mask mandate and call into question the science and logic behind the decision, Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan gave an impassioned floor speech calling McCarthy's reasoning "immature and appalling" and ultimately "beneath a minority leader of one of the major political parties in the United States of America." GOP Reps. Ralph Norman of South Carolina called Pelosi a "disgrace," Jody Hice of Georgia described Pelosi's leadership as "draconian, authoritarian reign," and Andy Biggs of Arizona said her "tyranny knows no bounds." Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff tweeted of McCarthy on Thursday, "if anyone thought that the deadly incompetence of the GOP ended when Trump left office, Kevin McCarthy proves otherwise. He mirrors the anti-science, anti-truth mentality of the former president. For our democracy's sake, and our health, he must never become Speaker." Democratic Rep. Jared Huffman got in a yelling match with GOP Rep. Byron Donalds because Donalds, who told reporters he is not vaccinated, refused to put on his mask. Huffman, wearing a mask, said Donalds was selfish for not wearing a mask, but Donalds responded, "Don't be worried about me! Mind your business!" GOP Rep. Chip Roy, one of many right-wing Republicans to not wear a mask in protest on Wednesday who has tried multiple times to get the House to adjourn this week said on the House floor, "this institution is a sham. And we should adjourn and shut this place down." Some are hoping that the House heading towards a seven-week recess will help these tensions simmer. "Thankfully we're all going home on August recess in a couple of days, and we'll get a little rest from all this," said GOP Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. With the recent increase of Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations due to the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, health experts and officials expect the surge to worsen as long as large segments of the country remain unvaccinated. "We will see this big, steep acceleration," Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director for the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children's Hospital, told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Friday. "As bad as things are right now in the South, they are about to get worse for lots of unvaccinated individuals." Officials in Southern states, where vaccination rates have generally lagged other parts of the country, are working to get the message out. In Georgia, the case rate has more than tripled over the last 14-day period, the state health department announced Friday as it urged residents to get vaccinated since the Delta variant is more transmissible than earlier Covid-19 strains. "Unfortunately, we can expect Covid numbers to keep growing. People who are unvaccinated or skip their second dose of vaccine are targets for infection," said Georgia health commissioner Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey. More Americans may be responding to the crisis, as recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the pace of vaccinations is going up -- especially in states where vaccination rates were lowest. The US averaged 652,084 doses administered per day -- whether a first or a second shot -- over the past week as of Friday, according to the CDC. That's up almost 27% from the average seen about three weeks ago. The increase has been sharper in some states with the lowest vaccine adoption rates. Alabama, which has the lowest percentage of its population fully vaccinated (34%), saw its seven-day average of daily doses more than double from where it was three weeks earlier: 13,131 a day vs. 6,138, according to the CDC. That average also more than doubled in three weeks in Arkansas (9,842 daily vs. 3,962 daily) and Louisiana (13,500 daily doses vs. 6,411 daily). Each of those two states have less than 38% of its populations fully vaccinated, according to CDC data. As of Friday morning, 49.5% of the US population was fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. The fully vaccinated figure was 57.9% for people eligible for inoculation -- those ages 12 and up. Health leaders continue to highlight that Covid-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing serious illness and death. The latest data from the CDC shows less than 0.004% of people fully vaccinated against Covid-19 experienced a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalization and less than 0.001% died from the disease. The agency reported a total of 6,587 breakthrough cases as of July 26, including 6,239 hospitalizations and 1,263 deaths. At that time, more than 163 million people in the US were fully vaccinated. Most of the breakthrough cases -- 74% -- occurred among adults who were 65 or older. Mask mandates return for vaccinated and unvaccinated Due to the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant, officials are preaching for all Americans -- regardless of vaccination status -- to be mindful of their surroundings. Aerosols containing Covid-19 can travel as easily as the smoke from a cigarette, Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said Friday. "If you want to understand what an aerosol is, just think of somebody smoking," Osterholm told CNN. "If you can smell a cigarette in the location you're at, then you're breathing someone else's air that may have the virus in it." Osterholm noted that while indoor transmission of the virus is the main challenge, there are examples of Covid-19 being transmitted outdoors, when people were close together for extended periods of time. Because of this, mask mandates are making a return in more cities. On Friday, the cities of Birmingham, New Orleans, and Louisville each announced plans to reinstitute mask mandates to lower indoor transmission. "If we take the steps that are necessary to squash the amount of disease that is there now, we can do so in a matter of weeks, if we all get vaccinated, if we wear masks," CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told Fox News on Friday. The CDC this week changed its guidance on mask usage and advises vaccinated people to resume mask wearing indoors in areas of "high" or "substantial" transmission of the virus. That currently covers more than 80% of the US population, according to a CNN analysis of data published Friday by the CDC. A recent study shows the Delta variant can produce similar amounts of virus in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, yet real-world data is demonstrating that unvaccinated people are at much higher risk for severe illness. Coronavirus case rates have jumped as the Delta variant has increased its grip in the United States. The US averaged more than 77,800 new daily cases over the last week -- an average that's generally risen since the country hit a 2021 low of 11,299 daily cases on June 22, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Hospitalizations also have risen. More than 43,700 Covid-19 patients were in US hospitals on Wednesday -- a number that's generally risen since a 2021 low of 15,906 on June 27, according to Department of Health and Human Services data. At Los Angeles' Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, the vast majority of hospitalized Covid-19 patients were not vaccinated. "(Most) say, 'If I knew that I was going to feel this bad, I would have gotten the vaccine,'" the center's director, Dr. Thomas Yadegar, told CNN on Saturday. ICUs are filling up again As the Delta variant spreads, hospitalizations are accumulating to levels of concern. Mississippi, which has one of the lowest rates of vaccination among US states, is dealing with a skyrocketing level of Covid-19 patients needing hospitalization. Data from the Mississippi Department of Health on Friday showed that out of 827 ICU beds statewide, only 107, or approximately 13%, are currently available. All 88 beds in the University of Mississippi Medical Center's intensive care unit, the state's largest, are full. Hospitalizations are beginning to be seen in younger age groups, state health officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said Thursday. He pointed to data that shows 88% of hospitalizations are among unvaccinated people, and it is having a "significant spillover effect to older, vaccinated Mississippians." In Texas, Austin Public Health says the region is facing the lowest-staffed ICU bed capacity since the beginning of the pandemic, with only 16 staffed beds available. "Our ICU capacity is reaching a critical point where the level of risk to the entire community has significantly increased, and not just to those who are needing treatment for Covid," Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes said on Friday. "If we fail to come together as a community now, we jeopardize the lives of loved ones who might need critical care." Throughout the state, several trauma service areas each had less than 10 ICU beds available on Friday, according to Texas health data. Some of the areas affected include Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Abilene, Killeen, Waco, Beaumont, and Victoria. Florida health care facilities continue to prepare for the surge, as the AdventHealth Hospital System stopped all non-emergency surgeries and procedures due to high Covid-19 hospitalization. AdventHealth Central Florida Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Neil Finkler said on Friday that more than 90% of the Covid-19 patients currently hospitalized are unvaccinated. "None of these patients thought they would get the virus, but the Delta variant has proven to be so highly contagious that even the young and the healthy, including pregnant patients, are now starting to fill up our hospitals," Finkler said. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. A prehistoric solar observatory in the middle of a desert. A decades-old railway that bisects two soaring mountain ranges. Striking art etched into rocks that dates back 7,000 years. These are just some of the spectacular destinations newly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After several days of online deliberations, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has voted to add 34 new spots to its list of World Heritage Sites. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee didn't meet last year, so this year's session, based out of Fuzhou, China, and attended by virtual participants from across the globe, is reviewing nominations from 2020 and 2021. UNESCO World Heritage List criteria UNESCO designated its first World Heritage Sites back in 1978, with Yellowstone National Park in the United States and the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador among the destinations on the inaugural round-up. Four decades later, getting crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site is still a highly coveted honor for many destinations. UNESCO says that to be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of "outstanding universal value." The nomination process can span years, and if a landmark fails to make the cut one year, it could be examined again when the next UNESCO convention rolls around. Destinations have to meet one of several criteria to make the list. Perhaps they're "a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared." Or maybe they contain "superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance." If a landmark gets UNESCO World Heritage status, the country can get financial assistance and expert advice from UNESCO to help preserve the site. UNESCO status also puts the destination on the map, and is sometimes credited with upping tourist numbers. On the flip side, some of the most famous UNESCO sites are also the destinations that have become most synonymous with the overtourism phenomenon in recent years -- take the canalside city of Venice, which has been under threat of losing its UNESCO status due to the impact of tourists and the Peruvian archaeological marvel of Machu Picchu, which struggled with overwhelming footfall pre-pandemic. Incredible destinations A handful of natural spots have been added to the list, including the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Thailand -- a forest known for its endangered plants and birds. Meanwhile, about two dozen cultural spots have been confirmed, including the historic limestone city of As-Salt in Jordan. Also on the list is Peru's Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex, a prehistoric site once used to track the sun, in order to demarcate dates over the span of a year. Meanwhile the Trans-Iranian Railway, a 1,394-kilometer-long track spanning two mountain ranges, is also now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 1920s and '30s, the railway navigates some steep routes, as well as an incredible 174 large bridges, 186 smaller bridges and 224 tunnels, including 11 spiral tunnels. Saudi Arabia's aimA Cultural Area rock art also made the cut, as did the French town of Nice, while spa towns across Europe including Bath, England, and Frantiskovy LaznA in the Czech Republic were confirmed as a collective group. Two sites in India were also inscribed -- Ramappa Temple, also known as Rudreshwara, is now a UNESCO site, thanks to its 'floating' brickwork, while the ancient city of Dholavira was also recognized. UNESCO also voted to remove the English city of Liverpool from its list altogether, due to UNESCO's concerns about the impact of new building development. The committee also proposed Romania's RoEia MontanA Mining Landscape -- another new addition to the World Heritage List -- also be added to its List of World Heritage in Danger. There haven't been any sites removed from the endangered list this time around. The newest World Heritage sites 2020 Turkey: Arslantepe Mound Peru: Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex Belgium/Netherlands: Colonies of Benevolence France: Cordouan Lighthouse India: Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana Germany: Mathildenhohe Darmstadt Italy: Padua's fourteenth-century fresco cycles Spain: Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences China: Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China Romania: RoEia MontanA Mining Landscape Brazil: Sitio Roberto Burle Marx Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: The Great Spa Towns of Europe Uruguay: The work of engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlantida Iran: Trans-Iranian Railway Saudi Arabia: aimA Cultural Area Japan: Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island Georgia: Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands South Korea: Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats Thailand: Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex Austria/Germany/Slovakia: Frontiers of the Roman Empire -- The Danube Limes (Western Segment) 2021 Jordan: As-Salt - The Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality Iran: Cultural Landscape of Hawraman/Uramanat India: Dholavira: a Harappan City Germany/the Netherlands: Frontiers of the Roman Empire -- The Lower German Limes Japan: Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan France: Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera Chile: Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region Germany: ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms and Mainz Cote d'Ivoire: Sudanese style mosques in northern Cote d'Ivoire Italy: The Porticoes of Bologna Slovenia: The works of JoAe PleAnik in Ljubljana -- Human Centred Urban Design United Kingdom: The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales Russia: Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea Gabon: Ivindo National Park The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. President Joe Biden said Friday the wildfires intensifying in the West demand "urgent action" as he met with seven Republican and Democratic governors to discuss how states are responding to the wildfires and how the federal government can best assist. "We can't ignore how the overlapping and intertwined factors -- extreme heat, prolonged drought and supercharged wildfire conditions -- are affecting the country. And so this is a challenge that demands our urgent, urgent action," Biden said during the virtual meeting. The President said: "Our resources are already being stretched to keep up. We need more help, particularly when we also factor in additional nationwide challenges, the pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and our ongoing efforts to fight Covid." Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met with Govs. Greg Gianforte of Montana, Jay Inslee of Washington, Gavin Newsom of California, Brad Little of Idaho, Kate Brown of Oregon, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Mark Gordon of Wyoming. "We're in a for a long fight yet this year and the only way we're going to meet those challenges is by working together. Wildfires are a problem for all of us and we have to stay closely coordinated in doing everything we can for our people," Biden said. The President held a similar meeting with governors last month to discuss the raging wildfires. In that meeting, Biden said climate change was a driving factor of the wildfires, and that the US was seeing wildfires of greater intensity that move with unusually high speed. "I said then that the threat of Western wildfires this year was as severe as it's ever been, and in the past month we've sadly seen the truth of that being played out. Since our last meeting, the number of large uncontained wildfires has nearly doubled to 66. 66 of those fires. The number of firefighters on the job that battle them has tripled. Over 3.4 million acres have already burned," Biden said. Biden and Harris discussed with the governors efforts to strengthen wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation. They heard from governors directly on how the early and severe wildfire season is impacting residents and land in the states. The group also discussed funding and investing in wildland firefighters, including increasing pay for federal firefighters and extending hiring for temporary firefighters. In June, Biden signed an executive order that raised the minimum wage for federal firefighters to $15 an hour, but the President says that pay rate still isn't enough. So far, Biden said, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved 20 fire management assistance grants totaling up to $100 million to help states pay for the cost of fighting these fires. "We're also working with FEMA and the Defense Logistical Agency to get ahead of this emergency supply chain challenges, and we still have some supply chain challenges related to hoses and a number of other things," he said. "We've tapped additional aircraft from the Department of Defense to aid in the fire detection and firefighting." Inslee told CNN later Friday that he was impressed with Biden's "resolute effort" to pass major climate initiatives through a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill, and, along with Newsom, urged the President to go beyond the immediate assistance and pass strong climate provisions through the package that Democrats are pressing forward. "There's no human intervention that can save these forests if we don't stop climate change," Inslee told CNN. "All of us want more aerial assets, more bulldozers, more trained personnel, but it's kind of like if there's an arsonist at loose, and we have to corral the arsonist. We have to go on the offense." Walz, the only midwestern governor on the call, told Biden his state is suffering extreme drought and poor air quality from fires burning out west. "Out here in Minnesota, the grey hairs are talking about the last time we've seen drought like this was '88 and it's probably more like 1961," Walz told Biden at the meeting, according to video obtained by CNN. Walz said that has had stark impact on the agriculture-heavy state's production for the year and asked for more flexibility from the federal government to deal with the fallout. "Large portions of my state that are in unprecedented drought, two years ago were in unprecedented flooding situations," Walz said. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid this is our new norm." Harris, who is from California, said she cares deeply about the issue and that her family has been under evacuation orders in the last couple of years. "Our folks should not have to fear that they are going to lose their home, everything they have, much less risk their lives in these moments," Harris said. She echoed Biden's commitment to continue to stay in touch with the governors and that the administration would continue to provide assistance. The White House on Friday will also announce two new interagency working groups pointed at the impact wildfires and extreme heat, CNN reported. Biden's National Climate Task force, which is chaired by National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, will announce a Wildfire Resilience Interagency Working Group, and an Extreme Heat Interagency Working Group. The Wildfire Resilience Interagency Group will be chaired by US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, while the Extreme Heat Interagency Working Group will be chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator Dr. Richard Spinrad, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan. This story has been updated with additional details from the meeting. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. By Cathy Jameson Scrolling through a local news website, I saw a nurse being interviewed about the COVID shot. The blurb that accompanied the video shared that the assistant dean of the Columbia University School of Nursing says there needs to be a multifactorial approach when trying to convince people to get vaccinated. The Associated Press also shared the link with the nurse, whos part of this CDC-funded organization. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NLHJbOon0Q As I watched, it was clear that the message was not to inform or educate the public about the shot. It was to do everything possible to get the last percentage of people vaccinated. Since that hasnt happened, despite an abundance of free vaccines being available, groups, including the US government, are using all sorts of approaches to peer pressure everyone to get vaccinated. The nurse suggests using other people spokespeople of the same race, church representatives, youth ambassadors, and celebrities. Other techniques are to use avenues like social media. Getting the right people to tell their own story to these last few Americans could be convincing. Smiling through the short interview, she seemed proud of strategies and tactics she suggested to raise vaccine confidence. All over the web, like clockwork, other local news stations and websites shared the exact same message. The nurses message aligned with Bidens latest complaint that not every American has gotten the shot. I know he struggles sometimes, but Biden, like those funds the nurses mission, have not gotten the message that some Americans do not want the shot, cannot take the shot, and will not get that shot. These Americans arent perseverating their message as much as the administration currently is, but theyve been vocal, too. Theyve confidently said no. Theyve politely said no, thank you. Theyve emphatically said no! ORANGE CITY, Iowa Woudstra Meat Market was bustling with activity on a warm July afternoon. While some customers were buying brats at a sidewalk stand, others carried out bags of assorted products. It was a fairly typical day for this northwest Iowa business. We keep pretty busy, says Vonda Post, who owns the Sioux County establishment with her husband Steve and their partners, Junior and Kim Hoogland. The Posts grow grain and finish hogs, while the Hooglands have a dairy operation. The quartet took possession of the business May 1 with an eye on the future. They are in the process of building a new processing facility on the edge of town. Once thats done, the current building will host all the retail business. It will be bigger, and with the inspection process, we will be able to sell meat from our own livestock, Post says. Our goal is to have it running by the end of the year. She says expanding the processing capacity was part of the plan prior to the purchase of the market. We did a lot of research, maybe 6 to 8 months of it, Post says. We saw an opportunity to grow the business. Many other processors and meat lockers are seeing similar opportunities, says Christa Hartsook, small farms program manager for Iowa State University Extensions Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program. Concerns over meat shortages in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted consumers to reach out to livestock producers directly. While animals were available, locker space was not. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, buffeted by sexual harassment allegations, is increasingly looking like he could be impeached and removed from office something that hasn't happened to the state's governor in nearly 108 years. How disappointing it is to realize that Southwest Louisiana, one of the better educated and culturally advanced areas of the state, has less than one-quarter of its citizens fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Because of the more infectious delta variant of the disease, cases, hospitalization For the last several months, secretary of state Antony Blinken and U.S. diplomats have been telling wobbly global allies that the struggle for control over the emerging new world order will pit "liberal democracies" against "authoritarian regimes." In order to protect free speech, freedom of religion, due process, rule of law, and democratic government, the story goes, Europe must join with America in keeping the power of China and Russia in check. Take a gander at these two recent headlines, and tell me how well the "liberal" United States is distinguishing itself from "authoritarian" China: Hong Kong Protester Found Guilty Of Terrorism In Trial Without Jury vs. The Jan. 6 Show Trials Threaten All of Us In the first news story, the Daily Caller's Thomas Catenacci details the travails of Tong Ying-kit, a Hong Kong protester who was recently convicted of "inciting secession" and "acts of terrorism" for driving around on his motorcycle with a sign saying, "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" during last year's protests against Beijing's crackdown on what remained of the city's U.K.-inherited freedoms. Tong participated in demonstrations on July 1, 2020, to protest China's new national security law that drastically curtails Hong-kongers' rights to criticize the Chinese Communist Party by restricting their freedoms of expression, assembly, and association. As if to put an exclamation point on the new law's purpose, Tong was scooped up by police five days later for taking part in the protest and has remained in custody ever since. Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific regional director Yamini Mishra released a statement after the conviction in which she lamented: "Today's verdict underlines the sobering fact that expressing certain political opinions in the city is now officially a crime[.] ... To convict Tong Ying-kit of 'secession' for displaying a flag bearing a widely used political slogan is a violation of international law, under which expression must not be criminalized unless it poses a concrete threat. This feels like the beginning of the end for freedom of expression in Hong Kong." How outrageous! How dare those commies roll up in the jewel of China's economic crown and throw a peaceful protester in prison for waving around a flag with a popular Hong Kong political slogan! To criminalize personal opinion as a thoughtcrime? To accuse someone of "secession" for demanding freedom? To designate an ordinary citizen a "terrorist" for assembling with other like-minded citizens petitioning their government for a redress of certain grievances? This is what naked authoritarianism looks like! This is why Secretary Blinken is correct when he argues that free, liberal democracies around the world should join hands and resolve never to allow China's inexcusable, blunt-force totalitarianism to spread beyond its shores. I tell you, this is what separates America from those tyrants on the other side of the globe. Wait...what'd you say? Take a look at the second article about the January 6 show trials in America? Why not? Ron Paul writes: "The recent felony conviction and eight month prison sentence of January 6th protester Paul Hodgkins is an affront to any notion of justice. It is a political charge and a political verdict by a political court." A felony conviction? Surely the young American must have done something horrible to merit that type of punishment from our unbiased and politically agnostic criminal justice system. Hmm, it looks as though his crime consists of having taken selfies in the Senate chamber while wearing a Trump t-shirt and waving a Trump flag. Well, we don't punish free expression in the "land of the free." There must be something more here. Let's take a look at this nefarious Mr. Hodgkins in more detail. Okay...he has no criminal record. Well, you know how terrorists like to keep "clean skins" to stay under the authorities' radar. He has not been accused of committing or encouraging any violent crimes or property destruction on January 6. Even so, I bet he was thinking violent thoughts and destroying things in his mind! And the government concedes that Hodgkins is "not under the legal definition a domestic terrorist." Wait a second! What? Oh, there's more. Even though he cannot legally be considered a terrorist, the government believes his actions should nonetheless be seen "in the context of terrorism" for "imperiling democracy." Just as Chinese authorities have convicted Tong Ying-kit for "inciting secession" by engaging in peaceful protest, American authorities have determined that Paul Hodgkins's peaceful protesting should be seen as sedition, too. Oh, shoot! Mr. Hodgkins made the unforgivable mistake of trespassing as a conservative protester instead of as a BLM-Antifa Marxist. When are these kids going to learn? If he had only been waving a BLM flag around in the Senate chamber, the Capitol Police would have let him loot and burn the whole place down. Heck, Secretary Blinken would have celebrated his fight for "social justice" by flying his flag outside American embassies around the world. Some political thought, after all, is more protected than the rest. Some political thought, it seems, gets you a one-way ticket straight to America's new gulag system for wrongthink violators. The great fighter-writer Jim Bovard cracked the code on the U.S. system of selective justice: "For January 6 defendants, federal prosecutors are using a simple formula: Trespassing plus thought crimes equals terrorism." The judge presiding over Hodgkins's case, Randolph Moss, put Bovard's formula to good use: By carrying a Trump flag into the hallowed halls of Congress, Hodgkins was guilty of "declaring his loyalty to a single individual over the nation." So much for freedom of association! That's not so hard to understand, is it? In a free country, you must prove your loyalty by never disagreeing with the government. To protest the government against the government's will is tantamount to terrorism, and to express thoughts that make the government feel uncomfortable ups an ordinary trespass charge into a crime against the state. Wait, I'm starting to think China's new national security law reining in Hong Kong freedoms might have been written by the good and honorable folk in D.C. Or does despotism occur only when China does it? Maybe "liberal democracies" and "authoritarian regimes" aren't so different when Secretary Blinken's comrades grab hold of power. Perhaps the "beginning of the end for freedom of expression" is not just a Hong Kong problem, but a D.C. problem, too. Quick, someone call Amnesty International before it's too late! Image: tookapic via Pixabay, Pixabay License. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Dr. Josef Mengele is one of the true monsters of history. His profoundly evil medical experiments on Jews, the disabled, the mentally impaired, and other Third Reich deplorables are the stuff of pitch-black fever dreams. Combining disparate elements of pernicious ideologies including eugenics, antisemitism, racial purity, and the German ideal of lebensraum ("room for living"), what eventually became Nazism informed Hitler's ethos as he rose to power. His malignant weltanschauung eventually coalesced into the Final Solution. Hitler's infernal vision metastasized quickly to infect the belief systems of top-tier Nazis. Among other atrocities, Mengele used injections to attempt to change the eye color of his "patients" to blue to render them more Aryan. When these experiments went sideways, the fiendish M.D. demonstrated a penchant for "tidying up." One person testified to having witnessed the diabolical doctor kill fourteen sets of twins in one night with chloroform injections to the heart in order to make comparative post-mortem observations. After the Allies won the war, the Nuremberg Trials were convened to assess the astonishing breadth of the human tragedy as authored by Hitler and his henchmen and mete out punishment for their actions. The cruelty and depravity of Mengele and others, including Adolf Eichmann, shocked the world, were almost beyond reckoning, and subsequently inspired the establishment of the Nuremberg Code which was tacitly endorsed by nearly every nation on earth. The ten points of the Nuremberg Code for human experimentation are as follows: The voluntary consent of the human subject is essential. This means that the person involved should have the legal capacity to give consent; should be so situated as to be able to exercise free power of choice, without the intervention of any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, over-reaching, or other ulterior form of constraint or coercion; and should have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the elements of the subject matter involved, as to enable him to make an understanding and enlightened decision. This latter element requires that, before the acceptance of an affirmative decision by the experimental subject, there should be made known to him the effects upon his health or person, which may come from his participation in the experiment. The experiment should be such as to yield fruitful results for the good of society, unprocurable by other methods or means of study, and not random and unnecessary in nature. The experiment should be so designed and based on the results of animal experimentation. The experiment should be so conducted as to avoid all unnecessary physical and mental suffering and injury. No experiment should be conducted where there is an a priori reason to believe that death or disabling injury will occur. The degree of risk to be taken should never exceed that determined by the humanitarian importance of the problem to be solved by the experiment. Proper preparations should be made, and adequate facilities provided to protect the experimental subject against even remote possibilities of injury, disability, or death. The experiment should be conducted only by scientifically qualified persons. The highest degree of skill and care should be required through all stages of the experiment of those who conduct or engage in the experiment. During the course of the experiment, the human subject should be at liberty to bring the experiment to an end if he has reached the physical or mental state where continuation of the experiment seems to him to be impossible. During the course of the experiment, the scientist in charge must be prepared to terminate the experiment at any stage, if he has probable cause to believe, in the exercise of the good faith, superior skill, and careful judgment required of him that a continuation of the experiment is likely to result in injury, disability, or death to the experimental subject. All COVID vaccines emergency authorized by the FDA have not yet been approved and are experimental, as they have undergone no long-term safety trials. Safety data are being partially collected in real time as adverse events are reported to VAERS. The tenets of the Nuremberg Code apply here as these vaccines are by definition a medical experiment being administered worldwide. Given that, the explicit statement in #1 that subjects not be subject to coercion raises the question: does the threat of losing one's job, not being able to attend college, or not being able to travel or attend a live event constitute coercion? Does the president of the United States urging Americans to "get the shot" and then threatening to send emissaries door to door to "encourage" it constitute coercion? Is it coercion to establish two Americas in which one half that chooses vaccination gets to eschew masks and move about freely, while the other half that doesn't must stay masked and have their essential freedoms proscribed? Later in #1, the text explicitly states that the subject must be made aware of "the effects upon his health or person." This is known as informed consent: patients need to be made fully aware of the potential dangers of a medical procedure in keeping with the Hippocratic oath. There have been many reports of adverse events from the COVID vaccines, including Bell's palsy, seizures, blood clotting, heart inflammation, and death. How many people reading this who got the vaccine had these potential side effects explained to them before getting jabbed? How many were afforded informed consent? The second bullet point dictates the experiment (COVID vaccine) "should be so designed and based on the results of animal experimentation." In an alarming break with decades of convention, the Pfizer and Moderna animal trials were run concurrently with human trials. The human trials were not a result of animal trials, giving the manufacturers a chance to make safety adjustments, which constitutes a violation of the Nuremberg Code. The fifth bullet point states that no experiment (the experimental vaccine in this case) should be given if there's reason to believe it could cause a disabling injury or death. With over 400,000 adverse events and 9,000 unconfirmed deaths from COVID vaccines reported to VAERS, is there reason to believe the COVID vaccines violate the Nuremberg Code in yet another way? The eighth bullet point emphasizes the "highest degree of skill and care" by "scientifically qualified persons" when administering the vaccine. Do pharmacists fit that profile? Do school nurses? How about the folks jabbing people motoring through drive-thru clinics? Does the fact that they all enjoy total liability protection from vaccine injury and death give pause? The last bullet point emphasizes that the administering agent should exercise caution in fulfillment of the Hippocratic oath by terminating treatment if there is reason to believe that further treatment could cause "injury, disability or death." There are countless stories of people having an adverse reaction to the first of two shots but being encouraged to continue with the second shot anyway. Many of these unfortunates suffered debilitating, lifelong injuries or death after the second vaccine. Meanwhile, instances of doctors or health care workers erring on the side of caution and advising against the second shot for these vulnerable patients are vanishingly rare. It is increasingly clear that the powerful principles and precepts of the Nuremberg Code have been flouted, even decimated, by those seeking to push the COVID vaccines on every single person on Earth. Foremost among these is the caution against coercion. Those who resist the anti-American and anti-human idea of a one-size-fits-all medical treatment are freedom-fighters for the obvious and inherent right to choose for themselves. That this is no longer self-evident is deeply alarming. It is a well-worn aphorism that those who forget their past are condemned to repeat it. Despite mounting evidence of serious adverse events and death, are we doing just that in our increasingly desperate attempts to use coercion to vaccinate absolutely everyone? Are we nullifying the Nuremberg Code? Pennel Bird is a writer, musician, educator, father, and husband. He likes pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. Image via Pxfuel. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. For most of my adult life, Ive considered Abraham Lincolns Second Inaugural address to be the most moving and compelling example of political rhetoric Id ever read. In that appraisal, Im certainly not alone. Having read it scores of times since my first ignorantly casual perusal in now whats commonly referred to as middle school, its impression upon me has sharpened and deepened over the course of my years. Lincoln had the ability to speak profoundly, but with a remarkable economy of words. The fact that when those words were uttered he had but a short time left on this Earth only increases their impact. Today, on both sides of the widening gulf that makes up our growing political divide, there are those who truly believe were headed for another civil war. There are some whose honesty and integrity make it impossible to deceive themselves and deny the threat of that terrible eventuality, and sadly others who appear to blithely labor to bring just such a grim circumstance to full fruition. Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came. Lincoln, even as late as April 1865, when so much blood had already been spilled, and he himself had been clearly vindicated by re-election, still saw the need to once more explicate a key moral distinction between the warring sides. And if outright warfare between Americans erupts again, both sides, as in the past, will claim it is they who are fighting to uphold our most cherished principles. But they wont both be right; there are always aggressors and defenders, provocateurs and responders. Ominously, the jostling and maneuvering to claim the status of righteous warrior has already begun. Its no revelation that todays Democrat Party -- the political descendants of the instigators of the original rebellion, and also the post-defeat outrages against freed blacks -- seeks once more to tar Republicans with their own past sins. Recently, whenever some Republican governor -- typically one in a southern border state -- takes some common sense action in order to compensate for Washingtons calculated indifference to any semblance of border security or orderly, controlled immigration, the cry goes up among Democrats that they are engaging in an act of secession. And if like-minded governors of adjacent or even distant states lend their cooperation to these desperately needed emergency measures, voila, a new confederacy has been formed. So just who are the present-day rebels? Who are those who seek to, in Lincolns pointed phrase, dissolve the union, and divide effects? Which side is working to make it impossible for our people to live together as one nation? The answer should be obvious, but lets briefly review two current woke code words: transformation and equity and examine what in practice theyd actually entail. Transformation is plainly nothing more complicated than the complete abrogation of the U.S. Constitution, which to progressives has for over a hundred years been a nuisance and an intolerable brake upon their intended reordering of American society according to scientific principles (weve sure gotten a good whiff of that daily shifting wisdom during this pandemic.) The fact that limiting excessive government intrusion into peoples lives is a key feature of the Founders genius means little to the proponents. Equity, that unoffending, egalitarian term that only the hardest-hearted among us would possibly gainsay, is nevertheless fraught with subtle, but highly dangerous -- perhaps the most dangerous to our continued nationhood -- implications. Its another, more erudite and legalistic way of shouting you dont own that! You may think something is yours; that you earned it by work, sweat, and industry, but youre mistaken. Theres an unwritten mortgage claim upon it of which youre unaware, with holders names listed upon it that you wont recognize. They are those who missed out on the opportunities afforded to you, and your success came at their expense. Theyre people with whom youve never met, but they have suffered concurrently with your climb up the economic ladder. Youve robbed them, just as surely as if by gunpoint, and the unjust balance must be redressed by such things as reparations and wealth redistribution. Success is a zero-sum game in an America that demands equity, as currently construed by the wokesters. If you were born white, advancement came only via theft. It is an irony of gagging proportions that a movement that calls itself Black Lives Matter -- a thoroughly reasonable proposition on its face -- should in practice position itself as the legatee of the segregationist beliefs of Jefferson Davis, George Wallace, and Lester Maddox. For the demands and conditions they present to the majority of their fellow citizens can only result in racial separation by means that cant possibly be benign. And if it happens, if the races cant peacefully coexist as equal citizens and we are ultimately forced to divide effects, it will spell the destruction of the United States. But let the neosegregationists be warned: they wont get their way merely by bluff or intimidation -- there will be a fight. This nation still possesses an abundance of those, young and old, white and people of color, Hispanic and Asian, who will accept war rather than let it perish. So topple every statue of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson thats ever been erected, and equate the stars and bars with the swastika to your hearts content, but dont try to fool us about the identities of the real Confederates. January 6th numbskulls notwithstanding, nullifying our southern border is an assault upon minority citizenship as crippling as anything conceived in the Jim Crow era; unwillingness to properly prosecute crime creates a deadly, roaming confederacy of lawbreakers; and making a mockery of our elections constitutes a surreptitious, covered-window insurrection -- all cutting at the core of our nationhood far more sharply than the trespassing idiocy of those manipulated fools. In fact, with the advent of the Biden-Harris administration and its collection of pernicious, hateful allies, were experiencing top-down secession -- the vacating of our constitutional structure with the concurrence of our highest elected officials. If its somehow to be thwarted, it will require the renewed dedication of individual state governments to the Framers original concept of federalism to accomplish the task. Thats what it will take to save the Union now. Image: spaztacular To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Oh, how badly the Democrats still want to eviscerate Donald Trump. Joe Bidens politically infested Department of Justice has ruled that the IRS must deliver the former Presidents tax returns to Congress. The Merrick Garland DOJ claimed that they had been in error in 2019 when they initially ruled against releasing those returns, basing their decision at the time on the flawed assumption that Congress merely wanted to obtain them in order to release them to the public. According to Acting Assistant Attorney General Dawn Johnsen of the agencys Office of Legal Counsel, We cannot know where receipt of the requested tax information will take the committee, any more than the committee itself can predict what it will find or determine. Johnsen went on to note that the respect due a co-equal branch of government requires that we presume the Committee will handle the tax information it receives with sensitivity to taxpayer privacy concerns. Say, what? We should presume that Congress, with its Democrat majority in the House, will be sensitive to Mr. Trumps privacy concerns? Please!!! If anyone believes the whole collection of Russian collusion/obstruction of justice nonsense, plus two sham impeachments, not to mention the ongoing witch trial of the J6 hearings, hasnt shown just how sensitive Congress would be to Mr. Trump's concerns of any sort, well that person or persons has consumed far too much of Nancy Pelosis Kool-Aid. I believe Congress will waste no time releasing their slanted view of Trumps returns to the public. They will rapidly dissect the forms, looking for any gray areas (which accountants encourage their clients to take advantage of, with the caveat that the IRS might disagree and therefore disallow a deduction) and, as the Rolling Stones suggested, Paint it Black. Will they find any actual illegalities? Highly doubtful, though when has that mattered when it comes to going after Donald Trump? The returns will likely reveal the efforts of skilled accountants to minimize the real estate barons tax obligations and nothing more. That is if youre willing to accept an objective analysis. And we know just how objective the Trump-hating Democrats and RINOs are. Seeing how the Democrats have shown that lack of possession of the office is no impediment to attempting to remove a President from office, I see a third impeachment on the horizon. God help us all. Graphic credit: Pix4free.org CC BY-SA 3.0 license To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. When New York City proposed cutting a billion dollars from the NYPD budget last year, it didnt go far enough for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. As The Hill reported, Ocasio-Cortez said that cutting the police budget is not effective if it does not result in the reduced presence of law enforcement. But when it comes to protecting herself, AOC wants a very robust presence, including staff from one of toughest private security outfits of all, one that was a contractor for Blackwater, the private military contractor that the left accused of war crimes in Iraq. Caricature by Donkey Hotey CC BY-SA 2.0 license But dont worry about cutting her clothes or her Whole Foods budget. The money is coming from her campaign. The New York Post reports: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez paid thousands for personal security to a former Blackwater contractor, a review of Federal Election Commission records shows. AOCs campaign dropped at least $4,636 at Tullis Worldwide Protection for security services between January and June of this year according to the filings. The Franconia, Virginia-based company is owned by Devin Tullis, whose other clients include the royal families of both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to his website. (snip) The Tullis money was just a small piece of the more than $34,000 AOC has spent on private security and consultants in the first half of 2021, records show. The politician formerly known as Sandy Cortez is probably too young to remember that Blackwater, which contracted with Tullis, contracted with other people who were convicted of killing 17 civilians in Iraq, while accompanying US officials as their security detail. But now that she is the one accompanied by security details, who knows? Maybe that is a feature, not a bug. Instead of defunding the police who protect the powerless, AOC ought to defund her own personal police if she really believes her rhetoric. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. I remember before Jonas Salk's polio vaccine folks were worried, but they had other things to care about as well. Two rocks off the coast of Taiwan, Quemoy and Matsu, grabbed a lot of headlines. The St. Louis Browns morphed into the Baltimore Orioles. People are always getting sick...oftentimes by catching something that's (oh! dear!) contagious. So what? What's truly remarkable is the advancement of biochemical technology that has allowed multiple, effective vaccines to hit the street so quickly. The messenger RNA concept was ready and waiting for a reason to be further developed. Out-of-the-closet Libertarians such as myself are bristling with contempt contempt for third-rate tyrants and their lemming-like followers. And yet the screws are being tightened still further. Has there ever been a comparable circumstance? Obviously, the Plague Years starting in the mid-fourteenth century turned the world upside-down. More recently, near the end of the First World War, the "Spanish" influenza killed more folks than the war itself. Unlike our current virus, the young then were more likely to become fatalities. There are two theories as to this result. The first is that there may have been a similar pandemic around the 1890s, the survivors of which had significant immunity thirty or so years later. The other theory concerns the "cytokine storm" that can happen when the immune system overreacts to an infection. Young people have more vigorous immune systems and are thus more prone to the cytokine storm, and can literally drown in their own phlegm. A further note on the black plague: Since medical knowledge was, at best, primitive during the Middle Ages, what ended the plague? After all, it did end. A prevalent theory relies mostly on rat ecology. There are two kinds of city rat, the first being the common rat, Rattus rattus. The other is the Norwegian rat, Rattus norvegicus. R. rattus was the prevalent rat at the onset of the plague. These lived in close proximity to people under beds, etc. Humans were easily exposed to their plague-carrying fleas. Then, it so happened, the Norwegian rats moved down from the North. Also, Norwegian rats are bigger and meaner than Rattus rattus, but they don't like living all that close to people. They prefer sewers. Thus, the carriers of the plague-carrying fleas were moved farther away from humans, and the pandemic subsided. Not to say that serious mistakes weren't made. Because of their attention to hygienic practices including ritualistic cleansing, which kept their infection rate lower, and their being different from the rest of the European population, Jews were blamed for the plague when convenient. We may well be witnessing a similar flaw in human nature, mostly among corrupt and incompetent politicians. Previously we kind of, sort of tolerated such malfeasance we had other issues to which to devote our attention. Now, with the constant drumbeat of viral fear-mongering, we are really burning out. There is more than just scuttlebutt percolating about next year's election. A year is an eternity in politics. But the tyrannical compulsion among the fear-mongers may well continue to make things worse...for them. It's still very disquieting to see our institutions flail about while doing enormous economic damage. The rise of the modern standard of living is nothing more than the result of accumulated success in managing the world around us. Now we are witnessing the opposite. Boobs such as Andrew Cuomo and Gretchen Whitmer are murdering our world. We all know it...but...they're still doing it. Image: qimono via Pixabay, Pixabay License. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Humans have a simple system for reproduction: Men produce sperm and women produce eggs. When the two meet, babies happen. The babies, in turn, will be either male, complete with XY chromosomes. or female, with XX. Both will have distinguishing sex characteristics that affect every part of the body. Except if the American Medical Association has its way, all babies will go home from the hospital with birth certificates identifying them as X neither male nor female to ensure that theyre not later hideously injured by having been misgendered. This sounds like a terrible joke. After all, the AMA, which was founded in 1847, is a distinguished professional institution, right? Wrong. The AMA, which is responsible for publishing the influential Journal of the American Medical Association, is just another organization that succumbed to John OSullivans First Law: All organizations that are not actually right-wing will over time become left-wing. During the Obamacare battles in 2010, even the Huffington Post recognized that the AMA has turned into an ally, if not yet a full-fledged member, of the liberal coalition. (For liberal coalition, read activist leftist community.) Perhaps, therefore, it should not be surprising that the AMAs Board of Trustees has recommended that all American birth certificates identify new babies only as X, with the biological sex kept in a secret place for record-keeping: Our American Medical Association advocate for the removal of sex as a legal designation on the public portion of the birth certificate and that it be visible for medical and statistical use only. Slog through the small print and pompous language that attempts to give a scientific gloss to what has long been a persons first and primary form of identification, and you get a perfect statement of the nonsense that gender is whatever a person says it is: Gender is a social construct that describes the way persons self-identify or express themselves. A persons gender identity may not always be exclusively male or female and may not always correspond with their sex assigned at birth. In fact, gender madness is nothing more than narcissism taken to a ludicrous extreme. You can spend hours going through the dozens of websites defining all the navel-gazing identities people claim: Ceterosexual Someone who experiences sexual/romantic attraction only to non-binary people. This label is used as a non-problematic term for skoliosexuality only to be used by non-binary people. [snip] Grey-Romantic A grey-romantic is a person with a romantic orientation that is somewhere between aromantic & romantic. [snip] Skoliosexual The attraction to non-binary individuals. And, ironically, theres even a label for people who rejected labels: Pomosexuality Refers to non-orientation in which people disregard sexuality labels altogether. Basically, labels are seen as superficial and insignificant to someone who identities as pomosexual. A genuine medical association, rather than a leftist activist group, would seek to help these lost, self-involved individuals who, either because of psychological trauma or because of unbalanced hormones, are alienated from their own bodies. (I recommend therapy in the first case and hormones aligned with the persons biological sex in the second.) To pervert official documents into something meaningless is a travesty of science and medicine although I guess that, in addition to serving the gods of wokeness, these meaningless birth certificates will be very helpful for illegal aliens and terrorists seeking fake identification. Every person who enjoys the blessings of the most sophisticated medical care in the history of mankind should find disturbing the direction in which the American Medical Association is traveling. It was bad enough when, in the Obama era, it went all-in for the rationing of socialized medicine. Its horrific that, in the Biden era, its abandoning science entirely. IMAGE: The newest sexuality flag, honoring sex workers, as well as the whole panoply of non-White races and non-normal heterosexuality. (See more flags here.) To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. The weekend edition of The Wall Street Journal for July 31 - August 1 carried a column by former Reagan chief speechwriter Peggy Noonan with this title: The Jan. 6 Committee Carries History's Weight." Perhaps a more accurate title would have read: "Republicans Must Dump Trump Once and For All." (This, of course, is what Ms. Noonan has been pining for since Mr. Trump announced his presidential candidacy in June 2015.) In her latest paean to the Pelosi Get-the-Republicans panel, Ms. Noonan regretted that Republicans are not on the committee. She omitted to inform readers of the partisan problems Pelosi presented to the GOP, much less that Pelosi did not accept the previous Noonan recommendation to name a select committee of five Democrats AND five Republicans. Interestingly, in her June reflections on the Jan. 6 committee, Ms. Noonan included this observation which, arguably, contradicts testimony given to the Pelosi panel on July 27: "Capitol Police leadership bumbled calling in the National Guard and the Defense Department bumbled getting it there." The last part of this column cited the Trump-loathing former GOP congresswoman Barbara Comstock for Ms. Noonan to certify her standing in Never Trump United. An insert did highlight this assertion from Ms. Noonan: "If you weren't appalled by what happened that day, you have given up on American democracy." Ms. Noonan should by now have realized that a partisan sentiment like that has become de rigueur for leftists. They accuse Republicans all the time of undermining our democracy when, certainly, that accusation is simply a projection onto the GOP of the Democrat mindset, these days. We will get back to Ms. Noonan shortly, but this is a good place to take note of the editorial essay in The New York Times by Jesse Wegman, appearing in the print edition on Nov. 10, 2020. The print version was titled "The G.O.P. Is Attacking Democracy." (See what I mean about this accusation becoming a leftist cliche -- November 10, 2020, coming almost two months earlier than "Jan. 6?") The first three paragraphs are typical of the leftist propensity for projecting its mindset onto Republicans, another way of saying that such accusations are downright falsehoods. Here is how Mr. Wegman began his essay on the Republican attack on democracy: It turns out that there was a coordinated attack on the 2020 election after all. It began several years ago and accelerated in the last several months. Now that Election Day has passed, it has launched into overdrive. Its weapons are baseless insinuation and evidence-free charges, deployed solely to sow chaos and undermine the results of a free and fair election -- one that produced a clear winner and an even clearer winner. But the most dangerous attackers of American democracy aren't the Russians or the Chinese. They are the leaders of the Republican Party. For proof of projection, take note of the claim that Republicans resort to "baseless insinuations." What, pray tell, were the allegations of 2016 and 2017 -- far more than mere insinuations -- that Donald J. Trump was a Russian asset, if not baseless? Mr. Wegman used two words that appear in the Mueller Report" "sow chaos" -- a further lie hurled in a Russiagate context by the left against President Trump. It was the left that succeeded in sowing chaos in the form of a special counsel whose appointment was founded on a lie, a special counsel that hindered the effectiveness of the Trump administration, that contributed mightily to polls showing Mr. Trump with favorability ratings well below 50 percent. And consider, too, the Ukraine impeachment, and the lies about Russian bounties to kill U.S. troops, and the falsehood that Mr. Trump carried a Bible in visiting a vandalized church merely as a photo op. One lie after another, recklessly hurled against Mr. Trump and now Republicans who dare to continue to support him -- as if the DNA of leftists bars them from ever speaking the truth. There, in a New York Times editorial essay, nearly two months prior to "Jan. 6, is the mendacious accusation that the Republican Party assaults democracy. It should be apparent that leftists hurl this type of despicable canard at Republicans to cloud the fact that they seek absolute hegemony over the American people; that they intend to crush proud Republican patriots, leaving only Republican turncoats and so, turn the USA into a one-party state. And now Peggy Noonan comes, cloaked in an aura of elitism barely tolerating the deplorables below. The main point of her latest partisan use of the Jan. 6 occurrence at the Capitol is her aim at separating the House Republican leadership from Donald J. Trump. She mentions "Stockholm syndrome" to explain the ties linking Mr. Trump and his "hostage" Republicans in Congress, perhaps having in mind members including Jim Jordan, Steve Scalise, and Elise Stefanik. Ms. Noonan understands the valiant House Republican no more than she understands what Mr. Trump's base is all about: individual liberty. Ms. Noonan wrote that she would have preferred that the House Republicans participated in these Kangaroo hearings, "while letting the evidence against Mr. Trump pile up." Ms. Noonan, your "Queen of Hearts" sense of justice is showing. Stated differently, Pelosi would be proud of your servility, a servility the House Republicans -- save for two -- rejected. To underscore the blatant bias of this intrepid apologist for leftism, see, please, the words near the close of Ms. Noonan's exhortation that the Jan. 6 committee destroy Mr. Trump once and for all: "Nail everyone involved." These words somehow, and this is stated with some dismay, call to mind the Appian Way scene near the end of the movie "Spartacus." Hardly the stuff of a sensitive soul. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore (cropped) CC BY-SA 2.0 license To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. To hear the propaganda media, the new Delta Variant of COVID is going to kill every man, woman, and child in America at least by the end of the week. We should all run to the nearest vax center and roll up our sleeves right away. Our employers are right to be mandating vaccines and those who refuse are just science deniers and should be held down and forced to get their shots. Otherwise, theyre going to kill us all with their virus. This new variant is more contagious than smallpox, polio, and measles combined! Our colleges are right to force returning students to get their shots. Babies should all get their shots the day theyre born. We dont need their parents permission. This is a crisis! Just look at all the new cases, up to 63,608 on July 31, up from 11,363 since July 1st. Thats a 459% increase in just 30 days! If you want to control people, just scare them and tell them what to do, and scaring them about dying from a mysterious disease is definitely the way to go. The remaining members of the general public arent getting their shots as they should. Vaccinations have declined significantly since the peak on April first. These resisters need a new push and the Delta Variant has arrived just in time to justify new draconian measures from governments, corporate employers, and colleges. Theres only one problem with all the fear-mongering and widespread panic: few are dying. In the entire United States, 295 people died from COVID on July 31st despite the fact that 62,735 new cases were reported the same day. https://www.statnews.com/feature/coronavirus/covid-19-tracker/ Deaths from COVID have been declining steadily since January 16th when 3,197 people died and 234,550 new cases were reported. Despite the wide fluctuations in cases, the deaths from COVID have gone from 2,022 on March 1st, 961 on April 1st, 700 on May 2nd, 571 on June 1st, to 295 on July 31st. But death rate declines dont cause panic; thats why theyre often left out of the charts when the fear-mongering starts. The real thing to worry about is the number of side effects from the vaccine which are turning out to be far more deadly than the virus itself. Weve all heard of the VAERS database that shows adverse reactions to vaccines. Estimates vary, but at least 5,000 people have died shortly after receiving their vaccines, which is more than all reported vaccine deaths since the data was first collected. Since only a small percent of adverse reactions are reported, this number could be at least ten times greater. Efforts are underway to get more accurate death and side effects data. And other side effects are off the charts. So the real thing to panic about is the vaccines, not this new Delta variant. No one can say for sure why this psyops operation is trying to get all of our military, our police, our doctors, and nurses to take an experimental shot. If there is something in the vaccines that not only has immediate side effects, but long-term compromised immune systems, this would be a great way to inoculate a country into helplessness and submission without a shot being fired. And the push to vax college-age kids and children as young as two years old? There are concerns that these vaccines may cause reproductive problems. If I wanted to sterilize a population into non-existence. This may sound far-fetched, but the idea of quietly poisoning the enemys military and first responders is nothing new, and birth control vaccines have been sought for decades, and even introduced into African countries like Kenya under the guise of free tetanus shots. Are we in the midst of a silent war? If so, we may already have lost. Are our highest leaders in government and industry participating in our demise by trying to mandate a deadly series of vaccines? Are our social media companies censoring all conflicting data? If you have a friend whos wavering, show them this one website, https://www.statnews.com/feature/coronavirus/covid-19-tracker/ Have them look at the new cases and deaths over time. Invite them to wonder why all this panic is being stirred up in order to get people to give in to vaccine pressure when no one is dying. God help us all. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. The New York Times seemed to have a blockbuster story: After the election, Donald Trump told pressed the Department of Justice to announce that the election was corrupt, after which he would take care of the rest. Other news outlets quickly picked up the story. It took Margot Clevelands skilled detective work to discover that the Times, by blurring the chronology in its report, had presented a completely fake story. Trump, as always, had done nothing wrong. The title to the Times article begins the sleazy deception. Trump Pressed Justice Dept. to Declare Election Results Corrupt, Notes Show, the title blares. The subtitle drives it home: Leave it to me and to congressional allies, the former president is said to have told top law enforcement officials. The import was clear: If the DOJ would lie about election fraud, Trump would sell the lie. The article stated that, according to notes DOJ personnel took during a December 27 phone call, Trump pressed them about voter fraud claims that the department had disproved. When one of them warned that the DOJ had no power to change an election outcome, Trump said he did not expect that. Instead, Just say that election was corrupt + leave the rest to me and to congressional allies. In other words, the Times said Trump told the DOJs people to lie. 2/ This section here is absolutely damning: pic.twitter.com/wsLNEqZpJd Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) July 30, 2021 3/ It reads as if the President told his DOJ to tell American public the election was corrupt even after the DOJ told him there was no evidence to back it up. Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) July 30, 2021 From the moment she read the article, though, Margot Cleveland knew that something was wrong. She engaged in some excellent detective work to reveal the journalistic sleight of hand that took place. 4/ But then I remember this is @nytimes. And read on.... Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) July 30, 2021 Although she doesnt say so in her Twitter thread, Cleveland might have been tipped off by more than the Timess bias and dishonesty. Thats because Katie Benner wrote the article. Perhaps significantly, Benner once lived in Beijing and wrote for the Beijing Review, which is published by the Chinese Communist Party. Benners name might sound familiar to you from a Twitter thread that Benner posted on July 27, and then swiftly deleted: Todays #January6thSelectionCommittee underscores the Americas current essential natsec dilemma: Work to combat legitimate national security threats now entails calling a politicians supporters enemies of the state. 1/ As Americans, we believe that state power should not be used to work against a political figure or a political party. But what happens if a politician seems to threaten the state? If the politician continues to do so out of office and his entire party supports that threat? 2/ This dilemma was unresolved by the Russia probe and 2 impeachments. With many Republicans denying the reality of the Jan. 6 attack, I doubt the #January6thCommittee will resolve it either. That leaves it up to voters, making even more essential free, fair access to the polls. 3/ When a woman who ignores the four years of Trumps presidency, during which all the alphabet agencies worked to undermine him, calls people concerned about a completely aberrant election enemies of the state, its wise to doubt anything she says about the politician who seems to threaten the state. (Apparently, she doesnt find it threatening that Biden has erased Americas sovereign borders and welcomed in millions of people, many of whom carry deadly medieval diseases and are drug cartel members or human traffickers.) Margot Cleveland carefully tracked down the real story. First, she noticed that another section of the same report mentioned that the DOJ could quickly verify whether more ballots were cast in Pennsylvania than there were voters: 5/ This section comes later in the article: pic.twitter.com/EYFXqFXsrV Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) July 30, 2021 Because the quoted language reflected the earlier damning paraphrase, it occurred to Cleveland that Benner might have taken liberties with the order in which she presented what the notes said. That is, looking at the following vague chronology, was it really accurate? 7/ Such notes have an entirely different meaning than both the intro pic.twitter.com/DdXu1an4Ep Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) July 30, 2021 8/ And the original presentation: pic.twitter.com/6X9m9It2QG Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) July 30, 2021 As Cleveland noted, Benner implies that Trump tried to bully the DOJ to lie about election corruption so that he could make political hay out of it. However, if Benners vagueness was deliberate, it was possible that she was covering for the fact that Trump simply said that, if a quick Pennsylvania audit of votes cast showed corruption, once the DOJ confirmed that fact, he could act. So, Cleveland got the notes and, what do you know?! The Times lied: According to the notes, the DOJ reps told Trump that they would look at whether there were more ballots in PA than registered voters should be able to determine that quickly but understand that the DOJ cant & wont snap its fingers and change the outcome of the election, doesnt work that way. Trumps reply was Dont expect you to do that, just say that the election was corrupt & leave the rest to me and the R. Congressmen. In other words, Trump said, I dont expect you to change the election outcome. Just do the Pennsylvania analysis, which Trump assumed would show corruption; announce that corruption; and then Ill do with it what I can politically. Never, ever trust the New York Times, especially when the person writing believes that both Trump and his supporters are enemies of the state. IMAGE: Trumps in the way. Public domain. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Donald Trump v. Twitter has provoked legal, social and political controversy. Most legal commentators view the case with skepticism. However, in the court of public opinion and political impactwin or lose -- the case can be a victory for free speech advocates. The Trump lawsuit seeks to overturn his personal ban on social media and strike down Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Section 230 was passed by Congress twenty-five years ago to promote social media companies in their infancy. The intent was to allow web page operators to post stories without fear of liability, to operate as neutral platforms, exempt from liability by the actions of its users -- a modern town public square where all views were welcome. It is settled law, that the First Amendment protects citizens from government censorship, not censorship by private companies. The Trump complaint alleges Twitter's activity "rises beyond that of a private company to that of a state actor." This is a significant hurdle for Trump's attorneys, and always challenging to broaden existing legal precedents; but Democrats are unwittingly aiding that argument with questionable state activities. Prominent Democrats have threatened social media companies if they fail to remove what Biden press secretary Jen Psaki deems "misinformation" and other Democrats consider "hate speech." Recent examples of looming state actions include: "let's be honest @realDonaldTrump's Twitter account should be suspended," then-Senator Kamala Harris; "It is not out of the question that Trump's tweets could be removed," Speaker Nancy Pelosi; and "Twitter must ban him," Congressman Adam Schiff. Trump's legal team will argue these Democrats were threatening new regulations on social media if they did not comply, including removing or significantly amending Section 230. In effect, Vito Corleone from The Godfather, making social media an offer they could not refuse. The Trump complaint argues these threats tie social media platforms as de facto arms of the state and therefore First Amendment free speech protections would apply. Twitter, Google, and Facebook are dominant media forces. Twitter has 70 million daily active users with approximately 500 million tweets every day. The rise of social media, coinciding with the demise of newspapers, increases the stakes of the case. No breaking news: the public distrusts the media. A recent Gallup poll disclosed only 21% of respondents stated they had a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in newspapers and only 16% in televised news. Social media can partially fill the void, but only if perceived as legitimate. My new novel Center Stage: A Political Thriller is a fictional account of mega rockstar Tyler Sloan's campaign as a political independent for the United States Senate. Yet publicity efforts to advertise my book have resulted in more than two dozen posts on Facebook being rejected without explanation. Neither the publisher, the publicity team, nor I have a clue why; the only guess is the book cover shows the Capitol building, and the posts refer to a political novel. In Trumps favor, the law disapproves of the application of arbitrary and capricious standards. Where is the logic in Twitter imposing a permanent ban on Donald Trump and allowing Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei an open forum to spread death to America and death to Israel tweets? The timing of the actions of Facebook and Twitter are suspicious, censoring the president of the United States and other conservative views immediately before and surrounding the national election. Parler, an increasingly popular social media web page with conservatives, had their app removed from the Apple Store. Social media allowed posts alleging that Russia offered bounties on American troops which had no documentation or named sources. Twitter banned The New York Post's coverage of Hunter Biden, despite the Post being the oldest print newspaper in the United States with the nations fourth-largest circulation. Both Twitter and Facebook censored tweets and posts that suggested the coronavirus may have originated with a leak from the Wuhan laboratory. We now know the main elements of the Post story were factual, the bounty story was false, and the scientific community is divided on the origin of COVID-19, whether from a Wuhan laboratory or a wet market. This censorship benefitted Democrats when social media placed its heavy thumb on the scales of the presidential election. Even if the courts deny Trump a win, there are political benefits for Trump and Republicans. I was campaign manager for two successful Los Angeles City Council campaigns, and certain political maxims apply to every election, one of which is to rally your base. This case will rally the Republican base, but also those who rebel against authoritarian free-speech censorship. It is in our common interest for platforms to encourage robust political dialogue. Certainly, some discussions will be incorrect, inaccurate, and misleading. However, the alternative is worse: one segment of society, badgered by the state, determining what is considered misinformation. Public policymakers are responding. Florida and other state legislatures are acting to establish requirements for social media platforms. Social media is likely to challenge any restrictions, and expect appeals to result in a ruling by the United States Supreme Court. Alternatively, if Republicans ever control Congress, legislation amending Section 230 is near certain. The media has predictably dismissed Trump's lawsuit. Vanity Fair termed it "As Stupid As You'd Think;'" and described the Trump press conference as "meandering" with rambling remarks. MSNBC described the lawsuit as "a misguided public relations stunt rooted entirely in dubious claims and conspiracy theories that don't make any sense." I salute the colorful language, but their political position was not supported by any legal reasoning. A partially successful lawsuit can transform free speech on social media. If it fails, social media will be emboldened to continue censorship practices, and the Courts or a Republican majority Congress will be the last bastions to stop it. In the 1960s, free speech was a rallying cry on the left; many believe the Free Speech Movement began with liberals at the University of California at Berkley in 1964. It is a sad irony that todays progressives impose free speech restraints on conservative speech. Who decides what disinformation is? The State? Democrats? Republicans? Let all ideas bloom like wildflowers and have the American public decide. Wayne Avrashow, a California attorney, former campaign manager in Los Angeles politics, and government commissioner, is the author of Center Stage: A Political Thriller, released by RealClear Publishing. Image: Author's book cover, via Barnes & Noble To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. USO Alaska Announces First Official Advisory Board to Continue Organizations Mission of Supporting Service Members and Their Families 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. Lewis Hamilton has said he is devastated following the death of a volunteer marshal during a race meeting at the Brands Hatch circuit. The incident occurred during an event at the Kent racing track on Saturday afternoon. Reacting to the accident on Sunday morning, Hamilton said on social media that his heart is with the volunteer marshals family. He wrote on Instagram: Devastated to hear of the passing of a marshal at the Brands Hatch Circuit. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. These volunteer marshals are what makes racing possible, they are heroes. My heart is with his family. The post was accompanied by an orange love heart emoji. A spokesman for Kent Police said the force was called shortly before 3pm following a collision involving a car and two people on foot at Brands Hatch. He said officers attended the scene and carried out inquiries, with no suspicious circumstances being reported. The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) said in a statement that it was saddened to confirm that as a result of an accident that occurred during a race meeting at Brands Hatch circuit today, a volunteer marshal tragically lost their life. The message posted by Lewis Hamilton (Lewis Hamilton/PA) The rest of the days racing activity was cancelled. Other drivers and organisations associated with the sport also expressed their sadness. Motorsports UK tweeted: The thoughts of everyone at Motorsport UK are with the marshals family, the event organisers, and other members of the motorsport community present. Together with BARC we have begun a full investigation into the accident. Former Formula One driver Karun Chandhok wrote on Twitter: Very sad news coming from Brands Hatch today. Marshalls are volunteers who give up their weekends to support the sport they love. Awful to hear that a member of this close knit community lost their life. My condolences to the family at this tragic time. The UK has said it is highly likely Iran carried out an unlawful and callous attack on a ship in the Middle East which left a Briton dead. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the Government believed the drone attack on the oil tanker off the coast of Oman was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. The strike on the tanker, Mercer Street, on Thursday night was the first known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. British maritime security firm Ambrey said the attack, which saw a hole blasted through the vessels bridge, killed one of its employees aboard. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Iran denied responsibility after Israels prime minister directly blamed it for the attack, but Mr Raab said the UK Government backed Naftali Bennetts claim. The UK condemns the unlawful and callous attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman, which killed a British and a Romanian national, said the Cabinet minister. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those killed in the incident. We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. UK assessments have concluded that it is highly likely that Iran attacked the MV Mercer Street in international waters off Oman on July 29 using one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. The UK is working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack. Britains stance was supported by the US, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating he was confident that Iran conducted this attack. Israels Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has blamed Iran for the Mercer Street vessel attack (Sebastian Scheiner/AP) Labour shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy has urged the Prime Minister to make it clear to the incoming Iran president Ebrahim Raisi, a hard-line protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the killing of a British national will carry costs. The Mercer Street is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. The Foreign Office said the drone assault followed similar attacks on three other Israeli-linked ships in the region since February. Officials said that in the summer of 2019 Iran was also almost certainly responsible for attacks on two vessels in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, responding to Israels accusations, described the allegation that Iran carried out the attack as baseless. The Mercer Street, empty of cargo, had been on its way from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, at the time of the attack, Zodiac Maritime said. The attack targeted the tanker just north east of the Omani island of Masirah, 185 miles south east of Omans capital Muscat. The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher were escorting the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port, the US navys Middle East-based 5th Fleet said in a statement on Saturday. The oil tanker Mercer Street (Johan Victor via AP) It said navy explosive experts believed a drone attacked the vessel. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a US official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack was still ongoing. Zodiac Maritime said the Mercer Streets owners are Japanese, without naming them. Shipping authority Lloyds List identified the vessels ultimate owner as Taihei Kaiun, which belongs to Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Group. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned Sunday that next months annual military drills between South Korean and U.S. troops will undermine prospects for better ties between the Koreas, just days after the rivals reopened their long-dormant communication channels. Kim Yo Jongs statement carried by state media targets only South Korea, and this could add credence to a theory that North Korea's decision to restore the communication lines is mainly aimed at pushing Seoul to convince Washington to make concessions while nuclear diplomacy remains deadlocked. For some days I have been hearing an unpleasant story that joint military exercises between the South Korean army and the U.S. forces could go ahead as scheduled, Kim Yo Jong said. I view this as an undesirable prelude which seriously undermines the will of the top leaders of the North and the South wishing to see a step taken toward restoring mutual trust and which further beclouds the way ahead of the North-South relations, she said. She added: Our government and army will closely follow whether the South Korean side stages hostile war exercises in August or makes other bold decision. Regular drills between Seoul and Washington have been a long-running source of animosities on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea calling them an invasion rehearsal and responding with missile tests. South Korea and the U.S. have repeatedly said their drills are defensive in nature. In the past few years, South Korea and the U.S. have canceled or downsized some of their exercises to support diplomatic efforts to end the North Korean nuclear crisis or because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Asked about prospects for next months summertime drills, Boo Seung-Chan, a spokesman at South Koreas Defense Ministry, told a briefing Thursday that Seoul and Washington were reviewing factors like the pandemics current status, efforts to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and their combined military readiness. The U.S.-led diplomacy aimed at persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear program in return for economic and political rewards hasnt made progress since a second summit between Kim Jong Un and then-President Donald Trump broke down because of disputes over U.S.-led sanctions in early 2019. South Korea's government led by President Moon Jae-in, which wants greater reconciliations between the Koreas, had earlier shuttled between Pyongyang and Washington to arrange the first summit between Trump and Kim. But North Korea later resumed harsh rhetoric against South Korea, telling it not to meddle in its dealings with the United States. In June last year, Pyongyang also cut off communication lines with Seoul and destroyed an empty, South Korean-built liaison office on its territory. Some experts said Pyongyang shifted the responsibility for the collapse of the second Kim-Trump summit to Seoul and was frustrated with Seouls failure to break away from Washington and revive stalled joint economic projects held back by the sanctions. After the two Koreas reopened their communication channels on Tuesday, talk of bigger reconciliation steps like another summit between Kim Jong Un and Moon quickly spread in South Korea. But Kim Yo Jong described such sentiment as a premature hasty judgment. She said that hasty speculation and groundless interpretation will only bring despair. Analyst Cheong Seong-Chang at the private Sejong Institute in South Korea said Kim Yo Jongs statement is a request for the complete cancellation of the U.S-South Korean drills that South Korea cannot accept. South Korea has no justification to persuade the U.S. to suspend the South Korea-U.S. drills, especially at a time when North Korea is negative about the South-North summit, Cheong said. By Jason Lange WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A fundraising group run by former President Donald Trump raised $62 million in the first half of the year but only spent $3 million, with the biggest chunk of money going to a pro-Trump research center and more than $65,000 to Trump's own hotels, according to federal records published on Saturday. Trump, a Republican, established the Save America committee in November shortly after losing the presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden. Under Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules, the committee has broad leeway in how it can use its money. A filing with the FEC showed Save America made a $1 million contribution in June to the America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit run by veterans of his administration. The group's leadership includes Brooke Rollins, who led the White House's Domestic Policy Council under Trump, and Larry Kudlow, who led Trump's National Economic Council. The money spent at Trump hotels was described as covering lodging or meals, according to Save America's filing. Another Trump-controlled committee, a former campaign account now known as the Make America Great Again PAC, spent an additional $13 million in the first half of the year, mostly to cover legal fees and Trump's efforts to reverse his November election loss, according to a separate FEC filing. Together, the two committees brought in the bulk of the nearly $82 million that Trump's office said he helped raise between January and June. Committees affiliated with Trump ended the period with nearly $102 million in cash, a sum that could help the former president exert considerable influence ahead of next year's elections when Republicans hope to win control of Congress. Democrats have narrow majorities in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. But while Trump is his party's top fundraiser and continues to raise large sums for the Republican National Committee, his committees did not give any money to political candidates during the first half of the year. A spokesperson for his office said $5,000 checks were sent in July to candidates he had endorsed. Details on those contributions are expected in FEC filings due later in the year. Many of the candidates Trump has endorsed, particularly those challenging incumbent Republicans or seeking open seats, lag far behind their opponents in fundraising. Trump-backed Kelly Tshubaka, who is challenging Republican U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, had about $2 million less in her campaign's bank account at the end of June than did Murkowski. Republicans will face a well-funded slate of Democrats in next year's elections. Democrats raised over $373 million in online donations in the first six months of the year through ActBlue, the party's dominant payment processor, according to a disclosure filed on Saturday. That outpaced the $258 million that Republicans raised during the same period through their online payment processor WinRed. (Reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Christopher Cushing) When she competes in next week's women's 10k marathon swim, the first Black female swimmer on Great Britain's Olympic team won't have on the swim caps that she endorses. Swimming's international governing body has forbidden Alice Dearing from wearing them during the Tokyo Games. The British brand Soul Cap designed swim caps for thick, curly and voluminous hair in hopes of encouraging more Black women to begin swimming and making a majority-white sport more inclusive. FINA last month rejected Soul Caps attempt to gain approval for use at the Olympics and questioned the need for such a product. In its decision, FINA said the caps did not fit the natural form of the head. The governing body insisted that to its best knowledge, the athletes competing at the international events never used, neither require to use caps of such size and configuration. On July 2, FINA subsequently announced it is reviewing the situation. The governing body pledged to include Soul Cap in initiatives aimed at ensuring there are no barriers to participation in swimming. When the Olympics began nine days ago, 14 U.S. senators signed a letter to the president of FINA demanding "immediate action. The letter called on Husain Al-Musallam to reverse a ban on the caps designed for natural Black hair. Swimmer Alice Dearing models a Soul Cap swim cap. (Via SoulCap.com) This is an opportunity for FINA to realize its stated commitment to inclusivity and to begin to address issues of diversity and representation in competitive swimming, the letter stated. It is actions such as these that can move us toward the vision of a more fair and equitable society. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey led the letter to FINA. Bookers letter follows on the heels of a similar one that Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman and Barbara Lee wrote to FINA the previous week. This is an incredibly clear example of the ways in which systemic racism impacts every facet of life for black people, especially black women, Lee said in a press release. We are urging that FINA take steps to reform this discriminatory policy and align themselves with the intended spirit of inclusion and diversity the Olympic games represent. Concerns about FINAs stance stem from swimmings history of racial inequality. A study published last year in the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education links a systematic exclusion from public pools with Black children being 2.6 times more likely to drown than white children. The disparity at the Olympic level is even more stark. It wasnt until Simone Manuel in 2016 that an African-American woman won a gold medal in an individual swimming event. In its July 2 statement, FINA countered that there is no restriction on 'Soul Cap' swim caps for recreational and teaching purposes. Since then, prominent Black swimmers have pushed for the caps to also be approved for competitive use. More from Yahoo Sports: No junk food passes these lips Candy bars Donuts Pie Ice cream (yogurt) Any sort of chocolate will do It's summer, so: snow cones (and the like) Cookies Other Vote View Results FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. A team of developers has won initial approval to proceed drafting plans for a mixed-use community in southern Forsyth County they say would be on the scale of Halcyon and Avalon. Representatives from Toll Brothers, one of the nations leading developers of luxury homes, and Atlanta-based Empire Communities, are pitching an overlay plan on just over 400 acres north of McGinnis Ferry Road, between Peachtree Parkway and Old Atlanta Road. Eric White, Atlanta Division president for Toll Brothers, told members of the Forsyth County Commission July 27 that part of the companys focus is on new architecture, and it has more plans active now than are posted on its website. Toll Brothers is a publicly traded company with about $1.5 billion in hand. It bills itself as Americas Luxury Homebuilder. The company has a 5,000 square-foot studio currently under construction slated for opening the beginning of next year. He said Toll Brothers homes include quality construction, including Hardie plank materials on the exterior with quality interior finishes. White said the company has active projects in all five districts of Forsyth County, and he would like to partner with the county to bring the development online. Paul Corley, regional president for Empire Communities, said he has been building in the greater Atlanta market for nearly 30 years, including footprints in Avalon and Halcyon. You know you hear the terms live, work, play, everybody says it we mean it, Corley said. He added that a partnership with Lamar Wakefield of Wakefield Beasley and Associates design firm, the development will reflect the community now and how it will live in 20 years. Corley said the team expects to have selected another partner for the mixed-use property by the end of August. Its the best of the best that were talking with because they recognize the demographics of this area, he said. They recognize the schools. They recognize the (Ga.) 400 access and the good stuff thats happening here in Forsyth. Corley said initial plans call for 15 pocket parks, two substantial amenity complexes, a large village center and 3.8 miles of trails that could tie in to surrounding communities. Residential will include townhomes in the $400,000s and estate homes worth more than $1 million. Wakefield provided his vision for the mixed-use community as a chance here to do something really special for the county. He said he is using the same fundamentals used in creating Avalon when project leaders visited more than 60 of the best rated mixed-used developments in the country to help draw up the design. While plans are not complete for the South Forsyth project, Wakefield provided some general details, based on his conversations with county and community leaders. He said the development would be bisected by a $20 million parkway connecting Peachtree Parkway and Old Atlanta Road. It will have more than 100 acres of greenspace and an amphitheater. The main plaza will be 1.6 acres, twice the size of Halcyons. Wakefield said talks have already begun with a large grocer, one suitable for the development. One of the more innovative parts of the plan includes anchoring one corner of the development with a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math) school. Wakefield said negotiations are currently underway with the school district for approval. I can tell you, with this student population that we have in Forsyth County, it will be the best STEAM school in the state of Georgia, Wakefield said. We think it will be 1,400-1,500 students. County commissioners were intrigued by the proposal, but they said they could not commit to beginning a regional impact review for the project until the developers present more details of a draft plan. The county said it is looking for traffic studies and a more exact number on the amount of commercial and residential square footage within the development. A DRI review, which is assembled by the Atlanta Regional Commission, is intended to coordinate between government entities and other agencies on assessing the impacts and conflicts major projects may have on an area. Commissioners agreed county staff should work with the development team to help refine the concept plan and bring back something they can evaluate. County Commissioner Alfred John said he thinks there are still a couple of meetings required before the county would commit to a review. A lot of work has been done so far, and theres still a lot of work left to be done, John said. Medicare has been in existence since 1965 (fun fact: President Harry Truman was the first Medicare beneficiary), and the Medicare system has been changed or updated multiple times since. This is partially the reason for the confusion to Medicare consumers. Read more Owosso, MI (48867) Today More clouds than sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies with a few showers after midnight. Low around 65F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. India on Sunday took over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August New Delhi: India on Sunday took over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, and will look at important focus areas like maritime security, peacekeeping, and combating terrorism, the Covid-19 pandemic as well as climate change. India takes over the presidency of the @UN#SecurityCouncil for the month of August. A worldview anchored in #VasudhaivaKutumbakam (the world is one family), MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted Sunday. Just last week, he had said: We are gearing up for this important phase in our membership of the United Nations Security Council, which as you know, covers 2021 and 2022. For the moment, for our presidency in August, we are looking at areas like maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism as important focus areas. External affairs minister S. Jaishankar tweeted: As we take over the UNSC presidency for August, look forward to working productively with other members. India will always be a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law. India had joined the UNSC from January 1 this year as an elected non-permanent member for a two year-term 2021-22, in what is its eighth term so far. Indias top priorities at the UNSC include a new orientation for a reformed multilateral system. Enhancing counter-terrorism measures has also been one of Indias main priorities in order to enhance global action against terrorism. India is also seeking streamlining of the process of sanctions against terrorists and terror entities, something which is extremely significant as India faces cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. New Delhi is focusing on principles such as respect and policies such as dialogue and cooperation to achieve its aims at the UN. Indias five priorities at the UNSC are New opportunities for progress, an effective response to international terrorism, reforming the multilateral system, a comprehensive approach to international peace and security, and promoting technology with a human touch as a driver of solutions. Its overall objective during this tenure in the UN Security Council is the achievement of NORMS -- a New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System. Indias approach is being guided by the Five Ss, as listed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which are: Samman (Respect), Samvad (Dialogue), Sahyog (Cooperation), and Shanti (Peace), to create conditions for universal Samriddhi (Prosperity). It may be recalled India is pushing for a permanent UNSC seat. The council has five permanent members and 10 non-permanent ones. The five UNSC permanent members -- called the P-5 -- are the United States, Russia, Britain, France and China. India hopes its performance at the UNSC during its ongoing two-year term will reinforce New Delhis claim for permanent membership of the UNSC. India had in June last year been elected by UN member-countries overwhelmingly for a non-permanent seat to the 15-member UNSC for the two year-term 2021-22. A whopping 184 out of the total 192 UN member-nations had voted for India. India was the single endorsed candidate of the Asia-Pacific Group and so had been confident of its victory even before the election. The elections were conducted through secret ballot as per procedure although there were certain new voting arrangements put in place then due to the coronavirus pandemic. 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. SH-AWD A 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine related to the plant in the Honda Civic Type R hot hatchback is standard, and its definitely no slouch thanks to 272 force-fed ponies and 280 pound-feet (380 Nm) of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 revolutions per minute. Add Super Handling all-wheel-drive system and a 10-speed automatic transmission to the mix, and youll understand why the second-gen TLX is one of the best picks in this particular car segment.Prospective customers who prefer a beefier engine can opt for the brand-new turbocharged V6 in the Type S , a performance-oriented variant that retails from $52,300 excluding taxes. The 3.0-liter unit featuresand a 10-speed transmission as well, and its understandably more potent at 355 stallions and 354 pound-feet (480 Nm) between 1,400 and 5,000 rpm.Tipping the scales at 4,199 pounds (1,905 kilograms) compared to 3,989 pounds (1,809 kilograms), the Type S makes easy work of the regular TLX with the A-Spec Package . To whom it may concern, A-Spec refers to visual and convenience features that include sportier seats and a wireless charger.On a sunny day at the Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, the A-Spec hooks up much better off the line in the hands of Sam CarLegion although the Type S surges ahead to win the first race. On the second run, the V6-powered sibling scoots off harder and keeps going strong until the finish line.With sport mode turned on and traction control disabled in the third round, the A-Spec appears to react better although it cant hold a candle to the higher torque rating and better torque curve of the Type S. Finally, the last race sees the Type S win in normal mode over the A-Spec in sport mode. The KC-135 Stratotanker is one of these specialized machines. Built by Boeing as an evolution of the 367-80, it became Americas first jet-powered refueling tanker when it was inducted into service in 1957.Yes, this is how old this plane is, and even if production for it ended in 1965, some of the 800 units made are still in service. Like the one we have here, captured in this amazing still (click photo to enlarge) at the Naval Air Station Key West in Florida.The plane, assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing, is on the tarmac after having refueled a number of F-22 Raptors flying with the 325th Fighter Wing during the jets dissimilar air combat training over Florida.With a gross weight of 297,000 pounds (134,717 kg), the KC-135 can carry fuel for enough planes to have airborne reserves: 200,000 lb (90,718 kg). The four turbofan engines that power it can take the tanker to speeds of up to 580 mph (933 kph), and it can keep flying for 1,500 miles (2,414 km).The KC-135 Stratotanker is no stranger to military operations. During the Vietnam war, it flew 813,000 times on refueling missions, while during the Persian Gulf War the nameplate did the same 18,700 times.Not all KC-135s have been made for carrying fuel, though. Of the 800 or so made, 88 were modified versions meant for hauling some other cargo, or act as reconnaissance airplanes or command posts.The ones that are still flying now feature re-skinned wings and better engines that allow "two re-engined KC-135Rs do the work of three KC-135As." How cool would it be to be able to go exploring with an authentic, vintage military off-road monster? Sadly, as with any rare thing, we can only hope to see this beast make an appearance once in a while. A car photographer took one of these bad boys out on a photoshoot, and showcased just how impressive the Porsche 356 Jagdwagen truly is.If youve never heard of it, dont worry, few people did. This rare Hunting Wagon (Jagdwagen) was the first all-wheel-drive vehicle made by Porsche. It was designed and developed specifically for the German army in the 1950s, who required a fast vehicle that could handle any type of terrain, including water, while also boasting an increased payload capacity.The first version of the Porsche 356 Jagdwagen was a real all-terrain conqueror. Built with a compact monocoque body shell and no access doors, it could easily make its way through water, while also being remarkably agile at 1,918 lbs (870 kg), it could reach a top speed of 63 mph (100 kph). This was due to the modified Porsche 356 four-cylinder flat engine, able to unleash about 50 hp. Add to this the ability to climb steep grades of up to 65% at 1,000 rpm, in all-wheel drive mode, and you can see why this off-road ancestor was a force to be reckoned with.Like many other car models with bizarre destinies, the Jagdwagen was short-lived despite its impressive characteristics. After the first prototype was unveiled in 1953, Porsche developed the version for series production, with a modified front and steel doors.However, the German military eventually switched to the Auto Union for series production. As a result, only 71 of these Hunting Wagons were ever built, with only 50 of them still around. A German military off-road vehicle that never came to be, the Porsche 356 Jagdwagen still looks like the coolest all-terrain king. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet virtually with Southeast Asian leaders all of next week, the State Department announced on Saturday. State of play: Blinken will meet with ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as attend other separate meetings. U.S. officials have not always been present in ASEAN meetings, they "have sometimes sent more junior officials to the region's summits," Reuters writes. Recently, the Biden administration has sent more high-profile officials to meet with countries in the region, including Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, per Reuters. Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Singapore and Vietnam in August. What they're saying: "During these meetings, the Secretary will engage with leaders from across the Indo-Pacific on pressing regional and international issues," the State Department said. Police in Paris deployed tear gas Saturday during clashes with thousands of demonstrators protesting a new law mandating universal vaccinations for health workers and pandemic passes for all restaurants and domestic travel. The big picture: While thousands of people protested across France, the Washington Post notes that polls show most people in the country back the pandemic measures, introduced to curb spiking COVID-19 cases driven largely by the Delta variant. The visit to Washington this week by King Abdullah II of Jordan, the first Arab leader to visit President Biden, was a victory lap after years of tense relations with Trump and Netanyahu. Why it matters: The White House invitation and the meetings with all of Biden's top foreign policy and national security officials repositioned the king as a leading U.S. ally in the Middle East. Statements before and after the meeting indicate that King Abdullah had three main objectives for his talks with Biden: 1. To get a commitment to renew the memorandum of understanding on the $1.2 billion in annual financial assistance to Jordan, which was signed by the Trump administration in 2017 and expires next year. It's unclear from the readouts whether he got that commitment. 2. To push forward a deal to buy new F-16 fighter jets for the Jordanian air force. The White House said the issue was discussed and that the jets would "allow for greater interoperability and effectiveness of the Jordanian Armed Forces." The U.S. will have to consult Israel on the deal before moving forward. 3. To get a clear statement by Biden supporting Jordanian custodianship of the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. He got it. The White House readout mentioned "Jordan's special role as custodian" a role heavily emphasized in the Jordanian readout. Between the lines: During the Trump presidency, Abdullah feared Trump and Netanyahu were conspiring to renege on Jordanian custodianship and give it to Saudi Arabia. No evidence of such a conspiracy has emerged and advisers to both Trump and Netanyahu deny it was ever discussed. Whats next: The second Arab leader to visit Biden at the White House will be Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi next week. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein will also meet Secretary of State Tony Blinken on Friday as part of the U.S.-Iraq strategic dialogue. The possible withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq is expected to be a major issue in the talks. Go deeper: Bidens arrival pushes Jordan toward political reform Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday that the United States and United Kingdom, respectively, now believe Iran was likely responsible for last week's drone strike on an oil tanker in the Arabian sea. Why it matters: The United States and Britain now join Israel in accusing Tehran of being behind the July 29 attack off the coast of Oman. Iran has denied involvement. Driving the news: The merchant tanker, Mercer Street, was hit twice. The first attack didnt cause any damages but the second strike hit the rooms of the crew. Two people were killed, one Romanian national and one British national. "Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack, which killed two innocent people, using one-way explosive UAVs, a lethal capability it is increasingly employing throughout the region," Blinken said on Sunday. Between the lines: The ship was owned by a Japanese company but was managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime. Israeli officials have alleged this was the reason the tanker became a target. Israel and Iran have traded attacks at sea over the last 18 months. Israel attacked numerous Iranian vessels, which were transferring oil and allegedly weapons to Syria. In recent months, Iran has begun to retaliate by allegedly attacking ships owned by Israeli businessmen. What they are saying: On Sunday morning, a spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry denied Iran had any connection to the attack. "There is no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior," Blinken said. "These actions threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of those on the vessels involved." Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday that he "unequivocally" believes "Iran was the one that attacked the ship, per Bloomberg. Raab's statement said the UK believes the attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law, Raab said. Whats next: Israeli and British diplomats told Axios that the next step will be to attempt to convene a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. "We are working with our partners to consider our next steps and consulting with governments inside the region and beyond on an appropriate response, which will be forthcoming," Blinken said. Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information. GILA COUNTY, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - Crazy video shows the moment floodwater surrounded a Gila County house Thursday, just a few miles outside Miami. Jane Hale said the Telegraph Fire almost took out her ranch in June. This month, the Hales faced a new problem -- flooding. They said the fire left a burn scar, creating a huge problem for their property. "This is fire damage, not flood damage," said Hale. "This creek never acted like this until all the forage was burned off." Thursday, she took video from her porch as floodwater poured through and around her house. "I see it in my sleep," said Hale. "I will never feel the same about my home." She said the flooding destroyed the house, and she's not sure it will be possible to live there again. Hale spent Saturday cleaning up the damage with neighbors. The home is full of mud, and the water line is almost 3 feet in some places. "Nothing would have stopped it," said Hale. "It washed this whole basin full of water. We are very, very lucky to be alive." Thankfully, Hale and her husband are OK after the storm, but she said one of her dogs is missing and another died inside the home. "They got the little dogs and put them on the furniture in the living room, which was floating around," said Hale."I cry really easy, especially when I think about my dogs." The floodwater swept away pets, memories and the safety Hale once felt when calling this home. Yet, after surviving the fire and the massive flood, the rancher tries her best to stay positive as she rebuilds. "I believe the power of prayer helps," said Hale. "I believe God parted the fire to go around us." This GoFundMe page is set up to help the Hales. Brian Smith served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and retired as an assistant chief with the California Highway Patrol. He resides in Bakersfield. If you have a personal Cop Tale to share, please contact Smith at bmsmith778@gmail.com. Robert Price is a journalist for KGET-TV. His column appears here Sundays. Reach him at RobertPrice@KGET.com or via Twitter: @stubblebuzz. The opinions expressed are his own. PRINCETON [mdash] Shelby Jean Anthony, 84 of Princeton died Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Born February 9, 1937 in Rock she was the daughter of the late Roscoe Calfee and Roxie Tilley Calfee. She was an active member of First Assembly of God Church in Princeton and a former employee of Maidenfo Oregon Coast Aquarium Gets Fuzzy, Adorable New Sea Otter Pup Published 07/29/21 at 6:40 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Newport, Oregon) A new addition to Newport's Oregon Coast Aquarium will have many squealing with cuteness aggression: a baby sea otter pup named Earle. The tiny, adorable beastie was rescued from a beach in California back in May, where it was found cold and lethargic, alone and without its mother. At just three weeks old at the time, he only weighed 6.5 pounds and would have been unable to survive on his own. From there, tiny, fuzzy Earle was taken to Monterey Bay Aquarium for further treatment and rehabilitation. Normally, facilities use surrogate mothers to raise sea otters in order to eventually release them back into the wild. However, at that time, none were available to the aquarium, so U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services deemed the baby otter unfit to be let loose. Without that proper rearing, he would not have survived. Now, he's a playful, energetic and entertaining member of the Oregon Coast Aquarium family. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is one of only 15 organizations in the U.S. authorized to accept rescued sea otters, and the goal is to always have a space available for those that cannot be released. Once it was determined that the Aquarium would be Earle's new home, a plan quickly unfolded to prepare for his arrival. To expedite Earle's transport, a flight was coordinated with the non-profit organization Turtles Fly Too. The network's mission is to coordinate the use of general aviation to transport endangered species, critical response teams, and to educate the community on marine life conservation. Turtles Fly Too coordinated with each of the organizations and USFWS to facilitate Earle's transport from Monterey Bay Aquarium to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, securing pilot and aircraft, transport permits, and departure and arrival logistics at airports. Turtle Flier Peter T. Lewis, who hails from Santa Barbara, California, contributed his time, talent, and Daher TBM 700 aircraft to fly Earle to his new home. We specialize in transporting endangered species, yet Sea Otter 918 [Earle] challenged us with lower temperature needs, medical team support during flight, and securing a high-speed aircraft to reduce the risk for our special passenger, said Leslie Weinstein, President of Turtles Fly Too. On July 22, Earle took flight. The Aquarium's Curator of Marine Mammals Brittany Blades, along with Willamette Veterinary Hospital's Dr. Dan Lewer, assisted in the transport. They closely monitored Earle's health, and took measures to make the flight as comfortable as possible for the pup. The impact of Earle's journey is widespread; not only will he act as an ambassador in teaching guests about his wild counterparts, but the collaborative efforts of those involved will increase the capacity to rescue and rehabilitate other pups. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appreciates the team at Monterey Bay Aquarium for their diligent work to save and care for this young sea otter pup, while securing a permanent home for him at Oregon Coast Aquarium. We also thank Turtles Fly Too for stepping up to provide safe transport of the pup from California to Oregon. This transport is making room for the next stranded pup that comes in to Monterey Bay Aquarium, and potentially freeing personnel to care for a pup that has a chance to be released. Though non-releasable, this pup will help make people aware of the challenges that face Oregon Coast Aquarium is Otterly Delighted to Welcome Sea Otter Pup southern sea otters in the wild, said Lilian Carswell, Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Marine Mammal Conservation Coordinator of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Upon landing, Earle was greeted by Aquarium staff. He was then quickly transported to his new home, where he was aptly named after Sylvia Earle, an oceanographer, scuba diver, and research scientist dedicated to conservation. Earle is currently located behind-the-scenes, where he is settling in and learning typical sea otter behavior. Aquarium mammalogists will continue to monitor Earle to ensure he is acclimating well, and will soon introduce him to the other members of the sea otter raft. We are so excited to welcome Earle to the Aquarium, said Blades. His survival story really speaks to the amazing things that happen when people come together to support wildlife. Earle will act as an ambassador for his species, connecting guests with ocean life and inspiring conservation. That connection is crucial to the protection and preservation of sea otters and other endangered species. Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Sempras proposed Port Arthur LNG export facility has lost an investor. Citing delays on the project, Polands state-run energy firm, PGNiG, decided to end its proposed 20-year contract for liquid natural gas. Instead, PGNiG has opted to sign a contract with Sempra to receive the 2 million tons per year of LNG from the companys other North American projects, it announced on Tuesday. We highly value our relationship with Sempra LNG, and we are keen to continue it, Pawe Majewski, CEO of PGNiG SA, said in a statement. The (memorandum of understanding) allows for shifting the volumes originally contracted at Port Arthur LNG to other facilities from Sempra LNGs projects portfolio. Sempra LNG owns a 50.2% interest in Cameron LNG, a 12-Mtpa export facility operating in Hackberry, Louisiana, and already is working on an expansion at that facility. Related: Port Arthur LNG project could see another investment decision delay The company also is working with IEnova and TotalEnergies on a project in Baja California, Mexico. The first phase of that project is expected to start production by the end of 2024. There are plans for an expansion at that facility as well, which are in the early phases of development. Meanwhile, Sempra in May, for the second time delayed its final investment decision on moving forward with the Port Arthur LNG, shifting the timeline sometime into 2022. In a statement from the company, Sempra LNGs top executive was positive about the changes, marking it as a reflection of growing demand from energy buyers for reduced carbon emissions attached to the products they purchase. We look forward to continuing to work with PGNiG to help meet their energy objectives from our strategically positioned LNG facilities and development projects on the Gulf and Pacific Coasts of North America, Justin Bird, CEO of Sempra LNG, said in a statement. As we look to extend our LNG business to include net-zero solutions, working with companies like PGNiG to advance best practices in GHG mitigation can build on the global environmental benefits of substituting higher-emission fuels with lower-carbon LNG while also continuing to drive down emissions in the U.S. natural gas value chain. Sempra executives told investors and analysts in a May investors call that impacts to the natural gas industry during the pandemic and demand for more environmentally-friendly projects from global customers would require it to delay for another year while it continued to refine plans. Although work on an actual LNG facility for Sempra in Sabine Pass may be tentative, the companys ongoing work on Texas 87 is nearing the finish line. Sempra broke ground in 2019 on the project that is intended to rework the existing road out to the remote stretch of Texas coast, increasing safety and freeing up stable land for the proposed facility. A spokesperson for the company told the Enterprise that the relocation was almost complete, and crews had shifted to asphalting and third-party existing infrastructure and pipeline relocation activities. Port Arthur LNG isnt the only project that has been impacted by changes over the past 16 months. The pandemic put an even more abrupt stop to commercial LNG deals that had already started to slow down by the end of 2019, but they are starting to pick up again. According to S&P Global, anxiety of the future of energy transition, delays in projects and rising costs have made it a buyers market, which firms have taken advantage of with plum deals. But critics of the LNG industry and its market dynamics pointed to the closure of the Port Arthur LNG contract as another example of the risk involved for communities when a facility moves into their proximity. The Sierra Club, which has criticized a number of LNG projects that have been allowed to keep their federal permitting status despite missing key timelines, commented on the development. The industry wants us to believe that their massive proposed expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure is a done deal, but that couldnt be further from the truth, Sierra Club Senior Campaign Representative Roddy Hughes said in a statement. In reality, these proposed projects are risky investments that would threaten communities already overburdened by fossil fuel extraction while locking in global climate catastrophe. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jd_journalism Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, on Thursday signed an executive order prohibiting cities and other government entities in the state from enacting vaccine requirements or mask mandates to protect against the coronavirus, even as the virus's more contagious delta variant drives another surge in covid-19 cases in Texas. Abbott's order applies to any government entities receiving state funds, including counties, cities, school districts, public health authorities and government officials. He also declared that there be "no covid-19-related operating limits for any business or other establishment" in the state in order to "ensure the ability of Texans to preserve livelihoods while protecting lives." RELATED: CDC mask guidance met with hostility by leading Republicans The order, Abbott said in a statement, was to "provide clarity and uniformity" in the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic. The governor claimed that Texans had "mastered the safe practices" that help prevent and avoid the spread of covid-19. "The new Executive Order emphasizes that the path forward relies on personal responsibility rather than government mandates," Abbott stated. "Texans... have the individual right and responsibility to decide for themselves and their children whether they will wear masks, open their businesses, and engage in leisure activities." The governor added that vaccines remain the most effective defense against the virus but would never be forced in the state. Abbott's executive order made official his repeated statements that he would not enforce mask or vaccine mandates in Texas, even as covid-19 cases in the state have returned to levels not seen since early spring. Covid-related hospitalizations in Texas have risen nearly 40% in the past week. Many officials have voiced concern that covid cases are rising again just before the academic year is set to begin in many school districts across Texas, while children under 12 remain ineligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week changed its guidance to recommend all children over 2 years old wear a mask when they return to school, regardless of vaccination status. The Texas State Teachers Association on Tuesday called on Abbott to withdraw his prohibition on mask mandates and leave the decision up to individual school districts. "If Gov. Abbott really cares about the health and safety of Texas students, educators and their communities, he will give local school officials and health experts the option of requiring masks in their schools," Ovidia Molina, president of the teachers union, said in a statement. Several Democrats blasted Abbott's executive order Thursday, accusing the governor of caring more about his political career than his constituents. Abbott is running for reelection next year for a third term and two of his Republican primary challengers have criticized him as being overly reliant on the federal government in his response to the pandemic. "If he wasn't running for office he'd be more responsible. Instead, people are going to get sick, or worse," Texas state Rep. Diego Bernal, a Democrat, tweeted. Texas state Rep. Gene Wu, a Democrat, called Abbott's ban "beyond reckless." "Governor Abbott has decided Texans will die to maintain his political ambitions," Wu tweeted. MORE COVID: 3 New Orleans clubs require vaccination, negative covid test Abbott's executive order came the same day President Joe Biden announced that all federal employees must be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Federal employees who chose not to get the vaccine will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at work, as well as be tested regularly for the coronavirus. "This is not about red states and blue states. It's literally about life and death. It's about life and death," Biden said Thursday, once again urging those who have not yet gotten the vaccine to do so right away. On Wednesday, Abbott issued another executive order allowing state troopers to stop and "reroute" vehicles transporting migrants - warning that those migrants "pose a risk of carrying covid-19 into Texas communities." U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland immediately declared that order "dangerous and unlawful" and urged Abbott to rescind the directive. In a catalogue that runs deep with hits, "I Will Always Love You" stands as one of Dolly Parton's most successful songwriting credits, a tune that became a global phenomenon when it was covered by Whitney Houston for the 1992 film "The Bodyguard." MORE CULTURE: World's biggest breakdancing competition inspires younger generation Parton, who is estimated to have earned millions of dollars in royalties for writing the song in 1973, revealed this week how she spent her money from the songwriting credit for Houston, who died in 2012: She invested in a building located in a historically Black Nashville neighborhood. "I bought my big office complex down in Nashville, and so I thought, 'Well, this is a wonderful place to be,' " Parton said Thursday during a wide-ranging interview on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen." Cohen had peppered Parton with lighthearted questions about her wig collection - Parton's estimated inventory is 365 hairpieces - and the secret to her positive outlook on life. When Cohen tossed off a query about what was the best purchase she made using the royalties from the hit song, she spoke of a Nashville neighborhood then called Sevier Park, home to predominantly Black families and businesses. "It was a whole strip mall, and I thought this is the perfect place for me to be, considering it was Whitney, so I just thought, 'This is great, I'm just going to be down here with her people, who are my people as well,' " Parton said. She added, "I love the fact that I spent that money on a complex and I think, 'This is the house that Whitney built.' " Representatives for Parton did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday. Fueling Parton's investment was the significant payday she earned from the success of Houston's cover. Parton earned at least $10 million from it in the 1990s, Forbes estimated last year. The song had already been a hit - albeit a more modest one - when Parton wrote it in 1973 as a B side to the album "Jolene." Parton's version was a country music success, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's country charts twice - the first in 1974 and again in 1982 when she rerecorded a version for the soundtrack to "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". UNCULTURED: Michael Che backtracks after posting rape joke about Simone Biles But it wasn't until 1992, when Houston recorded her version of the song as the main musical set piece for "The Bodyguard" that the song reached new heights. Houston's version became Billboard's chart-topper for 14 weeks and helped "The Bodyguard" soundtrack win Album of the Year at the 1993 Grammy Awards. The album was the best-selling film soundtrack of all time as of 2019, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Despite the song's massive success, it almost wasn't a part of the film. Kevin Costner, Houston's co-star and a producer on "The Bodyguard," wanted to use the '60s Motown soul hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," according to a 2017 BuzzFeed News profile of the album on its 25th anniversary. When a cover of the Jimmy Ruffin song ended up on the 1991 soundtrack for "Fried Green Tomatoes," music supervisor Maureen Crowe instead suggested Linda Ronstadt's cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." "It had 'Whitney' all over it," music producer David Foster told BuzzFeed. Parton agreed. The first time she heard Houston's version of her song, she had to pull over to avoid crashing her car because she was so overwhelmed. "I was shot so full of adrenaline and energy, I had to pull off, because I was afraid that I would wreck, so I pulled over quick as I could to listen to that whole song," Parton told Oprah Winfrey in a 2020 interview. "I could not believe how she did that. I mean, how beautiful it was that my little song had turned into that, so that was a major, major thing." Parton purchased the 6,317-square-foot Mission-style complex in Nashville in February 1997, according to property records. David Ewing, a longtime Nashville historian, told The Washington Post that Parton's investment came when many recording artists did not look toward the Sevier Park neighborhood, now known as 12 South, to set up their businesses. "We're just hearing now, because of the Black Lives Matter movement, how down for the cause Dolly has always been - even when others in the music industry weren't," Ewing said. "Dolly Parton could have built and bought any piece of property in Nashville. But you would have to have gone out of your way to buy in the 12 South neighborhood, because no Realtor would have shown Dolly that lot to buy." RELATED: 'Vote them out': Willie Nelson headlines Texas protest rally At the time, the neighborhood was "African American funeral homes, businesses and churches," Ewing said. Now, 12 South is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Nashville, he said. "But it really kind of all began to be put on the map when Dolly quietly invested in the area," Ewing said. Ewing noted that Parton's investment in a Black neighborhood is consistent with the beloved star's track record. In the past year, Parton has made headlines for investing $1 million to develop Moderna's coronavirus vaccine and coming out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. "She's never cared about race or gender or the other things people in the South have judged or restricted others about," Ewing said. "The fact that Dolly would buy in what was a Black neighborhood was a very Dolly thing to do." Should we stay or should we go? While airports are crowded with fully vaccinated travelers eager to escape their covid-era house arrest, there are plenty of reasons to play it safe and stay home. There are the new variants to worry about. Passportagita. Airline cancellations. The Great Rental Car Apocalypse of 2021. Not to mention other people. MORE CULTURE: World's biggest breakdancing competition inspires younger generation Whether you're feeling intrepid or introverted, there are movies that understand your most gotta-get-outta-here impulses - films that celebrate movement, physical daring, restlessness, wanderlust. (It's perhaps no coincidence that "Nomadland," Chloe Zhao's magnificent ode to itinerant workers in the American West, won the Lockdown Year Oscar.) One of cinema's foundational values is world building, whereby an artist constructs a universe on screen in which we can briefly dwell and believe in. Then there are those filmmakers who bring the real, wider world to us, in all its wonderment and sense of revelation. Here's a list of movies guaranteed to ignite the travel itch, or at least satisfy it until your next adventure. - "Faces Places" (2017): Belgian-born French director Agnes Varda, who died in 2019, had a wanderer's heart, as evinced in two of her classic films, 1985's "Vagabond," about a young woman's solitary travels and travails, and the 2000 documentary "The Gleaners and I," in which she compared the lives of scroungers and pickers to her own resourcefulness as an artist. In "Faces Places," Varda's triumphant final feature, she and photo-muralist JR collaborated on the crowning achievement of Varda's peripatetic career, taking viewers on a bracing tour through the small towns of rural France and photographing their inhabitants with stunning candor and compassion. - "Into the Wild" (2007): Sean Penn's adaptation of Jon Krakauer's 1996 book bursts with the impulsive energy of its subject, Chris McCandless (Emile Hirsch), who set out on a journey of self-discovery that ended in tragedy. Penn doesn't flinch from the sadness of McCandless's end, but he imbues his story with lyricism and beauty, by way of the magnificent settings the young man traveled through, and the people he met. Penn captures the beating heart of an inveterate explorer, at its most self-deceiving but also at its bravest and boldest. - "Local Hero" (1983): Bill Forsyth's comedy-drama stars Peter Riegert as Mac, a young oil company executive whose boss (Burt Lancaster) orders him to travel to Scotland to scout potential locations for a refinery. Mac winds up falling in love with the tiny seaside village, whose inhabitants embrace him with a hilarious combination of warmth and chilly skepticism. Propelled by a lovely musical score by Mark Knopfler, "Local Hero" is one of the all-time best movies about a fish discovering what water he really belongs in; the final scene perfectly captures the difference between tourism and genuine connection. - "Maiden" (2018): In 1989, Tracy Edwards headed the first all-female boat crew to compete in the Whitbread Round the World Race, a grueling test of physical strength, mental stamina and sailing prowess. With "Maiden," filmmaker Alex Holmes plunges viewers firsthand into an experience that's simultaneously exhilarating and utterly terrifying; this will either cure you of ever wanting to go to sea or send you straight to the nearest boat dealer (remember the adage about standing in the shower and tearing up $100 bills). This movie is so immediate and immersive - and the spirit of its protagonists so winning - that the only thing missing is the sunburn on your nose and the salt on your lips. - "Meru" (2015): "Medicine for Melancholy" (2008): Barry Jenkins's debut feature stars Wyatt Cenac and Tracey Heggins as two San Francisco 20-somethings who wake up after a one-night stand, then proceed to spend a semi-lazy, sometimes awkward Sunday together walking and biking through the city. Filmed by Jenkins and cinematographer James Laxton in desaturated pastel tones, this small-canvas love story isn't constantly on the move - the characters take breaks to argue about interracial dating and gentrification in each other's apartments - but the film still captures the mood of being visitors in your own town, with the same combination of forward motion and tender, tentative discovery. - "Meru" (2015): Before Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi made the Oscar-winning 2018 documentary "Free Solo," they made this even more extraordinary film, about elite mountain climbers facing down one of the most challenging peaks in the Himalayas. With breathtaking cinematography and first-person access (Chin is one of the climbers), "Meru" puts the viewer right on the mountain, with all the danger, loneliness, awe-inspiring contemplation and spiritual transcendence that implies. RELATED: New on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon August 2021 - "Old Joy" (2006): Will Oldham and Daniel London play old friends who reconnect during a hike through Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Writer-director Kelly Reichardt takes what could be a corny bromance or bonding parable into far more nuanced territory, as the young men confront uneasy truths about intimacy, masculinity and maturity. Reichardt inscribes "Old Joy" with what would become her signature style: She's wonderfully sensitive to the verdant lushness of the natural environment and completely comfortable with long companionable silences (oh, and she loves dogs). The result is a movie in which filmgoers feel as though they're ambling down the trail alongside protagonists whose buddy comedy quietly morphs into a visual poem, and finally a prayer. - "Sullivan's Travels" (1941): Preston Sturges's Golden Age classic stars Joel McCrea as a hotshot Hollywood director who dresses up like a tramp and strikes out for the Depression-era hinterland to learn about the "real" America. He wants to make a searing indictment of poverty called "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and he approaches his trip with the earnest self-importance that title implies. Sturges's deft satiric touch has proved matchless through the decades (even when the Coen brothers try their best). This parodic picaresque finds Sturges at the zenith of his formidable powers to abrade and delight. With the help of a sultry and witty Veronica Lake, "Sullivan's Travels" winds up being madcap and meaningful in equal measure. - "The Trip" (2010): Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play reality-adjacent showbiz frenemies on a larky gastropub tour through the English countryside; in between mouthwatering shots of the cuisine being prepared and consumed, filmmaker Michael Winterbottom treats viewers to equally delectable improvs as the duo tries to one-up each other in impressions and one-liners. It could be tiresomely self-indulgent, but Winterbottom and his sure-footed leading men keep the pace to a jaunty trot. Even more winningly, it builds to a scene of pathos all the more genuine for being so utterly unexpected. Good news for the uninitiated: If you enjoy the ride, there are three sequels waiting for you. - "The Way" (2010): Emilio Estevez wrote and directed this funny and absorbing account of a grieving father who embarks on a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago to honor his late son. The twist is that Estevez's real-life dad, Martin Sheen, plays the role, with the kind of avuncular familiarity, emotional transparency and self-aware humor that audiences adore him for (Estevez plays his late son in flashbacks). Based on Jack Hitt's brilliant book "Off the Road: A Modern-Day Walk Down the Pilgrim's Route into Spain" and filmed on the actual Camino in France and Spain, "The Way" is gorgeous to look at. It's also a deeply spiritual film, without being pietistic or sanctimonious. Estevez knows that connection with the divine isn't reserved for gauzy moments of mystical ecstasy - it can also come with really bad blisters. - "Tracks" (2013): Based on Robyn Davidson's 1980 memoir about her 2,700-kilometer (1,677 mile) trek through Western Australia, with only her dog and four camels, "Tracks" stars Mia Wasikowska in the ultimate leave-your-life-behind movie about adventure and self-determination. If that sounds like too much uplift, director John Curran keeps it real, as does Wasikowska, who plays her character with terse toughness. In fact, "Tracks" might unfold completely silently were it not for the chatty National Geographic photographer - appealingly played by Adam Driver - who tags along for the trip. It's no surprise that the scenery in "Tracks" is magnificent; but Davidson's interior journey winds up being the real story. - "Two for the Road" (1967): Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney play an unhappy couple revisiting their relationship through various trips they've taken through France in Stanley Donen's sprightly, cynical portrait of a marriage. In a series of seamlessly edited flashbacks, accompanied by Henry Mancini's tenderly mournful music, "Two for the Road" is a box full of eye candy, the most toothsome bonbons of which are shots of Hepburn wearing period-correct mid-century fashion with impeccable ease (Finney's cars are pretty cool, too). Eleanor Bron and William Daniels show up at just the perfect time for some antic comic relief. UNUSUAL ENTERTAINMENT: I road-tripped to the official In-N-Out hamburger museum - "Y Tu Mama Tambien" (2001): Alfonso Cuaron's breakout movie stars Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna as best friends who take the summer road trip of a lifetime when an attractive older woman (Maribel Verdu) agrees to travel with them through Mexico. That premise might sound icky, but Cuaron brings sensitivity and taste to "Y Tu Mama Tambien," which evokes sensuality, pleasure and desire, while paying affectionate homage to Cuaron's native country and anticipating the themes that would animate his multiple-Oscar-winning 2018 drama "Roma." Vamanos. Click here to read the full article. Tiffany Haddish and LaKeith Stanfield may be in for a scare. The two actors are in talks to star in Disneys upcoming remake of The Haunted Mansion, directed by Justin Simien, who previously helmed Dear White People and the horror film Bad Hair. The Haunted Mansion takes its roots from the spooky theme park ride, which first debuted at Disneyland in 1969. It took guests through a terrifying manor filled with ghosts, ghouls and various other undead residents designed to give guests a fright. It was also one of the only attractions in which Disney employees were encouraged not to smile. The ride first served as inspiration for a feature film in 2003 with Eddie Murphys family-friendly horror comedy The Haunted Mansion. Plot details are being kept under wraps for the latest adaptation. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are producing the film through their production company Rideback. Nick Reynolds of Rideback will serve as executive producer. Katie Dippold wrote the most recent draft of the screenplay. Stanfield received an Oscar nomination for co-starring in Judas and the Black Messiah alongside Daniel Kaluuya, who took home the award for best supporting actor. Hes also known for starring in the FX series Atlanta and can be seen next in the Western The Harder They Fall. Haddish most recently starred in Netflixs comedy Bad Trip with Eric Andre and Lil Rel Howery. Next up, shell appear in The Card Counter with Oscar Isaac, Willem Dafoe and Tye Sheridan and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent with Nicolas Cage. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Former Jefferson County Clerk Carolyn Guidry spent some time at home with her grandchildren, worked through her health problems and now shes ready to return to public service. After retiring from that post earlier this year, Guidry last week announced her plans to run for Jefferson County Judge the countys top executive seat. I thought I had a bigger goal. God has other plans for me, she said. I was having a few health issues, but Ive been able to work through them. The fact that God has restored my health to where I can be a viable candidate for this position, hes put it on my heart. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick earlier this year also announced his intent to seek the seat. He said at the time, if reelected, it likely would be his last term. Related: Branick to seek re-election as Jefferson County judge Despite spending 16 years in the clerks office, Guidry said she is seeking the county judges position because the clerk only has so much control. In that position, she didnt have a say on how taxpayer dollars were spent or how services across the county could be improved. One of her main priorities, if elected, would be emergency management. That would include revamping the office and creating a disaster plan that includes how to get residents back into the county instead of simply how to get them out. Its the county judges responsibility to be the emergency manager. They dedicate a department to that. I think thats a waste of taxpayer dollars, she said. Theyre only needed during hurricane season and some floods. To have a department with two employees for a part-time job, I think thats a waste of taxpayer dollars. Guidry said she also would create an election administrators position, something shes asked the Jefferson County Commissioners Court to pursue throughout almost all of her tenure in the clerks office. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox She acknowledged that she doesnt have experience as the countys chief executive, and she could end up in the general election facing a candidate who has occupied the seat for several years. However, Guidry said the judge doesnt have to be an attorney, and the county has enough judges to take care of the cases that she couldnt handle. I think we need more diversification in the county judges office, she said. Im unique because I have a passion for customer service, and I do what it takes to get the job done right. I think I have a great relationship with the people in Jefferson County. Ive been reelected four times. I will always commit to do the best of my ability, which is what I did in the county clerks office. If you liked me as county clerk, youd like me as county judge. The election will be in 2022. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain 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. Operator of Green Line train placed on leave after crash One of four operators on board two Green Line trains that collided on Friday, injuring more than 20 people, has been place on paid administrative leave On July 7, 2021, Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated at his home and his wife Martine Moise was injured. Moise is still recovering, but in her first interview since that fateful morning, she announced a possible run for president herself. Moise told The New York Times about her possible run for president of Haiti, saying, "President Jovenel had a vision and we Haitians are not going to let that die," she says. Moise also said she survived the incident by playing dead, noting, The only thing that I saw before they killed him were their boots. Then I closed my eyes, and I didnt see anything else. Her husband was shot dead beside her. On the early morning of July 7, a coterie of assassins broke into the couples estate and opened fire. A motive has not yet been revealed. Moise told the news outlet, "I would like people who did this to be caught, otherwise they will kill every single president who takes powerThey did it once. They will do it again. RECENT: Haiti Continues Spiral Into Turmoil Over Presidents Legitimacy An election for a new president of Haiti is expected to happen soon. According to Reuters, on July 28, Haiti's new Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has been in office since last week, said at a brief news conference, "The mission of this government is to prepare the conditions to hold the elections as quickly as possible. Henry did not give a possible date but did say the goal is to stop "all irritants" that could hinder the country from having an election. Before Moises assassination, he wanted to change the constitution to give more power to the presidency over the parliament. Henry did not address the constitutional reform at the press conference, the report notes. Haiti is known historically for successfully rebelling and ousting the slaveholding French by 1804, to begin as a new republic. But afterward it was economically choked by European and American powers -- both consistently accused of stifling the nations growth. The assassination of Moise is the latest in decades, and perhaps generations, of instability in Haiti including the days of Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, and his son Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier. Moise, 53, had been accused of autocracy and corruption by his critics, spurring massive demonstrations. He had been in power since February of 2017, but opposition to his regime claimed that his five-year term began in 2016 and was set to end in February of 2021. However, those results were negated by Haitis electoral council. Moise has said because of that, he ran and won again and took office in 2017, which would make him set to step down next year. A motive for the assination has not been revealed. 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. 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 A young Idaho girl tragically was killed this week when she was riding with her dad in a vehicle and a 4-inch rock flew through a windshield, hitting her head. The Oneida County Sheriffs Office said that Kambrie Horsley, 10, of Malad, was being driven by her father, Brad Horsley, the Oneida County coroner, when the accident unfolded Monday afternoon, the Idaho State Journal reported Friday. A semi-truck driving the same road, Daniels Road about 10 miles northwest of Malad had unknowingly dislodged the rock from the roadway, according to the paper. Kambries dad rushed her to nearby Oneida County Hospital and she was then airlifted to Salt Lake Citys Primary Childrens Hospital, where she was pronounced dead later Monday, according to ISJ. Pointing to no wrongdoing, authorities ruled it a tragic accident, the paper reports. In investigating the crash, the sheriffs office found the semi driver, who had no previous knowledge his truck had sent the rock at the car, according to the outlet. WASHINGTON (AP) Time running short, senators and the White House worked furiously Tuesday to salvage a bipartisan infrastructure deal, with pressure intensifying on all sides to wrap up talks on President Joe Bidens top priority. Despite weeks of closed-door discussions, several issues are still unresolved over the nearly $1 trillion package. Spending on public transit remains in question and a new dispute flared over the regulation of broadband access. Patience was running thin as senators accused one another of shifting the debate and picking fights over issues that had already been resolved. Still, all sides the White House, Republicans and Democrats sounded upbeat that an accord was within reach as senators braced for a possible weekend session to finish the deal. No new deadlines were set. Good progress, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said as he opened the chamber. Republican negotiator Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio, who took the lead in key talks with a top White House aide, struck a similar tone, but also acknowledged the bipartisan group was still working" on transit and other issues. It's a make-or-break moment that is testing the White House and Congress, and the outcome will set the stage for the next debate over Biden's much more ambitious $3.5 trillion spending package, a strictly partisan pursuit of far-reaching programs and services including child care, tax breaks and health care that touch almost every corner of American life, and that Republicans vowed Tuesday to oppose. As talks drag on, anxious Democrats, who have slim control of the House and Senate, face a timeline to act on what would be some of the most substantial pieces of legislation in years. Republicans are weighing whether they will lend their votes for Bidens first big infrastructure lift or deny the president the political accomplishment in hopes of stopping both packages. Biden met Tuesday morning at the White House with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, one of the Democratic leaders of the bipartisan talks, to discuss both the current bill and the next one. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said after the president's meeting with Sinema that the administration sees good signs but is not setting any deadlines. Ten Republicans would be needed in the evenly split 50-50 Senate to join all Democrats to advance the bipartisan bill past a filibuster toward passage, but its an open debate among Republicans whether its politically advantageous to give their support. A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC found 8 in 10 Americans favor some increased infrastructure spending. Republican senators sparred at their closed-door lunch Tuesday, one side arguing against doing anything that would smooth the way for Democrats' broader bill, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private meeting. Others spoke in favor of the bipartisan package. The bipartisan package includes about $600 billion in new spending on public works projects. That falls far short of what House Democrats have proposed in their own transportation bill, which includes much more spending to address rail transit, electric vehicles and other strategies to counter climate change. At a private meeting of House Democrats on Tuesday, Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, called the Senate's bipartisan measure complete crap, according to two Democrats who attended the session. DeFazios remarks illustrated the tensions between Democrats in the two chambers over the budget talks. The Democrats spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the closed-door session. Senators in the bipartisan group have been huddling privately since they first struck an agreement with Biden in June on the contours of the joint deal. The group includes 10 core negotiators, split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, but has swelled at time to 22 members. Filling in the details has become a grueling month-long exercise over the scope of spending in each of the categories as well as some of the underlying policies. Transit funding has remained a stubborn dispute, as Republican senators are wary of formalizing what has been a typical formula for the Highway Trust Fund allotting around 80% for highways and 20% for transit. Most Republican senators come from rural states where highways dominate and public transit is scarce, while Democrats view transit as a priority for cities and a key to easing congesting and fighting climate change. Democrats don't want to see the formula dip below its typical threshold. Expanding access to broadband. which has become vital for households during the coronavirus pandemic, sparked a new debate. Republicans pushed back against imposing regulations on internet service providers in a program that helps low-income people pay for service. Democrats were insisting on a prevailing-wage requirement, not just for existing public works programs but also for building new roads, bridges, broadband and other infrastructure, but it's not clear that will make the final package. The senators had been debating money for public water works projects and removal of lead pipes after Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, raised questions about the amount. He said Tuesday the issue had been settled. Still unresolved is how to pay for the bipartisan package after Democrats rejected a plan to bring in funds by hiking the gas tax drivers pay at the pump and Republicans dashed a plan to boost the IRS to go after tax scofflaws. Funding could come from repurposing COVID relief aid, reversing a Trump-era pharmaceutical rebate and other streams. It's possible the final deal could run into political trouble if it doesn't pass muster as fully paid for when the Congressional Budget Office assesses the details. Meanwhile, Democrats are readying the broader $3.5 trillion package that is being considered under budget rules that allow passage with 51 senators in the split Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to break a tie. It would be paid for by increasing the corporate tax rate and the tax rate on Americans earning more than $400,000 a year. ___ Associated Press writers Alan Fram and Josh Boak in Washington and Tali Arbel in New York contributed to this report. The Swiss mega bank, Credit Suisse, lost $5.5 billion in late March and early April from the highly-leveraged, highly concentrated stock positions it was financing via tricked-up derivatives for Archegos Capital Management, the family office hedge fund of Sung Kook Bill Hwang. Archegos blew up on March 25 after it defaulted on its margin calls from its banks. U.S. mega banks, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, were also extending high levels of margin debt to Archegos at the time of its blowup, as were other foreign banks. Over $10 billion in total losses have thus far been acknowledged by the banks. To get out in front of an ongoing Department of Justice investigation of the matter, Credit Suisse decided to hire the BigLaw firm, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, to conduct an investigation. Yesterday, Paul Weiss issued a 165-page report on its version of what happened. Paul Weiss found no fraud had occurred just zombie risk managers at Credit Suisse that were incapable of seeing a train wreck bearing down on them. (Were not sure how that finding is supposed to limit legal and reputational exposure, which is how Paul Weiss touts its internal investigation services.) Credit Suisse is calling this an independent report (notwithstanding the fact that money obviously changed hands between Credit Suisse and Paul Weiss). To impress upon federal prosecutors that this report is the full skinny on everything that went down (nothing more to see here), Paul Weiss stresses that it conducted interviews with more than 80 employees and the collection of over 10 million documents. Rather than being reassuring, the mention of 10 million documents suggests that there was an insane level of transactions taking place between Archegos and Credit Suisse. Perhaps there is a lot more to see here. This is how the Paul Weiss report portrayed the zombie risk managers at Credit Suisse: The Archegos-related losses sustained by CS [Credit Suisse] are the result of a fundamental failure of management and controls in CSs Investment Bank and, specifically, in its Prime Services business. The business was focused on maximizing short-term profits and failed to rein in and, indeed, enabled Archegoss voracious risk-taking. There were numerous warning signalsincluding large, persistent limit breaches indicating that Archegoss concentrated, volatile, and severely under-margined swap positions posed potentially catastrophic risk to CS. Yet the business, from the in-business risk managers to the Global Head of Equities, as well as the risk function, failed to heed these signs, despite evidence that some individuals did raise concerns appropriately. And this: a Prime Services business with a lackadaisical attitude towards risk and risk discipline; a lack of accountability for risk failures; risk systems that identified acute risks, which were systematically ignored by business and risk personnel; and a cultural unwillingness to engage in challenging discussions or to escalate matters posing grave economic and reputational risk. The Archegos matter directly calls into question the competence of the business and risk personnel who had all the information necessary to appreciate the magnitude and urgency of the Archegos risks, but failed at multiple junctures to take decisive and urgent action to address them. We had a sense of deja vu as we read the above. It sounds uncannily like the U.S. Senates Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations findings as to how JPMorgan Chase dodged risk limits and lost more than $6 billion using bank depositors money to make high risk derivative trades in the London Whale scandal of 2012. That 300-page report found the following: In the first three months of 2012, when the CIO [Chief Investment Office] breached all five of the major risk limits on the Synthetic Credit Portfolio, rather than divest itself of risky positions, JPMorgan Chase disregarded the warning signals and downplayed the SCPs risk by allowing the CIO to raise the limits, change its risk evaluation models, and continue trading despite the red flags. The big difference between what JPMorgan was doing and what Credit Suisse was doing is that JPMorgan was conducting these derivative trades out of its federally-insured bank using depositors money. According to Credit Suisses most recent living will (its report on how it would unwind itself if it became insolvent) its U.S. branch is not a member of, and its deposits are not insured by, the FDIC. That doesnt, however, mean that Americans can breathe easy. All of the mega global banks are interconnected by serving as counterparties to each others vast derivative contracts. If any one of them becomes insolvent, there is a certainty of contagion to the other banks thus the need for Congress to do its job and break up these mega banks, separating federally-insured banks from the serially-charged trading casinos on Wall Street. Imagine a world where you could sit on the same couch as a friend who lives thousands of miles away, or conjure up a virtual version of your workplace while at the beach. Welcome to the metaverse: a vision of the future that sounds fantastical, but which tech titans like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are betting on as the next great leap in the evolution of the internet. The metaverse is, in fact, the stuff of science-fiction: the term was coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 novel "Snow Crash", in which people don virtual reality headsets to interact inside a game-like digital world. The book has long enjoyed cult status among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs -- but in recent months the metaverse has become one of the tech sector's hottest buzzwords, with companies pouring millions of dollars into its development. Facebook fuelled the excitement further Monday by announcing the creation of a new team to work on Zuckerberg's vision of the metaverse. "This is going to be a really big part of the next chapter for the technology industry," Zuckerberg told tech website The Verge last week. Over the next five years, he predicted, Facebook would transition from "primarily being a social media company to being a metaverse company". As with many tech buzzwords, the definition of the metaverse depends on whom you ask. But broadly, it involves blending the physical world with the digital one. With the help of augmented reality glasses, it might allow you to see information whizz before your eyes as you walk around a city, from traffic and pollution updates to local history. But metaverse enthusiasts are dreaming of a future in which the idea could be extended much further, allowing us to be transported to digital settings that feel real, such as a nightclub or a mountaintop. Former British diplomat and independent journalist Craig Murray is the first person imprisoned in the UK over media contempt in 50 years. This article was originally published at Jonathan Cooks blog. Craig Murray, a former ambassador to Uzbekistan, the father of a newborn child, a man in very poor health and one who has no prior convictions, will have to hand himself over to the Scottish police on Sunday morning. He becomes the first person ever to be imprisoned on the obscure and vaguely defined charge of jigsaw identification. Murray is also the first person to be jailed in Britain for contempt of court in half a century a period when such different legal and moral values prevailed that the British establishment had only just ended the prosecution of homosexuals and the jailing of women for having abortions. PRESS RELEASE: Craig Murray to be first person incarcerated in the UK over media contempt case in 50 years, setting dangerous legal precedent for freedom of speech and equality before the law. pic.twitter.com/lvZSiGEkkm Craig Murray Justice campaign (@cmurrayjustice) July 29, 2021 Murrays jailing has nothing to do with the fact that he embarrassed the British state in the early 2000s by becoming that rarest of things: a whistleblowing diplomat. He exposed the British governments collusion, along with the US, in Uzbekistans torture regime. His jailing also has nothing to do with the fact that Murray has embarrassed the British state more recently by reporting the woeful and continuing legal abuses in a London courtroom as Washington seeks to extradite Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange, and lock him away for life in a maximum security prison. The US wants to make an example of Assange for exposing its war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan and for publishing leaked diplomatic cables that pulled the mask off Washingtons ugly foreign policy. Murrays jailing has nothing to do with the fact that the contempt proceedings against him allowed the Scottish court to deprive him of his passport so that he could not travel to Spain and testify in a related Assange case that is severely embarrassing Britain and the US. The Spanish hearing has been presented with reams of evidence that the US illegally spied on Assange inside the Ecuadorean embassy in London, where he sought political asylum to avoid extradition. Murray was due to testify that his own confidential conversations with Assange were filmed, as were Assanges privileged meetings with his own lawyers. Such spying should have seen the case against Assange thrown out, had the judge in London actually been applying the law. Actually what I found most shocking about that was the peculiar determination of the judges to make sure that, during the three weeks we have to lodge the appeal, I am not allowed to go to Spain to testify in the criminal prosecution for the CIA spying on Assange's legal team. Craig Murray (@CraigMurrayOrg) May 11, 2021 Similarly, Murrays jailing has nothing to do with his embarrassing the Scottish political and legal establishments by reporting, almost single-handedly, the defense case in the trial of Scotlands former First Minister, Alex Salmond. Unreported by the corporate media, the evidence submitted by Salmonds lawyers led a jury dominated by women to acquit him of a raft of sexual assault charges. It is Murrays reporting of Salmonds defense that has been the source of his current troubles. And most assuredly, Murrays jailing has precisely nothing to do with his argument one that might explain why the jury was so unconvinced by the prosecution case that Salmond was actually the victim of a high-level plot by senior politicians at Holyrood to discredit him and prevent his return to the forefront of Scottish politics. The intention, says Murray, was to deny Salmond the chance to take on London and make a serious case for independence, and thereby expose the SNPs increasing lip service to that cause. Relentless attack Murray has been a thorn in the side of the British establishment for nearly two decades. Now they have found a way to lock him up just as they have Assange, as well as tie Murray up potentially for years in legal battles that risk bankrupting him as he seeks to clear his name. And given his extremely precarious health documented in detail to the court his imprisonment further risks turning eight months into a life sentence. Murray nearly died from a pulmonary embolism 17 years ago when he was last under such relentless attack from the British establishment. His health has not improved since. At that time, in the early 2000s, in the run-up to and early stages of the invasion of Iraq, Murray effectively exposed the complicity of fellow British diplomats their preference to turn a blind eye to the abuses sanctioned by their own government and its corrupt and corrupting alliance with the US. Later, when Washingtons extraordinary rendition state kidnapping program came to light, as well as its torture regime at places like Abu Ghraib, the spotlight should have turned to the failure of diplomats to speak out. Unlike Murray, they refused to turn whistleblower. They provided cover to the illegality and barbarism. For his pains, Murray was smeared by Tony Blairs government as, among other things, a sexual predator charges a Foreign Office investigation eventually cleared him of. But the damage was done, with Murray forced out. A commitment to moral and legal probity was clearly incompatible with British foreign policy objectives. Murray had to reinvent his career, and he did so through a popular blog. He has applied the same dedication to truth-telling and commitment to the protection of human rights in his journalism and has again run up against equally fierce opposition from the British establishment. Two-tier journalism The most glaring, and disturbing, legal innovation in Lady Dorrians ruling against Murray and the main reason he is heading to prison is her decision to divide journalists into two classes: those who work for approved corporate media outlets, and those like Murray who are independent, often funded by readers rather than paid big salaries by billionaires or the state. According to Lady Dorrian, licensed, corporate journalists are entitled to legal protections she denied to unofficial and independent journalists like Murray the very journalists who are most likely to take on governments, criticize the legal system, and expose the hypocrisy and lies of the corporate media. In finding Murray guilty of so-called jigsaw identification, Lady Dorrian did not make a distinction between what Murray wrote about the Salmond case and what approved, corporate journalists wrote. That is for good reason. Two surveys have shown that most of those following the Salmond trial who believe they identified one or more of his accusers did so from the coverage of the corporate media, especially the BBC. Murrays writings appear to have had very little impact on the identification of any of the accusers. Among named individual journalists, Dani Garavelli, who wrote about the trial for Scotland on Sunday and the London Review of Books, was cited 15 times more often by respondents than Murray as helping them to identify Salmonds accusers. The polling was conducted by Panelbase as an extra question in one of their standard Scottish opinion polls. I paid for the question but there was no mechanism by which I could affect the results. Is showed Dani Garavelli as by far the biggest source of identification. https://t.co/sAqY9tbJw0 pic.twitter.com/D1D6o9A7i7 Craig Murray (@CraigMurrayOrg) February 3, 2021 Rather, Lady Dorrians distinction was between who gets protected when identification occurs. Write for the Times or the Guardian, or broadcast on the BBC, where the audience reach is enormous, and the courts will protect you from prosecution. Write about the same issues for a blog, and you risk being hounded into prison. In fact, the legal basis of jigsaw identification one could argue the whole point of it is that it accrues dangerous powers to the state. It gives permission for the legal establishment to arbitrarily decide which piece of the supposed jigsaw is to be counted as identification. If the BBCs Kirsty Wark includes a piece of the jigsaw, it does not count as identification in the eyes of the court. If Murray or another independent journalist offers a different piece of the jigsaw, it does count. The obvious ease with which this principle can be abused by the establishment to oppress and silence dissident journalists should not need underscoring. And yet this is no longer Lady Dorrians ruling alone. In refusing to hear Murrays appeal, the UK supreme court has offered its blessing to this same dangerous, two-tiered classification. Credentialed by the state What Lady Dorrian has done is to overturn traditional views of what constitutes journalism: that it is a practice that at its very best is designed to hold the powerful to account, and that anyone who engages in such work is doing journalism, whether or not they are typically thought of as a journalist. That idea was obvious until quite recently. When social media took off, one of the gains trumpeted even by the corporate media was the emergence of a new kind of citizen journalist. At that stage, corporate media believed that these citizen journalists would become cheap fodder, providing on-the-ground, local stories they alone would have access to and that only the establishment media would be in a position to monetise. This was precisely the impetus for the Guardians Comment is Free section, which in its early incarnation allowed a varied selection of people with specialist knowledge or information to provide the paper with articles for free to increase the papers sales and advertising rates. The establishments attitude to citizen journalists, and the Guardians to the Comment is Free model, only changed when these new journalists started to prove hard to control, and their work often highlighted inadvertently or otherwise the inadequacies, deceptions and double standards of the corporate media. Now, Lady Dorrian has put the final nail in the coffin of citizen journalism. She has declared through her ruling that she and other judges will be the ones to decide who is considered a journalist and thereby who receives legal protections for their work. This is a barely concealed way for the state to license or credentialize journalists. It turns journalism into a professional guild with only official, corporate journalists safe from legal retribution by the state. If you are an unapproved, un-credentialed journalist, you can be jailed, as Murray is being, on a similar legal basis to the imprisonment of someone who carries out a surgical operation without the necessary qualifications. But whereas the law against charlatan surgeons is there to protect the public, to stop unnecessary harm being inflicted on the sick, Lady Dorrians ruling will serve a very different purpose: to protect the state from the harm caused by the exposure of its secret or most malign practices by trouble-making, skeptical and now largely independent journalists. Journalism is being corralled back into the exclusive control of the state and billionaire-owned corporations. It may not be surprising that corporate journalists, keen to hold on to their jobs, are consenting through their silence to this all-out assault on journalism and free speech. After all, this is a kind of protectionism additional job security for journalists employed by a corporate media that has no real intention to challenge the powerful. But what is genuinely shocking is that this dangerous accretion of further power to the state and its allied corporate class is being backed implicitly by the journalists union, the NUJ. It has kept quiet over the many months of attacks on Murray and the widespread efforts to discredit him for his reporting. The NUJ has made no significant noise about Lady Dorrians creation of two classes of journalists state-approved and unapproved or about her jailing of Murray on these grounds. But the NUJ has gone further. Its leaders have publicly washed their hands of Murray by excluding him from membership of the union, even while its officials have conceded that he should qualify. The NUJ has become as complicit in the hounding of a journalist as Murrays fellow diplomats once were for his hounding as an ambassador. This is a truly shameful episode in the NUJs history. Calling all NUJ Members When a country's main union for journalists polices the Overton window, you are in a society well on the way to authoritarianism. For four months I have been excluded from the National Union of Journalists and, despite repeated https://t.co/RrdjiXUmmo Craig Murray (@CraigMurrayOrg) July 16, 2020 Free speech criminalized But more dangerous still, Lady Dorrians ruling is part of a pattern in which the political, judicial and media establishments have colluded to narrow the definition of what counts as journalism, to exclude anything beyond the pap that usually passes for journalism in the corporate media. Murray has been one of the few journalists to report in detail the arguments made by Assanges legal team in his extradition hearings. Noticeably in both the Assange and Murray cases, the presiding judge has limited the free speech protections traditionally afforded to journalism and has done so by restricting who qualifies as a journalist. Both cases have been frontal assaults on the ability of certain kinds of journalists those who are free from corporate or state pressure to cover important political stories, effectively criminalising independent journalism. And all this has been achieved by sleight of hand. In Assanges case, Judge Vanessa Baraitser largely assented to US claims that what the Wikileaks founder had done was espionage rather than journalism. The Obama administration had held off prosecuting Assange because it could not find a distinction in law between his legal right to publish evidence of US war crimes and the New York Times and the Guardians right to publish the same evidence, provided to them by Wikileaks. If the US administration prosecuted Assange, it would also need to prosecute the editors of those papers. Donald Trumps officials bypassed that problem by creating a distinction between proper journalists, employed by corporate outlets that oversee and control what is published, and bogus journalists, those independents not subject to such oversight and pressures. Trumps officials denied Assange the status of journalist and publisher and instead treated him as a spy who colluded with and assisted whistleblowers. That supposedly voided the free speech protections he constitutionally enjoyed. But, of course, the US case against Assange was patent nonsense. It is central to the work of investigative journalists to collude with and assist whistleblowers. And spies squirrel away the information provided to them by such whistleblowers, they do not publicise it to the world, as Assange did. Notice the parallels with Murrays case. Judge Baraitsers approach to Assange echoed the US one: that only approved, credentialed journalists enjoy the protection of the law from prosecution; only approved, credentialed journalists have the right to free speech (should they choose to exercise it in newsrooms beholden to state or corporate interests). Free speech and the protection of the law, Baraitser implied, no longer chiefly relate to the legality of what is said, but to the legal status of who says it. A similar methodology has been adopted by Lady Dorrian in Murrays case. She has denied him the status of a journalist, and instead classified him as some kind of improper journalist, or blogger. As with Assange, there is an implication that improper or bogus journalists are such an exceptional threat to society that they must be stripped of the normal legal protections of free speech. Jigsaw identification especially when allied to sexual assault allegations, involving womens rights and playing into the wider, current obsession with identity politics is the perfect vehicle for winning widespread consent for the criminalisation of the free speech of critical journalists. Corporate media shackles There is an even bigger picture that should be hard to miss for any honest journalist, corporate or otherwise. What Lady Dorrian and Judge Baraitser and the establishment behind them are trying to do is put the genie back in the bottle. They are trying to reverse a trend that over more than a decade has seen a small but growing number of journalists use new technology and social media to liberate themselves from the shackles of the corporate media and tell truths audiences were never supposed to hear. Dont believe me? Consider the case of Guardian and Observer journalist Ed Vulliamy. In his book Flat Earth News, Vulliamys colleague at the Guardian Nick Davies tells the story of how Roger Alton, editor of the Observer at the time of the Iraq war, and a credentialed, licensed journalist if ever there was one, sat on one of the biggest stories in the papers history for months on end. In late 2002, Vulliamy, a veteran and much trusted reporter, persuaded Mel Goodman, a former senior CIA official who still had security clearance at the agency, to go on record that the CIA knew there were no WMD in Iraq the pretext for an imminent and illegal invasion of that country. As many suspected, the US and British governments had been telling lies to justify a coming war of aggression against Iraq, and Vulliamy had a key source to prove it. But Alton spiked this earth-shattering story and then refused to publish another six versions written by an increasingly exasperated Vulliamy over the next few months, as war loomed. Alton was determined to keep the story out of the news. Back in 2002 it only took a handful of editors all of whom had risen through the ranks for their discretion, nuance and careful judgment to make sure some kinds of news never reached their readers. Social media has changed such calculations. Vulliamys story could not be quashed so easily today. It would leak out, precisely through a high-profile independent journalist like Assange or Murray. Which is why such figures are so critically important to a healthy and informed society and why they, and a few others like them, are gradually being disappeared. The cost of allowing independent journalists to operate freely, the establishment has understood, is far too high. First, all independent, unlicensed journalism was lumped in as fake news. With that as the background, social media corporations were able to collude with so-called legacy media corporations to algorithm independent journalists into oblivion. And now independent journalists are being educated about what fate is likely to befall them should they try to emulate Assange or Murray. Asleep at the wheel In fact, while corporate journalists have been asleep at the wheel, the British establishment has been preparing to widen the net to criminalise all journalism that seeks to seriously hold power to account. A recent government consultation document calling for a more draconian crackdown on what is being deceptively termed onward disclosure code for journalism has won the backing of Home Secretary Priti Patel. The document implicitly categorises journalism as little different from espionage and whistleblowing. In the wake of the consultation paper, the Home Office has called on parliament to consider increased maximum sentences for offenders that is, journalists and ending the distinction between espionage and the most serious unauthorised disclosures. The governments argument is that onward disclosures can create far more serious damage than espionage and so should be treated similarly. If accepted, any public interest defence the traditional safeguard for journalists will be muted. Anyone who followed the Assange hearings last summer which excludes most journalists in the corporate media will notice strong echoes of the arguments made by the US for extraditing Assange, arguments conflating journalism with espionage that were largely accepted by Judge Baraitser. None of this has come out of the blue. As the online technology publication The Register noted back in 2017, the Law Commission was at the time considering proposals in the UK for a swingeing new Espionage Act that could jail journalists as spies. It said such an act was being developed in haste by legal advisers. It is quite extraordinary that two investigative journalists one a long-term, former member of staff at the Guardian managed to write an entire article in that paper this month on the government consultation paper and not mention Assange once. The warning signs have been there for the best part of a decade but corporate journalists have refused to notice them. Similarly, it is no coincidence that Murrays plight has also not registered on the corporate medias radar. Assange and Murray are the canaries in the coal mine for the growing crackdown on investigative journalism and on efforts to hold executive power to account. There is, of course, ever less of that being done by the corporate media, which may explain why corporate outlets appear not only relaxed about the mounting political and legal climate against free speech and transparency but have been all but cheering it on. In the Assange and Murray cases, the British state is carving out for itself a space to define what counts as legitimate, authorised journalism and journalists are colluding in this dangerous development, if only through their silence. That collusion tells us a great deal about the mutual interests of the corporate political and legal establishments, on the one hand, and the corporate media establishment on the other. Assange and Murray are not only telling us troubling truths we are not supposed to hear. The fact that they are being denied solidarity by those who are their colleagues, those who may be next in the firing line, tells us everything we need to know about the so-called mainstream media: that the role of corporate journalists is to serve establishment interests, not challenge them. 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. VANCOUVER - An extraordinary set of handwritten notes by Canada's acting defence chief appear to reveal a behind-the-scenes struggle between due process, political optics and support for the complainant after a sexual misconduct allegation emerged against Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin. Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin, vice-president of logistics and operations at the Public Health Agency of Canada, participates in a news conference on the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa, on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang VANCOUVER - An extraordinary set of handwritten notes by Canada's acting defence chief appear to reveal a behind-the-scenes struggle between due process, political optics and support for the complainant after a sexual misconduct allegation emerged against Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin. More than 100 pages of heavily redacted documents, including notes mostly written in bullet-point form by Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre and internal email exchanges between top military officials, have been filed to the Federal Court. The communications are between mid-March and mid-May. The notes begin with a March 16 entry under the heading CFPM, apparently referring to the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, the adviser to the defence chief on policing matters. It reads, "let me know about allegation (no details) (historic) against (senior member)." Fortin was removed from his position as head of Canada's COVID-19 vaccine rollout on May 14, five days before the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service referred a sexual misconduct investigation to the Quebec prosecution service to determine whether charges should be laid. Through his lawyers, Fortin has denied any wrongdoing. Fortin's lawyers filed an application last month with the Federal Court seeking an expedited judicial review of the decision to fire him from his posting at PHAC, and asking for the decision to be quashed and for his reinstatement at the agency or another position. His lawyers have argued the decision to remove their client was unreasonable, lacked procedural fairness and involved improper political interference in the military chain of command by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Health Minister Patty Hajdu and Sajjan. None of the allegations has been tested in court. On March 19, Eyre's notes suggest that the DM deputy minister said the "government could fall" and face "political pressure." "What say to public?" the notes say. "What do our values lend us to do? Rule of law, respect for due process." They suggest "anxiety" among the top brass of the government as officials consider "workplace safety," "victim support" and "ensure public confidence in vaccine rollout." "If we can't follow values, at what point do I resign?" Eyre's notes say under a section scribbled "thoughts." Fortin's lawyer, Natalia Rodriguez, said in an email it is "clear" from the documents that the decision-makers were more concerned about the "political optics" of Fortin's situation than about ensuring a fair process. "They were aware of the reputational damage that the decision to publicly remove Maj.-Gen. Fortin would have," she said. "Despite showing an academic awareness of the impact the decision would have on Maj.-Gen. Fortin's life, the decision-makers nevertheless proceeded to publicly remove him without affording him any procedural safeguards." Eyre's notes from March 18 indicate that Fortin was "devastated" by the allegations and his wife was "supportive." "Still cannot fathom what this is about," reads a note from an apparent teleconference with Fortin. At other points, the notes suggest that Fortin is "shocked" "crushed" and "ashamed," adding that he is "adamant" about wanting to continue with work. A later March 18 note reads, "suicide mortality/SPAP," apparently referring to the Suicide Prevention Action Plan. The section below it is redacted. Rodriguez said Fortin wanted to continue carrying out his duties, which he did until his removal. "He does not know the context for the notes about SPAP as there was nothing of the sort discussed in his meeting with the (acting chief of defence staff)." A partially redacted March 25 section suggests the complainant "wants due process through justice" and "does not want a public spectacle." The notes go on to suggest that the allegation is "not rape" and a "very historic case." "Wants to use her experience to make CAF better," they say. Under an "MND" heading, apparently referring to Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan, on March 17, Eyre wrote "what does victim want?" Due process needs to be followed, the notes state. "Now need to protect the institution," they say. "We take everything seriously." It also suggests forming a "roundtable with experts soonest" and "create a process for those who came forward." A request for comment from Eyre, sent to the Department of National Defence, was not returned in time for publication. A spokesman for Sajjan declined to comment. "As this is an ongoing legal matter, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time," said Daniel Minden. On May 12, Eyre's notes suggest that "Min H" apparent shorthand for Health Minister Patty Hajdu wanted to "protect herself," "doesn't want to create a narrative" and "find balance." "She will not talk about an investigation," the notes say. "Understands victim's perspective." In a statement, Hajdu's office said "at no time" did she speak with the acting chief of the defence staff about this matter. "At all times, the minister has emphasized the need to be transparent with Canadians to keep their confidence in the process, and to provide media with the reasons for this change to the vaccine distribution operation in Canada," it said. The notes provide insight into Eyre's thought process on the next steps and dealing with the fallout. Under a March 19 section marked and underlined "options," Eyre's notes suggest three choices: "leave in position," "remove" and "step aside." Leaving Fortin in position came with "political" and "institutional risks," the notes say. Removing him, they suggest, would question "reputation" and cause "institutional damage." The military has been riven with sexual misconduct issues for months. Former defence chief Jonathan Vance has been charged with obstruction of justice in connection with an investigation into a sexual misconduct allegation against him, while Sajjan has faced repeated opposition calls to resign over his handling of these issues. Rodriguez said the government is refusing to provide additional documents about the decision from the ministers' offices. The hearing of the application has been set by the Federal Court for Sept. 28 and 29, Rodriguez said. "Maj.-Gen. Fortin looks forward to proving his case as soon as possible." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 1, 2021. Coco Austin won't stop breastfeeding her five-year-old daughter Chanel until she's ready to be weaned off her milk. The 'Ice and Coco' star is continuing to nurse her little girl - whom she has with husband Ice-T - because the process is a source of comfort for her daughter, especially amid the current coronavirus crisis, which Coco previously described as feeling like the world is "coming to an end". Speaking to Us Weekly, she said: Chanel still likes my boobs. Its a big bonding moment for a mother and your child. She added: Why take that away from her? If she doesnt want it, all right, thats where you stop it. But Im not just going to say no." In a previous breastfeeding update last year, the 42-year-old beauty said: "At a time when the world feels like its coming to an end.. suck up as much love as you can! "I know the moms out there will appreciate this pic! Ive been getting alot of props in the breasfeeding community and get tons of emails from woman/moms appreciating me bringing light to the subject .. I write a baby blog about my journey with Chanel and soon I will write about what it's like to continue boob time with a 4 year old.. I get tons and tons of requests that want me to speak on it! (sic)" Coco insisted that Chanel does eat "real food" and doesn't get all her nutrients from breast milk, but nurses her to help her relax. She added: "At this point in nursing its just for comfort and believe me the girl loves meat so its not like she isnt eating real food... Thank you to all that understand my view.. i see most of you are so eager to side with me and I too root for you in your journey as well.. Us moms are connected (sic)" Coco previously said she would be "so sad" when she has to stop breastfeeding because she loves the "special" bond she has with her daughter. She said: "A mothers calling.... I'm so blessed to have this unbelievable experience in this thing called Nursing.. "I had a hard time breastfeeding the 1st week of when Chanel was born, I almost gave up but my family told me to hang for another week. "They told me I dont want to miss this special moment you have with your child.. health wise and bond wise..I hung in there and now almost 4 years later Chanel still wants the boob .. "Its more of a comfort thing now and of course she eats regular but nap time and night time are our time and I'm lucky she hasn't grown out it yet because when that moment comes I will be so sad..its the best feeling and ALL mothers that nurse know.. (sic)" In North America and Europe, Refinery29 is a publication where under-repesented women can be seen and heard. Now, it is trying to become one of the most progressive news outlets for women in Australia. It wont be without fierce competitors. Well-established publications like Australian Womens Weekly and Marie Claire and Harpers Bazaar, PopSugar Australia, Mamamia and Nine Entertainment Cos womens lifestyle arm, 9Honey, have had years to make their mark. But head of editorial Zahra Campbell-Avenell is confident the publication, founded in New York more than 15 years ago, has something different to offer to Australian women. Fashion, for example, will be approached in a different way. We might produce a piece on sustainability, or we might produce a piece on what kind of straight leg jeans work for plus-size women, which I dont think the other publications would go as hard on, she says. Whats also different is the way we tell stories is because were not talking at people. Were not talking about them. Theyre telling their own stories and I think thats hugely different. Refinery29 has officially launched in Australia. Refinery29 started as a fashion and beauty blog in New York founded by Justin Stefano, Philippe von Borries, Piera Gelardi and Christene Barberich. Over time, it evolved into a publication that covers womens issues such as pay gaps and sexual harassment. Popular lifestyle websites Broadsheet Media, The Urban List and Concrete Playground claim they could be forced to consolidate after Facebook shut down requests for funding to support their journalism. The trio came together to negotiate payment by Facebook for use of their content but the social media company rejected the requests. They said Facebook did not give a reason for that decision but it was speculated the tech company did not consider the independent media companies to be news outlets. Facebook has paid a number of large and small news outlets for use of their content. But it has shut down other requests. Credit:AP The group said it was advised by Facebook to focus on securing support from a public interest journalism fund, underwritten by the tech giant, which is being launched with The Walkley Foundation. The groups discussions with Google are ongoing. Broadsheet founder Nick Shelton argued the three outlets do fall within the definition of news. What we do is serious news and journalism. We dont write about the courts and the police every day but we write about business, we write about culture, we write about really essential segments of Australian society. We do that with high-quality journalism, not only the 110 people that we employ directly but the hundreds of freelancers, writers, journalists, editors, designers and illustrators, he said. For all the misery they cause, lockdowns can inspire dauntless ambition in the performing arts. We saw it last year, when Suzanne Chaundy directed an excellent Das Rheingold prelude to only the second production of Wagners Ring Cycle here in living memory at the Regent Theatre. Melbourne Shakespeare Company, too, has emerged from the latest lockdown unbowed, mounting one of the Bards more challenging tragedies. This indie King Lear has been delayed by two lockdowns in quick succession, and still, the players have been nothing short of heroic: stage-ready as soon as public health measures lifted, with an abbreviated live season at 45downstairs and a digital version of the performance streaming from Wednesday for anyone who missed out. The apocalyptic overtones of Lear make it a timely play to revisit, and this breathless, 90-minute version in modern dress demonstrates sharply how far weve come in genderblind Shakespearean performance, since the weirdly insecure production of Queen Lear starring Robyn Nevin nearly a decade ago. Its a no-brainer for the Brits with the likes of Glenda Jackson and Harriet Walter assaying Lear and Australia has caught up (thanks in no small part to Kate Mulvanys charming malevolence as Richard III at Bell Shakespeare) to the point that seeing Evelyn Krape as Lear and Anthea Davis as Gloucester feels entirely unremarkable. Indeed, it is the hack-and-slash textual edit thats the odd duck here. 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 Over the past two weeks, how often have you felt bothered by any of the following: feeling nervous, anxious or on edge; not being able to stop or control worrying; trouble relaxing; feeling something awful might happen? These are the types of questions people around Australia are being asked in GP rooms, or in online tests to help them determine if the symptoms and sensations they experience indicate the presence of anxiety and to help them know if theyre at the point where they may need to seek support. Record numbers of Australians have been reporting moderate to severe mental distress during COVID restrictions. Beyond Blue has reported that online forums have been very active with people comparing notes and offering peer support. The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that in June, 20 per cent of Australians had experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the previous four weeks, a figure similar to March (20 per cent) and November 2020 (20 per cent). Almost one in three (30 per cent) people aged between 18 and 34 reported high or very high levels of psychological distress. In the mix is anxiety. Anxiety had become a buzzword everywhere from workplaces to schoolyards, Twitter to TikTok, well before the onset of COVID-19. It has been dubbed the defining mental issue of our decade. But what is it? Credit: What, exactly, is anxiety? In its most basic form, anxiety is a very normal human emotion and one which we all feel from time to time, says Dr Marie Yap, a psychologist and associate professor at Monash University. Everyone can relate to feelings of being on edge, nervous, scared, fearful, worried. Advertisement And it has its role: In a sense, anxiety is very useful day to day ... It alerts us to the need for more resources: theres something going on here, we need to attend to it, to problem solve. Its that fight or flight instinct. When we talk about anxiety, were actually talking about a number of things, says psychiatrist Lisa Lampe, an associate professor and deputy head of Newcastle Universitys school of medicine and public health. These include fear, which is a response to imminent threat, and anxious anticipation, which is worry or dread about something that may or may not happen and may be bad if it came to pass (which is particularly linked to uncertainty). It also refers to chronic anxiety, which can include fearfulness, recurrent panic attacks and/or constant worry and which feels extremely unpleasant. Worry is an attempt to try and control things, get the measure of things and get some certainty and be prepared. Worry arises as a coping mechanism, allowing us to anticipate everything that could go wrong and to plan for any eventuality, which may feel like it is inoculating us from the worst. In fact, research suggests worry is a very inefficient problem-solving strategy. It feels as if it is helping, whilst at the same time triggering anxiety, said Lampe. Worry is an attempt to try and control things, get the measure of things and get some certainty and be prepared. Ninety nine times out of 100 [the subject of the worry] doesnt happen, and the worry can start to become a burden in and of itself because its just miserable to be worried all the time, says Lampe. Many people then start worrying about being worried, which can quickly turn into a kind of psychological loop. Advertisement Similarly, Dr Peter Baldwin, clinical psychologist and clinical research fellow at the Black Dog Institute, says feeling anxiety is part of having a normal human brain. Your brain is constantly creating predictions about your environment so it can stay a few milliseconds ahead that could make the difference to an organism in a high-threat situation. It is taking everything from past experiences and guessing whats going to happen next and those guesses are important for our moment-to-moment lives. But they can take over, and you can see them as fact rather than fiction. He says this can tip into a mindset like Chicken Little, the childrens book character convinced the sky is falling and constantly on high alert. Apart from potentially saving your life, anxiety has other upsides too, especially when it comes to performing complex tasks under pressure, like doing an exam or landing a plane, says Ian Hickie, NHMRC research fellow and professor of psychiatry at the University of Sydney. Because you need to focus your attention on threats, it improves your performance, so some degree of anxiety is good. So when is anxiety a problem? Normal anxiety becomes abnormal when you find yourself aroused and attending [psychologically] but to no external stimulus you feel threat, but no threat is there, says Hickie. Of course, the pandemic is not a figment of our imaginations. The distinction is if a response is out of proportion and is effectively getting us ready to solve a problem thats really out of our hands, says Dr Baldwin, such as the pandemic. Thats where all of us are at the moment; the double-whammy of being in a very unpredictable situation, in which our brain would prefer to have a bunch of resources to hand to deal with it, but we cant affect much change. Advertisement That mix of unpredictability and not having the resources to cope is a perfect storm for the brain: were all getting a crash course in anxiety, regardless of whether we had a history of mental health problems or not. Were all learning anxiety is really common and normal, except thats its deeply unpleasant. People who are anxious become hyper-vigilant for threat and are constantly on the lookout for signs of danger. When we are experiencing more troubling anxiety, areas of the brain used for making sense of our world and interpreting sensory input are working overtime, the experts say, producing hormones such as adrenalin and the stress hormone cortisol. Our heart rate goes up. We breathe faster, and might even become dizzy or nauseous. We sweat. Our muscles tense (and teeth clench, shoulders creep up to our ears, and so on). Some people mistake these changes as serious illness in turn feeding their anxiety, says Lampe. People who are anxious become hyper-vigilant for threat and are constantly on the lookout for signs of danger, she says, but since the anxious brain can distort our ability to appraise things efficiently, some people see threat everywhere and are constantly reacting to it with anxiety. Prolonged production of cortisol can cause health issues such as the propensity to gain weight, which carries an elevated risk of diabetes or prediabetes. It can also be exhausting. A clear sign that anxiety is becoming an issue is when worries start to feel overwhelming, says Yap. You might be sensing, I can usually cope better than this but nowadays less so. It might affect your appetite, sleep and ability to concentrate and function properly in daily life. It has reached the stage of mental illness when it is really getting in the way of people doing what they want to do and causing them a lot of distress; if you cant go to work or are spending most of your day worrying about the symptoms of anxiety and worrying about whats going to happen thats the point where wed recommend see a GP. Advertisement Lampe says anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. People can get depressed because of their anxiety, but depression can sometimes present with a lot of anxiety. A careful assessment is important in order to identify the treatment priorities. Having both together makes it hard to get better and is definitely a situation where people should reach out for professional help. Melanie Faith Dove found herself in an aimless muddle during Melbournes 2020 lockdown. Credit:Jason South Whats it like to be overwhelmed by anxiety? Photographer Melanie Faith Dove says the anxiety she developed during Melbournes long lockdown in 2020 felt paralysing. Having experienced varying degrees of anxiety through life, she found her sleeping, eating and exercising patterns entirely disrupted by anxiety during lockdown. She lost work, drank more alcohol and gained weight. She could still cook, paint and care for her family but lost her sense of life purpose. Its only when it becomes so unmanageable and in your face that youve got to stare it down. Sometimes it can manifest in being quite confused in the direction of what I want to do; Ill start doing one thing then another and end up having so many balls in the air then I am just incredibly overwhelmed ... Then its really hard to beat a path out of the irrational, aimless muddle, she says. Advertisement A senior barrister says employers must play a lead role in Australias COVID-19 vaccination program and may have both a legal right and a duty to require employees to get vaccinated. Arthur Moses, SC, a former president of the Law Council of Australia and the NSW Bar Association, said state and territory governments would be forced to resort to that blunt instrument of virus suppression, the lockdown until a significant majority of the population is vaccinated against COVID-19. Arthur Moses SC says employers may have the legal power and a duty to require employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Credit:Eddie Jim The importance of employers in the vaccination rollout should not be underestimated, he told a legal conference on Friday, and their role was critical in the absence of Commonwealth laws mandating that people get the jab. Speaking to radio station 3AW on 19 August 2020, the Prime Minister said that his government would make the COVID-19 vaccine as mandatory as you can possibly make it. Speaking to 2GB a few hours later, he said in response to a concerned caller: can I be really clear to everyone? It is not going to be compulsory to have the vaccine there are no compulsory vaccines in Australia, Mr Moses said. Wellington: New Zealands Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sat motionless on Sunday as members of the Pacific Island community pulled a large white mat over her head, completely covering her. Moments later they removed it and embraced her. It was part of a emotional ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall during which Ardern formally apologised for a racially charged part of the nations history known as the Dawn Raids. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is welcomed during a service to make a formal apology to the Pacifika people. Credit:Getty Images Its when Pasifika people were targeted for deportation in the mid-1970s during aggressive home raids by authorities to find, convict and deport visa overstayers. The raids often took place very early in the morning or late at night, focusing on suspected overstayers from the Pacific but not from Europe and the United States, where most overstayers were from. By being covered in the mat, Ardern was taking part in a traditional Samoan ritual known as an ifoga, in which the subject seeks forgiveness by exposing themselves to a kind of public humiliation. Bryan, OH (43506) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies early then periods of showers late. Low around 65F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Auto sales, a key indicator of the macro economy, showed significant growth in July, with passenger vehicle volumes improving on the back of a healthy order book and an uptick in enquiries and bookings in urban and rural areas. The wage revisions for government employees have also likely aided demand. Indias largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, posted total sales of 162,462 units in July 2021 as against 108,064 units during the same period last year, registering a 50 per cent growth. The companys total sales in the month include domestic sales of 136,500 units, sales of 4,738 units to other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMS), and 21,224 units for exports. Maruti said that domestic sales in July remained lower than the previous high recorded during the same month in 2018-2019 owing to the pocket lockdowns in different parts of the country. The company said that it is witnessing an encouraging revival in demand after a slowdown due to the impact of the second wave. With fast unlocking happening across the country, we are witnessing a good recovery, and in July we have seen a pickup in enquiry that is roughly 85 per cent of Q1 of the last financial year, said Shashank Srivastava, senior executive director, marketing and sales at Hyundai, the countrys second largest carmaker, too, has reported a 45.9 per cent year-on-year growth in sales. A positive growth momentum is clearly visible in the passenger vehicle industry, with the stabilisation of macro-economic factors, good monsoons and increase in consumer shift towards personal mobility, said Tarun Garg, director for sales, marketing and service, Hyundai Motor India. Mumbai-based Tata Motors, which has models such as Nexon, Harrier and Safari in the domestic market, sold 54,119 vehicles in July a 19 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. While industry executives feel that there will be no shortfall in consumer demand in the near future, most are wary of challenges such as the shortage of semiconductors or the country being hit with a third wave of the pandemic. The severe shortage of chips is expected to continue for some time and will lead to supply constraints. While we expect overall consumer demand to rise, we should remain cautious about the potential threats posed by the third wave, said Rakesh Sidana, director-sales, MG Motor India. Analysts tracking the sector said that they expect to be strong in the second half of the financial year. Industry volumes for two-wheelers are also likely to be better sequentially, Emkay said, but it will be low compared to 2019 levels, as demand remains subdued in the case of low-income groups. LIFTOFF: and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX Author: Eric Berger Publisher: William Morrow Price: $27.99 Pages: 277 POWER PLAY: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century Author: Tim Higgins Publisher: Doubleday Price: $30 Pages: 400 In August of 2008, watched with delight and then horror as the Falcon 1 rocket built by his company launched from an atoll in the Pacific and then, just after the first stage separated, tumbled out of control. Its payload crashed into the ocean. It was the third failed attempt by to launch a satellite into orbit. Musk had not budgeted for another. A few weeks later, he gathered the top executives of and said they had burned through much of the millions of dollars of deposits that customers had paid to get in line for the high-end Roadster the company had promised but not yet delivered. Musk fired the CEO, appointed himself to the role, and launched a plan to cut 25 per cent of his workforce. Over dinner with one of his investors, he confided that the company had only three weeks of cash left. Then he pulled out his BlackBerry and showed the investor a picture of a mock-up of the luxury sedan that he planned for to build next. It was a bad time for and to be going broke. Lehman Brothers had just collapsed and the global financial system was spiralling toward a crash. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were headed toward bankruptcy. The agonies and ecstasies of have been amply chronicled over the years, including in Ashlee Vances 2015 biography as well as on the race to privatise space travel by Christian Davenport and Tim Fernholz. Two new books, written with Musks cooperation, now deepen our appreciation of his achievements. Liftoff, by Ars Technica space writer Eric Berger, is a colourful page-turner that focuses on the early years of SpaceX. Power Play, by Wall Street Journal reporter Tim Higgins, is a deeply reported and business-savvy chronicle of Teslas wild ride from the launch of the high-end Roadster in 2009 to the Model S luxury sedan and then the Model 3, which is now the worlds best-selling electric car. At the height of Teslas financial problems, Musk decided that he would double down. He personally borrowed money to keep the company afloat and pushed his investors to match him. When they reluctantly agreed, he broke down in tears. All of his fortune was now on the line, Higgins writes. From the depths of the Great Recession, hed done something that other U.S. automakers were unable to do: avoid bankruptcy. At the same time, he decided to forge ahead at SpaceX. He gathered the companys employees and said they had the components for a fourth attempt. We have another rocket, he told them. Go back to the island and launch it in six weeks. On the morning of September 28, 2008, raced to SpaceX headquarters to take his seat in the command van. For more than nine minutes, he and his team watched on monitors as the rocket lifted off flawlessly, the second stage detached without a hitch, and finally the payload went into orbit. On the factory floor, more than 100 employees started jumping and screaming for joy. Their company had been saved, and private space flight was going to be a reality. At the same time, Musks chief car designer was preparing to go to work in a corner of SpaceXs factory, beneath a white tent that was designated the Tesla area. Musk had ordered him to produce a prototype of the Model S, an all-electric luxury sedan that would make or break his company. In March 2009, Musk was able to drive the sleek prototype onto the SpaceX factory floor at a celebrity-packed gala launch party. Miraculously, Musk had survived what seemed like two certain flameouts. In his famous Think Different ad for Apple in 1997, saluted people like himself: Heres to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. Musk is in some ways the current incarnation of Jobs. As these two show in vivid detail, Musk can drive people hard. But he can also drive them to do things they never dreamed were possible. Like Jobs, Musk has a reality distortion field. In meetings, Musk might ask his engineers to do something that, on the face of it, seemed absurd, Berger writes. But unlike Jobs, Musk has an understanding of physics and thermodynamics that has helped him know what boundaries could be successfully pushed. By drilling down to fundamental principles and the underlying science, he has built the globally dominant private rocket company whose Starship vehicle might lead the way in bringing humans to Mars, and Tesla has become the worlds most valuable auto company, one that will help wean humanity from fossil-fuel cars. That is especially impressive in a country where much of the tech innovation over the past 50 years has been confined to digital products that can be concocted in dorm rooms and garages. Musks innovation has been in tangible things, such as batteries and cars and rockets, that are harder to make in a risk-averse and heavily-regulated environment, and he has shown that they can be manufactured in the United States. When UK-based Goose Recruitment kicked off a recent campaign to find 30 Boeing Co. 737 cargo for a client in Europe, 400 resumes poured in within 48 hours. Most of the applicants used to fly commercial passenger jets. "Pre-Covid, most airline would look down their noses at flying cargo," Gooses Chief Executive Officer Mark Charman said in an interview from his office in Southampton on Englands south coast. "Now theyre like, Pick me!" This clamor for work is being reflected around the world, as desperate whove been grounded by the pandemic for more than a year mob recruiters for the few new flying jobs on the market in a last-ditch effort to save their aviation careers. Wasinc International Ltd., which recruits overseas pilots for Chinese and Japanese airlines, is getting so many emails from out-of-work applicants that it no longer needs to advertise the roles it is trying to fill. Job applications from down-on-their-luck aviators, from Brazil and Mexico to Canada and Europe, have jumped at least 30-fold from pre-virus days, Wasinc CEO Dave Ross said in an interview from his home in Las Vegas. While a rebound in US domestic air travel offers some hope, the pleas for work reflect an industry decimated by the crisis. Temporary and permanent job losses at the four biggest carriers in the US exceeded 150,000 last year, including pilots and other staff. Global airline capacity is still wallowing 31% below normal levels, according to OAG. Aggressive waves of the fast-spreading delta variant also threaten to push back a travel recovery, which could bring more trouble to the industry as pilots leave for good to retire, look for other work or as their flying qualifications expire. That risks leaving a shortage of skilled operators in the cockpit whenever a firmer recovery takes hold. Graph Airline pilots must typically pass two proficiency checks a year, and additional qualifications tied to specific aircraft types can expire in 12 or 24 months. A survey in January found that more than half of the worlds commercial pilots were no longer flying for a living. Wasinc has just four Chinese carriers including Sichuan Airlines Corp. accepting applications from overseas pilots, down from 23 before the pandemic. Covid travel restrictions make it hard for foreign pilots to enter China for assessments, Ross said. Even if a pilot lands a job, the generous pre-pandemic compensation packages of around $24,000 a month have more than halved because pilots arent flying so many hours, he said. Ross said many of the pilots on his books looking for work are approaching the end of their validity periods. With the outlook so bleak, some are opting to leave the industry altogether. "I dont think we can avoid the fact that maybe in less than a year, theres going to be a shortage," he said. Boeing said late last year the world will need 763,000 new pilots by 2039, even if Covid-19 had temporarily put a brake on traffic growth. Some are hiring again, trying to play catchup in markets experiencing a rebound. American Airlines Group Inc. will hire 350 pilots this year and 1,000 in 2022, 50% more than previously planned. Ryanair Holdings Plc is also adding 2,000 pilots over the next three years to grab market share from weakened rivals. The low-cost airline needs pilots to fly the new Boeing 737 Max jets it began taking in June. Delta Air Lines Inc. plans to hire more than 1,000 pilots by next summer as domestic leisure travel returns. These bursts of activity arent enough to soak up the current excess of crew, according to Gooses CEO and founder Charman. Even his companys campaign that attracted a rush of applicants was put on ice due to "changes in our clients business," he said. Its not just senior pilots with pensions and savings who are quitting now that jobs have dried up, Charman said. There are signs that career aspirations are dwindling for junior pilots too. "Theyve given up," he said. "Our prediction is that, very quickly, we will have a real problem in the " Japanese conglomerate is "reimagining" India as a global hub in terms of new age technologies and solutions which will drive its businesses in the country as well as global markets, a top company official has said. The company, which has augmented its capacities through a concerted approach in India, is now looking at the country to be a hub in many new segments, including technology, artificial intelligence, energy storage and fast charging or environmentally friendly solutions, according to India Managing Director Bharat Kaushal. Hitachi, which has a presence in infra, and IT sectors among others, has now got a wider canvass to play in the country through its global acquisition such as the powergrid business of the Swedish-Swiss company ABB and Italian transport company Ansaldo STS. "We invested and found that our global capabilities are getting translated to on-ground capacities. And when we are successful in India, it is also a licence to take more of these businesses from India, which is a disruption of the 100-year old history of where we did businesses from outside and brought in our technologies to do business in India," Kaushal told PTI. Now, Hitachi is "reimagining whether in infrastructure and solutions or or digital to take solutions out of India to other markets", and contribute more not just to the Hitachi's economy but also to other regions from India, he added. After investments in and research augmented, Hitachi realised that "India has to become a leader in certain of the many new drivers whether in or artificial intelligence or hydrogen (and) the next driver for energy and energy storage and fast charging or even environmentally friendly solutions, which are eventually going to get monetised on balance sheets". Hitachi, which is operating several joint ventures in India, has invested substantially and wants them to grow and cater to the global markets from here, making the country a hub. "We want to do more business from India to the world," said Kaushal adding that with so many joint ventures and other things coming, "we expect to grow the business intelligently enough..., he added. In India, Hitachi is operating with 31 group and as of March 31, 2021, it clocked a consolidated revenue of around 195 billion Yen (approx. Rs 13,127 crore). "We are going to consolidate this year more. We have more than 30 in India and several of the companies, which are getting added, are that have been part of the acquisition, he said adding various processes such as getting the approval of the fair trade regulator Competition Commission and others are underway. India, which has the oldest overseas presence of Hitachi, was converted into a region in 2012. Hitachi has five regions outside Japan, in which two of them are large emerging countries - India and China and the rest are divided in the US, Europe and Asia. As India is the newest region for Hitachi, hence it is the smallest one, while other are substantially bigger one, he added. When asked about the growth expectation from the Indian market, Kaushal said: "We should be at par with other regions." Hitachi business in India is broadly in IT, and infra sectors and has a sizeable presence in India construction machinery business, railways sector and payment business, he added. While talking about the role of some of the companies which Hitachi has acquired globally such as powergrid business of ABB, Ansaldo STS, pentaho and GlobalLogic, Kaushal said some of these companies are playing an important role in the Indian market. Hitachi, which has a long history in India, helping the country with turbines of Bhakra Nangal Dam to the Locomotive of Indian railways in 1950s, is also working into the water and smart city projects besides some others. It employs around 18,000 people in the country as of March 21, 2021. Kaushal is the first Indian to be appointed as Managing Director at Hitachi India. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) International SIM seller Matrix Cellular is bullish on growth in business due to adoption of e-SIM overseas, and expects 30-40 per cent year-on-year jump as foreign travelling opens up. Matrix Cellular CEO Gaurav Khanna told PTI that the company will continue building up the medical device business that it started to sustain business which was adversely impacted due to COVID-19 restrictions on overseas travels. "Once the travel starts, in the first year, I am expecting Rs 70-80 crore turnover. After that, if there is no hindrance in travelling, growth can be at least 30-40 per cent every year going forward. As far as medical devices are concerned, it's absolutely a new business," Khanna said. The company has started selling SIM cards to Indian students who are travelling overseas for studies in the UK, Europe and Canada. The company has started a pilot for e-SIM which is not required to be delivered or sold like a traditional SIM card for The e-SIM is activated directly on the mobile phone by downloading the profile from the website of telecom "We are already working on the international website and we have already tested our e-SIM cards. As soon as the travel opens, we should be launching our new website," Khanna said. The company touched its peak revenue of Rs 350 crore in 2013 but it declined after telecom operators reduced international roaming call and data charges in 2016 and 2017. The company's business dropped sharply after restriction on travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "I would say that two years ago, we were at Rs 106 crore. The business went down to Rs 28 crore last year because of the COVID-19 impact. This Rs 28 crore annual turnover includes our COVID-19 essential turnover, too. "The moment the travel starts, I am assuming that our turnover should increase immediately. If international e-SIM becomes successful, I would say sky is the limit," Khanna said. He said that the company will continue to focus on life-saving products. "This is not only the oxygen concentrator that we are focusing on but we will focus on the entire range of medical equipment. We will be focusing on other products like oximeters, infrared thermometers and sanitisation, required for home quarantine. "The demand will be there because everybody has to check a person coming in whether it is an office, society, etc," Khanna said. Its medical device business suffered during the second wave with Delhi Police seizing the company's oxygen concentrators, masks, etc, on allegations of wrong doings. Matrix officials got relief from the court after the police could not present the evidence of any malpractice. Khanna said the company received a lot of orders for oxygen concentrators from corporates, NGOs and even a political party. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A new social app designed as a community for the unvaccinated is testing and Inc.s policies concerning the spread of misinformation about Covid-19 vaccines. Unjected, started by two women from Hawaii, bills itself as a community for like-minded people that support medical autonomy and free speech. The app allows users to make a profile, match and message with other members. It launched in May shortly after the largest online dating sites, including Match Groups Tinder and Bumble Inc., introduced perks to encourage users to get vaccinated. Sometimes dubbed the Tinder for anti-vaxxers, Unjected has since racked up 18,000 downloads, according to Apptopia, and plenty of jokes on Twitter. Though the platform began as a site for dating and friendships, it recently rolled out a social feed. A routine update to the app triggered a review by Play that found it hadnt sufficiently policed user-generated content for misinformation. In emails to Unjected, flagged posts that included claims of vaccines being experimental mRNA gene modifiers, bioweapons and nano-technology microchips used to link people to the 5G network. Google told Unjected on July 16 it had two weeks to remove the posts from its app store or get booted off. Weve had to walk a censorship tightrope, co-founder Shelby Thomson said. Unjected removed the social feed to get back in compliance on Google Play but Thomson said she plans to restore it, along with the flagged posts, and hopes to stay under the radar. Other features on the app that remain active include matches, chat rooms, a community directory of unvaxxed friendly, businesses and a database where users can list their blood types. Were not trying to be harmful to society, said Thomson. We just want to exercise our freedom of choice. removed the app from its App Store after being contacted by Bloomberg News. In an email to Unjected, said the app inappropriately refers to the Covid-19 pandemic in its concept or theme. Apple requires all apps related to Covid-19 provide credible health and safety information and only come from recognized entities including government organizations, health-focused non-profits and medical or educational institutions. Apple had originally denied Unjected during the initial review process and approved the app after it made changes to comply with Covid-19 policies, an Apple spokesperson said. Since then, "the developer has made statements externally to its users as well as updates to the app that once again bring it out of compliance," Apple said, adding that Unjected encouraged users to avoid using certain words to avoid detection. "This is a violation of our guidelines, which make it clear: 'If you attempt to cheat the systemyour apps will be removed from the store.'" Alphabet Inc.s Google didnt immediately comment. Health Minister R Lalthangliana claimed on Sunday that medical supplies, including COVID-19 test kits, were being blocked from entering the state from due to the imposition of blockade in the Barak Valley region following the border dispute. Assam, however, said that no organisation is currently staging any blockade in the state. is currently battling the second wave of the pandemic and is one of the most affected states in the country. Lalthangliana alleged that vehicles carrying COVID-19 related materials like test kits and medicines were stranded on NH-306 in Cachar district of As per our information, a state-sponsored economic blockade has been clamped in Vehicles carrying consignments of essential commodities and life-saving medicines are stranded in the Dholai-Lailapur area in Assam. We will approach the Centre again to take the initiative for resumption of movement of traffic, Lalthangliana told PTI. Seven people, including six Assam Police personnel, were killed and scores injured in an armed clash along the Mizoram-Assam border on July 26. Meanwhile, chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said the state government has strong faith in the Centre and will send another letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) seeking its intervention for immediate resumption of traffic movement from Assam. According to the chief secretary, about 95 per cent of essential supplies come to landlocked Mizoram through Assam via NH 306, which is the lifeline of the state. The Mizoram Home Department had written to the Union Home Ministry twice in three days between July 28 and July 30 seeking its intervention to lift the alleged economic blockade clamped by people of Barak Valley, and restoration of railway tracks damaged by miscreants in at least three locations in Assam. Kolasib Superintendent of Police (SP) Vanlalfaka said on Sunday that no vehicles, except those of security forces, have entered Mizoram from Assam since the boundary clash. The police officer claimed said that there is no restriction on traffic movement on the Mizoram side and a handful of vehicles are entering Assam every day. At least 70 vehicles left for Assam on Saturday, he said. We are making efforts to ensure that vehicles manned by non-tribals move freely to Assam. No resident of Mizoram is creating any problem as the people are convinced that it is not a communal issue but a border dispute between the two states, he told PTI. He said that there is no further escalation of the situation along the inter-state border as troopers of Central Armed Forces have been deployed and are patrolling the border areas. Mizoram Chemist and Druggist Association had recently written to the state chief secretary seeking the government's intervention for resumption of supplies from Assam. The association alleged that the Assam government under the guise of security concern had on July 29 verbally instructed all transporters in Guwahati not to book goods, including medicines, for transportation to Mizoram. Even courier companies have been barred from booking letters and parcels, the letter alleged. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data, as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors. The state has become the new national epicentre for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the as the highly contagious delta variant of the continues to spread. Republican Governor Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials' ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, reported 17,093 new daily cases. The previous peak in Florida had been 19,334 cases reported on January 7, before the availability of vaccinations became widespread. The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The state's peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over a seven-day period. Deaths usually follow increases in hospitalisations by a few weeks. DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increase more Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus. About 60 per cent of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states. The Florida Hospital Association said Friday that statewide COVID-19 hospitalisations are nearing last year's peak, and one of the state's largest health care systems, AdventHealth's Central Florida Division, this week advised it would no longer be conducting nonemergency surgeries in order to free up resources for COVID-19 patients. Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld on Saturday became the latest theme park resorts in Florida to again ask visitors to wear masks indoors, with Universal also ordering its employees to wear face coverings to protect against COVID-19, which has been surging across the state. All workers at Universal's Florida park on Saturday started being required to wear masks while indoors as the employees returned to practicing social distancing. The home to Harry Potter and Despicable Me rides also asked visitors to follow federal and local health guidelines by voluntarily wearing face coverings indoors. The health and safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority, Universal said in a statement. Health officials on Friday announced that cases in Florida had jumped 50 per cent over the past week with COVID-19 hospitalisations in the state nearing last year's peak. SeaWorld on Saturday posted on its website that it was recommending that visitors follow recently updated federal recommendations and wear face coverings while indoors. The change in policy this week at the theme park resorts came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that everyone wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Crosstown rival Walt Disney World started requiring employees and guests older than 2 to wear masks on Friday, but it also went a step further. The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement that it would be requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the US who work on site to be fully vaccinated. Disney employees who aren't already vaccinated will have 60 days to do so and those still working from home will need to show proof of vaccination before returning. Disney said it was discussing the vaccine requirements with the union, and added that all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated before starting work at the company. (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.) Key official health data that pointed to excess mortality and disrupted health services during the Covid-19 pandemic have suddenly gone offline, an IndiaSpend investigation shows. While government officials say that the reason for the data being unavailable is "server problems", all pre-pandemic data hosted on the same government website remain available. The National Health Mission's Health Management Information System (HMIS) is a public portal where data from over 200,000 public health facilities--most of them government-run and rural--across are uploaded every month. The data currently available date back to 2008, and are available down to the sub-district level for every state. Following reports of disruptions to routine health services during the first nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19, which began on March 25, 2020, IndiaSpend used these HMIS data to show that immunisations for children as well as access for adults to drugs and treatments for life-threatening diseases had declined sharply during March-May 2020. Following the publication of the article, the data became unavailable from the HMIS website. In early July 2021, the data became available again on the website, updated up until May 2021. IndiaSpend used the data to show that there had been a large and unexplained spike in mortality in rural during the pandemic, which rural health experts interpreted as an indication of severe undercounting of Covid-19 deaths. Following IndiaSpend's report, a team of researchers led by Prabhat Jha, director of the Center for Global Health Research and professor at the University of Toronto, Canada, used the HMIS data as well as other estimates to argue in a preprint paper that saw 2.7-3.3 million deaths between June 2020 and June 2021 7-8 times higher than the official Covid-19 toll. The government issued press releases in response to both the IndiaSpend article and the pre-print paper, saying that the excess deaths could be from causes other than Covid-19. Multiple members of parliament (MP) including Kesineni Srinivas, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP for Vijayawada, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, TDP MP for Srikakulam, and Aparajita Sarangi, Bharatiya Janata Party MP for Bhubaneswar, also asked questions of the government about the disruption to health services during the pandemic, particularly with regard to the immunisation of children. In response to Sarangi's question, the government on July 23 presented data up to June 2021. However, earlier this week, the data for 2020-21 and April-May 2021 disappeared from the HMIS website. When contacted by IndiaSpend, D.K. Ojha, deputy director general of Statistics in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said that the problem was that "the server keeps crashing". Data for all previous years were, however, available on the same website. The now-inaccessible data, moreover, downloaded by IndiaSpend just weeks ago, comprise two small folders of zipped Excel spreadsheets. The IT department was on the job, Ojha told IndiaSpend, and the data would be restored. "But we can't say for certain how long these things take," he added. "This is very surprising, given that older data are still available, and we used the pandemic period data for our research paper," Chinmay Tumbe, assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and one of Jha's co-authors, told IndiaSpend, "I hope the data are restored soon." In addition to excess mortality, the missing data show that 1.5 million fewer children got the BCG vaccine in 2020 compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019, and in the first five months of 2021, there were already over a million fewer children who had received the BCG vaccine than during a comparable period in 2019. Over a million fewer children had received each dose of the pentavalent vaccine and the oral polio vaccines in 2020, and in 2021, a significant shortfall was building as well. The largest disruption in vaccinations coincided with India's first Covid-19 wave, and while the levels of routine vaccination largely recovered between waves, there was another dip in the summer of 2021. Data for June 2021 have not yet been made public. Over 1.3 million fewer infants between the ages of 9-11 months were fully vaccinated in 2020, and in 2021, a gap of over 800,000 children compared to 2019 was building as well. The number of immunisation sessions planned and held by government agencies declined sharply in 2020. Routine health services for pregnant women were affected, and diagnostic tests and treatments for several diseases including tuberculosis, India's most deadly infectious disease in normal years, declined, despite an improvement between the two waves. Activists working in rural areas in particular have experienced firsthand this disruption in services. "People could not access treatment in government facilities for many diseases and health conditions from institutional deliveries to tuberculosis to emergencies as most were diverted for Covid-19 care, while the private hospitals were extortionate," Sulakshana Nandi, the Chhattisgarh-based National Joint Convenor of People's Health Movement India (Jan Swasthya Abhiyan), told IndiaSpend. "It's unfortunate that we don't have the data to track it--the public has a right to this information, it is generated from us and with our money. It is absolutely unethical for the government to hide the data," she added. Update: Following the publication of this article, the data for 2020-21 were restored (at 11.20 a.m. on July 31) as 'provisional', but data for April and May 2021 remained unavailable. Six days after a violent clash between police forces of and claimed seven lives and injured over 50 people, Chief Minister on Sunday said such incidents along the inter-state border are "unacceptable" to people of both the states and advocated a resolution through talks. Chief Minister Sarma, who has been charged with criminal conspiracy and attempt to murder in an FIR by Police, also spoke of keeping alive the spirit of the North East in a twitter post. The tweet comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to both Chief Minister and CM Zoramthanga telephonically earlier in the day to defuse the border tension between the two Northeastern neighbours. "Our main focus is on keeping the spirit of North-East alive. What happened along the Assam-Mizoram border is unacceptable to the people of both states. "Honble CM @ZoramthangaCM had promised to call me post his quarantine. Border disputes can only be resolved through discussion," Sarma said in his tweet. Despite an attempt by Shah to resolve the long standing border disuptes between Assam and its neighbours earlier this month through a meeting he chaired, at least six Assam Police personnel and one civilian were killed while defending a disputed boundary with Mizoram and more than 50 people injured, including the police chief of the district of Cachar. The Mizoram police had lodged an FIR against Sarma and six Assam officials under various charges, including charges of attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, at Vairengte police station. The Assam Police has also issued summons to six officials of Mizoram government, including the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of Kolasib district, and ordered them to appear at Dholai police station on Monday. However, on Sunday, the Chief Secretary of Mizoram has said the state's chief minister had frowned on charges levelled against his Assam counterpart and indicated these are likely to be withdrawn. Despite an agreement hammered out on Wednesday night, by the Union home ministry to maintain calm on the border and to allow a neutral central police force to act as peace-keepers, the two states have continued to trade charges of reinforcing police pickets and of not refusing to honour the agreement which calls for pulling back forces from the border. Assamese local organisations which had soon after the clash announced an economic blockade of Mizoram have since lifted their 'blokade', but truckers afraid of possible violence have opted to either park their vehicles near the border in Cachar district's Dholai or to circumvent the troubled boundary by taking a longer route through Tripura. Assam government on Thursday had also issued an unprecedented travel advisory asking people not to travel to Mizoram and advised people from the state working or staying there to exercise utmost caution. Tension along the border with Mizoram in Cachar and Hailakandi districts of Assam have been escalating since October 2020 with frequent incidents of burning of houses and encroachment of land. The two states share a 164.6-km border between Assam's Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj districts, and Mizoram's Kolasib, Mamit and Aizawl districts. Both states have differing interpretations of their territorial border. While Mizoram believes that its border lies along an inner line' drawn up in 1875 to protect tribals from outside influence, Assam goes by a district demarcation done in the 1930s. (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.) reported 41,831 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours and 541 deaths from the disease, giving out updates as a top doctor warned that a measure on how quickly infections may spread is rising worryingly. The nationwide tally of infections has reached 31.65 million since the start of the pandemic, according to the health ministry on Sunday. Overall fatalities reached 424,351 fatalities from deaths overnight, data showed. India's 'R-Value' is inching up and that should be a matter of concern, Dr Randeep Guleria, head of Delhis state-run All Institute Of Medical Sciences. 'R-Value' refers to a measure tracking the number of people infected by any single case of Covid-19. "Starting from .96, and going all the way up to 1, the rise in R-Value is a cause of concern. Simply put, this means that the chances of infection spreading from a person, who has Covid, to others have gone up. The areas which are witnessing this surge should bring in restrictions and employ 'test, track, and treat' strategy to break the chain of transmission," said Guleria in an interview to NDTV channel. With Kerala last week reporting half of new Covid cases in India, there's a need to evaluate the surge in infections. "In the beginning, Kerala had set a precedent for others by managing the pandemic well. They also had an aggressive vaccination drive. Yet despite that, are witnessing a spike in a way that's different from other parts of the country. This needs to be evaluated. Also, is there a variant behind the surge? Are containment strategies being aggressively followed - all this needs to be evaluated," said Guleria. The health ministry said active cases have increased to 410,952, comprising 1.30 per cent of total infections. Ten states--Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur--are either witnessing a surge in new Covid cases or a rise in positivity rate, which is the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 for all tests conducted. On 13 July, CNN, The Washington Post, and a host of other foreign publications noted incredulously that at least 65 people had been killed by lightning strikes and on one day in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh alone. In Rajasthan, 23 died after lightning hit Amer Fort a popular tourist spot on the outskirts of the city, according to Shankar Lal Saini, a senior disaster management official in Jaipur. There was a tower there. When the lightning struck, the towers wall collapsed, many people were buried under it. Since the fort is on a hill, when the debris was falling and space reduced, some people also fell into a ditch, Saini was quoted as telling CNN. The incident may have been an aberration. But lightning is the biggest killer among all forces of nature. This has been proved year after year, as noted in data in statistics provided by the National Crime Records Bureaus annual publication, Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India. According to the 2019 report, out of 8,145 accidental deaths due to forces of nature, 35.3 per cent deaths were due to Lightning (2,876 deaths), 15.6 per cent deaths due to Heat/Sun Stroke (1,274 deaths), 11.6 per cent deaths due to Flood (948 deaths) and 9.8 per cent deaths due to Exposure to Cold (796 deaths). Landslide and Cyclone caused 3.2 per cent (264 deaths) and 0.4 per cent (33 deaths) of total deaths due to forces of nature respectively, says the report. State-wise figures show Bihar and Madhya Pradesh are worst hit by lightning deaths. The worst part of it is, there is no way of preventing these deaths. Inc and Moderna Inc have raised the prices of their Covid-19 vaccines in their latest supply contracts, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The new price for the shot was 19.50 euros ($23.15) against 15.50 euros previously, the newspaper said, citing portions of the contracts seen. The price of a Moderna vaccine was $25.50 a dose, the contracts showed, up from about 19 euros in the first procurement deal but lower than the previously agreed $28.50 because the order had grown, the report said, citing one official close to the matter. The terms of the deals struck this year and covering up to 2.1 billion shots until 2023 were renegotiated after Phase 3 clinical trial data showed vaccines from the two companies are more effective than some rivals, it said. The European Commission said on Tuesday that the EU is on course to hit a target of fully vaccinating at least 70 per cent of the adult population by the end of the summer. In May, the EU said it expects to have received more than a billion doses of vaccines by the end of September from four drugmakers. and Moderna were not immediately available for comment to Reuters. More nations that are a part of the block are making vaccination mandatory to access social life with ease. France recently witnessed widespread demonstrations against what the people saw as a form of dictatorship. Germanys government was also set to recommend the vaccine for all 12- to 17-year-olds on Monday, the Associated Press reported, citing a draft resolution ahead of a planned meeting of state-level health ministers. received 728,460 doses of AstraZeneca from the COVAX program on Saturday. The consignment was flown as part of the total contribution of more than 1.4 million doses provided by Japan through the COVAX's dose sharing, said UNICEF in a statement. The Health Ministry says part of the doses will be used to give the second doses. This is the third consignment of COVID vaccines received by under the COVAX Facility. The first delivery was 264,000 doses of AstraZeneca in March, followed by 1.5 million Moderna vaccines in July. The country has been facing a shortage more than 500,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine after the producer in the neighbouring India failed to deliver the promised shots because of the surge of the virus in India. has registered 306,662 cases and 4,380 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.) (FPI) pulled out net investments worth Rs 11,308 crore from Indian in July. Investors turned cautious amid concerns of rising cases of Covid-19 in several countries. High oil prices also weighed on the investor sentiments, analysts said. The outflow comes after net FPI investment in June stood at Rs 17,215 crore. Post the outflow last month, the net investment into the segment in 2021 stands at Rs 49,036 crore. On Friday, the BSE Sensex closed at 52,586.84, lower by 66.23 points or 0.13 per cent from its previous close of 52,653.07 points. The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange closed at 15,763.05, lower by 15.40 points or 0.1 per cent from its previous close. According to analysts, the upcoming monetary policy review coupled with the ongoing financial results season will influence the trajectory of key equity indices in the week ahead. --IANS rrb/sn (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.) External Affairs Minister on Sunday said India looks forward to "working productively" with other members of the United Nations Security Council as the country takes over the presidency of the 15-nation UN body. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said that New Delhi will always be a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law. "As we take over UNSC Presidency for August, look forward to working productively with other members. India will always be a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law," Jaishankar tweeted. India on Sunday assumed the rotating presidency of the UNSC and is set to host signature events related to maritime security, peacekeeping and counterterrorism during the month. India took over the presidency from France. Ambassador of India to United Nations, TS Tirumurti thanked France Permanent Representative to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere, for steering the UN Security Council for the month of July. This is India's first presidency in the UNSC during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC. The two-year tenure of India as a non-permanent member of the UNSC began on January 1, 2021. During the presidency, India said it will be focusing on maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism. India will also be organising a solemn event in memory of peacekeepers. Tirumurti apprised that the UN Security Council will also have on its agenda several important meetings including Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, and the Middle East. UN Security Council will also be adopting important resolutions on Somalia, Mali, and UN Interim Force in Lebanon, 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.) fighters struck Kandahar airport in southern with at least three rockets overnight, the insurgent groups spokesman said on Sunday, adding that the aim was to thwart air strikes conducted by Afghan government forces. Kandahar airport was targeted by us because the enemy were using it as a centre to conduct air strikes against us, Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesperson, told Reuters. Afghan government officials said the rocket attacks forced authorities to suspend all flights and that the runway was partially damaged. There were no immediate reports of casualties, they said. Officials said the see Kandahar as a major strategic point, which they seem to be using as a control centre for gaining complete dominance over five other provinces. Clashes between Afghan forces and Taliban fighters have intensified in the cities of Kandahar and neighbouring Helmand province. In the west, Afghan officials said Taliban commanders were swiftly gaining control of strategic buildings around Heraat city, forcing civilians to remain in their homes. The Taliban have been advancing in following the withdrawal of American and NATO troops from the country and in recent weeks the fundamentalist Islamist group said they have captured over half of all Afghanistans territory, including border crossings with Iran and Pakistan. Hospital bombed in southern as battle rages The owner of a private hospital in Afghanistan said the Afghan air force bombed the facility on Saturday, killing one person and injuring three He said the hospital was targeted because the military erroneously believed Taliban fighters were being treated there. Dr Mohammad Din Narewal, the owner of the 20-bed Afghan Ariana Specialty Hospital, told The Associated Press that provincial government officials informed him his hospital in Lashkar Gah was targeted based on the information from the defense ministry. But there were no Taliban in the hospital, said Narewal. The defense ministry did not immediately respond. I was told there had been a mistake because they had been given the wrong information that Taliban were inside the hospital, he said, explaining that the Taliban were in fact receiving treatment in another hospital in the city. UK Chancellor of the Exchequer has reportedly written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, calling for an urgent easing of COVID-19 travel curbs to aid the revival of the country's economy. According to The Sunday Times', the senior Indian-origin Cabinet minister has warned that Britain's border rules are damaging the economy and tourism, ahead of a ministerial meeting planned for Thursday to confirm the traffic light system upgrade for travel. India remains on the red list, which means an effective ban on travel and compulsory 10-day hotel quarantine for returning British residents, and there are widespread hopes within the diaspora of that status easing up to amber in next week's review. Rishi has called time on the travel restrictions, a source familiar with the letter to Johnson was quoted as saying by the newspaper. In the letter, Sunak has reportedly warned that the UK border policy was out of step with our competitors and that the restrictions were having a damaging effect on jobs. Thursday's meeting will decide what level of restrictions holidaymakers will face, with millions eager to know whether they will have to undergo COVID-19 tests or isolation if they travel to popular European holiday destinations around this time of the year, such as France, Italy and Spain. Rishi and the PM are concerned that we've got the benefit from vaccinating so many people and yet we are an outlier in terms of how draconian we are about travel, a senior government source told the newspaper. Ministers will review key infection data from the UK's Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) in the next few days ahead of Thursday's review. There are also reports about the possibility of the Delta variant being reclassified from a variant of concern (VOC), given that it is now the UK's dominant strain. The change in status would release more countries from tight travel controls, which could include India where the Delta variant was first identified. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The union of workers at BHP Group Ltd's Escondida mine in Chile, the world's largest, said on Saturday it had voted to reject the company's final labor contract offer, prompting BHP to request government-mediated talks in a last-ditch effort to stave off a strike. The talks, once confirmed by authorities, will last for 5 to 10 days, according to Chilean labor law. If no agreement is reached, a strike would begin. The union said in a statement late on Saturday that 99.5% of those who voted had rejected the final contract offer and had approved a strike, suggesting a still wide gap between BHP and its workers despite nearly two months of talks. Negotiations at the sprawling northern mine have been conducted in secret, leaving metals markets on edge. A prolonged strike by the mine's top workers' union would further constrict global supplies of and send already high prices even higher. "We hope that this strong vote will be a decisive wake-up call for BHP to begin substantive talks...if it is to avoid an extensive conflict that could become the costliest in the country's union history," the union statement said. BHP said in a statement following the union vote that management remained hopeful it could reach a deal with the union during the upcoming government-mediated talks. "The interest of the company is always in reaching agreements with its workers so we remain open to dialogue and to taking advantage of all opportunities available to it," it said. The union said in its statement that negotiations had failed to make progress on its main demands, including an improved system of professional development and performance-based compensation. Another key sticking point is a union request that its workers share in 1% of dividends paid to investors. At Escondida, memories remain fresh of the historic 44-day stoppage in 2017 that jolted global copper markets and slowed Chile's economic growth. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On June 13, 1980, Betty Eppes got the interview of a lifetime. The 40-year-old reporter for the Baton Rouge Advocate had just completed treatment for breast cancer and returned to the newsroom determined to do something that I thought was significant, she told me from her home in Mississippi. So she talked to her editor and made a list of the people she believed to be the most difficult in the world to interview: Ugandan President Idi Amin and authors Thomas Pynchon and J D Salinger. She quickly landed on The Catcher in the Rye author, who hadnt published anything since 1965 and had given his last interview in 1953. Eppes flew to Boston, rented a sky-blue Pinto, and drove into the Green Mountains in search of the recluse at his home in Cornish, New Hampshire. She got his phone number from a local grocer and then, on the recommendation of Salingers housekeeper, gave a note to the clerk at the Windsor post office where he received his mail. In a letter to him, she described herself as not a but a novelist who had no intention of usurping any of your privacy. What she didnt tell Salinger was that she also had a Sony recorder stuffed down the sleeve of her blouse. The authors memorabilia has proved to be a profitable market: In 1999 author Joyce Maynard sold 14 letters Salinger wrote to the software entrepreneur Peter Norton for $156,500; five years later, 41 letters Salinger had signed sold at Christies for $185,000. But Eppes has refused to sell the tape out of guilt over how she went about getting it. As many as 12 firms have raised a staggering Rs 27,000 crore through IPO route in the first four months of the ongoing fiscal, and the pipeline is pretty strong for the remaining part of the year too. Further to this, initial share sales of four other companies Devyani International, Windlas Biotech, Krsnna Diagnostics and Exxaro Tiles are schedule to open on August 4. Hemang Kapasi, Head of Equities at Sanctum Wealth Management, said that as many as 40 initial public offers (IPOs) are lined up for rest of the year looking to raise Rs 70,000 crore. Further, a lot of retail investors associated brands are going to list on the Indian bourses. The initial share sales of Paytm, Mobikwik, Policy Bazaar, CarTrade Tech, Delhivery and Nykaa will keep investors busy in the current fiscal, Kaushlendra Singh Sengar, founder and CEO at INVEST19, said. He further said the main reason for opting the IPO route is the recent bull run in the Indian The bull market has facilitated companies to raise funds from equity market at high valuations. The companies are diluting their stakes at higher valuations which pushed promoters to file their preliminary papers with capital regulator Sebi, he added. Sandeep Matta, founder, TRADEIT Investment Advisor, said "exuberant equity bull run, higher participation of first-time investors, expectation of quick money, rewarding exit for existing investors, access to unconditional money are the major reasons behind companies going public". According to an analysis of data available with the stock exchanges, 12 companies have raised Rs 27,052 crore through in the first four months (April-July) of the current fiscal 2021-22. Apart from these, PowerGrid InvIT, the infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) sponsored by the Power Grid Corporation of India, mopped up Rs 7,735 crore through its IPO. This comes following a fund raising of Rs 31,277 crore by 30 firms in the entire 2020-21. The fundraise numbers look high compared to last couple of financial years when capital were subdued. In 2019-20, a total of 13 companies collected Rs 20,352 crore through IPOs, while 14 firms had floated in 2018-19 to raise Rs 14,719 crore. The financial year 2017-18 saw 45 main-board collectively mobilising Rs 82,109 crore. Adding depth to the IPO markets, companies from diverse sectors like, technology, specialty chemicals, dairy, pharmaceutical have made their way to the IPO space during the period under review. Also, many tech startups are opting for the IPO route, which is a great thing for the industry, because it sets a benchmark, Prateek Singh, founder and CEO of LearnApp.com, said. "Right from seed funding to an IPO is a full cycle for a startup and it is very encouraging to see that kind of growth. It also goes to show that startups are a great place to invest and grow your wealth which is an encouraging sign," he added. Sengar of INVEST19 believes that investors have started considering IPOs as an asset class that generate bumper returns on listing if they are lucky enough to get allotment. Therefore, initial share sales are receiving tremendous applications from the investors and IPOs have been subscribing multifold times. This has pushed companies to raise funds through IPO, he added. Companies like Tatva Chintan Pharma Chem, Rolex Rings, G R Infraprojects, Clean Science and Technology, Shyam Metalics and Energy, India Pesticides, Dodla Dairy, Glenmark Life Sciences and Zomato subscribed in the range of 29 times to 180 times. Interestingly, the ongoing financial year saw most of the IPOs opening with a premium over the issue price suggesting strong investors appetite. In fact, all the companies, which got listed in the current fiscal, are trading above their issue price, giving smart returns in the range of 14 to 110 per cent, since listing, to investors. Of the total Rs 27,000 crore mopped up during the period under review, digital food delivery platform contributed immensely. A total of Rs 9,375 crore raised by Zomato claims almost 35 per cent of the total funds garnered. Other big ticket IPOs were -- Sona BLW Precision Forgings, which collected Rs 5,550 crore, Macrotech Developers (Rs 2,500 crore) and Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (Rs 2,144 crore). Milan Desai, Lead Equity Analyst, Angel Broking, said the current trend in fundraising environment is extremely supportive. Apart from the companies with solid fundamentals that would usually hit the market, those who would have had a hard time launching the IPO in a tougher environment are also witnessing success owing to a better demand environment, he added. Going forward, Desai expects the IPO environment to remain buzzing during FY22. Unless there is an adverse economic event or a third wave of COVID, "we are likely to see a robust IPO season", Subramanya SV, CEO and Co-founder of Fisdom, said. According to Angel Broking's Desai, some small finance bank IPOs that are mandated to get listed would capitalise on the opportunity and augment their Tier-I capital base. Also, many tech startups are expected to go public as Sebi, earlier this year, eased norms for startups companies coming for listing, Sanctum Wealth Management's Kapasi said. "Large part of the offerings (both primary and offer for sell) are likely to be from new tech startups which have lined up for public offerings post successful listing of Zomato," 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.) In an apparent swipe at the SP, BSP and the Congress, Union Home Minister on Sunday said those who governed earlier had not done development of Hindu religious centres due to their vote-bank and asserted that his BJP will form the government with a bigger majority in the 2022 assembly polls. "I want to ask those who were in power earlier as to why the Ram temple was not constructed? Why was development of Braj region not undertaken? Why nothing was done for development of Chitrakoot where Lord Ram spent over 11 years? Why was the corridor of Maa Vindhyavasini not built?... Because you were afraid of vote-bank politics," he said, adding that it pained people. "The BJP does not practise vote-bank politics, hence its government gave a tangible shape to the development of these religious centres," Shah told a gathering after laying the foundation of the Maa Vindhyavasini Corridor Project and inaugurating a ropeway here. He said, "Be it the development of Braj teerth (pilgrimage), Chitrakoot Dhaam or the grand Deepotsav of Ayodhya, the BJP's Yogi Adityanath government has revived every tradition and fulfilled long-pending wishes of people." The Maa Vindhyavasini Corridor Project involves creating a wide 'parikrama' route around the Maa Vindhyavasini Temple and setting up various facilities for devotees. "Today there has been the bhoomipujan of the Maa Vindhyavasini Corridor Project, and inauguration of the ropeway. If a Shravan Kumar has to bring his aged parents here now...he can use the ropeway and complete the triangular 'parikrama'," he said. Appealing to the people to vote for the BJP in the upcoming UP Assembly polls, Shah said, "You have blessed the BJP in 2014, 2017 and 2019. The Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress, everyone came together, but you did not falter. Your blessings kept on increasing. I am sure that the BJP's Yogi Adityanath government will get your blessings in 2022, and the BJP will form the government with a bigger majority than before." He claimed that the Yogi Adityanath government has fulfilled all the promises made before the 2017 polls. Attacking Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, Shah said, "Akhilesh bhaai, you and your 'buaa' (aunt -- BSP chief Mayawati), can come with your record of (work) of 15 years. If you had done half of the work done by Yogi-ji in four years, the people would have forgiven you. This is the BJP government, and now the consideration is not one's own family, but interests of the 22 crore people of the state. (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.) Bahujan Samaj Party leader Satish Chandra Mishra on Sunday said many innocent Brahmins were booked in the last year Bikru ambush case in Kanpur and claimed that the government in Uttar Pradesh was not only anti-Dalit but also anti-Brahmin. He also said that Khushi Dubey, the wife of a relative of slain gangster Vikas Dubey, was unnecessarily booked in the case. On July 3 last year, a police team was ambushed in Bikru village in Kanpur district when it had gone to raid Vikas Dubey's house. Eight policemen were killed in the incident. Later, on July 10, the gangster was shot dead by police which claims that he had tried to escape when the vehicle bringing him back from Ujjain met with an accident at the Bhauti area near Kanpur. The present government is anti-Brahmin and anti-Dalit, and atrocities are being done on both the communities under this dispensation, Mishra alleged at the 'Prabuddha Varg Sammelan' here. He also alleged that in the Bikru incident many innocent Brahmin's were booked in false cases. "In the same incident, Khushi Dubey was dragged in the case and was booked, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader said "Khushi Dubey has been detained unnecessarily by the government," he claimed. Mishra said that the has always supported Brahmins and honoured them in the party. Brahmins have been given key responsibilities in the party, he added. When the was in power, it did various development works in Mathura-Vrindavan, Varanasi and Ayodhya and other religious places, Mishra said. Urging Brahmin's to support the BSP, he claimed, Brahmin's should join hands with the to defeat the in the upcoming 2022 assembly election of state. (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 Sunday said that the would return to power with a massive majority in the next assembly elections in and asked the opposition leaders to prepare for their defeat. Speaking at the 'bhumi pujan' ceremony of the State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) that is coming up in Sarojini Nagar locality in Lucknow, Shah said that under the leadership of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has emerged as a leader. "Yogi Adityanath has turned into a number one state in implementation of 44 welfare schemes. He has improved the law-and-order situation that is now inviting investments and has also checked corruption. During the Covid pandemic, Yogi ji and his team did excellent work. Opposition leaders will now come out because elections are approaching but people must not be misled by them. Where were they when there was the land mafia, riots were taking place, crime against women was at a high and families did not have toilets?" he asked. The union minister said that the does not work for any particular caste or family but works for the poorest of the poor. Talking about the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science, said that this would be affiliated to the forensic institute in Gandhinagar in Gujarat. "This institute will not only enable youth to get a new career for themselves but will help in improving law and order. The institute will have a DNA centre for which Rs 15 crore has been earmarked. The conviction rate of criminals will also go up as investigations become more professional and scientific and the crime rate will automatically go down," he said. Shah said that policing had changed over the years with the advent of problems related to fake currency, cybercrime, narco terrorism etc. The police force needs to be better trained and we need a special manpower for investigations, he said. further pointed out that police is blamed for either inaction or extreme action. "The police need to focus on just action," he added. Spread over 50 acres in Piparsand locality of Sarojini Nagar, the institute will offer studies in the field of police administration and forensic science. A Centre of Excellence is being set up by NFSU to provide modern infrastructure and technology in scientific crime investigation, which will be a separate unit on 5-acre land on the campus. --IANS amita/skp/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following Rahul Gandhi's criticism over COVID-19 vaccine shortage in the country, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday took a swipe at the Congress leader by calling him "immature". Responding to Gandhi's tweet, Manndaviya said the vaccination drive in the country is set to get a major boost this month. Asking the Congress leader to be proud of India's healthcare workers and scientists, the Heath Minister tweeted, "More than 13 crore vaccine doses have been administered in India in the month of July. This is going to further speed up this month. We are proud of our healthcare workers for this feat. Now you should also be proud of them and the nation." Further, the Minister said that he has heard that Congress leader is one of those 13 crore people vaccinated in July. "But neither you said a word about our scientists, nor did you appeal to citizens to get themselves vaccinated. This means you are indulging in petty in the name of vaccination. Actually, there is no shortage of vaccines, but you lack maturity," added Mandaviya. Earlier today, slammed the Centre over the alleged vaccine shortage across the country. In a tweet in Hindi, he said, "July is gone, the vaccine shortage hasn't gone away. #WhereAreVaccines (July chala gaya hai, vaccine ki kami nahin gayi.)" Meanwhile, as per the Ministry of Health, more than 49,49,89,550 vaccine doses have been provided to the States and UTs so far, and further 8,04,220 doses are in the pipeline for supply. (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 on Sunday said the quality of education in government schools in the state is improving and more over three lakh students from private schools have taken admissions in the state-run educational institutions in five years since he took charge of the top post. At an event to mark the completion of his five years in office, Rupani said he was carrying forward the work of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make the "best state". He also said "knowledge economy" would be of great importance in times to come and his government was working towards modernisation of the education and improving its quality. Rupani became the chief minister of on August 7, 2016, following the resignation of incumbent Anandiben Patel, and continued in the office after the BJP's victory in the 2017 Assembly elections. To mark the completion of his five years in office, Rupani has launched a nine-day celebration. On Sunday, the state government celebrated the 'Gyanshakti Diwas' as part of the nine-day events. "People in the opposition and those living in the world of advertisements only talk. But, you must listen to the reality that in the last five years, more than three lakh students have left private schools to take admission in government schools," Rupani said at an event of an education sector organised here. "It means the quality of our schools is improving. We are not doing publicity, but solid work," he said, in an apparent dig at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had criticised the Gujarat government over the condition of government schools in the state. After the AAP recently issued full-page advertisements in newspapers in Gujarat on schemes of its government in Delhi, Rupani had said the Arvind Kejriwal-led party was more interested in publicity than in implementing welfare schemes. Further talking about the achievements of his government in the last five years, Rupani said that emphasis has been laid on modernisation of education, with attention on improving its quality and evaluation. "There are around 16,000 smart classes in government schools where the state government has created digital classes to modernise education. More than 30,500 government primary, higher and secondary schools have been connected with the internet. We are making arrangements to bring global knowledge to the remotest village in Gujarat through broadband connectivity in schools," the CM said. On the occasion, Rupani inaugurated interactive smart classes across 3,659 schools, unveiled plans to create over 15,000 smart classes under the state's 'Gyankunj' project and set up computer labs in 3,000 schools, among other such initiatives in the state. On the completion of his five years as CM, Rupani said for the state to develop, political stability, strong will-power, honesty and dedication of the leaders are required. Rupani further said Gujarat was fortunate to have (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi as its leader, and he decided to walk on Modi's footsteps when he was entrusted with the responsibility of the state. He said his government will keep interests of the people at the centre of the decision-making process and move forward with honesty and dedication. "The BJP and its government do what they say. We fulfil promises that we make and also succeed in it. In five years, keeping development at the centre of our focus, we have worked with honesty to fulfil people's dreams," he said. The CM said Modi left a developed and excellent state for him, and his (Rupani's) government will make it the "best state". Rupani said his government has also started working in the direction of implementing the new education policy. "In the coming times, knowledge economy is going to be of great importance. In Gujarat, we understand the economy because we are a state of traders. I am sure that with the work done by us in the education sector in the last five years, Gujarat will dominate in the knowledge economy as well," he said. He also informed about his government's state-of-the art initiative to monitor exams and the presence and performance of students and teachers in schools through a central command and control centre. Through the control room, senior officials can monitor the implementation of various schemes and initiatives, such as home learning and periodic assessment, which were launched by the state government to improve the quality of education, an official release earlier said. Rupani also targeted the opposition for its criticism of the nine-day celebrations, and said it has fallen to a level where people dislike it for being "anti-Gujarat". He said as part of these events, his government will unveil development works worth Rs 15,000 crore for the comprehensive development of people. (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 Ravinder Raina on Sunday welcomed the administration's decision to deny for passports and other government services to all those involved in stone-pelting or subversive activities. Raina said it is a great step and would serve as a severe blow to those elements conspiring against the country and fleeing abroad to escape accountability. In an order issued on Saturday, the senior superintendent of police (SSP), CID, Special Branch (SB), Kashmir, has directed all the field units under it to ensure that the person's involvement in law and order, stone-pelting cases, and other crime prejudicial to the security of the state be specifically looked into during verification related to passport, service and any other verification related to government schemes. The same must be corroborated from the local police station records, the order read. The SSP also said digital evidence like CCTV footage, photographs, videos and audio clips, quadcopter images available in the records of the police, security forces, and security agencies be also referred during the verification. Any subject found involved in any such cases must be denied the security clearance, the SSP, CID-SB, Kashmir said. Reacting to the order, the leader said there are some "anti-national powers" in who are supporters of terrorism and Pakistan. They use passports to flee the country and also get absorbed in government jobs besides getting contracts of (developmental) projects. As per the new order, they will not get the which is a good step and will serve as a severe blow to such elements, Raina said. He said the J&K home department, police and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha are worthy of praise for coming out with such a major decision in the interest of the country amid a spurt in anti-terrorist operations that has led to the killing of a number of dreaded terrorists. (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.) Digital payments and financial services company has started a process to hire around 20,000 field sales executives across India to educate merchants on digital adoption, according to sources aware of the development. According to a hiring advertisement, field sales executives (FSEs) would have the opportunity to earn as much as Rs 35,000 and more in monthly salaries and commissions. The company is looking to hire youth and undergraduates as FSE. " has started hiring FSEs. It is an opportunity open for individuals who have either passed Class 10, Class 12 or are a graduate. It will help in generation in small cities and towns, especially for those who have lost jobs during the pandemic. "The company wants to encourage more women to take up the opportunity to help educate women merchants about digital payment," the source said. The FSE will promote Paytm's entire range of products including Paytm all-in-one QR Codes, Paytm all-in-one POS machines, Paytm Soundbox as well as other products across the company's ecosystem such as wallet, UPI, Paytm Postpaid, merchant loans and insurance offerings. Paytm is also running a guaranteed cashback offer to reward merchants and also offer Soundbox and IoT (internet of things) devices which can be leveraged by FSEs. The company has committed Rs 50 crore for the programme this year with a target to uplift over two crore merchants who use Paytm in their day-to-day life. "Any individual who is at least 18 years, is Class 10 or Class 12 pass, or is a graduate and has an Android smartphone, can apply using the Paytm app. "Preference will be given to those with a two-wheeler, who are comfortable travelling and have a prior sales experience. Applicants also need to have good knowledge of the local language and area," the source said. According to data firm RedSeer's, Paytm's gross merchandise value (GMV) at around Rs 4 lakh crore is the highest in the payments industry. Recently, Paytm Payments Bank crossed the 1-crore mark in issuing FASTags, which is about a third of the total tags issued by the rest of the banks in the country. The company has filed a draft paper with markets regulator Sebi for a Rs 16,600-crore IPO; and according to a source, it should get listed by October if it gets regulatory approvals within expected timelines. (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.) Here you'll find our latest collection of Caledonian-Record reports on the coronavirus outbreak and local response, from the beginning of April. Our January, February and March stories are here: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/our-coronavirus-coverage/collection_5885178c-692e-11e 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. Modified On Aug 02, 2021 10:11 AM By CarDekho for MG Gloster There's a seven-seater family car for every price range - from under Rs 10 lakh to Rs 40 lakh! A few years ago, compact hatchbacks were the quintessential family car in India. But thats no longer true now that most family car buyers aspire to buy SUVs. Your favourite people carriers, such as Innova and Ertiga, have gotten pricier over the years. But what if we told you that you can get a three-row SUV, the car youve always wanted, for less than Rs 10 lakh! Check out our list of the top three-row SUVs and some noteworthy MPVs (pretending to be SUVs) for every budget (arranged by ex-showroom price). Under Rs 10 lakh 1) Mahindra Bolero Neo (Rs 8.48 lakh to Rs 9.99 lakh) The recently launched Mahindra Bolero Neo is the most affordable three-row SUV you can buy in India. It comes with a powerful 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine rated at 100PS and 260Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Its manually locking rear differential tries to compensate for all-wheel drive, and the ladder frame chassis absorbs road bumps and cracks with aplomb. The only issue is the last row that comes with a pair of bench seats, which are not safe or comfortable for two passengers. If you love the Bolero for its toughness, this feature-packed SUV offers the same ruggedness in a more comfortable and sophisticated package. 2) Maruti Suzuki XL6 (Rs 9.94 lakh to Rs 11.74 lakh) The XL6 blurs the lines between MPV and SUV, but its Ertiga platform makes for a practical three-row people carrier. A distinct but sober front fascia and raised stance lend it an SUV-like road presence, even if the rear end gives away its Ertiga roots. This is the most affordable car with captain seats in the second row, and the third row is decently usable, too. The XL6 is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine rated for a peak output of 105PS and 138Nm. It gets you a claimed fuel economy of 19kmpl and adds automatic headlamps to the long list of Ertiga-inherited features. Rs 10 Lakh to Rs 15 Lakh 1) Hyundai Alcazar (Rs 16.30 lakh to Rs 20.15 lakh) This is the car that got us thinking about this topic in the first place. Its essentially an elongated Hyundai Creta (with third-row seating) drawing power from the same 2.0-litre petrol engine (159PS/191Nm) that powers the Tucson. It also gets the Cretas 1.5-litre diesel engine (115PS/250Nm), and either engine can be paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The features list is similar to the Creta, with highlights such as front parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. While the premium for this extra length and an extra row of seats is quite hefty, the comfier and more powerful Alcazar serves the family well right from its base-spec Prestige trim. For anyone well-heeled enough to afford it, the Alcazar makes for a secure buy with the reliability of the Hyundai brand behind it. 2) MG Hector Plus (Rs 13.62 lakh to Rs 19.60 lakh) The MG Hector Plus is available in both 6- and 7-seater configurations and the latter doesnt command an exorbitant premium over the standard 5-seater Hector SUV. It is available with a 143PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 170PS 2.0-litre diesel engine, with the option of a 6-speed manual or two different automatic transmissions. The Hector Plus offers large, spacious seats and a comfortable ride over bad roads. It even gets a proper 48-volt mild-hybrid system with the petrol engine. The features list puts the MG Hector Plus shoulder to shoulder with the Korean car in this segment. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, 10.4-inch infotainment screen, and a powered tailgate. 3) Mahindra Scorpio (Rs 12.52 lakh to Rs 17.39 lakh) Even Mahindra knows that the Scorpio is getting long in the tooth, but the SUV still soldiers on with solid sales figures. We probably love it for its burly looks and strong turbo-diesel powertrain, and even the ride quality is decent if youre not prone to getting seasick from all the body roll. Similar to the Bolero, you only get a pair of side-facing jump seats in the Scorpios last row -- not comfortable or safe. We expect that to change when Mahindra replaces it with an all-new Scorpio early next year . 4) Kia 7-seater (upcoming, expected price Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh) We know from this spy shot that Kias next vehicle for India will be a Mahindra Marazzo-rivalling SUV when it arrives in early 2022. We expect it to borrow some of its infotainment features from the Kia Seltos mid-range SUV. Fingers crossed, it could even feature the new Hyundai Alcazars 2.0-litre petrol engine! Expect 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions and segment-leading features such as a sunroof (panoramic, hopefully), a 10-inch infotainment screen paired with a premium sound system, cruise control, and ventilated seats. Incidentally, a Kia Sonet-based three-row SUV is currently on sale in Indonesia, but it is not expected to arrive in India. Also Read: Six Times Indian Celebrities Were Involved In Luxury Car Tax Evasion Cases Rs 15 Lakh To Rs 20 Lakh 1) Tata Safari (Rs 14.99 lakh to Rs 21.81 lakh) Getting the third row in the Harrier and a few more centimetres of overall length requires you to spend more than Rs 1 lakh over the mid-sizer. The new Tata Safari has nothing in common with its majorly missed namesake, but instead, is underpinned by the Harriers Land Rover-derived platform. Petrolheads might miss the older Safaris all-wheel-drive option, but the SUV makes up for it with excellent highway manners and bad-road-handling capability. It offers premium features such as an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and 9-speaker JBL audio system, a digital instrument cluster, and an electrically adjustable drivers seat. Its fully loaded with safety equipment such as six airbags, stability control, hill descent control, all-around disc brakes, and terrain modes. The new Safari gets the same engine as the Harrier, a 170PS/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel paired with a 6-speed manual or torque converter automatic. 2) Mahindra XUV700 (upcoming, expected price Rs 16 lakh to Rs 22 lakh) In August, Mahindra is expected to reveal the XUV500s spiritual successor, the XUV700, and it will be packed with multiple modern features. The carmaker has already teased an advanced air filtration system, high-beam assist, and a driver drowsiness detection system. It will also have Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which may include lane keep assist, auto emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. 3) Toyota Innova Crysta (Rs 16.52 lakh to Rs 24.59 lakh) Its imposing looks and rugged ladder frame chassis often make us forget that the Toyota Innova Crysta is an MPV and not an SUV. Add to that a tall stance and an imposing front fascia, and the overall package transcends the definition of a people carrier. Available in 6- and 7-seater configurations, the Innova offers decent third-row legroom and excellent second and first-row comfort. Its ladder frame chassis remains tough in the face of highway potholes and road undulations. Power comes from either a 2.7-litre petrol engine (166PS/245Nm) or a 2.4-litre turbo diesel (150PS/up to 360Nm). Either can be paired with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Also Read: This Toyota Innova Owner Nabbed Jewellery Thieves Using A Telematics Device! Here's How Rs 20 Lakh And Above 1) Mahindra Alturas G4 (Rs 28.77 lakh to Rs 31.77 lakh) Based on the Ssangyong Rexton, the Alturas G4 seems as tough and luxurious as the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour. It offers everything you want from an SUV -- a sunroof, ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, formidable proportions, and pleasant ride quality. It draws power from a 2.2-litre diesel engine (paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission) that churns out 180PS and 420Nm. The only place where the Alturas G4 lacks is last row seating comfort. The seat is set low, so you sit in an awkward knees-up position that barely works for short trips and could become uncomfortable on long journeys. 2) Jeep 7-seater SUV (upcoming, expected price Rs 35 lakh to Rs 40 lakh) We expect Jeeps new three-row SUV to arrive next year in India, and it could be called the Meridian. It will likely get a 2.0-litre diesel engine and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Wrangler. The features are expected to be on par with the current Jeep Compass, so expect a suite of premium equipment such as a panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch infotainment system, fully digital driver display, wireless phone charging, and a 360-degree camera. 3) Ford Endeavour (Rs 33.80 lakh to Rs 36.25 lakh) With a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, even the base-spec Ford Endeavour is a powerful, sophisticated, and well-equipped SUV. Although it gets a two-wheel drive in the base variant, higher-priced variants are equipped with an all-wheel drive (AWD). Compared with the previously offered 3.2-litre engine, the smaller unit is smoother and well-refined, helping its fuel efficiency. Not to forget, along with the mechanical update in early 2020, Ford has also made the suspension softer to make it more pliant on our roads. 4) Toyota Fortuner (Rs 30.34 lakh to Rs 38.30 lakh) A facelift has made the fully loaded Fortuner diesel AWD AT the most expensive car in its segment, but it still holds its ground in terms of sales figures. It comes with a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that makes 204PS and 500Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It misses out on a sunroof, but it makes up for that with other premium features such as an 11-speaker JBL sound system, powered tailgate, and ventilated seats. A sportier Legender variant is available in two-wheel drive, adding wireless mobile charging, ambient lighting, and kick-to-open tailgate to the Fortuners features list. It, too, misses the crucial sunroof and doesnt even get the 11-speaker JBL sound system that diesel-powered 4x4 variants of the Fortuner get. It costs almost Rs 3 lakh more than the standard Fortuner, making it a tough deal to swallow next to the already exorbitant full-size SUV. 5) MG Gloster (Rs 29.98 lakh to Rs 36.88 lakh) Size-wise, the MG Gloster is the largest car in its segment. Its 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine is also the most powerful in the segment. But those arent the reasons why you should buy this car. The real deal is the suite of active safety features such as auto emergency braking and blind-spot detection. While the SUV goes off well over good surfaces, its on potholes that you will notice the suspension doing its duty. But when the Glosters driven in a sophisticated manner, it is easy to drive and feels safe. All prices, ex-showroom Read More on : MG Gloster diesel This Jan. 2, 2016 photo shows the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Mercer Street off Cape Town, South Africa. The oil tanker linked to an Israeli billionaire reportedly came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, authorities said Friday, July 30, 2021, as details about the incident remained few. (Johan Victor via AP) This town of Emerald Isle graphic shows where dredging will occur in the channel that leads to and from the public boat ramp at Kelly Lane. (Contributed graphic) This woman has the largest mouth in the world, according to Guinness Dr. Walter Douglas Parkhurst is retiring from daily patient care but will remain with Galen Medical Group in an administrative role. To say the least his patients will greatly miss him. Dr. Parkhurst came to Chattanooga from Virginia in 1978. He opened his office at the former Red Bank Community Hospital on Morrison Springs Road. Dr. Bill Stem had been in Red Bank for several decades and decided to retire. Many of Dr. Stems patients transferred their care to Dr. Parkhurst. "Dr. Stem was my neighbor in North Chattanooga and told me, Dr. Parkhurst knows medicine. Dr. Stem said his patients are in the best of hands. Dr. James Stanko and Dr. Parkhurst arrived in Chattanooga about the same time. Their offices were next door and the two doctors would take call for each other. Dr. Stanko said in July, 1981, he and Dr. Parkhurst decided to partner together. The two formed North Chattanooga Medical Associates at that time and later welcomed Dr. Wayne Scott. Dr. Stanko said, Dr. Parkhurst taught me so much and I couldnt have asked for any better. Dr. Stanko quoted the old saying, If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. Dr. Stanko said he never felt that way when in the room with Walter Parkhurst. Dr. Stanko said, "I have been blessed for having Walter in my life. He said Dr. Parkhurst is one of five people he is very close to. Julie Freudenberg, who worked for Dr. Parkhurst for nearly 40 years, said, Dr. Parkhurst is highly principled and his empathy for patients is unparalleled. He is gifted with a profound knowledge of subjects both medical and non-medical and I tapped into that in seeking his advice many times. I am honored I had the opportunity to work for him. My husband sent several of his broadcasting buddies to see Dr. Parkhurst including Mike King and the late Tommy Jett. Mr. King said Dr. Parkhurst told it like it was. Mr. Jett, a severe diabetic, said Dr. Parkhurst had at one time saved his life. Former Erlanger Medical Center CEO Skip Reeder labeled Dr. Parkhurst tops in his field. Mr. Reeder said patients could have total trust in what Walt Parkhurst said. Cardiologist Dr. Carol Gruver said treating patients under Dr. Parkhursts care made my job much easier. Hes one of the best. Allison Durham was Dr. Parkhurst's nurse for nearly 10 years and he encouraged her to get further training. Ms. Durham said Dr. Parkhurst is the man that made me the nurse I am today. Dr. Parkhurst's patients never felt rushed. His examinations were very thorough. He put much thought into each diagnosis. He could be called old school. He made lots of house calls and nursing home visits during his nearly 50-year career. Thats un-heard of today. Dr. Parkhurst mentored many physicians in training through the UT College of Medicine at Erlanger Medical Center. In 1983, Dr. Parkhurst married the former Carolyn Ann Jones of Potomac, Maryland. They have two sons and several grandchildren. All during his practice as a Chattanooga internist, Dr. Parkhurst remained faithful to his Lord and his church, First Presbyterian of Chattanooga. He always looked forward to the Christmas Concerts in December. You could easily spot the tall doctor on the top row. The late Ben Haden called Dr. Parkhurst one of the most dedicated physicians he had ever known. Mr. Haden was Dr. Parkhursts pastor for many years. Though he may not have had many hobbies, Dr. Parkhurst does enjoy taking his wife to the Chattanooga Symphony Concerts. Dr. Parkhurst would sometimes talk about his love for classical music with his patients. He enjoyed his summer visits to the Outer Banks in North Carolina with his family. One of Dr. Parkhursts favorite subjects is cars. He can tell you about the latest models and some of their new features. North Chattanooga Medical merged with the Galen Medical Group, Dec. 1, 1993. In addition to a daily schedule of hospital rounds and treating patients in the office, Dr. Parkhurst held several key executive positions with Galen including medical director. Its very hard to imagine Dr. Parkhurst retiring because through the years, his life for the most part has been his patients. Im sure his wife Carolyn will find a variety of things for him to do. Carolyn says the doc is a good cook and enjoys spending time in the kitchen trying out new recipes. Dr. Parkhurst, on behalf of our community, we thank you for an exceptional job well done. Julie and I will greatly miss you but hope you enjoy your retirement as you turn the next page in your life. We will even miss you performing Chubby Checkers TheTwist at our Christmas parties. During both the late morning and early afternoon Saturday, the bells at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic off East Eighth Street could be heard ringing through downtown for an unusually long time. The action was like a symbolic applause for this man who was considered a hero and someone many local Catholics would like to see declared a saint in part for his work as a servant of God in trying to comfort all Chattanooga victims of the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. It was door-to-door work that caused his own death on Sept. 28 of that year from exposure to the disease spread by bites from infected mosquitoes. There is no greater gift than to give your life for your friends, said Bishop Richard F. Stika during a morning mass and blessing of the tomb service inside the church. Father Ryan did indeed give his life for his friends, friends that were Catholic, and friends that were not Catholic. His memory is still strong today. Around 250 or so people filled up about half of the seating area inside the Catholic church for the nearly two-hour, high-church mass. It included hymns such as Be Thou My Vision, words by Bishop Stika and other liturgy readers, Eucharist (holy communion) celebration, and a rite of commendation and re-entombment. It was preceded by an automobile procession led by a Chattanooga Funeral Home hearse carrying the remains of Father Ryan in a new casket from the cemetery. It culminated with a walking bagpiper-led procession two blocks along East Eighth Street in a westerly direction to the church. Father Ryan had been the first person interred in Mount Olivet Cemetery on the East Ridge side of Missionary Ridge during a major Chattanooga observance in 1886, and before that had been buried outside the church, which was then on Lindsay Street. The native of County Tipperary, Ireland, had emigrated with his family to New York, and after schooling at St. Vincents College in Missouri, he came to serve Chattanooga in 1872 from Clarksville. During his time in Chattanooga, he helped start what is now Notre Dame High School in 1876. The bell rung Saturday from the tower was also acquired during his time and has his name inscribed on it. It was moved to the current basilica when the ornate church was built in 1890, officials said. He was not related to Abram Ryan, who served as a priest in Nashville during the Civil War and the man for whom Father Ryan High School there is named, officials said, adding they also learned there were countless Patrick Ryans born in that Irish county during that time. The service was actually the first step in the process toward sainthood, described as the Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God. Diocese of Knoxville director of communications Jim Wogan said Saturday that the four-step process that first began in 2016 might take a while. Father Ryan has been designated a servant of God, the first step, by the bishop, and the other steps include veneration, beatification and canonizing, with the final two requiring miracles. The Very Rev. J. David Carter, the pastor and rector of Saints Peter and Paul, said a committee of inquiry has been gathering research and will send it on to Rome in hopes the church will declare him venerable before Christmas. We have interviewed those who claim favors of intercession of him, Rev. Carter said. We have interviewed some of them. None of them are candidates for official miracles but we are open to this possibility. Officials added that the exhumation of Father Ryan from Mount Olivet Cemetery was quite a process that began on Monday and included eventually finding a casket that was deeper in the ground than thought. It took us longer than expected to find the casket, said Mr. Wogan. But despite some of the delays, it went better than expected. As part of the process toward honoring Father Ryan, an identification of remains has to be made, and officials said they decided to go ahead and re-entomb Father Ryan at Saints Peter and Paul in a new tomb while doing that. It was constructed above the floor in the front right corner of the basilicas seating area. Church leaders said the body was in a cast-iron casket and had been preserved through the help of arsenic, which was commonly used in embalming in the late 1800s. The well-preserved bones were properly placed in the new casket by those involved in the process following help from some trained hazardous materials workers. A number of other relics were found with the casket, including vestments such as a stole and a scapular shoulder garment of Our Lady, and a wooden crucifix. Church leaders hope to display the coffin and relics in the future as a memorial to Father Ryan. Following the service, Rev. Carter called the day a meaningful one not only for Saints Peter and Paul, but also for the Catholic church. The Catholic church has been in the news lately a lot for the sins of her priests (due to the clergy sexual abuse scandal), and today it is our hope that the Catholic church is in the news for the bright lights and the ones who really lived out the priestly ministry that Jesus Christ entrusted to His church. Father Patrick Ryan was a true priest who all priests should try to emulate, who offered his whole life to the sheep as their shepherd. It should overshadow all the other bad things, not to cover them up, but to say there has been bad but there has been good, also. * * * Jcshearer2@comcast.net You cannot have a show that has been around for as long as Greys Anatomy and not have people feel strongly about the characters and storylines. We watch them each week, or we watch reruns of past seasons on our computers and mobile devices. They are the characters we love, and the ones we love to hate. One great example of this is the way some of us view April Kepner. In fact, some fans insist that April was simply unbearable on Greys Anatomy until tragedy struck. April Kepner was average and forgettable when she first appeared on Greys Anatomy Sarah Drew as Dr. April Kepner on Greys Anatomy. | Bob DAmico/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images April Kepner first appeared on Greys Anatomy in the Invasion episode in 2009. She was a part of the group of doctors invading Seattle Grace from Mercy West thanks to a merger that no one was happy about. April didnt become a regular on the show until about a year later. Unlike most of the Greys team, April at first appeared to be rather average. She was insecure, over-eager, and kind of scatterbrained all at one time. Her character was not one that stood out and for many at first, and was perhaps even someone we wished would walk off the screen and never return. However, as time went on and after she failed her boards things began to turn around for April. She returned as someone eager to prove that she belongs there and ultimately chose to ditch her unavailable crush, Derek, and neurosurgery to become a trauma surgeon. What changed for April? For most of us, we began to truly see April when she connected with Jackson Avery. It may have been a toxic relationship at times, but it ended up being a storyline that provided April with more depth than many other characters could ever find. A Reddit post even states that, Her best acting was during her crisis of faith. She has the most character development too IMO. Aprils crisis of faith came in many ways. From being held at gunpoint to discovering her unborn baby, Samuel, had a birth defect that would cause him pain throughout pregnancy and death when he was born. Instead of terminating early, April chose to deliver her baby and spend what time she could with him. Afterward, she became angry with God and questioned whether her faith was worth it. She lashed out at everyone, made bad decisions that were totally unlike her shy character persona, and went a little wild until she was able to find herself again. Fans loved it! They enjoyed the new complexity of April Kepner, which continued until April decided to rekindle her love with Matthew Taylor. This came to light after yet another trauma for April that nearly ended her life. Soon after, way too soon after according to fans, April decided to leave Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital to help the homeless community with their healthcare needs. Is there a future for April on the show? Kepners departure from Grey Sloan was abrupt and ended her nearly decade-long run with the show. It was also heartbreaking for many people who wanted Jackson and April to last. In season 17, fans had another chance to see Japril when Jackson Avery left Seattle to work for his familys Avery Foundation. It is a move that disappointed Jackson fans, but it was forgivable for many since April returned in a guest appearance. It was during the episode titled Look Up Child, and at the end, April and Jackson left for Boston together. This made fans of Japril excited that Jackson and April did ultimately end up together. However, it wasnt confirmed that the two became a true couple since writers left it open-ended in order to allow the fans to decide for themselves where this love story will go. RELATED: Greys Anatomy Fans Are Demanding a Jackson and April Spinoff and Jesse Williams Has Thoughts Fans and critics of the Duggar family always want to know when a courtship is on the horizon. Thanks to TLC shows like 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On, weve seen a number of Duggar courtships over the years. Now, fans suspect Jana Duggars been courting Stephen Wissmann since the end of 2020. And critics dug up a photo of the Wissmann family with the Duggar family from 2014. Is Jana Duggar courting? Fans and critics suspect shes dating Stephen Wissmann Jana Duggar talks about being 30 and single as the oldest daughter in familyhttps://t.co/Xkb6VI7VX3 TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 17, 2020 Because of her unmarried status, Jana still lives with her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, at 31 years old. Janas made it clear she wont settle for just anyone but she may have found her man. In December 2020, Jana and Stephen allegedly spent time together with the rest of Stephens family for the holidays. As for who Stephen is, hes a pilot from Nebraska. He has a large number of siblings much like the Duggar family and his parents follow strict Christian guidelines. The Wissmann family blog has a description for Stephen explaining he enjoys working as a pilot, assistant manager of Wissmann Enterprises, Inc., making small furniture, and being physically active through workouts and sports. Since 2020, fans and critics allegedly spotted Jana and Stephen several times. The couple has allegedly gone to weddings together, and one critic even spotted Jana at a truck stop in Nebraska a dead giveaway she visited the Wissmanns. Duggar family critics found a photo of the Duggars and the Wissmanns from 2014 (L-R) Jessa Duggar, Jinger Duggar, Jill Duggar, and Jana Duggar visit Extra at their New York studios | D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra Duggar family critics on Reddit are wondering just how long the Duggars and the Wissmanns have known each other. According to one user, the Wissmanns posted a photo of the Duggars from 2014. The photo depicts Michelle in the middle of the photo with another middle-aged woman (seemingly the Wissmann matriarch). The right side of the photo shows Jana, Jinger, and three of the Wissmann kids. The left of the photo shows four Wissmann daughters with Joy-Anna at the end. Wissmann sisters/mom with Duggar sisters/mom on the Wissmanns Instagram in 2014, a Reddit user posted. I wonder how long these families have known each other. Many other Reddit users suggested the two have known each other forever, as many large Christian families in the same area stay in touch, attend the same events, and abide by the same beliefs. They all have known each other forever, another critic wrote, thats why I dont take any courting rumors based on whos photographed together seriously. The fact that they have known each other for so long makes me wonder why it took until 2020 for Jana and Stephen to be an item, another critic wrote. I wonder in the past that perhaps they had known each other for a while but the timing was never right because they were dating other people. Some critics suspect Jana and Stephen are already planning their wedding Jana Duggar, 31, 'spotted with rumored boyfriend Stephen Wissmann' https://t.co/Gie1nzTreu The Sun TV (@TheSunTV) July 5, 2021 Whether Jana and Stephen have known each other for years or not, it looks like their relationship is moving fast. Duggar family critics on Reddit found what looks like a wedding registry though they couldnt verify whether it was real. Im thinking her engagement to him is real because we have seen little bits of evidence here and there, a Reddit user commented. I think this may be a family member trying to throw off media. They have admitted in the past that they do stuff like this. According to Jessa Duggar, theres no engagement for Jana. A fan commented to Jessa on Facebook, Congratulations to your sister Jana on her engagement, and she dispelled the rumor. Well have to wait and see if the Duggar family shares more information regarding Jana and her alleged courtship now that Counting On isnt returning. Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook! RELATED: Counting On Fans Think They Know Exactly Why Jana Duggar Has Not Announced She Is Courting Stephen Wissmann Love Island season 3 OG Olivia Kaiser returned from Casa Amor as a single lady. During her time away, she realized she had feelings for another original Islander, Korey Gandy. While some fans find the confession random, there are reasons why her delayed realization makes sense. Pictured (L-R): Kyra Lizama, Will Moncada, Javonny Vega, Trina Njoroge, Melvin Cinco Holland Jr., Aimee Flores, Olivia Kaiser, Cashay Proudfoot, Josh Goldstein and Shannon St. Clair on the tenth episode of Love Island season 3 | Sara Mally/CBS/Getty Images Olivia Kaiser and Korey Gandy remained single for the majority of Love Island Alaska native Olivia Kaiser initially paired up with Javonny Vega after his dramatic entrance. Although she didnt think they had compatible personalities, she decided to give him a chance after potential love interest Slade Parker had to walk. The two received the unique opportunity to go grocery shopping together to cook a meal for the other Islanders as they wanted to see how they would operate together in the real world. RELATED: Love Island: Will Operation Heart Attack Lead to a Shocking Recoupling? While they seemingly had a good time, Olivia couldnt shake how she felt and friend-zoned Javonny. During a double elimination, the Islanders chose to save their girl but sent him home. 28-year-old Korey Gandy initially picked Kyra Lizama, who he seemingly fell for, but she quickly decided to partner with Will Moncada. He has since paired up with a different girl for each recoupling, unable to find another connection. They recently tried to win over other Islanders Newcomer Florita Diaz entered the house on Day 8, and she and Korey partnered up, initially feeling drawn to each other. While he quickly developed strong feelings, she ended up falling for Jeremy Hershberg, pairing up with him instead. During a game, Will revealed he wouldve partnered with Olivia had he not fallen for Kyra. She also realized they didnt have the opportunity to develop anything and came up with Operation Heart Attack, along with Cashay Proudfoot and Korey, to reveal her true feelings for him. TOMORROW NIGHT! Find out who will be numero uno and who will be numero single. #LoveIslandUSA pic.twitter.com/YHC8EQSvyN Love Island USA (@loveislandusa) July 28, 2021 Korey attempted to help her out by asking Will if he saw himself giving Olivia a chance. Although he indicated he had no intentions of leaving Kyra, she opened up to him anyway. Even though he shut her down, the situation pushed her to friendzone Javonny. Olivia realized she had feelings for Korey following Casa Amor After Operation Heart Attack, the Islanders split up as ladies joined the guys in the villa, and the girls went to Casa Amor, where male suitors waited for them. While Olivia opened up to a few guys, she failed to find anyone she connected with strong enough to bring back to the villa, returning as a single Islander. However, Korey liked newcomer Leslie Golden as they established a good friendship. After the cast reunited, Olivia revealed she had unexpected feelings for Korey, admitting she missed him during their time away. So that took a turn How are we feelin' about Korey and Olivia? Take our poll on the #LoveIslandUSA app! https://t.co/3HKSq4AZHj pic.twitter.com/lbWkQE5x0n Love Island USA (@loveislandusa) July 30, 2021 RELATED: Love Island: Caleb Corprew Reveals How He Really Feels About Johnny Middlebrooks Actions at Casa Amor He felt the same way and the two married each other during a game later that day. While many fans believe the pairing is random, Olivia has expressed she wanted someone who has more of a serious temperament and pointed out several of the guys are younger. Korey has a similar personality as Cashay, Olivias best friend in the villa, and they are the same age. Additionally, the two have been close friends during their time on the show, something that Korey wanted and Olivia has acknowledged didnt happen in her past relationships. Love Island 3 airs on CBS. John B. (Chase Stokes) is in grave danger in The Darkest Hour. Fortunately, the Pogues will stop at nothing to clear their friends name. Find out what unfolds in the Outer Banks Season 2 episode. [SPOILER ALERT: Spoilers ahead for Outer Banks Season 2, Episode 5 The Darkest Hour.] RUDY PANKOW & CHELLE RAMOS | JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX 2021 John B. is in prison for the murder of Sheriff Peterkin in The Darkest Hour In Outer Banks Season 2, Episode 4, John B. is taken into police custody for the murder of Sheriff Peterkin (Adina Porter). The Pogues know he didnt do it, but the rest of the Outer Banks community is suspicious. When John B.s is sentenced to the death penalty if found guilty, the Pogues go into hyperdrive. Kiara (Madison Bailey), J.J. (Rudy Pankow), and Pope (Jonathan Daviss) each come up with a unique plan of action to free their friend. Pope seeks out Denmark Tanneys key. Kiara wants to get a lawyer involved. And J.J. comes up with the most reckless plan of all. Meanwhile, Sarah Cameron (Madelyn Cline) makes plans to testify against her father, Ward (Charles Esten). She tries to connect with Wheezie (Julia Antonelli) and get her to corroborate her story. J.J. plans to save John B. by storming the Kildare County jail J.J. is at his J.J.est in The Darkest Hour. He plans to break John B. out of prison to buy him more time and escape the death sentence. After a visit to John B.s cell to explain the plan, Operation Liberation begins. JJ reporting for duty pic.twitter.com/nnyFJEGSLq obxnetflix (@obxnetflix) July 12, 2021 All John B. has to do is pretend to have acute appendicitis so he can get out of his cell and into the ambulance J.J. borrows from his EMT cousin. But just as Operation Liberation is about to commence, another inmate goes after John B. under Ward Camerons orders. Ward Cameron bribes the Kildare County police in The Darkest Hour episode of Outer Banks Being a wealthy Kook means Ward Cameron has some of the Kildare County police on his payroll. He offers Deputy Plumb (Chelle Ramos) a substantial amount of money to have an inmate handle John B. Fortunately, the attack doesnt go as planned. John B. lives to see another day, and Deputy Shoupe (Cullen Moss) starts to get even more suspicious about Wards involvement in Peterkins death. Pope finds Denmark Tanneys key As discussed in Homecoming, Pope is after Denmark Tanneys key so that Carla Limbrey will release the tapes she has proving John B.s innocence. After asking his dad about the key, Pope learns his grandmother used to wear it around her neck every day. Pope later finds the key in the ceiling of his great-grandmothers old apartment. He notices a secret message on the key that reads: The path to the tomb begins in the island room. Now, he and the Pogues are on another treasure hunt. Kiara talks to her Kook mom about getting John B. a lawyer While J.J. works through Operation Liberation and Pope works on figuring out what Denmark Tanneys key might open, Kiara seeks help from her Kook mother and Pogue father. Unfortunately, Kiaras mom thinks the Pogues are a bad influence on her. You are so worried Im gonna sleep with a Pogue like you did, Kiara says to her mom. Well guess what? I already did. Kiara and Pope take their relationship to the next level during John B.s homecoming party earlier in Outer Banks Season 2. Rafe Cameron tries to drown Sarah in Outer Banks Season 2 The Darkest Hour Throughout season 2, Rafe (Drew Starkey) has been grappling with the death of Sheriff Peterkin. Hes worried he will get caught and have to pay for his crimes, so he confides in Ward. Who would you pick? Rafe asks his father, knowing Sarah is going to testify against them. I dont pick between my children, Ward says. When Ward cant make a choice, Rafe snaps. You saved me? Ward screams at his son after a brawl. You f us! All of us! Later, Rafe intercepts Wheezies phone and finds Sarah, who he shot in the Bahamas. You got shot because you were following John B., he tells her. Youve always been against me, and you still are. RELATED: Outer Banks: How Madelyn Cline Prepared for Her Sex Scene With Austin North Knowing Ward wont take his side, Rafe tries drowning Sarah. But her ex-boyfriend, Topper (Austin North), rescues her. If you ever touch her again, Ill kill you, he tells Rafe before whisking Sarah off in his boat. Deputy Shoupe finally gets proof Rafe Cameron killed Peterkin in The Darkest Hour After multiple conversations with the Pogues about Peterkins death, Shoupe finally has concrete evidence Rafe was the one who shot her that day on the tarmac. After testing the gun, Rafes fingerprints were found on the bullets. The Darkest Hour concludes with the FBI moving in on Ward. Theres still five more episodes of Outer Banks Season 2, which Stokes has called his favorite (via HollywoodLife) of the two seasons. Stream them now on Netflix. Get ready for another intense episode, Outer Banks fans. Chase Stokes promised a more heightened and nuanced season 2 of the Netflix series (via HollywoodLife), and My Druthers captures that sentiment. When Ward Cameron (Charles Esten) feels cornered, he takes drastic measures to protect his son Rafe (Drew Starkey). Charles Esten | Netflix The police drop the murder charges against John B. in My Druthers After Topper (Austin North) rescues Sarah Cameron (Madelyn Cline) from the clutches of her brother, she returns to the Pogue compound. When John B. sees a flicker of their old flame, he asks Sarah to tell him about their marriage. Im with him, Sarah says instead of telling the truth about what happened on their sail home from the Bahamas. Kiara is starting to feel weird about sleeping with Pope Throughout season 2, the vibes between Kiara (Madison Bailey) and Pope (Jonathan Daviss) have been tense. Theres a romance between them, as evidenced in Homecoming. But after taking their relationship to the next level, Kiara has some concerns. My moms threatening me with boarding school, and I cant stand the idea of not being able to talk to you, she tells Pope, worried sex will ruin their friendship. Things used to be so good. All of this hurts Pope. At this point, he wants to be more than friends with Kiara in Outer Banks. My Druthers gives Pope clarity on Denmark Tanneys key Despite John B.s release from prison, Pope still wants to find Denmark Tanneys key. His plan is to split whatever treasure they come across, just like they were going to with the $400 million in gold from the Royal Merchant. Whats the big deal, it aint worth anything! says Popes dad in the episode. But he knows better than that. After pushing his father, Pope seeks out his great-grandmother, who used to wear the key around her neck every day. CAROL SUTTON & JONATHAN DAVISS | JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX 2021 RELATED: Outer Banks: The Truth About the Royal Merchant Ship Take that away, Popes great-grandmother tells him. Eventually, she reveals how Denmark and Cecelia Tanney are Popes great-great-grandparents. I didnt want what happened to Denmark to happen to you or your Daddy, she says. I dont want you to do nothing crazy now. But being a Pogue, Pope cant let this key or the treasure it leads to go. Ward Cameron tries to protect Rafe one last time in Outer Banks Season 2 After the FBI raids the Cameron residence, Ward seeks Rafe out at Barrys (Nicholas Cirillo) trailer. He hands him a wad of cash and asks him to go to Wilmington, North Carolina, to escape getting arrested. From there, Rafes supposed to go to Raleigh, where Ward has a charter plane waiting for him. Dad, Im sorry, he says. You were right about a lot of things. Rafe says he wants to get better, but the challenges in his life have been overpowering. Youre not going to jail for something you did for me, Ward tells him. He also admits that, given a choice between Rafe and Sarah, he would choose Rafe. Kildare County police arrest Rafe in My Druthers and Ward dies by suicide Once again, Rafe relies on Barry to dig him out of a hole. But this time, Barry outsmarts the Camerons. He leads Rafe directly into a trap set up by Deputy Shoupe (Cullen Moss). Theres a tense shootout between Rafe and the Kildare County police. But they ultimately take Rafe into custody. Stuck, Ward has nothing left to do but tell the truth. Instead of turning himself in, he waits for the police to close in on his mansion. When they arrive, Ward is on his boat. Hes out on the Druthers, Rose Cameron (Caroline Arapoglou) tells police. Hard to believe it was 1 year ago tonight that @obxonnetflix premiered! I could not be more grateful for this jewel of a show, for the incredible reaction from so many who love it, for the very special people I get to work with, and for the crazy ride it is to play Ward Cameron! pic.twitter.com/JhyhAZco8u Charles Esten (@CharlesEsten) April 16, 2021 I was trying to protect my family, Ward explains, desperate. Just as Sarah arrives to talk her dad into speaking with the police, he raises the boat anchor. Shes not supposed to be here! Ward screams as the anchor creeps closer to the boat. In one of the most shocking Outer Banks moments ever, Wards boat explodes in a fiery rage as Sarah, John B., and the rest of the Pogues watch. Elizabeth Mitchell is widely known for playing Dr. Juliet Carlson in J.J. Abrams ABC series Lost. Now, shes facing off with the Pogues in Outer Banks Season 2. Mitchell plays affluent North Carolina resident Carla Limbrey, a complicated character with a mysterious illness. Showbiz Cheat Sheet spoke with Mitchell over the phone about her role in Outer Banks and what ails her character. Plus, we got details on how the actor tapped into the role and became Limbrey. [SPOILER ALERT: Spoilers ahead for Outer Banks Season 2.] ELIZABETH MITCHELL | JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX 2021 Outer Banks Season 2 introduces Carla Limbrey After Pope (Jonathan Daviss) receives a mysterious letter signed C. Limbrey requesting he visit Charleston, he gathers J.J. (Rudy Pankow) and Kiara (Madison Bailey) for another adventure. Theyve run Charleston for like 300 years, Kiara explains of the Limbreys when they arrive at the sprawling mansion. Deadline describes Carla Limbrey as a compelling woman with a level of toxicity and menace underneath her seemingly courteous ways. During her conversation with Pope, we learn Limbrey is in search of Denmark Tanneys key. She also mentions her long and tortured past with Ward Cameron (Charles Esten). Previously, they were partners in search of the Royal Merchant treasure. Now, Limbrey seeks something else the Cross of Santo Domingo. Elizabeth Mitchell talks about Carla Limbreys illness in Outer Banks Limbrey is a multi-facted character. Shes a well-to-do woman with a mysterious gait thats caused by an unnamed illness. During our conversation with Mitchell, we had to ask about Limbreys ailments. We know shes dying, but from what? ELIZABETH MITCHELL | JACKSON LEE DAVIS/NETFLIX 2021 My characters illness isnt talked about on the show, and I think its better to not talk about that, Mitchell says. I think they wanted it to be deliberately vague. What we do know is Limbrey is declining rapidly. She has avenues that she thinks will keep her from dying, Mitchell adds a hint to the Cross of Santo Domingo. Elizabeth Mitchell says Carla Limbrey is all those -ists we dont want to be Limbrey comes from a fictional line of wealthy plantation owners in the south. As such, her ancestry points to decades of slave ownership. But what makes it worse is her desire to possess something thats not rightfully hers. Shes one of those people who believes that her being on the Earth is probably more important than anyone else being on the Earth, Mitchell tells Showbiz. She is entitled. Shes a classist. She is all of those ists that we dont want to be in our lives. Elizabeth Mitchells character in Outer Banks is based on women she knows Mitchell was excited to take on this role in Outer Banks Season 2 mainly because Limbrey is the antithesis of her personality. To play Limbrey, Mitchell tapped into her experiences with women like her. I grew up with women like [Limbrey], Mitchell says. I had a unique perspective on them. As a child, Mitchell recalls being very aware of her surroundings. Sometimes, that meant picking up on not-so-positive things. I remember some women talking to my gorgeous hippie mom and being so sweet to her face [but] saying terrible things [behind her back], she tells us. woogity woogity WOOGITY! Outer Banks 2, coming July 30 pic.twitter.com/vL6jVJrr35 obxnetflix (@obxnetflix) July 14, 2021 RELATED: Outer Banks Fans Found a Major Plot Hole Regarding the $400 Million of Gold From Season 1 For Mitchell, Carla Limbrey was not an alien presence. Ive met her before, she says. There are women like that who I never could understand. Thats one of the many reasons Mitchell wanted to play Limbrey in Outer Banks. I wanted to have a better understanding of where you come from to be that entitled to be that sure that who you are and what you are is more important than anyone and anything else. See more of Mitchell in Outer Banks Season 2. Every episode is available on Netflix. Ree Drummond is a beloved star on the Food Network where she hosts The Pioneer Woman. The celebrity chef heavily showcases her family life that includes her husband Ladd. Over the last couple of days, Ree and Ladd were on a romantic getaway in Colorado which they shared on social media. As the trip came to a close, Ree shared with her fans something she did with her husband for the first time in their 24 years of marriage. Ree Drummond and her husband Ladd | Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Pioneer Woman Magazine What did The Pioneer Woman share? Ree and Ladd visited Vail, Colorado for much-needed time together. The couple is one of the most endearing in showbiz as fans get to peek into their ranch every weekend on The Pioneer Woman. Over the course of the month of July, Ree shared beautiful moments with her husband Ladd as they celebrated 24 years of marriage. However, it was after their getaway was over that Ree made a revelation that seemed too hard to believe. The celebrity chef said she had done something she had never done with Ladd in their years of marriage. Ree said she had never taken so many selfies with her spouse in that lapse of time. Its seemingly difficult to grasp as Ree is on TV and is always getting her picture taken. Vacation selfie scrapbook from last week, Ree posted on Instagram. I snapped more selfies with my spouse last week than in the twenty-four (plus!) years weve been married. This oughta do us for a while! Look at my crooked sunglasses in the top left photo, it cracks me up for some reason. I was going for the carefree-in-love look but wound up looking a little off-kilter. Story of my life. I love you, Ladd! For the time being, it seems like Ree wont be going selfie crazy but at least she and fans will have these beautiful photos to remember their time together. RELATED: The Pioneer Woman: Ree Drummond Makes Bacon Ranch Cheesy Bread Recipe and Controversy Follows Over 1 Ingredient Missing What are fans saying about Ree and Ladd Drummonds photos? Ree promotes love and her comment section is always filled with fan support. After Ree posted the collage of photos of herself and Ladd during their getaway, her followers showered the couple with messages of encouragement. The Real Housewives of Dallas star DAndra Simmons commented, Im so happy you had fun. You both look so young because your souls are so happy. Glad you got to recharge, a fan replied. You guys both aged backward, a follower noted. Such a gorgeous, happy-looking couple! an Instagram user mentioned. Adorable pictures! You two are just so cute, glad you had a nice vacation, another fan said. Ree Drummond | Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Pioneer Woman Magazine RELATED: The Pioneer Woman: Ree Drummond Makes Pinwheels and Fans React With Their Own Twist Wonderful pictures how wonderful to have the blessing of such a great time with your husband! another follower added. Love this!!! They are all great!!! Thank you for sharing this, another Instagram user posted. Ree and Ladd share five children together and seven dogs. The Food Network star shared how they have made their marriage work. Ladd and I always wind up together on the couch in the evenings, no matter how busy weve been throughout the day. We both have a soft spot for old Westerns, any of The Godfather movies and 80s flicks, Ree said in her blog. The Pioneer Woman airs Saturdays on the Food Network. Laura Ann Spangler Howard, 77 of Laramie, WY was called home to be with her family in Heaven on Wednesday July 21, 2021. She was born on June 3, 1944 in Chickasha,OK to Orby and Mabel Spangler. Ann graduated from Chickasha High School. She married her husband Michel Don Howard on September 2 China arrests 5 Christians for attending religious gathering in Malaysia where Tim Keller spoke Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Communist authorities in China arrested five Christians from a house church in Shanxi Province because they attended a Christian conference in Malaysia last year where Pastors Tim Keller and D.A. Carson were speakers. The five Christians are from Xuncheng Reformed Church in Taiyuan city and were arrested and detained on Monday for taking part in KL2020 Gospel and Culture conference hosted by a Chinese Indonesian Pastor Stephen Tong, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern reported. Two of the church members were arrested when they went to pick up their church co-worker, Zhang Ligong, as he was being released after serving a 15-day administrative detention for his faith, a church preacher named An Yankui was quoted as saying. The other three were arrested from their homes. The five traveled together to Malaysia to attend the conference from Jan. 2831. Keller, a theologian and bestselling author, and Carson, emeritus professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and co-founder of The Gospel Coalition, were among the speakers at the international conference. The five Chinese Christians had legally traveled to Malaysia with their valid passports but are now facing charges. Preacher An Yankui has requested that believers worldwide pray for the five Christians. May God never forsake His children and continue to grant mercy to His church on the path carrying the cross, he wrote on Facebook. As of Saturday, it was not known if the Christians had been released. Xuncheng Church has been heavily targeted in recent months, including constant harassment and the detention of a preacher and several members last November. Open Doors USA, which monitors persecution in over 60 countries, estimates that there are about 97 million Christians in China, a large percentage of whom worship in what China considers to be illegal and unregistered underground house churches. Authorities in China are also continuing their crackdown on Christianity by removing Bible apps and Christian WeChat public accounts as new highly restrictive administrative measures on religious staff went into effect this year. ICCs Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, Gina Goh, said, Since the Revised Regulations on Religious Affairs took effect in February 2018, the Chinese government has added more laws seeking to curb religious activities that are not state-sanctioned. Goh added: Beijing is paranoid about Chinese Christians interaction with Christians overseas. As a result, they are penalizing Christians to deter them from receiving foreign influence. It is a shame that the Chinese government constantly manipulates laws to violate the religious freedom of its citizens. China is ranked on Open Doors USAs World Watch List as one of the worst countries in the world when it comes to the persecution of Christians. The U.S. State Department has also labeled China as a country of particular concern for continuing to engage in particularly severe violations of religious freedom. Christian CEO fired over views on marriage wins religious discrimination case Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A court in Scotland has ruled in favor of a Christian CEO who they said was unjustly fired by the countrys biggest grant-making trust because of his Christian views on marriage. Kenneth Ferguson was unlawfully discriminated against by The Robertson Trust and its Chairwoman Shonaig Macpherson for believing that marriage is exclusively between a man and woman, an Employment Tribunal has ruled. The Christian Institute, which supported Ferguson, announced the ruling in a statement on Friday. Ferguson is an elder of Stirling Free Church, which holds traditional views on marriage and abortion. The Christian CEO was dismissed from the Glasgow-based Trust last March after Macpherson objected to the church hiring the Barracks Conference Centre, a Trust property, for its Sunday services. But the Trust reportedly cited performance issues as the reason for his firing. I was told by two members of my senior management team that Shonaig Macpherson went ballistic and was almost unable to speak because she was so angry, Ferguson said previously, according to The Herald. She kept asking why the Trust had rented to the Stirling Free Church. One colleague told me that Shonaig had said definitely not the Free Church, anyone but the Free Church, they dont believe in same-sex marriage. They said she was incandescent with anger. The Tribunal observed that Macpherson appeared to be seeking to find reasons to justify firing Ferguson prior to March 2020. The issue of the beliefs of the claimant and Church with which he was associated had been on the mind of Macpherson throughout the whole procedure, the ruling said. It added that Fergusons beliefs on marriage were protected and that it was trite that it is lawful to hold such beliefs and to express them. Im just relieved this is over, Ferguson was quoted as saying after the ruling. Its been a very difficult time for me and my family. He added, I was treated by The Robertson Trust in a way I had never been treated before in my whole professional life. But Im satisfied that justice has been done. The Tribunal has ruled that they were wrong to behave that way and Im grateful. The Christian Institutes Deputy Director for Public Affairs Simon Calvert called the ruling a welcome re-statement of the principle, upheld again and again in the courts, that the Christian belief that marriage is between a man and a woman is a belief protected by equality law and worthy of respect in a democratic society. Calvert said it was a just outcome and one which sounds a warning to those who think they can mistreat Christians in the workplace. Although the church had hired the property in June 2019 for one year, it was asked to quit for not complying with the Trust policy. The court's next step is to hold a hearing to decide the amount of damages which The Robertson Trust will have to pay Ferguson. Jesus, Peter and the plague: What we can learn from His life in pandemic zone Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment As Christians, along with the world, struggle to deal with the Covid pandemic and now new genetic variants, few have turned to the Scriptures, and the person of Jesus for insight. That's a pity, because a careful reading of the Bible in historical context can shed light on this topic and on the balancing of risk with pursuit of opportunity. Jesus heavily recruited his disciples from the region of Galilee, and especially from the fishing villages which lay on the Sea of Galilee. We are given explicit accounts of Jesus recruiting key disciples such as Peter, James, and John directly from the fishing villages. Peter's brother Andrew, obviously from the same fishing village, followed Jesus based on the teachings of John the Baptist. What you may not know is that these were plague zones. According to prominent expert on the archeology of Galilee, Dr. David Fiensy: "If you lived around the Lake Huleh region and even around the Sea of Galilee, you might have been part of a fishing family. But you would also fear pestilential air (malaria). Chances are you would have been infected and carried around this disease for decades." That quote is from his excellent new book, The Archaeology of Daily Life: Ordinary Persons in Late Second Temple Israel (interview forthcoming). Given that malaria is typically spread by mosquitoes (it is an opportunistic parasite spread by the exchange of blood during the bug bite) and that mosquitoes do particularly well in hot lowlands in standing water, it is no surprise that malaria was very common in the fishing villages which abutted the Sea of Galilee. Archeology offers confirmation in the form both of bones pitted by the effects of such parasitic infections, and by the discovery of amulets on which are ascribed language designed to ward off these fevers. This puts new light on the incident with Peter's mother-in-law, who is mentioned in all three synoptic Gospels ("synoptic Gospels" refers to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, which have a similar point of view, looking with the same "eye" ("optic"), as opposed to John which focuses more on Jesus' speeches). Matthew and Mark show Peter's mother-in-law sick with a fever (literally a fire). Luke, the physician, adds more detail: a "great fever." The language in the Greek texts from which we get our English translations corresponds with the known term at the time for malarial fever. It is probable that Peter's mother-in-law had malaria and it is virtually certain that even if she had some other infection causing "great fever," malaria would have been on the short list of her family's fears for her. What do we make of this? First, these were hardy, frontier people. Second, God the Father knew what kind of people he was sending his son to live among, be raised by, work and apprentice with. In other words, the geography is not beside the point. It was part of the plan. Third, Jesus could have recruited different sorts for his disciples and key followers. He knew what he was doing. Fourth, Jesus was perfectly willing to rebuke people over their behavior, including how they made a living. But the Gospels record no rebuke to his disciples nor their families in choosing to accept plague risk in order to make a living. Fifth, these frontier people were not taking hapless risks. Archeology shows that they used amulets (which they thought worked) and herbs to deal with the risks. This wasn't faith bravado about how God wouldn't let them get the plague, nor political denial about the existence and danger of plague. They knew the risk; took steps to manage the risk; and then took the risk to make a living, not faith-signal. Sixth, Jesus' solution was to heal Peter's mother-in-law to restore her to her life. Seventh, when I first did this research, I had such a blind spot that I did not connect it to our current situation. It was not until my friend David Bahnsen suggested the connection to me in a recent podcast interview (The Capital Record -- Episode 25: Bringing a Proxy to a Woke Fight | National Review) that I saw a connection. Now, of course, our situation is not exactly the same, but the example of Jesus is a good place to start when it comes to forming a prudent response to our own "pestilential air" both viral and cultural. One Million Moms urges parents to take action against Eli Lilly over repulsive ad Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Christian conservative group One Million Moms is urging parents to protest a one-minute ad released by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, which says the sex of a child is randomly assigned at birth. Because the body you are randomly assigned at birth shouldnt determine how well you are cared for, says the ad, titled Lilly A Medicine Company, featuring a woman with double mastectomy scars wearing an open shirt and identifying as a man. Can you imagine what goes through the mind of a child when he or she sees this ad? asks a statement released by One Million Moms, which regularly launches campaigns against organizations that produce questionable content. Lilly chose to air this commercial knowing it would be controversial, the group says. We all know children imitate what they see and repeat what they hear. Lilly should be ashamed! One Million Moms warns that Lilly will push away customers if it continues advertising in a repulsive manner that offends parents. Parents, it adds, do not approve of this advertising tactic! To remove this offensive commercial, please share with your family and friends, it urges. As of early Sunday, more than 16,400 people had signed a petition it launched against the ad. Im not buying into your social agenda to push transgenderism. Your latest ad offends me and many other conservative consumers. I wont be buying your products either. Im taking Lilly off my shopping list since I will be purchasing from your competitors instead, it says. In February, tens of thousands of people backed the groups online petition asking The American Girl company to scrap an LGBT storyline tied to its 2021 Girl of the Year doll. One Million Moms launched the online campaign after Mattel named 10-year-old Kira Bailey from Michigan the 2021 Girl of the Year in December. The doll came with an accompanying book, Kira Down Under. In the book, Kira visits an animal sanctuary in Australia operated by her great aunts, who are in a same-sex marriage. The book details how the aunts got married after laws were changed in 2017 to allow for same-sex marriages. As Christians, we know that even though something is legalized doesnt make it moral or right, One Million Moms said at the time. American Girl could have chosen another storyline or characters to write about and remained neutral in the culture war. American Girl is attempting to desensitize our youth by featuring a storyline with two lesbian aunts. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment How should Christians think about national sin, even systemic sin? John Wesley, as the American Revolution began, preached in 1775 on National Sins and Miseries. British soldiers were dying in America. Britain was suffering unemployment and poverty. And there was growing social turmoil in Britain. Misery and sin suffused every aspect of the nation. Citing King David in ancient Israel, who provoked divine judgment by pursuing a national census for prideful purposes, Wesley preached: God frequently punishes a people for the sins of their rulers, because they are generally partakers of their sins, in one kind or other. And the righteous Judge takes this occasion of punishing them for all their sins. For Wesley, as with historic Christianity, God deals not just with individuals or the church but also with nations. Many contemporary Christians claim modern nations are nearly inconsequential to God. Not so to Wesley. Many contemporary Christians like to assume they are innocent victims amid the hostile culture and unjust rulers. But Wesley insisted all contribute to national sin, and rulers in both their virtues and vices reflect the people. Israels example was instructive for Britain, viewed by Wesley: Is there not in several respects, a remarkable resemblance between the case of Israel and our own general wickedness then occasioned a general visitation; and does not the same cause now produce the same effect We likewise have sinned, and we are punished; and perhaps these are only the beginning of sorrows. Perhaps the angel is now stretching out his hand over England to destroy it. O that the Lord would at length say to him that destroyeth, It is enough; stay now thine hand. Britains sufferings owed to the vices permeating the whole people, Wesley insisted: That vice is the parent of misery, few deny; it is confirmed by the general suffrage of all ages. But we seldom bring this home to ourselves; when we speak of sin as the cause of misery, we usually mean, the sin of other people, and suppose we suffer, because they sin. But need we go so far Are not our own vices sufficient to account for all our sufferings Let us fairly and impartially consider this; let us examine our own hearts and lives. We all suffer: and we have all sinned. But will it not be most profitable for us, to consider every one his own sins, as bringing sufferings both on himself and others; to say, Lo, I have sinned, I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done Its the refrain of nearly all that we suffer because they sin; Wesley observed. But we should chiefly look to ourselves. He chided Britain for ingratitude. They enjoyed liberty and riches as none other and yet there were pervasive complaints and entitlement: Thousands of plain, honest people throughout the land are driven utterly out of their senses, by means of the poison which is so diligently spread through every city and town in the kingdom. They are screaming out for liberty while they have it in their hands, while they actually possess it; and to so great an extent, that the like is not known in any other nation under heaven; whether we mean civil liberty, a liberty of enjoying all our legal property, or religious liberty, a liberty of worshipping God according to the dictates of our own conscience. Sound familiar? Wesley continued: Let not anyone think, this is but a small calamity which has fallen upon our land. If you saw, as I have seen, in every county, city, town, men who were once of a calm, mild, friendly temper, mad with party-zeal, foaming with rage against their quiet neighbours, ready to tear out one anothers throats, and to plunge their swords into each others bowels; if you had heard men who once feared God and honoured the king, now breathing out the bitterest invectives against him, and just ripe, should any occasion offer, for treason and rebellion; you would not then judge this to be a little evil, a matter of small moment, but one of the heaviest judgments which God can permit to fall upon a guilty land. Wesley chided polarization, partisanship and tribalism that usurped national and social fraternity. Again, sound familiar? Today we like to imagine that we are oppressed by others and we ourselves are victims. But Wesley saw all both high and low as contributors to national miseries: The time would fail, should I attempt to enumerate all the ways wherein we have sinned; but in general, this is certain: The rich, the poor, the high, the low, Have wanderd from his mild command; The floods of wickedness oerflow, And deluge all the guilty land: People and Priest lie drownd in sin, And Tophet yawns to take them in. How innumerable are the violations of justice among us! Who does not adopt the old maxim, Si possis, recte; si non, quocunque modo rem: If you can get money honestly, do; but, however, get money Wesley chided the love of money, luxury and self-indulgence: Is there a character more despicable than even that of a liar Perhaps there is; even that of an epicure. And are we not a generation of epicures? Is not our belly our god Are not eating and drinking our chief delight, our highest happiness Is it not the main study (I fear, the only study) of many honourable men to enlarge the pleasure of tasting. When was luxury (not in food only, but in dress, furniture, equipage) carried to such an height in Great Britain ever since it was a nation? We have lately extended the British empire almost over the globe. We have carried our laurels into Africa, into Asia, into the burning and the frozen climes of America. And what have we brought thence All the elegance of vice which either the eastern or western world could afford. Luxury is constantly the parent of sloth. Wesley also faulted Britain for its profanity as not one nation under the canopy of heaven can vie with the English in profaneness. Such a total neglect, such an utter contempt of God, is nowhere else to be found. In no other streets, except in Ireland, can you hear on every side, the horrid oath, the direful curse, that latest weapon of the wretchs war, and blasphemy, sad comrade of despair. Who preaches against profanity and blasphemy today? In America today, including within churches, national miseries are blamed on others, whether secular society, the government, opposing ideological camps, particular races, institutions and systems, and even dead people. Wesley proclaimed the answer to national miseries was not blaming others, individually or corporately: Now let each of us lay his hand upon his heart and say, `Lord, is it I have I added to this flood of unrighteousness and ungodliness, and thereby to the misery of my countrymen. Am not I guilty in any of the preceding respects. And do not they suffer because I have sinned. If we have any tenderness of heart, any bowels of mercies, any sympathy with the afflicted, let us pursue this thought till we are deeply sensible of our sins, as one great cause of their sufferings. Salvation from national calamities begins with self-reflection and mortification, Wesley insisted: Renounce every way of acting, however gainful, which is contrary either to justice or mercy. Do to everyone as, in parallel circumstances, you would wish he should do unto you. Be sober, temperate, active; and in every word and work, labour to have a conscience void of offence toward God and toward man. Next, through the almighty grace of Him that loved you, and gave himself for you, purify your hearts by faith. Be no longer double-minded, halting between earth and heaven, striving to serve God and mammon. Wesley warned against any extreme party spirit and zeal for conflict, urging instead embracing all men, extending grace to others as you have received it: Purify your hearts from pride, humbling yourselves under the mighty hand of God; from all party-zeal, anger, resentment, bitterness, which now, especially, will easily beset you; from all prejudice, bigotry, narrowness of spirit; from impetuosity, and impatience of contradiction; from love of dispute, and from every degree of an unmerciful or implacable temper. Instead of this earthly, devilish wisdom, let the wisdom from above sink deep into your hearts; that wisdom which is first pure, then peaceable, easy to be entreated, convinced, persuaded, or appeased, full of mercy and good fruits; without partiality, embracing all men; without hypocrisy, genuine and unfeigned. Now, if ever, putting away with all malice, all clamour, (railing,) and evil-speaking: Be ye kind one to another, to all your brethren and countrymen, tender-hearted to all that are in distress; forgiving one another, even as God for Christ hath forgiven you. Wesley suggested the answer to national calamities is showing mercy to the poor. Such mercy and gratitude by some may benefit and save the whole land: Who knoweth but the Lord will yet be entreated, will calm the madness of the people, will quench the flames of contention, and breathe into all the spirit of love, unity, and concord. Then brother shall not lift up sword against brother, neither shall they know war any more. Then shall plenty and peace flourish in our land, and all the inhabitants of it be thankful for the innumerable blessings which they enjoy, and shall fear God, and honour the king. A little leaven raises the whole loaf, Wesley knew. If the church counsels and embodies mercy and generosity, the whole nation will benefit. What was true in ancient Israel and in the 1700s for Britain may be no less true today in America. Human nature has not changed and neither has God. Originally published at Juicy Ecumenism. Spouses suffering abuse find empowerment to leave destructive marriages in secret online groups Emotionally abused spouses say they struggle to find help in their churches, told God will be angry with them if they consider divorce Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A burgeoning cadre of secret online groups are educating and empowering emotionally abused spouses within the Christian community about their options to help them escape destructive relationships. According to authors Gretchen Baskerville and Cindy Burrell, along with a woman who recently escaped an abusive marriage and spoke with The Christian Post on condition of anonymity, these online communities are providing a vital lifeline to spouses who are suffering in agony. Many have been taught in churches that the only grounds for divorce are adultery or physical abuse. The women (and a few men) who are in these destructive relationships are often suffering from a variety of chronic health problems, and their lives and physical well-being almost universally improve once they're able to leave. Most unfortunately, however, far too many churches that claim to hold high a view of marriage have failed to grasp the devastating impact of abuse that's neither physical nor sexual. Emotionally abused spouses, these women say, largely consider pastors and other church leaders to be the least trustworthy people in their lives because they don't understand the abuse dynamics that psychologically entrap victims. They strongly believe that many pastors and leaders have also been blinded by certain theological paradigms that prioritize keeping marriages together at all costs and that abused wives must stay married "as long as he's not hitting you or cheating on you." Baskerville, the author of The Life-Saving Divorce: Hope for People Leaving Destructive Relationships, says many Christians are confused about what the Bible says about divorce. To clarify what the Bible says and help those suffering in silence, she started an online group for abused spouses last year and it already has over 2,000 members, all of whom have been screened. In an interview with The Christian Post, she explained that she and most women who run these online groups are strong believers in the sanctity of marriage, and it was God's intention for it to be loving, undefiled and lifelong. When these women got married they fully intended to honor their vows and very much wanted a God-honoring covenant. "So what happens when it's the opposite? What happens when it's not just unloving but it's destructive or even dangerous? Abuse does defile; it's not loving or respectful," Baskerville said. And the failures to understand this are compounded further by certain dynamics present in U.S. politics over hot-button social issues. For socially conservative, small-o orthodox evangelical Christians to admit that there is abuse within Christian marriages is particularly humiliating and a struggle because it wrenches their general outlook on life and theological worldview. "We're supposed to have great marriages because we have Jesus. And we're supposed to have emotional closeness, godly love, and amazing sex because we did everything right," Baskerville said of this mindset. But many women never got that, despite their best efforts to live in accordance with Christian teaching on the subject, she maintains. The reductionist formula of husband + wife + God = great marriage does not prove true for everyone. Complicating matters further for abuse victims is the belief that God can and does work miracles and, therefore, He can and will restore struggling marriages. Divorce, then, is viewed as largely unthinkable. "They'll say, just try harder, or pray more, or fast more, or be more agreeable or sexually enthusiastic. And as to why your husband isn't changing or your wife isn't changing ... many pastors just can't deal with that reality, so they end up blaming the victim," she says of what happens all too often when women dare to approach church leaders and explain how they're being mistreated in their marriages. "But God doesn't change people against their will and if God can't change them how in the world can we?" Baskerville asks. Cindy Burrell, the author of Why Is He So Mean to Me?, had no idea there were so many women just like her: Women enduring abuse in their Christian marriages. Seeking validation that what they were enduring was real while failing to find support in most churches, in 2009 Cindy started a website ministry, HurtByLove.com. Almost immediately, women began contacting her who had discovered her website and read articles she posted, many of whom described her own journey. The experiences of the women who reached out closely mirrored hers. Burrell told CP that she was married for 20 years to an abusive man, and he never hit her. Though her ex-husband professed to be Christian, looking back, Burrell doesn't believe he was a believer at all. It was only after she was able to escape the marriage and began reviewing her journals that she was able to see with clarity the patterns of abuse she endured for all those years. As more and more women started contacting her she knew that her personal situation was not a random one-off. "The abuse dynamic is so consistent it's almost shocking," Burrell explained. She self-published Why Is He So Mean to Me? because she couldn't find a Christian publisher to carry it, and when she started HurtByLove.com she knew of no other websites addressing these issues. But her ministry has grown since then. Earlier this year, Burrell has released a new book, Reformulating the Christian Marriage Counseling Model Where Abuse Is Involved. The most powerful aspect of the group she proctors on her site is being able to assure other victims that they're not crazy and build them up in the truth of God's Word about who they are in Christ and Gods heart for marriage. Abuse survivors who are trying to exit a destructive relationship "live in a constant state of fear and confusion, and they're often isolated from any kind of support. So to be able to come alongside them and say, 'Let's bring it down. Give me the specifics; let me validate you. What you're experiencing is not normal. It's not healthy; it's not biblical, and you don't have to live this way,'" are important words to hear. Yet it's an uphill battle because almost every abused wife has heard that "if he isn't hitting you, you have to stay," or that if they have faith "God can move mountains." "But we don't have control over another person's will," Burrell said, echoing Baskerville. Life with an abuser After fleeing her abusive marriage, a woman we'll refer to as "Katie" in this article to protect her identity, stressed to CP that Christian women are not required by God or His Word to suffer year after year in an abusive marriage. An abusive marriage, she maintains, is distinctively different from a difficult one. Katie said she first met her now ex-husband "Rick" (also not his real name) at church. It seemed like he had his act together and he appeared to love God, just as she did. She saw no relational red flags but noticed that he was especially meticulous, something that she didn't consider a negative trait at the time. She was married to Rick for 33 years and he never once hit her. But he was very intimidating and controlling. He'd block her in rooms, was verbally abusive, and would sometimes embarrass her and shout at her in public places. "Life with an abuser," as she calls it, is living at DefCon1 all the time." "I was willing to let him be him. But what I found out pretty quickly was that he was not willing to let me be me. He was interested in molding me and forcing me to be the version he thought I should be," she explained. Years of this mistreatment precipitated both mental and physical deterioration. "I just could not get un-tired," she said, realizing how the ever-present anxiety she was enduring in the relationship was causing her body to break down physically. She remembers awakening to the fact that the persistent fatigue she felt was more than the demands of her job as a teacher or as a mom to young children should normally yield. "I know it's abusive; I know it's destroying me, but I don't want God to be mad at me," she said of her thinking when she pondered separating from her husband. Yet upon reading about how stress affects the body, particularly how it impacts the bones she discovered she was pre-osteoporosis in her 40s she knew something had to give. With cortisol flooding her system from the near-constant tension and stress, she wound up not caring what God was going to think of her because her body and mind were disintegrating. "I felt at the time that I couldn't have God and save myself at the same time. So I let God go. He's just going to have to be mad at me," she said of her frame of mind in 2013, "because I can't do this anymore." What mentally freed her up to finally take steps to start leaving was realizing that what was happening to her was not just bad behavior but all part of an entitled, abusive mindset. She realized she was powerless to stop it and the only workable option was to distance herself as much as possible. "It's not like I was done with God, but I put up a wall there. I said: 'I can't afford to try to please you [by staying married] and survive. So I'll survive and I'll worry about that later,'" Katie said. "I didn't know how to reconcile those two things while everybody in the church was telling me that if you do or consider this, or even talk badly about him, that God is going to be mad at you." The arbitrarily drawn lines in churches What, then, is the difference between a difficult marriage where couples have issues often painful ones that they can work through and an abusive one? And when does a difficult marriage cross the line into abuse territory where the relationship becomes destructive and irreconcilable? Burrell believes it all comes down to the issue of the heart. "And that's between us and God," she said, adding, "if you have a lackadaisical view of your marriage you're going to find an excuse to leave. But I've never dealt with one of those people. "All the people who have managed to find me are heartbroken and desperate and have done everything they know to do. And they've busted their butts, they've jumped through every hoop, prayed their knees raw, and wept an ocean of tears, and [Christian] people are still saying, 'Well, you know, if he's not hitting you,'" she reiterated. One woman whom Burrell ministered to had a teenage son who approached her about his dad, her husband, who was abusive. The teenager told his mother: "I don't understand why you don't divorce my dad." The woman told him that she thought God would be disappointed in her if she divorced him. Her son replied: "I don't think I want to believe in a God who would make us live this way." That was her wake-up call and she divorced him, realizing the mistreatment they were enduring had nothing to do with honoring God, that it was a sham and a mockery of His design for marriage, Burrell explained. Baskerville is of the persuasion that divorce can be scripturally justified for the four A's: adultery, abuse, abandonment, and addiction. Though positions vary and nuances abound, many evangelical Protestant churches and denominations draw theological lines permitting divorce only for adultery and abandonment. "You can imagine that if people being told that they are going to displease God, that they are sinning if they divorce for physical or emotional abuse, then they're going to, probably, if they need to save their life and their sanity and their children, they're going to have to walk away from the church," Baskerville said. "A few churches will accept them, and I have some stories about pastors who did a wonderful job in supporting and encouraging people who were victims of emotional abuse, and sadly, many stories of pastoral counselors who didnt." In her own Christian Facebook group, Baskerville posted a poll asking everyone who they go for support, and the result was that their pastor was the last person they trusted to help on the matter. "Our church leaders have made a horrible mistake. They treat all marriage problems as mere normal ups and downs. They assume conflict is due to soft reasons like childcare issues and poor communication and household chores and growing apart, falling out of love, rather than accepting the truth that half the divorces are for hard reasons like domestic violence and repeated sexual immorality, drug and alcohol addiction, and coercive control," she added. "What makes a pastor think that invested spouse the one who is willing to buy all the marriage books, find a marriage counselor, the one who is willing to go to all the marriage retreats, the one who is willing to turn themselves inside out to be more agreeable, more submissive, more sexually available can single-handedly fix the marriage? What makes the pastor think that the invested spouse has any more power than God does? Even Jesus didnt change everyone He met. Judas, the rich young ruler, the religious leaders they all made their own decisions." Emotional abuse from narcissists and others with destructive character problems is often so insidious and it grows so gradually over time that it often takes a while for the abused party to realize that what they are enduring is indeed abuse. For many, the light bulb goes off in their heads when they see the Duluth Wheel of Power and Control, a tool often used by social workers that helps explain the different ways an abusive partner can use power and control in order to manipulate a relationship. Unfortunately, some Christian pre-marriage resources dont warn couples about problems that could in fact ruin the marriage and might be so serious they might want to call off the engagement. Over 35 years ago, Baskerville and her ex-husband went through the premarital workbook Before you Say I Do by Norm Wright. "It assumed that two people who identify as Christians will never have any serious issues because they'll always care for each other's best interests. It's incredibly naive," Baskerville said. The words "adultery," "lying," "cheating," "betrayal," "gambling," "pornography" and "addiction" never appear in the book, she said. Surely today, given how American culture has changed in recent decades, the book would have been updated to address these issues, Baskerville thought. But no, she found that the most current version of that same workbook still contains no mention of those words, nor are there any references to abuse. "Any behaviors that would destroy the trust in a marriage and jeopardize its future? They aren't there. There was absolutely no instruction in this entire book to break your engagement or even to get counseling. It was as if these marriage-destroying behaviors didn't even exist in anyone you might meet at church," she said. "And if these undesirable behaviors did crop up, the readers were actually told they could 'learn to adjust.' That's an actual quote. It's shocking. No wonder emotional abuse victims don't feel seen or heard because even the bestselling Christian authors pretend they don't exist." In addition to pretending abuse doesn't exist, at least in some premarital resources, many pastors have all too often elevated the institution of marriage over the heart of God for victims and have enabled further harm, according to Neil Schori, who pastors at The Edge Church in Aurora, Illinois, and has worked extensively with domestic abuse survivors. "Jesus always valued individuals over institutions, but pastors tend to get stuck in the weeds and fail to see the heart that God has for his people. Because of this, pastors will be hesitant to call abusive behaviors, 'abusive,'" Schori said in an email to The Christian Post. "Until we, as pastors, grasp the heart of Jesus for His sons and daughters, we'll do what the religious leaders of Jesus' own time on Earth did: Place burdens on the wrong people and in the process, further victimize the abused parties in marriages. Why did we ever think that pastors got to determine whether something was or was not abusive?" Asked why it is that some pastors and counselors are wedded to efforts to preserve a destructive marriage at all costs when it's apparent that one spouse is a hardened narcissist the offender in the relationship who is unwilling to change Schori explained that Scripture is often misused, especially Malachi 2:16, to accomplish this end. "Does He give grace to the hardened narcissistic abuser? He undoubtedly offers it. But for many abusers, it remains an unopened gift. To open the gift of God's grace, the abuser would have to acknowledge wrongdoing and actually change," Schori said. "The crux of what drives the narcissistic abuser is the belief that they are largely without fault." Schori now equips pastors and church leaders to make their congregations a safe place for victims and works with DocumentTheAbuse.com, an organization that helps victims tell their stories safely and cathartically. What emotional abuse does to the body The line that is drawn between physical abuse and emotional abuse in some churches fails to take into consideration how emotional abuse affects people physically. Many emotional abuse victims have PTSD symptoms, Baskerville says. Widely considered the preeminent expert on traumatic stress is Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a Dutch psychiatrist now based in Boston, Massachusetts, who grew up in a religious fundamentalist household. Van der Kolk interviewed Vietnam War combat soldiers who had never been injured but were experiencing terrible nightmares. "After trauma, the world for the victim is experienced with a different nervous system. The survivor's energy now becomes focused on suppressing inner chaos," Baskerville quoted van der Kolk as saying. For emotional abuse victims, all the attempts to maintain control over unbearable physiological reactions can result in a whole range of physical symptoms including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and autoimmune diseases. We know that the body keeps the score, van der Kolk explains. Baskerville added: "The landmark book, Trauma and Recovery, reported that World War II military doctors who worked with soldiers with stress-induced combat reactions after the war concluded that 200 to 240 days in combat would suffice to break even the strongest soldier. So how does that apply to emotional abuse victims? A 20-year marriage might be 7,000 days of combat. For many spouses who walk on eggshells that long, their health is destroyed." She estimates that of the survivors in the private Facebook group she oversees, 8 in 10 divorcees say their health improved after separation or divorce from an abusive spouse. What the Church needs is a more nuanced view of just versus unjust divorce, she stressed, noting that divorce itself might not be an indication of moral decay. By contrast, tolerating abusive marriages is indeed evidence of such breakdown. "I'm 100% against frivolous divorce," she emphasized, adding that a huge chasm exists between divorce to escape abuse and "I'm bored divorces" or "I feel unfulfilled divorces" or "I miss the party-life divorce." "But once one person no longer cares about the well-being of the other, their conscience is seared, as the Bible says. They cheat, deceive, abuse, and care only about themselves. They no longer have the best interests of the other person at heart, only their own interests. If they continue with their marriage-destroying sin it's pretty much game over. This is the hardhearted spouse," she said soberly. The mother of all misused scriptures: 'God hates divorce' Malachi 2:16 Although the Bible can be and has been used in a variety of ways to entrap victims of spousal abuse in a destructive marriage, without question the most oft-quoted verse is Malachi 2:16. The book of Malachi was written more than 2,400 years ago, nearly 500 years before Jesus. The entire book condemns deceivers and hypocrites who pretend to be devout but treat God with contempt and provide cover for their cheating, lying friends. The focus of Malachi is not divorce, its about these treacherous people who break their covenant with God, take advantage of laborers, widows, orphans, and especially their wives. For the first 2,100 years of major Bible translations, Malachi 2:16 was always translated as an anti-abuse verse or anti-treachery verse, not an anti-divorce verse, Baskerville explained. The verse in the 2011 update of the New International Version was changed to read: "'The man who hates and divorces his wife,' says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'does violence to the one he should protect, says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.'" Why this change? The 1984 version of the NIV and other versions translate it as God saying "I hate divorce." The oldest copy of Malachi we have is a Dead Sea scroll fragment that does not say God hates divorce or I hate divorce, Baskerville said. "Thats why the NIV, ESV, and CSB [translations of the] Bible dont say that. For example, when the NIV updated their translation in 2011, they changed Malachi 2:16 back to the earlier interpretation. In the first 2,100 years, no major Bible translation said, God hates divorce. Not Jerome, not John Wycliffe, not Martin Luther, not John Calvin. Then King James translators in 1611 went rogue and changed the verse and that became the default for 385 years. From 1611 to 1996, nearly all major Bible translations used God hates divorce. As of 1996, the English Standard Version, the Christian Standard Bible, and the 2011 update of New International Version reverted back to the original interpretation that it is an anti-abuse, an anti-treachery verse, not an anti-divorce scripture, she added. Today, those new major versions now all say something along the lines of: "He who hates and divorces his wife covers his clothing with violence." "John Calvin actually believed that to abuse a wife was worse than armed robbery and murder because it was done under a cloak, in secret, behind the closed doors of her own home. Calvin said, God is not deceived," Baskerville said. The way Calvin interpreted that verse was: "If you hate her, divorce her." But abuse survivors do not know this. The contemporary church has also not sufficiently examined Exodus 21:10-11, the cornerstone of Jewish divorce law, Baskerville maintains, which specifically reveals how God set forth a minimum requirement for even the lowest-ranking wives, including slaves' wives and wives of prisoners of war in ancient Israel. Their husbands were required to meet the basic standards for food, clothing, and marital rights (love). The rabbis determined that if God wanted these low-ranking wives and indentured servants treated well, then how much more so an Israelite wife? In that Exodus passage, for example, this might happen if a man acquired a slave wife as a debt payment. Later, when the man found a woman that he actually did want to marry, he couldnt be miserly to the first woman. The law of Moses effectively said: "Hey, wait a second, you have to give her [the slave wife] full marital rights, meaning food, clothing, and love. And if you try to reduce her level of care, you must let her go," Baskerville stressed. The same is true in Deuteronomy 21:10-14 for the wife of a POW. If the husband no longer likes her, he cannot demote her to slave status and treat her any way he likes. He must let her go free to anywhere she wishes. To the perpetual frustration of abuse victims today, while the Exodus and Deuteronomy passages are dismissed as irrelevant Old Testament verses for New Testament believers, somehow Malachi 2:16, also in the Old Testament, still seems to apply and for all intents and purposes is wielded authoritatively to discourage them from divorcing. The pain of being misunderstood; unmasking abuse tactics When Burrell and her husband visited a church for the first time and told the pastor that both of them had been divorced and they have a ministry to women in abusive relationships, his countenance fell immediately. "He could not extricate himself from my presence fast enough," she recalled. "That's what we get. We're like the third-class Christians," she said. "The assumption is, 'Well, you must have done something wrong. You really didn't care or work that hard.'" As brutal as it is for women, and they comprise the vast majority of participants in Burrell's and other online support groups, in some ways men who have been abused by women have it even harder. Those cases do, in fact, exist. What abused husbands routinely face, Burrell explains, is: "You're being abused? What are you, a weenie?" "So they have an even more uphill battle when they are legitimately being abused by their wives," she said. Burrell once worked with a gentleman who joined her website, and she kept a cautious eye on him at first because she has had other "posers" try to invade the group and play games with the women. But after she vetted him and got to know him over time, she knew for sure that he was sincere and that he was not the offender in the marriage. "His wife was absolutely toxic. She was a liar, a manipulator, and a crazy-maker," Burrell recounted. When abuse victims first arrive in these online forums they're dazed and confused, often ashamed. But when they start to divulge the specifics of their stories, particularly the verbal messages from the abusive spouse, it opens the door for others to walk them through a process of helping them understand just what it is that has been happening. "It's a matter of leading them gently to a place where they can see the dynamic. They're so used to taking it all in and taking responsibility, feeling like there must be something they're not doing, or that they're inadequate, or lazy, or selfish," Burrell said. "It's a slow-burn walking them through 'What is he really saying, why is he saying it, and what does he mean?'" When women start to realize the mental games abusers have been playing and finally get the courage to say 'No,' what often happens is that the proverbial mask comes off and the abuser explodes in a raging fury. The alternative is that he suddenly becomes Mr. Wonderful, and the victim is tempted to see his behavior as change. But it rarely lasts. Speaking to Christians who have believed and denominations that have held that the only permissible grounds for divorce are physical abuse or sexual infidelity, Burrell urges them to consider the myriad ways abusers can exhibit cruelty while hiding behind an image of faith. She recounted her own ex-husband, a professing Christian, once telling her: "Just so you know, I can treat you any way I want, and as long as you don't catch me in the act of adultery there's nothing you can do about it." Another woman Burrell knows and describes as the "dearest, kind-hearted person you could ever meet," was married to an abusive husband who was also a Christian missionary. He was uncannily skilled at unleashing a wicked torrent of verbal abuse, but his "trump card" was God, as he could manipulatively mix seemingly righteous spirituality with isolating cult-leader-like tactics. "He would call her up and say, 'I've been praying about this and the Spirit told me to tell you this.' And with the tenderness of her heart and the depth of her faith, she felt she had to listen to his directives," Burrell said. But what he was actually doing was separating her from her family and other supportive connections. "God told me you need to stop talking to this person; this person is not your friend," he would tell her. "I'm the authority, I'm the head, you are obligated to trust me." This woman has been divorced for about a year. She is reportedly free and happy now. Burrell also recounted the story of a supposedly Christian man who would gather his wife and children in the family room where they were ordered to watch him beat their dog. Although he was never physically violent to his wife and children, he was an animal abuser and intimidated his family. Leading survivors back to Jesus, setting captives free For Burrell, the bottom line in her ministry for marital abuse survivors is leading them back to the Lord who loves them. "Peel away the layers and take everything else out of the picture and let this be between you and God first," she tells them. "Go to Him, pray for wisdom, wait for peace and let Him validate and lead you in this dark time and let His light shine in. "I believe very powerfully that God intervenes and speaks to people when they come alongside and say: 'You are not alone; its not your fault, and youre not crazy.'" When asked about where churches might improve in their approach, she reiterated that it's vital that they realize abuse can take so many forms and to limit abuse to sexual immorality and physical assault doesn't take into account the entire witness of Scripture. "Even just words. Words are crippling. In Matthew 5, Jesus makes it clear that we can murder someone's heart with words. And I don't think people understand that keeping people in toxic, ungodly marriages doesn't make them any less toxic or ungodly," Burrell said. "When it comes down to it, God is not a legalist. He is a relational-ist. Everything with Him always comes back to relationship first with Him and then with others. And it has to be based on righteousness and truth," she said, noting that the goal of an abuser is not to solve the problems or disagreements that arise within most healthy relationships. With personality-disordered abusive people, the peccadilloes that normally come about are always a huge ordeal. As Katie was desperate to find resources to navigate the abuse dynamics in her own marriage, she happened to stumble upon the blog, A Cry for Justice. Then in 2014, in a terribly troubled state of mind, she found Burrell's articles and the online Facebook groups of survivors. "Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of women, many more all the time, are joining these groups," Katie told CP. One group called Confusion to Clarity helps women in covert relationships where their husbands operate under the radar insidiously and the women are so psychologically manipulated that they can hardly tell what is happening to them. Katie said she's a part of five online groups, co-moderates one group with a few other members, and is actively involved on a daily basis in three of them, including the one she helps moderate. Burrell's six-part abuse primer and her articles on the six words that keep every abusive trapped and what survivors of abuse can do when they let go of hope that their marriages can be saved, were especially helpful in cutting through the fog of her own confusion. Katie thinks that one of the most damaging lies that is communicated to women in many evangelical churches is that most if not all of their feelings are superficial emotions and are therefore not trustworthy, even when it might be the Holy Spirit who is alerting them in their gut, to the point where they feel it physically, indicating that something is amiss or wrong. When abuse survivors dare to voice their complaints of spousal abuse to leaders in the church and are told that they cannot make decisions based on emotions, "it's like being stabbed," Katie says. As she started separating herself from her husband and began relaying her pain to church counselors operating with the biblical "nouthetic" counseling model, she soon learned that they were not trained in how abusers think. Such counselors could not fathom that they did not quite know what to tell her, especially since they believed the advice they were giving was supposedly biblical. "I've never once heard anybody say something like that because they have set themselves up on a pedestal, and they are set up on that pedestal by others, that if they have that title in any church then they are to be believed and honored and trusted," she said, reiterating that this is reinforced by the belief that if the advice they are giving is rooted in Gods Word and thus it cannot possibly be unwise or wrong. "God has given His Word authority but when spoken from a mouth of a man who wants a certain outcome to happen [a preserved marriage, even if it's abusive] is control. Then it becomes control, and not of God," Katie added. "When someone divorces you it's like getting your arm cut off. When you're the one that is forced to divorce another person because there are no more boundaries left, you're cutting off your own arm. It's 100 times worse," she said. But the beauty of the divorce in order to escape an abuser "is that the arm grows back stronger and more beautiful," she said. "And you don't have to worry about the gangrene setting in anymore." Cracker Barrel: No apple pie, but they got booze Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment If you've been to Cracker Barrel lately, you might have noticed something new and different on the menu: alcohol. Recently, my wife Kim and I went to Cracker Barrel and enjoyed a wonderful home-cooked-style meal. Afterward, Kim asked for a slice of apple pie. "I'm sorry," said our server, "but Cracker Barrel no longer serves apple pie." I replied, "Young lady, you're just the server at this establishment, and I know you're not responsible, but I want you to take a message back to management for me." She said, "Certainly, sir." I then proceeded to say: "I find it disturbing a restaurant such as Cracker Barrelone that my family has enjoyed for yearsone that celebrates tradition, hard work, and core American values, finds it more important to have alcohol on its menu than to continue serving good ole American apple pie! I suppose the change reflects current trends, but it doesn't speak well of Cracker Barrel. Does alcohol have to be everywhere? Is there no respite for families who choose not to drink and would prefer to go somewhere on occasion where it isn't served?" Within only minutes, the manager of Cracker Barrel was at our table. I repeated my concerns. She was very gracious and said she understood completely and would pass my concerns along to corporate headquarters in Lebanon, Tennessee. Well, I don't intend to wait for her to do it. I'm going to speak to corporate myself. I plan to be courteous when I talk to them, but I want them to know the Cracker Barrel that sold apple pie and not booze, is the one many customers such as me preferred. It just doesn't seem like Cracker Barrel anymore when I look at the table next to me and see numerous empty beer cans. Moreover, it's not comforting to know the folk at that table just left and got back on the highway. Of course, many will respond by saying people are free in this country and should be able to purchase alcohol if they want it, whenever they want it, and wherever they want it. Granted, America is free, and thank God for it. But freedom is real only in so far as its proper relationship to others. Freedom should be restricted at the point where the rights of another begin. So please don't talk to me about one's freedom to drink or any establishment's right to sell alcohol when those of us who dont drink have to pick up the tab for the sky-high social costs of drinking. Where is our freedom? We're chained to it whether we choose it or not. How high are these social costs? Verywellmind.com correctly says alcohol use and abuse is estimated to cost this country more than $249 billion each year. That amounts to at least $807 per citizen or roughly $2.05 per drink. That's a price tag everyone pays. Verywellmind.com further states: "The CDC believes that the $249 billion in annual costs is largely underestimated, in part because many injuries and alcohol-related health problems remain either reported or undiagnosed. Moreover, many of the workplace lossessuch as those related to absenteeismcannot be measured directly, making it difficult to place a dollar value on such losses. "To complicate matters even further, the $249 billion in alcohol-related expenses do not include $193 billion lost to illicit drug use, a figure described in the Surgeon General's 2016 Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health. Since people can use alcohol and drugs at the same time, some of the $193 billion attributed to drug use may be partially caused by alcohol." I don't mean to be sanctimonious. Still, some of us, I think, are sick of alcoholsick of its signage everywhere, sick of our youth's exposure to it, sick of the light-hearted jokes and attitude about it despite the pain it causes, and the death and the carnage. Most of all, some are sick and tired of the lack of respect for those of us who choose not to drink. Bring back the apple pie. Forget the beer, wine and mimosas. It ain't fittin' I tell ya. The alcohol sold at Cracker Barrel doesn't match the store and restaurant's theme through the years. Moreover, it was nice when folks like myself could go there and not have it shoved in our faces. I'll be calling Cracker Barrel about this; if you feel the same way, you might want to contact them, too. Ahh they got no apple pie, but they got booze! Preposterous! Senator blasts Coca-Cola CEOs refusal to condemn genocide: Disgraceful bootlicking of China Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Sen. Tom Cotton rebuked Coca-Cola's CEO for human rights Wednesday for refusing to acknowledge China's genocide of Uyghur Muslims and other religious minorities, calling it a "disgraceful bootlicking of the Chinese Communist Party." During Tuesday's bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Republican members of Congress confronted Paul Lalli, the global vice president for human rights for Coca-Cola, one of the worlds largest soft drink manufacturers, accusing the company of hypocrisy for complaining about the alleged injustices of the election security bill in Georgia while sponsoring next years Olympics in China. Lalli was one of several representatives of major American corporations who testified before the bipartisan hearing on corporate sponsorship of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. Human rights advocates have called for a boycott of next years Olympics as a result of Chinas human rights abuses, particularly their treatment of the Uyghur ethnic minorities. During the hearing, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., told Lalli that when Georgia passed a law designed to preserve election integrity, which critics decried as a voter suppression effort by Republicans, Coca-Cola vowed that we will continue to stand up for what is right in Georgia and across the United States. Cotton suggested that by sponsoring the Beijing Olympics, the soft drink company was telegraphing that Coca-Cola will not stand up for what is right outside the United States. Coca-Cola: We stand up for what is right across the world. Also Coca-Cola: We will not condemn the Chinese Communist Party for committing genocide, and we will support the Winter Olympics in Beijing. pic.twitter.com/9C56MJJYe8 Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) July 27, 2021 We stand up for what is right across the world, Lalli responded. We apply the same human rights principles in the United States that we do across the world. When asked by Cotton if the Chinese Communist Party was committing genocide against the Uyghur people, Lalli said, Were aware of the reports of the State Department on this issue, adding, They continue to inform our program as do reports from civil society. Cotton contended that Lallis response was inadequate and expanded his criticism to other corporate leaders gathered at the hearing. He recalled that under questioning from his colleagues in both the House and Senate, Every single one of you refused to say a single word that, by all appearances, will cost you one bit of market share inside of mainland China. In an interview on "Fox News Primetime" with host Tammy Bruce, Cotton described Tuesday's hearing as "disgraceful" and "one of the most pathetic hearings" he's been a part of, given that none of the corporate CEOs would say anything negative about China's actions. He said Lalli was particularly egregious. Watch the latest video at foxnews.com The senator specifically mentioned Lallis response to a question about whether Coca-Cola would call for the International Olympic Committee to delay the Chinese Olympics. In his response to that question, Lalli said that his company doesnt have a say in the matter. Can you tell me why Coca-Cola doesnt have a say in whether it sponsors the genocide Olympics next year, but it does have a say in how the state of Georgia runs an election? Lalli disputed Cottons characterization of his remarks, saying, What I stated was that we do not have a say in the selection of the host city nor on whether an Olympics is postponed or relocated. Cotton acknowledged that Coca-Cola did not directly have a say on whether the Olympics was postponed or relocated before stressing that You could just make a statement. Cotton added, Your CEO could saddle up the same moral high horse that he got on when Georgia passed its election law and write a letter to the IOC and ask them to. Anybody can do that. We are most engaged on policy issues here at home, but we are clear in our respect for human rights globally, Lalli said. Cotton inquired as to why the Coca-Cola CEO will ... denounce a democratically-elected Legislatures laws but he will not simply say that the IOC should consider rebidding its Olympics or that Coca-Cola should [reconsider] sponsoring the Genocide Olympics. As Lalli asserted that our role as a sponsor is to support and follow the athletes, Cotton remained unsatisfied with the executives responses up to that point. You are spending millions of dollars to sponsor the genocide Olympics, yet you will not opine on any matter about it, yet you will stick your nose in the Georgia Legislatures election reform laws. Can you explain to me the contrast? When Lalli reiterated that the company's goal was to support Olympic athletes regardless of the location of the host city, Cotton hit back, saying, Ive heard your talking points and Im tired of hearing them, Mr. Lalli. The senator again asked, Why is it that Coca-Cola will opine on Georgias election laws but not on the genocide Olympics? Georgia is our home. Its where many of our employees live and work and we are most engaged on public policy issues here in the U.S., he replied. Cotton implied that the answer to his question asking why Coca-Cola will weigh in on the Georgia election law but not on Chinas human rights abuses was because youre afraid of the Chinese Communist Party, youre afraid of what they will do to your company if you say a single word, like, for instance saying, that both the Biden and the Trump administration are correct when they say that China is committing a genocide against its own people. The junior senator from Arkansas was not the only lawmaker to press Coca-Cola and other major American corporations over their support for the 2022 Olympics. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., one of the most prominent religious freedom advocates in Congress, also asked Lalli if his company would support moving the Olympics to another city and country. Lalli offered Smith a similar answer to the responses he gave to Cotton, telling the congressman that we dont have a position on if theyre going to be moved or delayed. He maintained that we will follow these athletes wherever they compete. So if they go to Pyongyang in North Korea, thats OK too? Smith asked in a follow-up. Your voice matters. Coca-Cola is a giant, as is Visa, as are the others that are participating in this hearing. Smith predicted that if it became clear to the International Olympic Committee that Coca-Cola thinks its wrong to hold the 2022 Olympics in China, that will be listened to. He remarked that Were all waiting with bated breath for all of you to say move the Olympics, the Beijing genocide Olympics need to be moved. Like Cotton, Smith concluded that the companies refusal to take such a stand results from a concern in corporate America that if you do, they will deny you access to their markets. Even as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics continue, the 2022 Beijing Games are just a little more than six months away. As currently scheduled, the 2022 Winter Olympics will take place in Chinas largest city from Feb. 4-20, 2022. Federal court orders forfeiture of ancient Gilgamesh artifact from Museum of the Bible Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A federal court has ordered that a small ancient fragment depicting a portion of the Epic of Gilgamesh be forfeited by the Museum of the Bible two years after federal agents confiscated the artifact. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ordered the forfeiture of the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet, which was purchased by Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. in 2014 to be displayed at the Museum of the Bible. Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Departments Criminal Division explained in a statement the significance of the forfeiture. Forfeiture of the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet demonstrates the Departments continued commitment to eliminating smuggled cultural property from the U.S. art market, said Polite. Thwarting trade in smuggled goods by seizing and forfeiting an ancient artifact shows the departments dedication to using all available tools, including forfeiture, to ensure justice. The Gilgamesh fragment was obtained from Iraq in 2003 when large numbers of ancient artifacts were stolen or went missing after the toppling of the Saddam Hussein regime by a United States-led international coalition invasion. The artifact was given a false provenance and sold multiple times before being purchased by Hobby Lobby and several other historical items from an auction house in 2014. Hobby Lobby filed a lawsuit against the reputable Christies auction house for fraud and breach of warranty for selling the Gilgamesh tablet that authorities say had been looted. Last year, it was reported that Hobby Lobby President Steve Green was in the process of repatriating 11,500 antiquities to the Iraqi and Egyptian governments. Jeffrey Kloha, the Chief Curatorial Officer for the Museum of the Bible, stressed that the artifacts were acquired between 2009 and 2014, most of which were acquired prior to 2011. The museum officially opened in 2017. "The Museum has taken extraordinary steps since to resolve the issues associated with them. We approached both Iraq and Egypt ourselves in 2017 and early 2018 to inform them of our intention to research and return these objects," Kloha said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. "All of this was done amicably and directly with the countries of origin along with the awareness of the United States government. It is unfortunate that much of the reporting on this subject does not make it clear that this is the completion of a long process and not a new story." Kloha added that last May, the museum announced its full support of the Department of Homeland Securitys efforts to return the Gilgamesh fragment to Iraq. In 2019, authorities seized the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet from the Museum of the Bible. In 2020, a civil complaint was filed requesting forfeiture of the artifact. We are proud of our investigation that led to this reclaiming of a piece of Iraqs cultural history, said Peter Fitzhugh of Home Securities Investigations of New York in a statement last year. This rare tablet was pillaged from Iraq and years later sold at a major auction house, with a questionable and unsupported provenance. Hobby Lobby has cooperated with the investigation. CEO and the museum's chair Steve Green acknowledged that he had made many mistakes when attempting to collect historical items for his Museum. In 2009, when I began acquiring biblical manuscripts and artifacts for what would ultimately form the collection at Museum of the Bible, I knew little about the world of collecting, said Green in a statement last year. It is well known that I trusted the wrong people to guide me, and unwittingly dealt with unscrupulous dealers in those early years. One area where I fell short was not appreciating the importance of the provenance of the items I purchased." Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The people in Simas tiny village on the side of the mountain in South Asia work hard to provide for themselves, and for each other. They are a small community that lives on little. As a Bible translator in her spare time, Sima makes the 2-hour trek through the jungle with her baby and her laptop to reach a small town that has an internet cafe. There, she has just enough bandwidth to send a text with updates. Sima knows something that few in her village know: that God is going to meet them through His Word. What she may not yet know is that this may happen sooner rather than later thanks to the latest technology of low-earth satellites. Nearly 600 years ago the Bible went to press with less than 200 copies in distribution but something big had happenedthe Gutenberg Printing Press was born. Today, over 100 million copies of the Bible are printed every single year. Thirteen years ago, the most popular Bible reading app, YouVersion, brought Gods Word to even more peoplethis time in digital form. Last year, the app saw a record 600 million searches. Simas neighbors are among the 1.5 billion who dont have a full Bible in their language. In fact, 167 million people have no Scripture in their language. Bible translation has always been integral to Gods mission. Because of those who translated, most of us in the United States have access to Gods Word in our heart language. But many of us forgetor maybe arent awarethat others have been left behind. For hundreds of years up until now, the translation process has been slow and tedious, sometimes taking more than ten years to get Gods Word translated into a heart language. Today, that is changing. God is on the move through terms like high speed and low latency. And because of that, Sima and millions of others will have access to Gods Word in their heart language at an exponential pace. Bible poverty will finally be eradicated. No, this is not the Jetsonsthat fictitious and magical animated sitcom where George Jetson and his family experienced travel in whimsical ways. We cant teleport across the world in person. But we can still instantly be therea reality that will allow Scripture to finally be translated more efficiently and quickly into every language which still does not have it. Enter Starlink satellites by SpaceXlow-earth satellites about the size of a refrigerator that are rapidly allowing those in every nook and cranny of this world to be connected to high-speed internet. For many in rural, remote contexts, this means access to education and healthcare and family resources. And it means access to the only hope that transcends the harsh realities of our worldGods Word. For decades, countless Bible translators have labored tirelessly to translate Scripture into languages all over the globe. They knew what God meant when they read that God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Like Sima, they would travel by foot for miles just to connect to the internet. Many still do, because unlike those in more developed countries, many in remote areas have no access to the internet. The biggest hurdle to Bible translation is not a lack of desire. Its a lack of internet connectivity. Without this, the translation process is long and laborious; consultants and Bible software are critical to the process, and without either easily accessible, translation projects languish, and hope is deferred. Five years ago, I couldnt have dreamed that we would have in our sights the possibility to get Gods Word into every heart language within just a few years. But God is on the move through low-earth satellites and other technologies that speed the process. God used the Gutenberg Press. And radio. And television. And computers and smartphones and apps. How long, O Lord? many of us have asked as we have longed for the day when all would have access to Gods Word. Today, in the near distance, if you listen long enough, you may just hear a rumbling that sounds something like, Soon In the latest technological marvel, Wycliffe Bible Translators has designed a unique network device called Nomad that allows our Bible translation databases to utilize the newly-launched SpaceX low-earth satellites. Developed by Wycliffe missionaries, Nomad is an entire network including server, storage, firewall, and a commercial access point that allows up to 150 people to use the wireless network at the same time. It also fits in a durable, compact travel case that can be carried easily on the back of a motorcycle or bicycle. It can connect to any internet service and the equipment is designed to withstand the high temperatures, humidity, and dusty environments often found in the remote parts of the world where Bible translation projects need to happen. Now, rather than making a difficult and lengthy trek every few months transporting translation documents and hard drives from a remote area to the nearest city with WiFi, translators can simply upload their translation progress digitally from rural locations. Consultants can check translation work daily instead of making long and sometimes dangerous flights into remote villages once or twice per year. God, through His Word, is coming to every darkened part of this world, and He is using space satellites. Communities will be changed for the better as those like Simas finally have equal access to the wonders of Scripture just as many have had for hundreds of years. It is time. May the whole earth be filled with Gods glory (Psalm 72:19)! Nearly half of South Africans say prayer more effective against COVID-19 than vaccines: study Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Despite thousands of new COVID-19 infections being discovered daily along with hundreds of deaths from the disease, nearly half of South Africans trust prayer as a more effective remedy against it than approved vaccines, a new survey shows. Findings from the Afrobarometer survey of 1,600 adult South Africans conducted May through June 2021 was published Wednesday. Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance and quality of life. Nearly half of respondents believe prayer is more effective at preventing COVID-19 transmission than a vaccine," the report reads. "For policy makers and civil society, these findings suggest that a successful vaccination campaign will require greater public awareness of the benefits of accepting approved COVID-19 vaccines, and they point to a need for greater accountability in the use of pandemic-related resources." According to the survey, as of July 26, over 6.6 million of South Africas nearly 60 million people had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, only people over the age of 35 are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Fewer than three in 10 South African adults (28%) say they trust the government somewhat or a lot to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are safe. Meanwhile, 43% say they are somewhat or very likely to try to get vaccinated, and 47% of respondents believe prayer is "more effective" than a vaccine in preventing COVID-19 infection. South African officials have tried to contain the virus by instituting one of the most restrictive lockdown policies in the world. But many citizens find it difficult to abide by the restrictions as a third wave of the coronavirus sweeps the country. White House officials revealed Wednesday that the U.S. government would send nearly 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nigeria and South Africa, Reuters reports. South Africa is expected to receive 5.66 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, representing the single largest shipment of vaccines overseas since the pandemic began. "We are happy to announce that we will be sending over 5 million doses to South Africa of Pfizer vaccines as well as 4 million doses of Moderna vaccine to Nigeria," Dana Banks, senior director for Africa at the U.S. National Security Council, announced Wednesday. "So were very excited about that and we hope that these will go a long way in helping to provide safety and health security for the people of Nigeria and South Africa, which will then enable them to get back to their regular activities, their economic activities, and help them to build back better." At a media briefing Thursday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the death toll from COVID-19 had jumped 17% in the past month in the continent's most populated countries. "There has been an average increase of 4% of new cases over that time period. In terms of new deaths in the last four weeks, weve recorded an average of 17% new deaths [in the continents most populous countries] over same period," the agencys head John Nkengosong said. "In terms of testing as a continent, as of today, we have conducted about 58 million COVID tests, and last week alone, the continent conducted about 1.3 million tests. But that represents a decrease of 19% over the previous week." The Africa CDC blamed increased deaths on virus-spreading events, such as recent looting in South Africa and the celebration of Eid al-Hajj, the end of the Muslim pilgrimage in Mecca. Dr. Anthony Fauci warned Sunday that more pain and suffering is on the horizon as COVID-19 cases climb again and officials plead with unvaccinated Americans to get their shots. Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, also said he doesnt foresee additional lockdowns in the U.S. because he believes enough people are vaccinated to avoid a recurrence of last winter. However, he said not enough are inoculated to crush the outbreak at this point. MORE COVID: 3 New Orleans clubs require vaccination, negative covid test Fauci's warning comes days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed course to recommend that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant is fueling infection surges. With the switch, federal health officials have cited studies showing vaccinated people can spread the virus to others. Most new infections in the U.S. continue to be among unvaccinated people. So-called breakthrough infections can occur in vaccinated people, and though the vast majority of those cause mild or no symptoms, the research shows they can carry about the same amount of the coronavirus as those who did not get the shots. So were looking, not, I believe, to lockdown, but were looking to some pain and suffering in the future because were seeing the cases go up, which is the reason why we keep saying over and over again, the solution to this is get vaccinated and this would not be happening, Fauci said on ABC's This Week. According to data through July 30 from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling average for daily new cases in the U.S. rose from 30,887 on July 16 to 77,827 on July 30. The seven-day rolling average for the country's daily new deaths rose over the same period from 253 on July 16 to 358 on July 30, though death reports generally lag weeks after infections and even longer after hospitalizations. Currently, 58% of Americans 12 years and older are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC's data tracker. However, people are getting the message and more are rolling up their sleeves amid the threat of the delta variant, according to the director of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Francis Collins said on CNNs State of the Union that vaccinations are up 56% in the U.S. in the last two weeks. Louisiana, which has the most new cases per capita among states in the past 14 days, has seen vaccinations up threefold over that period, Collins said. RELATED: Abbott prohibits cities from requiring masks, vaccines Thats what desperately needs to happen if we are going to get this delta variant put back in its place, because right now its having a pretty big party in the middle of the country, Collins said. Collins also said that even with the prevalence of the delta variant, the shots are working extremely well" and reduce a persons risk of serious illness and hospitalization 25-fold." The guidance for vaccinated people to start wearing masks indoors again in certain places with worsening outbreaks, he said, is mostly meant to protect unvaccinated and immunocompromised people. The CDC has also recommended indoor mask-wearing for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status. ___ Associated Press writer Hope Yen contributed to this report. Click here to read the full article. Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) slept on the steps of the Capitol Friday night. The congresswomanaccompanied by fellow Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and activistsspent the night on the Capitol steps to bring attention to the millions of Americans who face eviction if a moratorium implemented by the CDC in March 2020 is allowed to expire at midnight on Saturday. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 11 million Americans are behind on rent, and many have not received federal rent assistance that was passed by Congress. The White House had extended the deadline for the moratorium to July 31, and a Supreme Court decision in late June affirmed that it could remain in place until then. But Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee who voted to keep the moratorium in place, wrote in a concurring opinion that to push the deadline on evictions any farther, Congress would need to pass legislation to that effect. And the Biden administration announced Thursday that it was relying on Congress to do so without delay. Bush, who experienced eviction and being unhoused before she ran for Congress, called for the House to reconvene and pass legislation to extend the deadline, as the moratorium has kept millions of Americans housed and secure through pandemic layoffs, high unemployment rates, and economic uncertainty. The House is at recess. People are on vacations. How are we on vacation when we have millions of people who could start to be evicted tonight? Bush said in an interview with CNN, still standing on the steps of the Capitol Saturday afternoon. There are people already receiving and have received pay or vacate notices that will have them out on tomorrow. People are already in a position where they need helpour most vulnerable, our most marginalized, those who are in need. .@CoriBush spent the night outside the Capitol to send a message about the need to pass an extension on the moratorium on evictions. "I know what it's like to wonder if I'm going to get that eviction notice," she said. pic.twitter.com/I96DRp8yzh Daniella Diaz (@DaniellaMicaela) July 31, 2021 The Democrats tried to rally the votes on Friday in a last-minute scramble after Bidens announcement. Majority Whip Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) then made little more than a symbolic gesture toward passing the bill on Friday evening, asking for unanimous consent to take up and pass an extension. But unanimous consent only needs one member to say no to table the matter, and that is what, predictably, happened. And according to Politico, at least a dozen other Democrats told leadership that they opposed the bill. So the House adjourned and is scheduled to be in recess for the next six weeks. The Senate is still in sessionattempting to pass an infrastructure billbut getting the bill passed in that chamber would likely be difficult. Pelosi tried to justify the Houses failure to pass the bill on Friday by saying they only learned about this yesterday, so she called on Biden and the CDC to extend the deadline. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) also critiqued the White Houses last-minute announcement but also placed some of the blame on Congress. Everybody knew this was coming, she told reporters Friday, standing alongside Bush. We were sounding the alarm about this issue. The court order was not yesterday. The court order was not Monday. The court order was about a month ago. We had Financial Services hearings about it. Members were ringing the alarm to the administration about it, asking for all of usCongress and the White Houseto move on this sooner. Ocasio-Cortez went on to say that it is wrong to allow evictions while tens of billions of dollars in rental assistance, which would help renters keep their homes, have yet to be disbursed. And, she said, its especially dangerous to let the deadline lapse when the CDC announced mere days ago that the Delta variant of Covid-19 is many times more contagious than the original coronavirus. Extending the eviction moratorium is a matter of life and death for the communities we represent, Reps. Pressley, Bush, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, and other progressives wrote in a letter to Biden and the CDC director, urging them to leverage every authority available to extend the deadline. We implore you to act with the urgency this moment demands. But unless that happens, Bush says shes ready to spend another night on the Capitol steps. Sign up for Rolling Stone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A 74-year-old woman has been accused of fatally shooting her husband and wounding another person after a night of heavy drinking, according to authorities. The Albuquerque Journal reported Sunday that Sheryl Graeb is jailed on suspicion of an open count of murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly weapon. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A mortar shell struck a taxi in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province on Sunday, killing at least five civilians including two children, an Afghan official said. Provincial police spokesman Jamal Naser Barekzai blamed the Taliban for the attack, although the militants denied responsibility. Both the Taliban and the government routinely blame each other for attacks on civilians in the capital Kabul and elsewhere. The perpetrators are rarely identified, and the public is seldom informed of the results of investigations into the violence. The war between the Taliban and Afghanistan's national security and defense forces has intensified over the past few months, as U.S. and NATO troops complete their pullout from the war-torn country. The Taliban are now trying to seize provincial capitals, after already taking smaller administrative districts in the past months. The spokesperson for the Afghan armed forces, Gen. Ajmal Omar Shinwari, said Sunday in a press conference that three provinces in southern and western Afghanistan face critical security situations. The army is trying to interdict Taliban movement in Helmand province, he added. Southern Kandahar the birthplace of the Taliban as well as Helmand and Herat provinces have witnessed several attacks. Helmand provincial council chief Attaullah Afghan said that the Taliban increased its forces in the provincial capital of Lashar Gah on Sunday, confirming that the insurgents now have control of the city's seventh district. DETROIT (AP) A 1.2-mile (1.9-kilometer) recreational biking and walking path connecting some eastside Detroit neighborhoods to the citys riverfront has been named in honor of former Mayor Dennis Archer. Work on the Mayor Dennis W. Archer Greenway is expected to be completed later this year, the city said. BALTIMORE (AP) Police in Baltimore are investigating a hit-and-run crash that took the life of a panhandler, according to a Sunday report. The Baltimore Sun reported that the man was struck on a city roadway shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday. Police told the newspaper that the man was panhandling in the middle of Mulberry Street when he was hit by a vehicle. The motorist then sped off. MAZIKOY, Turkey (AP) Wildfires raged near Turkeys holiday beach destinations of Antalya and Mugla and in the surrounding countryside for a fifth day Sunday as the discovery of more bodies raised the death toll to eight while villagers lost their homes and animals. Residents and tourists fled the danger in small boats while the coast guard and two navy ships waited out at sea in case a bigger evacuation was needed. Fires also enveloped Mugla provinces Mazikoy, and villagers who evacuated were devastated. Farmer Nurten Almaz said she lost everything. I feel so much pain, like I lost a child, she said. The 63-year-old woman lost her animals and her home as well as one century of peoples labor. She called for the death penalty for people who may have caused the fire. Residents had to flee nearby Cokertme village as flames neared. Some got on boats and others left by cars as the fire got closer and closer. In one video, firetrucks and cars were rushing to escape fire raging on all sides. After nightfall, the village looked apocalyptic from a distance, with flames taking over the dark hills. Bodrum mayor Ahmet Aras said Sunday evening that people experienced hell near Cokertme and Mazi as they drove away from the fire. He said the blaze could not be stopped and hoped to protect residential areas but said it was too late for the trees. The area was engulfed by Sunday night, Turkish broadcasters said. Reporters said they had to get hurry to safety as the fire intensified with strong winds. Officials said precautions were being taken to protect two thermic power plants in the vicinity and at present the winds were blowing away from the plants. Authorities warned tourists and residents to keep evacuating Turunc, a town in the seaside resort of Marmaris in Mugla province. Fires enveloped the area and strong winds made firefighting efforts more difficult. A helicopter attempted to extinguish the blazes, which were unreachable by land. Aerial firefighting was not possible Sunday night and the fires raged, burning hectares (acres) of forests. Forestry official Mustafa Ozkaya said units continued to fight fires strategically, digging ditches and taking other measures. He said eight planes and 50 helicopters would fly in Mugla on Monday. The European Commission announced it helped mobilized one firefighting Canadair plane from Croatia and two from Spain to aid Turkey. Planes from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran have been helping. Watching from out in the Mediterranean Sea, the area looked a bright orange. As residents of villages around Marmaris pleaded for more help on social media, people boarded small boats carrying suitcases. Others waited anxiously to see if the fire would come down to the shore. High temperatures and strong winds were making matters worse. Antalya registered 42 degrees Celsius (over 107 degrees Fahrenheit), about 5 to 6 degrees C higher than seasonal averages. Earlier Sunday, police water cannons, usually used to control riots, helped helicopters and fire trucks in Muglas popular district of Bodrum to fight fires. Turkish television showed fires had reignited after being extinguished earlier, with flame and smoke approaching a village. Social media videos showed tourists in Bodrum scampering down streets rolling their luggage to escape the nearby flames. The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said at least 27 people affected by the fires were still receiving treatment in hospitals while hundreds of others had been released. The minister of forestry and agriculture, Bekir Pakdemirli, said 117 wildfires were under control across Turkey while eight continued. His tweets showed that since Wednesday, wildfires had ignited in 32 provinces. While Turkish authorities say they are investigating whether the fires may have started as sabotage by outlawed Kurdish militants, experts mostly point to climate change along with accidents caused by people. Erdogan said one of the fires was started by children. A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western Greece, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames. On Sunday afternoon, bathers on an Italian beach south of the Adriatic city of Pescara fled when they spotted towering clouds of smoke and flames from a fire in a nearby pine forest, the Italian news agency LaPresse reported. Several people were reportedly injured when they tried to put out wind-whipped flames that had reached their homes. Local officials told state TV that an elderly home in Pescara had to be evacuated. Meanwhile, in Turkeys eastern Van province, floods over the weekend destroyed at least six houses after a small river overflowed amid heavy rains. Villagers were ordered to leave their homes and climb to higher locations. ___ Bilginsoy reported from Istanbul. Robert Badendieck in Istanbul and Frances DEmilio in Rome contributed to this report. ___ Follow all AP stories about climate change issues at https://apnews.com/hub/Climate. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) A Springfield hospital reached a sad new record on Sunday when the number of coronavirus patients in its care rose to 187, an administrator said. CoxHealth CEO Steve Edwards urged residents via Twitter to get vaccinated to protect others, to protect children, to protect our community. On Saturday, Edwards wrote on social media that the hospital had 180 infected inpatients, which at the time was a new record, according to the Kansas City Star. The number was as low as 28 patients about eight weeks ago, he said. I cant understand the motivations of people disparaging healthcare providers and diminishing the reality of this pandemic, Edwards said on Twitter, as health officials continue to urge Missourians to get vaccinated as the more aggressive delta variant added to recent spikes in infections and deaths. In Greene County, where Springfield is located, 42.5% of the population has initiated vaccination and 36.2% has completed the vaccination process. Statewide, 48.1% of the population has initiated the vaccine and 41.3% has completed it, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In the past week, 887 more people tested positive for COVID-29 in Greene County, according to state data. Increasingly, hospitals are admitting children with the virus. On Thursday, more than 300 people were hospitalized for COVID-19 across the two health systems in Springfield, including three patients under age 10. That day, there were 145 COVID-19 patients at Mercy Springfield, said chief administrative officer Erik Frederick. Five of those patients were under the age of 20 and three were under age 10. Ninety-three percent of the patients were unvaccinated. Meanwhile, officials in St. Louis asked people who attended a Tuesday city council meeting to quarantine, including five council members, the county executive and director of the county health department, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Most of those at the meeting came to protest the joint city and county mask mandate and were not wearing face coverings. A city resident who attended the meeting began experiencing symptoms the following day and underwent a test for COVID-19 on Thursday, according Dr. Fredrick Echols, acting director of health for the city. The city health department received notification of the positive result on Saturday, sparking the advisory asking that everyone who attended the meeting even those who are fully vaccinated to quarantine for the next nine days to complete the 14-day quarantine period. The restrictions have drawn a fierce response. St. Louis County Health Director Faisal Khan said he was assaulted and bombarded with racial slurs after defending a new mask mandate. One county councilman questioned whether Khan was telling the truth. Khan spoke at the St. Louis County Council meeting on Tuesday, when the council voted 5-2 to end a mask mandate imposed by Democratic County Executive Sam Page. The resurgent coronavirus began its summer assault in under-vaccinated rural areas of Missouri, but has increasingly led to new cases and hospitalizations in St. Louis. PHOENIX Health officials in Arizona on Sunday reported more than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases for the second consecutive day. They say the 2,306 new cases and five additional deaths pushed the states totals to 929,541 cases and 18,251 known deaths since the pandemic began more than a year ago. Arizona had reported 2,066 new cases and 22 deaths on Saturday, the highest daily total since early March. The numbers have been quickly climbing with 1,759 cases and 15 deaths reported Thursday and 1,965 cases and 24 deaths reported Saturday. Public health officials in the state and elsewhere attribute the worsening spread to the very contagious delta variant and low vaccination rates. ___ MORE ON THE PANDEMIC: Eviction crisis in pandemic leads to greater tenant protections Europe's vaccine passes reveal some pockets of resistance A pandemic Olympics, without all the crowds: What gets lost? U.S. memorials to victims of COVID-19 are taking shape In West Africa, rising cases finally brings demand for vaccinations ___ Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine ___ HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: COLUMBIA, S.C. The University of South Carolina is requiring students to wear masks indoors this fall as the spread of COVID-19 has sped up across the state. School officials said that masks are again required inside campus buildings given Richland Countys high coronavirus transmission rate. The announcement follows recently updated federal guidance that calls for mask-wearing indoors regardless of vaccination status in areas where the delta variant is rapidly spreading. Young adults have the lowest vaccination rate across age groups in South Carolina. But public colleges and universities in South Carolina cant require students to get inoculated after lawmakers banned schools from making the vaccine a condition of enrollment. ___ ORLANDO, Fla. A day after it recorded the most new daily cases since the start of the pandemic, Florida on Sunday broke its previous record for current hospitalizations, set more than a year ago. The Sunshine State had 10,207 people hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to data reported to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The previous record was from July 23, 2020, more than a half-year before vaccinations started becoming widespread. Florida then had 10,170 hospitalizations, according to the Florida Hospital Association. Florida is now leading the nation in per capita hospitalizations for COVID-19, as hospitals around the state report having to put emergency room visitors in beds in hallways and others document a noticeable drop in the age of patients. In the past week, Florida has averaged 1,525 adult hospitalizations a day, and 35 daily pediatric hospitalizations. Both are the highest per capita rate in the nation, according to Jason Salemi, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida. ___ BERLIN Thousands turned out in Berlin on Sunday to protest the German governments anti-coronavirus measures despite a ban on the gatherings, leading to clashes with police and around 500 arrests. Local authorities had banned several different protests this weekend, including one from the Stuttgart-based Querdenker movement, but protesters in Berlin defied the ban. Berlins police department deployed more than 2,000 officers to try and disperse the protests, but it said officers who sought to redirect protesters or disband larger groups were harassed and attacked. They tried to break through the police cordon and pull out our colleagues, Berlin police said, adding that officers had to use irritants and batons. Germany eased many of its coronavirus restrictions in May, including reopening restaurants and bars. Still, many activities, such as dining indoors at restaurants or staying in a hotel, require proof that an individual is either fully vaccinated, has recovered from the virus or can show proof of a recent negative coronavirus test. ___ ROME The Italian region that includes Rome says its website has been hacked, making it temporarily impossible for residents to sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Lazio regional Health Commissioner Alessio DAmato told state TV that the very powerful hacking attack began just after midnight and that by early Sunday evening it was still crippling the website. He said those scheduled to receive the vaccine on Sunday would still get the injection, but that the process would be slow since all data for now must be recorded by hand. So far, some 70% of Lazio residents 12 years or older and eligible for the vaccine have been vaccinated. Nationally, 60% of Italys residents have been vaccinated. ___ WASHINGTON -- The director of the National Institutes of Health says federal guidance urging vaccinated people to wear masks indoors in communities of high COVID-19 spread is aimed at mostly protecting the unvaccinated and immunocompromised. Dr. Francis Collins tells CNNs State of the Union that mask mandates can help as virus infections spike higher in parts of the U.S. because studies show vaccinated people can spread the virus to others. But he stressed Sunday that masks are no substitute for getting a shot, which work extremely well and reduce a persons risk of serious illness and hospitalization by 25-fold, including the delta variant. Collins warns that right now the virus is having a pretty big party in the middle of the country but the silver lining is that more people are now getting the shot. He says businesses may need to step up to require vaccinations, and that a case can be made for airlines to consider them as well for passengers. In recent days, Disney and Walmart have asked their employees to be vaccinated. ___ WASHINGTON Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, is warning of some pain and suffering in the future as coronavirus cases continue to rise. Fauci, speaking on ABCs This Week on Sunday, said he doesnt foresee more lockdowns in the U.S., but warned that the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic will continue to get worse because so many Americans are still unvaccinated. While this week the nation saw a surge in Americans getting the shot, as coronavirus cases rise driven largely by the more infectious delta variant, still only about 60% of Americans are fully vaccinated. Fauci argued that the unvaccinated are affecting others because theyre allowing the propagation and the spread of the outbreak, and pushed back against critics who say whether to get the shot is an individual decision. Fauci said that those who choose not to get vaccinated are actually impacting the rights of Americans particularly prone to infection because theyre encroaching on their individual rights by making them vulnerable. ___ BERLIN Germanys government will recommend offering the coronavirus vaccine for all 12- to 17-year-olds on Monday, according to a draft resolution ahead of a planned meeting of state-level health ministers. They also plan to offer boosters to high-risk individuals starting in September. The draft report from the Ministry of Health, obtained by the German press agency dpa and first reported by the newspaper Bild am Sonntag, said all states will begin offering appointments at vaccination centers for youths. The European Medicines Agency approved the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year olds in May, and Modernas vaccine in late July. Still, Germanys vaccine commission had thus far only recommended high-risk youths under 18 be vaccinated, citing a lack of data on vaccine safety in this age group. The high-level report would put pressure on the vaccine commission to formally recommend shots for those under 18. The commission recently has been criticized for delaying such a step. In addition, German states will expand their low-threshold vaccination opportunities for young adults at universities and training centers. This can make a significant contribution to a safe start for teaching and learning after the summer holidays, the draft says. For high-risk individuals, including immunocompromised people and the elderly, a third vaccine dose will be available beginning this fall. More than 61% of the German population has received at least one dose of vaccine and 52% are fully vaccinated. ___ LONDON Restaurants, ride-hailing apps and food delivery services are backing Britains COVID-19 vaccination drive, offering discounts and even free slices of pizza to persuade young people to roll up their sleeves and get the shot. The program, announced Sunday by the Department of Health and Social Care, is designed to boost the vaccination rate among adults under 30 as Britain races to inoculate as many people as possible before colder weather arrives. While more than 90% of adults in Britain have received at least one dose of vaccine, the rate for people between the ages of 18 and 30 is about 60%, according to government statistics. As he thanked businesses for helping out, Health Secretary Sajid Javid urged people to take advantage of the discounts. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the brands to offer incentives. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) The University of South Carolina is requiring students to wear masks indoors this fall as the spread of COVID-19 has sped up across the state. The mask requirement went into effect Friday. School officials cited new federal and state guidance recommending that even the vaccinated should return to wearing face coverings indoors in parts of the country where the highly contagious delta variant is rapidly spreading. University leaders said that masks are again required inside campus buildings given Richland Countys high coronavirus transmission rate, though the school won't mandate the face coverings outdoors, in private residence halls and offices, or for those eating inside campus dining facilities. The school had loosened its mask mandate for vaccinated individuals earlier this year. Gamecocks, Im disappointed that these measures are necessary, as we hoped for different circumstances when we came back together, wrote interim President Harris Pastides in a letter to students, faculty and staff. In the letter, Pastides also urged campus community members to get vaccinated. Public colleges and universities in South Carolina can't require students to get inoculated after lawmakers banned schools from making the vaccine a condition of enrollment. Young adults already have the lowest vaccination rate across age groups in South Carolina. Only 20,320 vaccine recipients in the state were between the ages of 20 and 24, according to data updated last week by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. That accounts for about 1% of all 2.1 million vaccine recipients in the state. Daily reported COVID-19 cases have reached levels not seen since February, with health officials tallying 1,392 new confirmed cases Friday. The vast majority of cases, hospitalizations and deaths are among the unvaccinated, the state health department has said. ___ Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak. Florida, FL (34429) Today Partly cloudy this morning with thunderstorms becoming likely this afternoon. High 84F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Some clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. A. The once-a-week designation was only supposed to be temporary. It's ok to return to twice-a-week. B. Watering allowances should be more fluid and seasonal depending on rain amounts and droughts. C. Only those going over their watering limits should have to water less. D. Florida has a major overconsumption problem, and people need to get used to watering less. Once-a-week needs to stay put. E. Whatever is done, all citizens need to have equal rules. Vote View Results Florida, FL (34429) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with widely scattered showers or thunderstorms possible this afternoon. High 86F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Marcia Baskin, who, since 2003, made her home at Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, Calif., died on July 26 at age 90. She was born in Cleveland on May 23, 1931, to Lillian Marshall Barken and Philip Barken. She had no siblings. Clinton, IA (52732) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 83F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) The countrys pandemic response task force announced on Sunday changes in the community quarantine classifications of four provinces. From the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), Cebu province was placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) with "heightened restrictions" until August 15. The decision came after three of the major cities in Cebu made an appeal to the Inter-Agency Task Force for a lesser community quarantine classification for the province. The mayors of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu cities made the request. "Being the center of trade, commerce, and industry in the Visayas and Mindanao, it may not be handy to disturb its recovering economy which supported not only the city and its constituents but the entire region outside of Luzon," Cebu City acting mayor Michael Rama said in his letter addressed to the IATF dated July 30. Based on the latest count of the Department of Health-Central Visayas Center for Health Development, the province of Cebu has 244 new COVID-19 cases with six new deaths for a total of 2,797 active infections. Meanwhile, the provinces of Apayao, Aklan, and Laguna are reclassified under MECQ also until Aug. 15. Laguna and Aklan were under GCQ with "heightened restrictions" while Apayao was under GCQ. Cebu-based correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) Metro Manila is now having a "serious surge," independent research group OCTA said, warning that the Delta coronavirus variant may be fuelling the spike. The country's capital region on Saturday logged 1,740 new cases, its highest since May 10 when it was under modified enhanced community quarantine. The seven-day average of new infections also jumped to 1,279, up by 40% from the previous week. "The rapid growth rate suggests the possibility of community transmission of the Delta variant in the NCR," OCTA said in a report issued Sunday. The Department of Health reported last week that the country has detected a total of 216 Delta variant cases, including eight deaths. In a briefing on Saturday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the new variant is only "part of those factors that we are now considering when it comes to the increasing number of cases." She also said there should be enough evidence before they could confirm a community transmission of the Delta variant. READ: COVID-19 spread seen despite hard lockdown, NCR active cases to top 30,000 by end-Sept. DOH According to OCTA, the capital region's reproduction number increased to 1.52 from 1.29 the previous week. OCTA also noted that hospital bed and ICU occupancy rates were higher, increasing to 45% and 52%, respectively. "At the current rate, if there are no changes in quarantine restrictions in the NCR, hospital beds would reach 70% occupancy in less than five weeks, while ICU beds will reach 70% occupancy in less than three weeks," it said. OCTA said 13 areas in the region are now high-risk, namely: Pateros, Makati, San Juan, Malabon, Navotas, Las Pinas, Pasig, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Paranaque, Quezon City, Marikina, and Caloocan. Coronavirus restrictions will be tightened from Aug. 6 to 20 as the pandemic task force places the capital region under enhanced community quarantine. Columbia, SC (29201) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 81F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! Columbia, MO (65201) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low near 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Congratulations, broadwayla.org got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Broadwayla.org scored 74 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 3.5/5.0 Stars by Social Team This CoolSocial report was updated on 19 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. broadwayla.org is very popular in Facebook, Stumble Upon, Google Plus and Delicious. It is liked by 1065 people on Facebook and it has 19 google+ shares. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the broadwayla homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if broadwayla has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the broadwayla homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the broadwayla homepage on Twitter + the total number of broadwayla followers (if broadwayla has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the broadwayla homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the broadwayla homepage on StumbleUpon. Basic Information PAGE TITLE Official Pantages Theatre Website - Broadway/L.A. - HomePage DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS award, theatre, peter pan, peter, musical, story, broadway The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage. Domain and Server DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE ISO-8859-1 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Microsoft-IIS/6.0 (ASP.NET) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2003 Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Type of server and offered services. Operative System running on the server. The language of broadwayla.org as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site. Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world. Referring domains for broadwayla.org by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines. Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The URL of the found Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The type of Facebook page. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND 100% Website shell.pl uses latest and advanced technologies. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 418869 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 592123 bytes (578.25 kb uncompressed) and 30341 bytes (29.63 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-08-01, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. Services for Leroy Manning, 79, of Austin, formerly Oakwood passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2021 in Austin. Viewing will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021 at Emanuel Funeral Home of Palestine from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Brown Chapel AME in Oakwood Continue Reading Below Advertisement And if that sounds unbelievable, wait until you read this: Colonel Sanders, a planter-cosplaying, mint-julep sippin six-iron totin good old boy, was never caught saying the n-word in his life. Not once. Not on purpose, not accidentally during a heated Southerner moment, not even when singing along to NWA on the gramophone. Theres only one recorded incident of him uttering an n-word (the French Creole one, for some reason) to a black person and that was to specifically ask if it was still a word you nice people preferred in 1975. And when he was told to, holy shit, never ever use that word again, the 85-year-old Southern white high school dropout obliged without a fuss. That doesnt just make him the wokest fast food founder in the 1920s, it still puts him in the running today. Continue Reading Below Advertisement So what about that previous list of receipts longer than the average KFC order on derby day? Those merely prove that Sanders and his fried chicken were drenched in the Deep Souths deep fried racist culture. He was made a Kentucky Colonel not for being a Confederate hero but as a kind of redneck knighthood in recognition for his charitable work. His pet crow was given its Lovecraftianly racist name not by the colonel (the deep-fryer of a billion chickens never named his birds) but by his pro-Jim Crow customers. And Sanders chose his iconic white suit because it hid his many flour stains from breading chicken. It wasnt his fault the South only has two types of white formalwear and the other one comes with a hood. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Speaking of, despite long suspicions of having ties with the KKK, theres no record of Sanders attending a single event or donated a single cent. Neither has anyone been able to make it stick that he stole his secret recipe from a black chef; which makes sense since no one has been able to replicate his in 100 years. And about him donating money and publicity to white supremacist governor George Wallace Jr.? A total misunderstanding. You see, Sanders didnt endorse him over his pro-segregationist stance, he did it because he adored Wallace for his dogged suppression of Hollywood communists, civil rights protestors, and all other threats to American capitalism. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Oh yeah, Colonel Sanders was still 24 pieces of problematic stuffed in a 12-piece-box. So by all means, call him out on every other kind of shitty tycoon he was. Call him a tyrant, a chauvinist, a sex predator, a gun thug, a domestic abuser or the kind of creep who told everyone he was still getting more than his fingers licked at age 83. But lets also acknowledge the minor miracle that the international symbol of Confederate fast food judged people not on the color of their skin, but by the quality of their fried chicken. For more dollar deal jokes, do follow Cedric on Twitter. Top Image: Caesars Pizza, KFC, Wendys, Subway SHADDADI, Syria (AP) In the searing 108-degree heat, far from his Louisiana health care business, Army Col. Scott Desormeaux and his soldiers are on a dusty base near Syrias northern border, helping Syrian rebel forces battle Islamic State militants and keeping an eye on Russian troops in the region. Its tough duty for the soldiers. But their deployment to the Middle East last November is just a small part of the blistering pace of missions that members of the Louisiana National Guard and Americas other citizen-soldiers have faced in the past 18 months. Beyond overseas deployments, Guard members have been called in to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and protests against racial injustice. For many, its meant months away from their civilian jobs and scarce times with families. While Guard leaders say troops are upbeat, they worry about exhaustion setting in and wonder how much longer U.S. businesses can do without their long-absent workers. Back home in Louisiana, Sgt. 1st Class Bray Harris has been living in hotels around Baton Rouge since March 2020, helping provide COVID-19 testing and the vaccine to residents. Hes only been able to race home to Lake Charles two hours away a few times, including to evacuate his mother during one of the major storms that hit the state. Nearby at Camp Beauregard, Capt. Michael Switzer has been sleeping in his office. Over the past 15 months, he and his soldiers have juggled security and work at virus testing sites with road clearance and emergency supply deliveries during the storms and then distribution of the vaccine. For Fathers Day, his wife bought him a cot and a 5-inch-thick foam mattress to replace the air mattress hed been using. Since March 2020, Guard units around the country have been lurching from one national crisis to the next. They were tapped almost immediately when the pandemic broke out to help conduct testing, build field hospitals, provide health care and, eventually, deliver vaccines. But at the same time, many like those in Louisiana were also facing a record year of storms and hurricanes while taking weeks off from their regular jobs to protect their communities during the race riots. More than 26,000 Guard members deployed to Washington, D.C., to secure the presidents inauguration. This past year was an extraordinary one for the National Guard, said Gen. Dan Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau. Does he worry about exhaustion setting in? Thats something Ive been very concerned with right from the start. As he makes his rounds, he said the Guard troops are upbeat and tell him, Hey, this is what we signed up to do. But across the states, there are growing concerns about returning troops to their regular jobs and getting them back to critical training schedules. For Desormeaux, last year began with the pandemic outbreak, as his soldiers deployed to help build a 2,000-bed hospital at the Memorial Convention Center in New Orleans. Others spread out across the state, setting up mobile testing sites and delivering testing kits where needed. Then, in early June, Tropical Storm Cristobal made landfall in Louisiana, becoming the first of six named storms and hurricanes to hit the state last year. And as the hurricane season was wrapping up, Desormeauxs 256th Infantry Brigade packed up and headed to Syria. Its probably the most challenging two-year period you can find, he told reporters who traveled to Shaddadi with Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, top commander for the Middle East. But I think it just really speaks to the dedication and professionalism of these kids because they were there every step of the way. When Harris moved into the Doubletree Hotel in Baton Rouge in March 2020 to be near his Guard logistics post, he didnt know hed be leaving his job at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for 15 months. During that time, hes gone home to Lake Charles mainly to check on his two properties and get his mother to safety during major storms. To spend over a year of life without truly catching a breath, without truly unplugging its been challenging, and each disaster or circumstance has presented its own set of challenges, said Harris, who had one property flood during Hurricane Delta, forcing him to sell because he didnt have time to repair it. My leaders have supported me in every way, and whenever I needed to go get my mother, they allowed me to do that. Whenever I needed to go secure my property after the storm, they allowed me to do that. In most cases, employers were understanding as their workers left to fulfill their Guard responsibilities. For some, the Guard duty provided a critical paycheck as companies scaled back or shut down while the pandemic raged. For others, particularly those in the medical fields, reporting to Guard duty was not a good option. We didnt want to tap into those who are already providing emergency services, Switzer said. So we had challenges based on not using our first responders because theyre also fighting this in a different capacity. Those limitations, he said, reduced their pool of troops, and it was exacerbated by Guard members who would suddenly either contract COVID-19 or be forced into quarantine because they were exposed. The Guard focused on calling in unemployed soldiers first, he said, including some who worked on the oil rigs. A lot of the oilfield workers that were laid off would come in and work until they can get back into that field, said Switzer. We were able to give them employment. So not only did they help meet the mission, they were also helping their families by finding employment. Sgt. Maj. Verdis Walker got called up for storm duty in April 2020, leaving his post at the Bossier Parish Sheriffs Department. He moved into his recreational vehicle in central Louisiana and lived there much of last year, until he shifted to pandemic duty. Now hes living in the Guard barracks in Carville, near Baton Rouge, where he serves as the senior enlisted adviser for the Louisiana Guards COVID-19 task force. He said the biggest challenge for the troops has been to keep a positive attitude and a good balance among their Guard duty, their professional jobs and their families. For him, that means taking time off when he can drive four hours north to his home and the sheriffs department so he can take classes and keep up his weapons qualification and other certifications that he needs to remain an officer. Fortunately for me, I have a sheriff in my town that is very military friendly, and hes very supportive of the military efforts, Walker said. He understands when storms and things happen that people have to go and help. So far, Hokanson said, the strains of the past year havent hurt retention. The Army Guard has hit its end strength goal of 336,500 for the fiscal year beginning in October. And he said a small shortfall in recruiting has been offset by the higher retention numbers and an increase in active-duty soldiers and Marines shifting to the Guard. Looking ahead, Hokanson said that as more businesses start to reopen, Guard members will be increasingly needed back home at their jobs. A lot of our soldiers and airmen that may not have had employment, or were furloughed during that time frame, a lot of them are asking them to go back to work, he said, adding that the adjutants general in all the states must carefully manage their troops operations and training in the coming months. We asked a lot of them, Hokanson said. Now the states want to focus on building their combat readiness and really getting back to that balance of their civilian career, their military career and their families. For Harris, that means returning to his Transportation Department job when his orders are done. Hes been assured the job will be there whenever he gets back, but meanwhile his Guard mission goes on. I knew that I had a mission and that my state depended on me. There was never a question of How am I going to do this? Its been just get up and do it, he said. Its been an opportunity to grow as a leader and to truly feel like Im making a difference. FAIRMONT, W.Va. (AP) Renee Verbanic often thinks about water and the power it carries. Just as the drop that splashes atop a rock may not make an impact the first time, but given years of drops, water will leave a visible impression on the rock. She often quotes a song about water. Can we be like drops of water falling on the stone, Verbanic said. The water is seemingly weak, but given time, the rock will wear away and thats what Communities of Shalom is all about. Verbanic, in her role as director of Marion County Communities of Shalom Inc., said her hope is that the two-day Building Bridges of Respect conference that wrapped up last Sunday at LIFE United Methodist Church will act like water and ripple through the community. She said nonprofits networked together to discuss such issues as addiction, the LGBTQ community, different religions and races. She often relies on the power of word of mouth, and neighbor talking to neighbor to spread the word about what Communities of Shalom does. The event was not about raising money because it was underwritten by grants the organization obtained through its role as a branch of West Virginia Prevention Solutions where it receives federal funding to promote alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention. Verbanic said vendors asked prior to signing up if they would be charged a fee for attending. Again, she turned to the metaphor about water and instead told them to bring bottled water. Again, its that symbol of that ripple effect out in the community and we know, slow and steady, the rock will wear away. And the rock, of course, being intolerance, being hate-filled comments, this idea that we have all the answers thats the rock and being open to other ideas, to other concepts, other ways of life. Ryan Glaspell, of Fairmont, said he did not attend last Saturdays events for the Building Bridges of Respect conference because of a prior engagement but was drawn to the Sunday portion after reading about the conferences goals and mission on social media. I think there are so many different local things to choose from but just having an event that explicitly was about bringing people together and quite literally building bridges with other people was something that made me really want to bring my four-year-old to come and just have some of those values seen firsthand through different events and activities, Glaspell said. On Sunday, Verbanic taught conference guests how to make their own Shalom Flag, which were patterned after Tibetan Prayer Flags. The flags symbolize healthy community-building and show others that its owner stands up for inclusivity, representation and diversity. Shalom Flags are used to promote peace and compassion and health and strength and wisdom, said Verbanic, who made one as an example in support of her mothers upcoming 90th birthday. Fairmont residents Cherish Davis, and her thirteen-year-old son Ezra Davis, made a Shalom Flag that called for prayers for children, unity, pastors, faith, love and understanding. Cherish said she believed everyone should attend. It is amazing. Its good for children everyone should have came out and supported it. Everyone needs to come together so its a great time for it, Cherish Davis said. Its good to support every culture. Everyone comes from a different background and everyone needs to understand how it is for everyone. Verbanic said Communities of Shalom hasnt measured success in terms of numbers of attendees in its 20 years as an organization. She strives for quality over quantity. What we heard from the two dozen or more organizations that we had and they were all nonprofit, helping organizations that were there (Saturday) almost every one of them stopped by and said, This has been terrific. The networking has been so helpful, Verbanic said. She said COVID-19 pandemic guidelines made it difficult to host resource fairs last year, so many guests mentioned how grateful they were to have been invited to the events at the Wave-Tek Pool on Saturday. She said while the conference organizers are still counting guests, she knows that 150 kids and adults attended Saturday. What we look for is were connections being made, did we have the diversity that we were looking for, did we have young and old? Yes, we did. The oldest one there was probably 95 and the youngest was a babe in arms. Did we have gay and straight? You betcha. Did we have all faiths? For Marion County, we did. We had Jewish, we had Islamic, we had Buddhists, we had Atheists, we had Christians, so we look for the diversity, the representation. That was our goal, inclusivity, representation, diversity. In its role as the resource provider for drug and alcohol prevention education, Communities of Shalom is tasked with connecting human service agencies to each other and the community. We had, I think, two people say, Wed like to make a donation to the Communities of Shalom. Where do we do that? and I pointed out our treasurer. No, this was not a fundraiser, Verbanic said. The events organizers have hoped from the beginning that the conference would help broaden guests horizons and to have conversations with others theyve never had before. To add more tools to their toolbox regarding conflict resolution, regarding understanding the different gender identities and understanding the different religions and understanding what different organizations have to offer regarding wellness and regarding stigma reduction and understanding what it takes for a person living with addiction what it takes to recover and what their recovering process looks like, Verbanic said. Jim Nolan, a board member of both the Fairmont Human Rights Commission and Communities of Shalom, said he received a lot of positive feedback during both days events. The HRC also helped sponsor the conference. A lot of people tell me theyre so happy that we had this event. They feel like theyre included. They feel like theres a group of people that are open to other ways of thinking, so its been good from that perspective, Nolan said. Nolan said there were a number of groups there representing the LGBTQ community and other groups that are often underrepresented, such as PFLAG and Fairness West Virginia. Theres lot of different types of groups in Fairmont, lots of different types of lifestyles and races, and ethnicities, so this is a celebration of all groups of people, so when people come they feel, Oh, this is a good thing, Nolan said. Its been a really good experience for all of us. DERBY Maliqa Mosley-Williams said she didnt know what to expect when she logged on to an online meeting on July 22. The chair of the Valley MLK Committee had come to follow up on where the city would paint a mural of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. But while she came out of the meeting still uncertain over the eventual location, she was heartened by the citys response. The Board of Aldermen seem pretty on board, Mosley-Williams said. The meeting comes more than a month after she had originally discussed possible locations with the aldermen. While the plan was initially to announce the location of the mural at the end of June as previously reported by Hearst Connecticut Media, the meeting did not result in a final decision. As a result, the mural, while still being supported by the city government, might not be completed in time for the next Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 17, 2022. Mosley-Williams said as much. The timeline was to be unveiled on Martin Luther King Day of next year. As of right now, we dont currently have a timeline for the project, she said. While the timeline of the project is now uncertain, the cost isnt. According to a June press release by TEAM Inc., a Derby social services organization which is working in tandem with the Valley MLK Committee, $7,500 is needed to complete the project. Mosley-Williams said the funds would most likely come from fundraising by both the city and the committee, but is expecting her organization to come up with most of the money on its own. TEAM Inc. CEO David Morgan said the mural might be ready by spring of next year. Juneteenth might be a good occasion to unveil it he said. He acknowledged that the mural is still in the planning stages, but said concrete steps were being taken, including tapping a local artist from New Haven to paint the mural. For Morgan, the mural might be taking a little longer, but its important to do it right. Its not so much about the product, the end product, its all about the process itself, he said. So as far as Maliqa and I are concerned, its just more opportunity to drive community dialogue. As for Mayor Rich Dziekan, he affirmed that the city remains completely committed to the project. The MLK mural went to subcommittee, we spoke about it with the committee members. We are continuing conversation to find a very prominent place for the mural, he said. I am 100 percent behind this and I feel very humbled that the committee chose Derby as one of the 39 cities and towns that will be having this. Dziekan also emphasized that the city, while trying to help with permits and facilitate agreements with any building owners willing to host the mural, is mostly acting in an assisting capacity. He said the committee would have to raise most of the funds and work out a location. While the uncertainty over the timeline is concerning, Mosley-Williams said she appreciated the support from the city. But she also said she expects opposition from some. She mentioned that some Derby residents were opposed to the George Floyd memorial vigil that was held in May this year. But she is determined to complete the project in the face of any pushback or obstacles that come her way, she said. I could tell there may be a few people who oppose the project and there will be some backlash as well, she said. But Im ready to push forward and try and get this project done. WEST GRAND TERRE ISLAND, La. (AP) Excavators, bulldozers and a dredge miles away from them are working on a $100 million project to raise and reshape a Louisiana barrier island. West Grand Terre Island helps protect communities from New Orleans' west bank to Bayou Lafourche from hurricanes and storm surge, depending on the storm's direction, said Greg Grandy, deputy executive director of Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. But, like East Grand Terre Island, where some of the BP oil spill's iconic images were made, West Grand Terre was heavily oiled during the 2010 spill and was severely eroded before that. The two islands were one when Jean Lafitte and his Baratarian pirates made Grand Terre and nearby Grand Isle their headquarters, but now are more than a mile (1.6 kilometers) apart. About $100 million in spill restoration money is being used to restore and create about 256 acres (104 hectares) of beach and dune and 143 acres (58 hectares) of marsh on West Grand Terre. About $2 million from various other sources was used to remove a fisheries lab destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It is one of the most historically and ecologically important barrier islands in Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards said when funding for this and two other projects was announced in May. The U.S. government evicted Lafitte and his crew to build Fort Livingston, one of a chain of coastal forts created after the War of 1812. Fort Livingston was never completed and is now a ruin on West Grand Terre. It wasn't the island's last eviction in 1999, state and federal crews removed about 20 feral goats and 70 feral cattle as part of work to rebuild the eastern half of West Grand Terre. The island it stands on is getting 2.5 million cubic yards (1.9 million cubic meters) of sand nearly enough to fill the Empire State Building twice. The islands outline wont change greatly, because much of the sand will go on top of it. That will raise an island that averages 1 foot above sea level, with a maximum of 4 feet, to as much as 8 feet above sea level, said Brett Borne, project engineer for Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc. It's being armored with a mile of huge rocks, starting at the end of similar construction added in the early 2000s as part of work to preserve what remains of Fort Livingston. A corner of the fort actually protruded into the water before that earlier project, Grandy said. The rocks being moved from barges on Wednesday weigh from 2.5 tons to 6 tons (2.3 metric tons to 5.4 metric tons). Below them is a core of smaller rocks about 2 feet (0.6 meters) long, with geotextile fabric lining the bottom beneath those, said Brian Champagne, project manager for Deep South Construction and Salvage, one of several companies on the project. A half-dozen excavators were at work Wednesday. Four were moving rocks. The crews that run them named the biggest two King Kong and Godzilla, Champagne said. King Kong's four-clawed bucket alone weighs 2 tons (1.8 metric tons), he said. Others were creating low lines of sand and dirt to guide the placement of dredged sand between the rocks and the current shore, adding to the beach and creating marshes. The sand and water fountain up in a huge gray semicircle about 15 feet (4.5 meters) high. It has traveled through about 5 miles (8 kilometers) of pipe, most of it along the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. On the island, sections of pipe are fitted together to direct its flow. At the far end, the rigid pipe at the bottom of the Gulf is attached to flexible pipe so the dredge R.S. Weeks can move around the area from which sand is being pumped. The dredge's crew lives on board, working 12-hour shifts so dredging continues 24 hours a day. Weather permitting Louisiana was hit by three hurricanes and two tropical storms last year and the season that began in June is also active the work will be done in November. DERBY - Mayor Rich Dziekan said he wasnt surprised that the city is finally on solid financial ground a year after enacting a financial recovery plan. But he was delighted. Excited for the future of Derby, Dziekan said when asked about the citys $3.7 million fund balance. Bond ratings, theyre looking at that. The bond companies are looking at us. The states looking at us. Dziekan said he felt the city had hit a milestone. The mayor celebrated the citys financial turnaround in a written statement after what he called years of financial mismanagement, which led to adopting a financial recovery plan in 2020. Dziekan said the city will now be able to further attract investors and economic development to add to the redevelopment already underway in parts of the downtown area. During 2019 it was revealed that the city faced a looming debt crisis and $1.8 million was owed on its reserve account, which the city uses to make up for any budget shortfalls. The city administration was forced to enact what Dziekan called an eight-point plan, which only worked because of the cooperation of the Board of Aldermen and the citys employees. It was a big joint effort for us, he said. It took three years, but listen, nothings built overnight. The city struggled at first. It didnt have a permanent finance director, but the result is that now, the situation has practically been reversed and the reserve account currently has $3.7 million on hand. The city government was able to accomplish this with a combination of spending cuts, a mill rate increase and an increased focus on commercial development to raise additional tax revenue. The financial efforts allowed the city to maintain its bond rating, which is crucial to the financial health of the city, Dziekan said. S&P Global Ratings lowered the citys rating in 2019, from AA- to A+, citing over-budgeting of revenues, lack of certain internal controls, and understatement of prior-year expenditures that were not fully realized and accounted for. A bond rating is what is used to judge the capacity for local governments to pay back borrowed money. Because Derby owed money from its reserve account, the city risked seeing its bond rating suffer. While the city is now on a better financial footing, there were hiccups. Audits werent being completed on time, which was referenced by Joe DiMartino, the Democratic candidate for mayor earlier last month. He said it reflected poorly on Dziekans administration. A permanent finance director was hired earlier this year. Aniello Malerba, DiMartinos campaign manager, said Dziekans statement omitted crucial information. Rich Dziekan gave complete control of the city finances to (former interim finance director) Keith McLiverty and the voters responded to that in the 2019 election, Malerba said. In the 2021 election, the voters of Derby will have the chance to send another message to the absentee mayor and his fiscal policies. The one question he has never answered is: Who should be held accountable for the financial crisis? But Dziekan said that the city is seeing better days and said the development of mixed use buildings on Main Street and Factory Street are a good harbinger for continuing growth. He said developers are paying attention to the city. We're getting constant calls. We have three developments already approved. I mean, there's so much going on right now, he said. Elizabeth City, NC (27909) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 83F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Overcast with showers at times. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Mr. Roger Lee Westmoreland, age 69 of Chatsworth, passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at his residence. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, restoring old cars and gardening. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Sarah Simonds Westmoreland; brother, Ronni Ryan Anderson/Daily Citizen-News Courtney Taylor, left, Blue Ridge School's media specialist, and Principal Christine Long pose for a photo in the school's media center in May prior to its renovation, which is being accomplished this summer through a $5,000 grant from the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries and other funding. "I feel very grateful, and it'll be like Christmas when all the books get here," Taylor said. featured CHESTER COUNTY For rescue pups, dog days of summer means no pooch get left behind A pair of best friends who call themselves the 'gnocchi brothers' have gone from running a business out of a market tent to building a multi-million dollar gnoccheria. Ben Cleary-Corradini, 40, and Theo Roduner, 37, scraped together the little money they had from their savings so they could sell classic Italian bowls of gnocchi from their two-person tent at a Brisbane farmers market in 2015. 'I remember the feeling of having butterflies and not being able to sleep the night before. Theo was super excited as we packed as much gnocchi as we could possibly fit in the eskies in our beat up old Ford Econovan,' Ben told Daily Mail Australia. As business quickly took off, Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers was born. Fast forward six years, the duo are now on track to make $10million in sales after opening Australia's first ever gnoccheria with seven restaurants. 'We now go though about 1,500 kilos of potatoes every week - so about 78,000 kilos per year. Theo always tells me that one day we should buy ourselves a potato farm,' Ben said. Ben Cleary-Corradini (right) and Theo Roduner (left) own the Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers In 2015, the pair scraped together the little money they had from their savings so they could sell classic Italian bowls of gnocchi from their two-person tent at a Brisbane farmers market Their multi-million dollar business idea sparked from their personal lives. Ben used to watch his Nonna Ileana hand roll authentic Italian pastas from her tiny kitchen in Wollongong, south of Sydney, while Theo grew up under the watchful eye of his Swiss-Italian father Alfredo, an accomplished Italian fine-dining chef. The friends crossed paths when Ben was working in a boutique Italian food and wine importation business while Theo was an executive chef of his family's trattoria. 'One of my very first and favourite customers was Theo,' Ben said. After doing business together for many years, the pair became good friends as they bonded over their shared love for 'homely quality Italian comfort food'. 'We stated experimenting with business ideas taking a selection of classic Italian dishes to the farmers market, one of these dishes was gnocchi,' Ben said. 'We quickly realised that people just loved our gnocchi dishes so much so that we decided to really focus on gnocchi as our one and only dish.' The Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers dream started small. Eventually, they started trading at multiple markets and food festivals around their city and even interstate, as customers from all walks of life flocked to their tent every week The pair has since opened seven restaurants with a menu offering a variety of gnocchi What makes the perfect gnocchi? 'The thing we have found about gnocchi, and a lot of Italian cuisine, is you can't rush good work,' Ben said. 'Yes you need the high quality potato, yes you need quality flour and high quality parmesan cheese to create your gnocchi mix, but the real ingredient is taking the time to craft your gnocchi with love, time and patience.' Advertisement The Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers dream started small. Eventually, they started trading at multiple markets and food festivals around their city and even interstate, as customers flocked to their tent every week. 'We knew we had something special in our hands to share with food lovers and we just loved seeing the joy on people's faces when they tasted our gnocchi for the first time,' Ben said. And within the first year of selling gnocchi at markets, they made just under $200,000 in sales. After nine months, the pair opened up their first brick and mortar store after they outgrew the flimsy walls of their tent. 'This allowed us to get our gnocchi out to the masses and helped us build a strong following before we opened our doors in Paddington in 2016,' Ben said. In the second year of opening their first location, the business partners made more than $2million in sales. After opening six successful restaurants across Queensland, the friends recently opened up their first Sydney 60-seat gnoccheria in Newtown. After doing business together for many years, the pair became good friends as they bonded over their shared love for 'homely quality Italian comfort food' Within the first year of selling gnocchi at markets, they made just under $200,000 in sales Their gnocchi menu includes (from left to right): Spicy tomato and black olives, pork and fennel Italian sausage and wild mushroom and truffle sauce Ben said he believes gnocchi is an 'underrated' dish in Australia because a majority of diners around the country have 'never really tried seriously good gnocchi'. 'However fresh gnocchi, when done right, represents what we believe great Italian cuisine is all about - fresh ingredients made lovingly to create simple yet delicious, homely meals,' he said. 'We make our gnocchi with just the right balance between firmness and fluffiness. In addition, we serve our gnocchi as an extra saucy dish. 'Traditionally in Italy, particularly in the North, gnocchi and pasta in general is served with very little sauce. At Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers we don't skimp on our sauce as we have found our customers love it extra saucy.' With seven restaurants and their factory now in full swing, the brand is on track to 'smash through' the $10million mark. On top of running seven restaurants, Ben said the pair never gave up on markets. 'Even now having a number of stores, we cheerfully head to the same market that we started at every Wednesday morning to sell our gnocchi,' he said In the second year of opening their first location, the pair made more than $2million in sales Fast forward six years, the duo are now on track to make $10million in sales after opening Australia's first ever gnoccheria with seven restaurants 'Our mission is quite bold, we want to be the world's favourite destination for gnocchi lovers. First things first, we want to build a strong presence in the Sydney market, similar to what we have achieved up in Brisbane,' Ben said. 'We then plan to expand nationally one location at a time. Once we have fed Australia, we'd love to take our concept international as soon as travel gets back to normal. 'But there is no rush just like making gnocchi, we will take it one step at a time. My Nonno always used to tell me "piano piano vai lontano" which is an Italian saying meaning if you take it slow, do things properly you will go a long way.' On top of running seven restaurants, Ben said the pair never gave up on markets. 'Even now having a number of stores, we cheerfully head to the same market that we started at every Wednesday morning to sell our gnocchi,' he said. For those looking to start a business, Ben said you should 'never listen to the naysayers' who say it can't be done. 'In fact prove the silly b******s wrong,' he said. 'So many people said to us: "A restaurant that serves just gnocchi... it will never survive". Well we have opened seven restaurants in five years, built up a strong team around us and feel we have only just got started.' Emma Weymouth looked flawless in a skimpy bikini as she made the most of the French Riviera's glorious sunshine. The mother-of-two, 35, who is married to the Eight Marquess of Bath, Ceawlin Thynn, with whom she shares two sons, was spotted splashing around the warm waters of St Tropez today. Wearing a black bikini adorned with seashells, the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant showed off her svelte physique. She has just returned to St Tropez after attending the socialite wedding of the year, which saw her close friend Lady Kitty Spencer wed her fashion tycoon fiance Michael Lewis, 62, in Italy last week. Viscountess Emma Weymouth, 35, was spotted enjoying the sun in St Tropez after attending the wedding of Lady Kitty Spencer, 30, in Italy last week The wife of the 8th Marquess of Bath looked relaxed, her feet covered in sand, as she soaked in the sun Emma, who was also spotted in St Tropez earlier in July, looked in high spirits as she dipped her toes in the waters of club 55 in the star-studded town. The socialite was protected from the sun in a black straw sun hat, and completed her glamorous display with a seashell necklace and matching earrings. She accessorised with a par of dark oversized sunglasses and a black smart watch on her left wrist. Emma was accompanied by her mother, Suzanna Mcquiston, 77, who likely came along to help watch over her two children. Emma's mother, Suzanna Mcquiston, 77, pictured, accompanied her to the beach and was looking after her two grandsons Beaming from a wooden pier as she watched her family splash around in the water, Emma looked relaxed and at home among the other vacationers. The Strictly Come Dancing star returned to France after attending the nuptials of her friend Lady Kitty Spencer in Italy. Princess Diana's niece, 30, wedded her long-term boyfriend Michael Lewis at a 17th century Italian castle last Saturday. Lady Kitty's father Earl Spencer, 57, did not attend and she was walked down the aisle by her brother Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, 27, and half brother Samuel Aitken, whose father is businessman Jonathan Aitken. Emma showed off her trimmed physique as she walked along a wooden pier while her children made a splash in the water Princess Diana's niece said 'I do' in front of a hushed congregation in the Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati, a stunning country mansion with views towards Rome on Saturday. Photographs of the bride showed her wearing a high-necked Victorian-inspired lace gown by favourite designer Dolce and Gabbana for the occasion, which features trendy puff sleeves and a cinched waist. Meanwhile she swept her hair back into a low bun and opted for a lengthy train for the occasion. Her husband opted for a smart white tuxedo and, later, Prince William and Harry's younger cousin changed into a second gown, with short sleeves, pink floral detailing and a flowing hemline. Michael and Kitty were joined by her sisters, twins Eliza and Amelia; Viscountess Emma Weymouth and her husband Ceawlin Thynn, the Marquess of Bath; pop star Pixie Lott and her model boyfriend Oliver Cheshire; Idris Elba's wife Sabrina; and Made In Chelsea star Mark Vandelli. Easing the silky eye mask into place, I lay back on my pillow, took a few deep breaths and pondered just how far we will go to be rid of our frown lines. You know the ones those deep vertical creases between the eyebrows known to cosmetic doctors as the elevens, thanks to their shape, and to millions of women as an inevitable result of reaching midlife in a state of near-permanent exasperation. Ways to lessen them include relaxing your brow and feeling serene, but thats easier said than done. You could take up fashionable face yoga, or stick some brown paper patches on your forehead to encourage you to frown less. Or you could resort to injections of toxin to temporarily disable your frowning muscles, but what if that leaves you looking weird? Heres another option: a black eye mask which looks like any other sleep-mask you use to block out the light but which, apparently, has hidden powers. Proven powers, too: in a scientific trial, it was shown to reduce the appearance of frown lines after wearing it for just 15 minutes. Alice Hart-Davis (pictured) tested the silicone-mask created by Dr Steven Harris to reduce the appearance of vertical creases between the eyebrows Moreover, it also claims to deliver something less tangible emotional relaxation and again, apparently boasts clinical proof for it. Sounds like a miracle, right? At 90, its much less expensive than a course of Botox. And while it looks distinctly underwhelming no batteries, no heat pads, no magic crystals, just a pattern of raised silicone dots stuck around the inside of the mask no one will care if its truly a needle-free, non-surgical solution to soften those persistent elevens. I couldnt wait to try it, not least because although Im a long-term fan of Botox, I havent had any for ten months so there are more lines on my forehead than usual. My first attempt at assessing the mask didnt go so well; or perhaps it went too well. Within minutes of putting it on, I was fast asleep, only to be woken in the middle of the night when my husband leaned over to switch off my bedside light. I first heard about this mask, or its prototype, a few years ago. It was created by Dr Steven Harris, a leading London-based cosmetic doctor, who wrote in an industry magazine about a double-blind, randomised, controlled study the gold standard for this sort of thing that he and others had conducted on 30 people with mild to severe glabellar lines (the official name for vertical frown lines between the brows), comparing the effects of this mask to normal eye masks. The results were very clear. His silicone-dot eye mask significantly improved the appearance of lines after 15 minutes, and five hours later the benefits were still showing. Interestingly, the group of silicone-mask wearers also reported greater emotional relaxation. It took a while to get it to market, but, finally, here it is. So how does it work? There are over 17,000 sensory receptors in the face (some of these are mechanoreceptors, others respond to other stimuli such as pain, heat and vibration). Press on the right mechanoreceptors in the skin tiny sensory structures that respond to touch and are similar to the acupressure points used in Chinese medicine and they activate the bodys autonomic nervous system, the rest-and-digest process, which helps us relax. Dr Harris had a lightbulb moment to create a mask after his experience with a flimsy airline sleep mask. Pictured: Jill Foster before trying it out There have been only a handful of studies looking at the relaxing effects of pressure on facial mechanoreceptors, but Dr Harris had read them and had his lightbulb moment trying to snooze on a transatlantic flight. As he pressed the flimsy airline sleep mask into his forehead in an attempt to relax, he realised all he had to do was find a way to build tiny pressure pads into its inside. Gerad Kite, master practitioner of Five-Element Acupuncture, points out that the masks central silicone dots are positioned above an area on the forehead that is traditionally known as the third eye. Anything you put over specific pressure points will have an effect, he says. And treating the third eye has a direct soporific effect. Glabellar frown lines are dynamic lines, the sort that are formed by movement of facial muscles. Switch off these muscles with light pressure and those lines relax, noticeably. How noticeably? Probably by around 30 per cent, says Dr Harris. Is it a substitute for Botox? No, he says. It relaxes dynamic lines for five hours or more, depending on how long you wear it. Botox lasts for months. Could using it repeatedly over time teach our frown muscles to frown less? Maybe, he says. We need further studies before making suggestions like that. Dr Harris said the dots on his mask don't allow you to wrinkle up your face, almost forcing you to relax. Pictured: Jill after trying it out In the final version of the mask, there are raised dots around the sides of the eyes, as well as in a triangular patch on the forehead. We know there are studies to show that wrinkles can be caused during sleep if you squash your face into the pillow, says Dr Harris. These dots have a gripping effect on skin, so they dont allow you to wrinkle up your face. If you try to frown or scrunch your eyes with the mask on, youll get tired, so it almost forces you to relax. I try the mask again, and find hes right. Its exhausting trying to crinkle up my eyes with it on. The pressure on my forehead is strange, but not unpleasant, and it doesnt stop me falling asleep again, even mid-afternoon. Dr Harris laughs when I tell him this. Throughout the trial, people kept falling asleep when they were meant to be just trying it for 15 minutes, he tells me. You can wear it overnight, and the effects are more marked if you do. I try this for myself, and am surprised not to wake up with a pattern of dots on my face. The one thing I cant see is a change in the lines and wrinkles, but then I realise that while I can stack up four horizontal lines across my forehead when I lift my brows, I just dont get the vertical elevens. Instead, when I try to frown, my brow goes into a kind of thick pleat. Jill (pictured), who has never had a cosmetic tweakment, said she isn't too disheartened by her appearance although fine lines are beginning to appear Im told that I have the wrong sort of brow lines. For the eye mask to work, your elevens need to be the classic vertical kind. So I ask a fellow writer, Jill Foster, 46, to try it out for me. Unlike me, shes never had a cosmetic tweakment in her life Im allergic to some of the ingredients in Botox, and Ive never really wanted to put fillers in my face, she says. A non-smoker with a self-confessed longtime obsession with SPF, she says that while fine lines are beginning to appear, shes not too disheartened by what she sees in the mirror. However, she admits that the one or should that be two things that do frustrate me are my frown lines. The two vertical creases that have developed between my brows are the result of constantly looking at a screen, be it a laptop or a phone. But whereas 20 years ago my furrowed brow would spring back, now I have a permanent number 11 stamped into my forehead. All of which makes Jill a perfect candidate for the mask. To assess how effective it was, I asked her to take a selfie before and after using it for the prescribed 15 minutes, and, in one way at least, our experiences were similar. The darkness beneath the mask was soothing and soporific, she told me. I could feel the tension relaxing, not just in my face but all over my body. I nearly fell asleep. Comparing her before and after selfies, she admits she was surprised to see a difference. Whether it was the mask, or the fact that, as the harassed mother of eight-year-old twins, Id managed to escape for a 15-minute lie-down, I could definitely see a slight improvement. Jill (pictured) admits she was surprised by the results of wearing the mask, but is unsure if anybody else would be able to see the difference The bottom half centimetre of the frown lines had disappeared altogether, and although the top half was still visible, I didnt think they were as deep as they had been. Although Im not sure whether anybody but me would be able to see the difference. As the original research showed, the results wore off after four or five hours, but Jill says its definitely something shell try in the future when she wants to look a little more refreshed. Dr Kuldeep Minocha, an elite cosmetic doctor and medical director at Tempus Belgravia, says the mask has merit. The science behind it makes sense. Its a quirky, interesting way of looking at relaxing forehead tension. Anything that can help relax those muscles will have an effect on those 11 lines. But while it will be back to the Botox for me to deal with those pesky horizontal lines, Im hooked on this mask. I hadnt thought that the relaxing effect would be so profound. I just need to remember to switch off the lights before I put it on. Dr HARRIS Eye Mask, 89.99, currentbody.com Have you got unfinished business? Something you started and then, well, life happened and you never got round to finishing? When we look back at the vista of our lives, most of us have ends that arent quite tied up, opportunities we didnt take or mistakes we really should correct. Actress and model Kate Beckinsale is no different. Last week, she said shes considering going back to Oxford University to complete her degree, 26 years after dropping out. She had enrolled at New College to read French and Russian literature but dropped out in her second year, aged 22, as a fellow student and friend had died in a tragic accident. My friends were party people and I wasnt. Theyd all moved into a house and I stayed in the college, where I then got mono [glandular fever] and went home, she explained. While I was home, one of my dear friends there ended up jumping out of a window and dying. She never went back, and assumed her chance of completing her degree was long over. But when she recently returned to Oxford to show her daughter around, her old tutor was still there and said she could return if she wished. Kate Beckinsale (pictured) is considering returning to Oxford University to complete her degree 26 years after dropping out There is something to be said for going back and finishing things off like this, rather than simply wishing youd acted differently the first time round. With the benefit of hindsight, we might regret not completing something, though, at the time, it seemed like we ought to drop it. A friend of mine always regretted not getting his grade eight piano. He felt incredibly frustrated with himself that, having spent so long mastering the instrument, in his mid-teens he decided he was more interested in girls and going out with mates than in sitting down for hours to practise Beethoven. After he got married and settled down, he realised hed made a mistake. Over the years hes often bemoaned the fact that he got so close to completing all his grades but never did. He wanted that sense of accomplishment, and smarted at the idea that hed given up when things got tough. In reality, like for Kate, life just got in the way hed changed school and wanted to make new friends, so he didnt fancy the isolation that comes with hours spent practising the piano. But in middle age, he saw things with a new clarity and wanted to know he could do what had been left undone. There is something very satisfying about tidying up loose ends in this way. Its also a powerful reminder that you can take control and make changes. The brain does get smaller as we age most adults lose five per cent of volume per decade after the age of 35 but where once we thought its ability to acquire new skills and remodel itself also declined steeply, now we know that it is capable of great feats of learning well into old age. It might take longer and feel harder, but its also very good for us. Learning something new in midlife sets up a virtuous circle. The more demands we make on our brain, the more we protect it against atrophy, and the easier it is to learn yet more. Curiosity, and remaining open to new challenges, situations and people, correlates highly with good health and long life. Dr Max Pemberton (pictured) said learning is good for protecting the brain against atrophy, and the easier it is to learn yet more So, 25 years after he gave up the piano, my friend bought one and started lessons. After 18 months, and just before lockdown, he finally got his grade eight. He got up at 4.30am every day to practise for 90 minutes before his children got up, and it was horrible and gruelling. But now he says its given him an even greater sense of achievement. Ive just done this myself. Many years ago I started training in old-age psychiatry, but got sidetracked. I had always wanted to work in this area indeed, I had applied to medical school specifically because I wanted to work with older people and specialise in dementia. As a junior doctor, a professor had taken me under his wing and mentored me. But then, suddenly, he had to take early retirement on health grounds. I missed his support and direction, and drifted for a bit before picking another area of interest eating disorders. Visitor bans at care homes were cruel and unnecessary according to doctors writing in the BMJ this week. I agree. People with dementia live with progressive cognitive problems that make them particularly vulnerable to isolation and emotional distress. Yet we shut them away, creating untold misery. I had a hugely enjoyable career in this area of medicine, but there was always a part of me that regretted not completing my training in old-age psychiatry. It was a little niggling thought in the back of my mind something not quite ticked off. The pandemic meant I was put on a Covid ward where I was working with older people, and initially I was wistful that Id given up this dream. But then it occurred to me that there was nothing stopping me from going back and finishing my training. One evening during lockdown, I filled in an application form and became a (rather old) junior doctor again. On Wednesday I start work in a memory service ward for those with dementia. We all have things that are unfinished in life. Sometimes its good to just give them up, focus on the future and let sleeping dogs lie. But there are other times when, for our own satisfaction and sense of completion, we should go back. Dont panic, the kids are all right Acclaimed childrens author Michael Morpurgo has rather dramatically said that children will never recover from missing their friends over the past year. Actually, Im not so sure. Certainly children can be damaged by adverse events, and Ive long been worried about the effects lockdown could have on the poorest. I also worry about those who have been locked up with abusive or neglectful parents and for whom school was a welcome refuge. But most children will bounce back. They soon adapted to lockdown, and while they might not have seen their friends, they will have spent longer with their parents and siblings. Many will have had more time and attention lavished on them by being at home than they would have done at school, too. Studies of children in adverse situations show they are surprisingly resilient, providing they have a stable, secure base, understand whats happening and feel loved and protected. Amanda Pritchard (pictured) has taken over as the new boss of the NHS, following the work of Sir Simon Stevens The NHS has a new boss. Amanda Pritchard took over the post at the weekend from Sir Simon Stevens. She has big boots to fill I had great respect for Sir Simon and thought he did an excellent job. Running an organisation as big and unwieldy as the NHS is a formidable task, yet each time I met him he seemed to really care about what was happening on the ground and always wanted to know how, from a clinicians perspective, things could be improved. I hope Amanda will continue in this vein and listen to those at the coalface. Dr Max prescribes... red peppers Research newly published in the journal Neurology showed that people who consume the most flavonoids found in brightly coloured fruit and vegetables such as red peppers are less likely to suffer cognitive decline in later life. Flavonoids protect plants from stress and UV light, but emerging evidence shows they are highly beneficial for human health, including for protecting memory and thinking. Social media? Too destructive. Motherhood? I didnt have a clue. Fame? A rollercoaster. The sharp-shooting FELICITY JONES tells Francesca Babb why shes determined to keep it real on screen and off Felicity Jones: 'Ive always loved Bridget Joness Diary, it made me feel so much better about getting things so hopelessly wrong' Felicity Jones is hungover, bleary-eyed and in a strangers bed. Her mascara is smeared over her face, and she cant remember the name of the man lying next to her. It is the opening scene of her latest film, The Last Letter From Your Lover, an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes and that first full frame of her character Ellie Haworth, recently single and barely holding things together, is far more Bridget Jones than Brigitte Bardot. Fully flawed in a world where modified perfection glares at us from every screen, this representation of imperfection is very much how Felicity sees herself. Ive always loved Bridget Joness Diary, it made me feel so much better about getting things so hopelessly wrong, laughs the actress, 37, talking over Zoom from her monochrome minimalist London home all white walls and a black lamp coordinating perfectly with her chunky oatmeal sweater. To Felicity, playing a complex woman is far more interesting than presenting a polished Hollywood version. Many of my cousins are boys and I grew up running around outside, she explains of her attitude to grooming. There was no emphasis on make-up, or hair, or looking a certain way. I always had this really short bowl cut and vanity was never the focus, which gives you a great start in life. Felicity was born in Bournville, near Birmingham. Her mother and father who worked in advertising and journalism respectively split up when she was three. So many actors have divorced parents, she says. It definitely gives you a sense of drive and determination. Families are families and have their ups and downs, but I was fortunate that I felt like I could do anything and that was supported and encouraged. 'It was full-on becoming a mother in the pandemic...one you've gone through that, you feel as though you can go through anything' Felicitys own family expanded by one last year when she and her husband, film director Charles Guard, had their first child a son in April 2020, right in the eye of the storm of the first lockdown. It was a full-on thing to be going through during a pandemic, she admits of those first few months of motherhood. We didnt have a clue what was going on, so it was a scary time to be having a baby. Only going out once a day and feeling like your life is threatened it was a very heightened experience. Its so much easier now you can do things Oh, this is what its supposed to be like! Once youve gone through that, you feel as though you can go through anything. When I ask her if she was able to relax at all during the pandemic, she laughs incredulously, possibly because the notion of a newborn in lockdown is the absolute antithesis of restful scenes, but also because any time she wasnt flat-out with childcare was spent earnestly sourcing material for her new production company. Her son will, undoubtedly, spend many of his formative years on set, given both parents professions. Would she be upset if he followed them into film? Im hoping hell go into the sciences, she laughs. Felicitys first big break came aged 13 in The Treasure Seekers, a made-for-TV movie adaptation of the E Nesbit novel, alongside Keira Knightley. She then temporarily relocated to London to film ITVs childrens series The Worst Witch, staying in Richmond under the watchful eye of a chaperone. While that level of freedom at such a young age may have been terrifying for some the start of a loss of innocence, perhaps for Felicity it was exhilarating and made her certain that acting was where her future lay. Felicity with her husband Charles Guard Crack cocaine introduced to Ambridge? The Archers wasnt like that in my day! I just loved the independence, she says. To be away from home at that age was so exciting. It gave me a sense of, I like having this autonomy. Next came a starring role on the British institution The Archers, where she played Emma Grundy for almost a decade, before leaving in 2009. I just read in the paper that crack cocaine has been introduced to Ambridge, she says, with mock horror. It wasnt like that in my day! The Archers was a brilliant starting ground. Its such a lovely thing in this country that you can move between radio, theatre and film, and I think thats why Britain makes such good actors. Felicity was certainly part of a generation of extraordinary talent. As well as Keira Knightley her contemporaries included Andrew Garfield and her regular co-star Eddie Redmayne, all of whom remain friends. I think there was probably a bit of healthy competition, but it was such an amazing period of talent. She has worked pretty consistently ever since those early days of child stardom apart from a brief interlude to study English at Oxford University and has starred in films alongside Hollywood heavyweights such as Tom Hanks, Sigourney Weaver, Anthony Hopkins and George Clooney. Ive done it from such a young age so it feels normal for me to always be working, she says, That said, you dont want to be doing it in extremis so youre run ragged. Balance, she knows, is important for both her own state of mind and for keeping a level of normality in her life. Wild swimming and early morning runs are her present go-to methods of switching off. Its hard, though. Its quite an extreme industry at the best of times and when something is happening, it is all-encompassing, and it takes over. You go through periods where you are away working and you realise that youre missing important moments in peoples lives. Felicity in her new film The Last Letter From Your Lover with co-star Nabhaan Rizwan Felicity also maintains her mental balance by avoiding social media. She isnt on Instagram or Twitter, which, in an age when film studios will look at an actors social stats before their body of work, feels all kinds of defiant a character trait thats important to Felicity and one well return to. Its just not something that I want to do. I know friends who wake up in the middle of the night and start reading messages and I think that is quite destructive. Also, I love it when I dont know everything about an actor, and theres a little bit of mystery to them. Felicitys insistence on maintaining that distance is reminiscent of the movie stars of yesteryear. Its an apt comparison as you could easily imagine a Deborah Kerr or Audrey Hepburn playing Felicitys role in her new film. The storyline flits between the modern day where her character, a journalist, discovers a stash of old love letters and the 1960s, where Shailene Woodleys character, Jennifer Stirling, is the recipient, embroiled in a doomed yet beautiful love affair. It is gorgeously told and lavishly shot, partly on the French Riviera. In a summer largely devoid of foreign travel, it provides some much-needed escapism. I think were all ready for a bit of light relief, Felicity agrees. Weve been through the mill. Its going to be a very gradual, probably painful, process for us all to get back to normality so watching something escapist and romantic will transport us away from the humdrum day-to-day stuff weve all been bogged down with. As well as playing the films lead, she also took on the role of executive producer, which involved making decisions on script and casting choices, among other things. The history of cinema has been dominated by the male perspective, she says. To start seeing a balance emerge is really exciting. Its vital that [representation] is changing, but there is still further to go, particularly behind the camera. Felicity used lockdown to officially start Piecrust Productions with her brother Alex. Theyve begun to option books and develop scripts and, despite the increased responsibility and weight on her shoulders, shes thrilled about the opportunities her new role will bring. The company is named after a style of collar worn by Elizabeth I, she explains, of the same ruffle that edged the Erdem dress she wore at her 2018 wedding to Charles. One of the themes of projects that were looking at is defiance, and Elizabeth I felt like a good reference as one of the original defiant women. Starting this company is what Alex and I have always wanted to do. I aim to go into every aspect of filmmaking. Felicity playing Jane Hawking with on-screen husband Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything, 2014. Defiance is a good interpretation of Felicitys approach to the parts she plays too. Shes played pioneering US Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2018s On The Basis of Sex (meeting her intensified my feeling of doing things that matter), rebel warrior Jyn Erso in Star Wars spin-off Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (a female lead who is really good at fighting? Sign me up!) and Stephen Hawkings redoutable wife Jane in The Theory of Everything, for which she received an Oscar nomination. Now that I look back, I think that was quite cool, she says of the accolade. But you cant get too caught up in the hype. Its so funny when you see it happening, when someones in that moment, in that storm, and you think wheres my friend gone?. Acting is a rollercoaster; youre up and then youre down, youre in and youre out. So if you attach too much value to something like that, you would go crazy. The characters she is drawn to differ wildly from each other, but they do share a common ground of intelligence and inner strength. If youre looking for someone to play the quiet little woman in the corner, you probably dont want to offer the part to Felicity. Theres always something about the characters I play where theyre quite extreme, she agrees. I like something that is a little bit heightened, obsessive; theres got to be a slight madness, something extra. I think I probably have something of that. In acting, youre up then down, youre in and then out Up next, as both an actress and a producer, is Borderland, a thriller in which she will star alongside John Boyega and Jodie Turner-Smith, and which will be directed by her husband and his brother Thomas, a duo who go by the moniker The Guard Brothers. Were pretty chilled about working together, she says of the venture with her husband. Weve both been doing this job for donkeys years, so it feels quite natural. With no importance placed upon her image, nor her social media status, Felicity is free to concentrate on the things that really matter to her. Family, and her son, of course, but also nurturing her fledgling production company and making the most fulfilling work of her life. An actresss career used to end at 40, but the changes that have happened over the past few years mean its a really energising, exciting time. I just want to keep making interesting things. When youre Felicity Jones, that, surely, is a given. Felicity playing Ruth Bader Ginsburg alongside Armie Hammer in On The Basis of Sex, 2018. The Last Letter From Your Lover is only in UK cinemas from 6 Aug Hollywood's Sunset Studios chain has a new sister site in Hertfordshire. The 700m development in Broxbourne, which will be announced today, is the first the chain has built outside of Tinseltown. It will be used for television, film and digital production and is expected to create 4,500 jobs. Star quality: The 700m development is the first the chain has built outside of Tinseltown Hudson Pacific Properties and Blackstone, the partner behind the project, said they wanted to make Broxbourne 17 miles north of central London 'one of the largest world-class film and television studio campuses'. The investment comes at a time when the popularity of video streaming services has turbocharged demand for new content. That has led to intense competition for studio space, leading to a string of expansions and new developments such as Sky's new complex in Elstree, as well as deals by Netflix and Disney to sign leases with Shepperton and Pinewood Studios. Britain's creative industries are seen as among the best in the world, with the film industry alone contributing an estimated 4.6billion to GDP and supporting more than 117,000 jobs. Text messages sent by Ben Roberts-Smith's former wife in support of the war hero before he was publicly accused of killing prisoners have been released. Emma Roberts says in one message to her friend Danielle Scott that 'someone has said a hell of a lot about Ben but they also have to prove it.' Mr Roberts-Smith is suing Nine newspapers over stories they published in June 2018 accusing him of committing war crimes while serving in Afghanistan with the SAS. The texts from Ms Roberts to Ms Scott were sent a month before the first story's publication. She has since agreed to give evidence against him. Mr Roberts-Smith left Ms Roberts in January 2020 and she gave a statement to Nine a fortnight after their divorce was settled in February this year. When the contents of the texts were first read in court last month, Australia's most decorated soldier took a swipe at his now ex-wife over some of what she had said to Ms Scott. Text messages sent by Ben Roberts-Smith's former wife in support of the war hero before he was publicly accused of killing prisoners have been released. Emma Roberts has since flipped and is giving evidence for Nine newspapers. The former couple is pictured in London in 2012 Emma Roberts says in one message to her friend Danielle Scott that 'someone has said a hell of a lot about Ben but they also have to prove it.' Mr Roberts-Smith (right) is suing Nine newspapers over a series of stories accusing him of committing war crimes in Afghanistan Mr Roberts-Smith is Australia's most decorated living soldier. His defamation trial against Nine has been disrupted by Covid-19 but resumed this week to take evidence from three Afghan witnesses about the death of a man called Ali Jan at Darwan in 2012 The Victoria Cross recipient was giving evidence about what another SAS member known as Person 5 had told an offical inquiry into alleged war crimes. Person 5 and Mr Roberts-Smith were both being investigated by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF). Person 5 had been Mr Roberts-Smith's patrol commander in Afghanistan and was called in to be questioned by the IGADF on May 9, 2018. He had been due to fly to the United States after giving evidence to the inquiry. Barrister Nicholas Owens SC, for Nine, suggested Person 5 subsequently revealed to Mr Roberts-Smith 'in very great detail' various allegations that had been made about his service in Afghanistan. The court heard discussing what was said during such interviews was against Defence regulations. Mr Roberts-Smith told the court Person 5, who was a close friend, had merely sent him a letter of complaint about his treatment by the IGADF investigators. Part of that letter said: 'They were pushing the fact that BRS wandered off whenever he wanted and did whatever he wanted' while on deployment in Afghanistan. Mr Owens read from text messages Ms Roberts sent to Ms Scott after Person 5 gave evidence to the inquiry. A series of text messages between Emma Roberts and her friend Danielle Scott relate to evidence given by Mr Roberts-Smith's fellow SAS member Person 5 to an inquiry into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan Mr Roberts-Smith is also suing his ex-wife Emma Roberts, claiming she broke into his email account. She is pictured outside her Brisbane home on June 4 'Hey mate, [Person 5] rang BRS late [followed by a sad face emoji],' the first message said. 'He was drilled for hours! Lots of questions about Ben and even to the point of questioning his VC action [sad face]. 'Hence to say he didn't get much sleep. [Person 5] was free to leave for the US with 5 hrs until his flight!! Ms Scott: 'So if they let [Person 5] go... that's gotta be a good sign right?' Ms Roberts: 'Yeh. [followed by a thumbs-up emoji] It's obvious that someone has said a hell of a lot about Ben. But they also have to be able to prove it.' Mr Roberts-Smith denied the texts showed he told his wife that Person 5 had disclosed detailed information about allegations against him which had been revealed while Person 5 was being interviewed. 'It looks like she's forming her own opinion which is reasonably typical of my ex-wife,' he told the court. Ms Roberts and Ms Scott have said they will give evidence for Nine. Person 5 is listed to give evidence for Mr Roberts-Smith. Ben Roberts-Smith's Victoria Cross made him the most famous soldier in Australia but also allegedly led to jealousy among some of his colleagues. The Queen is pictured shaking hands with him during an audience at Buckingham Palace in November 2011 Mr Roberts-Smith is suing newspapers including the Sydney Morning Herald which ran this front page investigation into allegations of war crimes committed in Afghanistan on the weekend of June 9 and 10, 2018 Person 5 features in allegations of war crimes Nine has made about a raid on a compound called Whiskey 108 at Kakarak in southern Afghanistan on April 12, 2009. That day Mr Roberts-Smith shot dead an Afghan male with a prosthetic leg. Nine claims that man was a prisoner but Mr Roberts-Smith says he was an insurgent armed with a rifle. Mr Roberts-Smith has also denied standing by while a junior SAS member (Person 4) killed a second Afghan male taken into custody at Whiskey 108 in a 'blooding' custom. Mr Owens said Person 5 had told Person 4 to shoot the prisoners, an old man wearing a white robe. 'That's completely false,' Mr Roberts-Smith responded. Mr Owens claimed Mr Roberts-Smith or Person 4 had asked to borrow a suppressor to silence one of their weapons from a soldier called Person 41. Mr Roberts-Smith is pictured with his new girlfriend Sarah Matulin attending the Magic Millions races together on the Queensland Gold Coast in January this year Mr Roberts-Smith shot dead a man with a prosthetic leg on a mission in 2009. The leg was souvenired by another soldier and taken back to the SAS base at Takin Kowt where it was used as a drinking vessel. Another soldier is pictured drinking from the leg He claimed Mr Roberts-Smith forced the old man to the ground and told Person 4, 'Shoot him'. Mr Roberts-Smith denied all of it. 'That is completely false.' Mr Roberts-Smith denied he then carried the prisoner with the prosthetic leg out of the compound, threw him on the ground and shot him with an extended burst from his machine gun. Mr Owens said when Mr Roberts-Smith realised Person 4 had seen the execution he asked him, 'Are we cool?' Mr Roberts-Smith replied: 'No, that's a lie.' Mr Roberts-Smith has said the man with the prosthetic leg had been armed with a bolt-action rifle and the other with a machine gun. He said no Afghans were found in a tunnel or taken prisoner, as alleged by the newspapers, and Person 5 had not discussed 'blooding rookies'. The trial has heard that a soldier known as Person 6 who was one of Mr Roberts-Smith's 'enemies', souvenired the leg as a war trophy. The leg was kept at the SAS base and used as a drinking vessel at the regiment's unofficial bar, the Fat Lady's Arms. Mr Roberts-Smith has told the Federal Court he had an affair with a woman known in the proceedings as Person 17 from about October 2017 until April 2018 while he was temporarily separated from his wife. U.S. Representative Cori Bush, who was evicted three times and lived in her car with her two children before her career in politics, spent a sleepless night on the U.S. Capitol steps to protest the end on Saturday of a pandemic freeze on evictions. Bush, a progressive Democrat who won her Missouri seat last year, managed about an hour of sleep sitting upright on a camp chair. Three other progressive lawmakers - Representatives Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - showed up to support her. Bush remained outside the Capitol on Saturday afternoon urging an Instagram audience to join her demand that Congress, President Joe Biden or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stop the moratorium from expiring. U.S. Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) speaks to reporters about the upcoming expiration of the pandemic-related federal moratorium on residential evictions from the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Saturday Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also shows up on the steps to show her support U.S. Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) slept in a deck chair overnight and did several livestreams during the day on Saturday 'We slept at the Capitol last night to ask them to come back and do their jobs. Today's their last chance,' Bush tweeted. 'Today, by midnight, if nothing happens, if no other action is taken from the House, or the Senate or the administration, 7 million people will be at risk for evictions,' the black congresswoman said. 'I've been there myself.' 'This pandemic is not behind us, and our federal housing policies should reflect that stark reality. With the United States facing the most severe eviction crisis in its history, our local and state governments still need more time to distribute critical rental assistance to help keep a roof over the heads of our constituents,' Democratic U.S. Reps. Cori Bush of Missouri, Jimmy Gomez of California and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts said in a joint statement. People are at risk of eviction because of unpaid rent that accrued during the pandemic, when many lost jobs due to the economic fallout. We cannot be abandoning the up to 11 million Americans that are in need, particularly when the emergency rental assistance ... has not gotten out.@AOC to me, during her visit to an ongoing gathering on the House steps, urging lawmakers to extend the eviction moratorium. @NY1 pic.twitter.com/HqoQs3e2iP Kevin Frey (@KevinFreyTV) July 31, 2021 U.S. Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) holds up her phone while live streaming from the chair she spent the night in to highlight the upcoming expiration of the pandemic-related federal moratorium on residential evictions Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) has been attempting to put pressure on her colleagues in the House, the Senate and the White House to extend the eviction moratorium A number of supporters joined Bush, center right, at the foot of the Capitol steps U.S. Representative Cori Bush (D-MO) greets U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) after Warren arrived to support Bush who spent the night on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Friday 'As of midnight tonight the CDC National Eviction Moratorium is set to expire. Yesterday, instead of the House convening and taking a vote to extend it they moved to a vote to extend it they moved to adjourn on a seven-week recess. Its simply unacceptable,' said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez outside the Capitol steps on Saturday. 'We cannot be abandoning 11 million Americans that are in need, particularly when the $46 billion emergency rental assistance that we authorized to pay peoples back rent has not gotten out. Governors and municipalities have not released the emergency rental assistance funds so we are asking to extending the moratorium until the funds come because this is simple not folks fault that those resources have not gone out.' Across the country in San Francisco advocates protested outside Nancy Pelosi's home to demand the House Speaker reconvene Congress in order to pass an extension to the moratorium. Around 40 protestors went to her home and taped an 'eviction notice' to her door with the aim of reminding the speaker that millions of Americans face eviction as of Sunday while she remains comfortable in her home. In solidarity with all people behind on rent and @CoriBush, were out at @SpeakerPelosi s mansion delivering an eviction notice. Our Congresswoman needs to convene Congress to extend the eviction moratorium. pic.twitter.com/4Hrpb0OMnZ Jackie Fielder (@JackieFielder_) July 31, 2021 Across the country in San Francisco advocates protested outside Nancy Pelosi's home to demand the House Speaker reconvene Congress in order to pass a moratorium extension Around 40 protestors went to her home and taped an 'eviction notice" to her door with the aim of reminding the speaker that millions of Americans face eviction as of Sunday while she remains comfortable in her home A sign calling for fighting evictions is set on the ground as Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) spends the night outside the U.S. Capitol to call for for an extension of the federal eviction moratorium on July 31, 2021 in Washington, DC Cori Bush (D-MO) speaks with supporters as she spends the night outside the U.S. Capitol to call for for an extension of the federal eviction moratorium on July 31 The eviction moratorium, which ends on Saturday at midnight has helped 2 million people stay in their homes who suffered financial hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic Two other progressive lawmakers - Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley - showed up to support her Rep. Cori Bush posted about her experience as she slept on the Capitol steps on Friday night The CDC imposed the moratorium 11 months ago in part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus through crowding in shelters and homes of people who would take in others. The House of Representatives adjourned for a seven-week August recess on Friday without renewing the moratorium after a Republican congressman blocked a motion to extend it until October 18. Lacking sufficient support, including among some Democrats, House Democrats opted not to bring legislation to a vote. Biden on Thursday had asked Congress to extend the moratorium and made clear that his administration would not extend it again without congressional approval. The moratorium was put in place last September by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) speaks with supporters as she spends the night outside the U.S. Capitol U.S. Representative Cori Bush, who was evicted three times and lived in her car with her two children before her career in politics Bush, a progressive Democrat who won her Missouri seat last year, managed about an hour of sleep sitting upright on a camp chair 'Given the recent spread of the delta variant, including among those Americans both most likely to face evictions and lacking vaccinations, President Biden would have strongly supported a decision by the CDC to further extend this eviction moratorium to protect renters at this moment of heightened vulnerability,' the White House said in a statement. 'Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has made clear that this option is no longer available.' The court mustered a bare 5-4 majority last month, to allow the eviction ban to continue through the end of July. One of those in the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, made clear he would block any additional extensions unless there was 'clear and specific congressional authorization.' More than 6.5 million U.S. households are currently behind on $20 billion in rental payments, according to a study by the Aspen Institute and the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. As of July 5, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. said they faced eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey. Housing advocates and some lawmakers have called for the moratorium to be extended due to the increase in coronavirus cases and the fact so little rental assistance has been distributed. Joe Biden's administration will allow a nationwide ban on evictions to expire Saturday Congress has allocated nearly $47 billion in rental assistance that is supposed to go to help tenants pay off months of back rent. But so far, only about $3 billion of the first tranche of $25 billion has been distributed through June by states and localities. Some states like New York have distributed almost nothing, while several have only approved a few million dollars. Opponents of extending the moratorium note the mounting pressure on landlords who have had to keep up with mortgage, insurance and tax payments without rent coming in. Bush said she had long expected the CDC would extend the moratorium. She now hoped to get enough other lawmakers to help her convince House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring the House back into session and act. 'We need to buy some time so that we can talk to moderate Democrats and ... see how we can work together to get this done,' she told reporters. She had not heard from Pelosi, who told reporters Friday that she believed the CDC could extend the moratorium. Florida on Saturday reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19 - the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic - as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors. The figure breaks the record set on January 7, when 19,334 cases reported - before the availability of vaccinations became widespread. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the US as the highly contagious delta variant continues to spread. Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida, has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials' ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. Motorists in Orlando, Florida, line up for testing on Thursday. Friday saw 21,683 new cases of COVID-19 - the highest total of the whole pandemic, breaking a record set in January People attend a mobile COVID-19 vaccination event at the downtown Orlando campus of the University of Central Florida and Valencia College, on July 24 A group waits to get a COVID-19 test on Saturday in North Miami. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. Raquel Heres gets a COVID-19 rapid test to be able to travel overseas in North Miami on Saturday DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The state's peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over a seven-day period. Deaths usually follow increases in hospitalizations by a few weeks. DeSantis has blamed the surge on a seasonal increase, because more Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather, and he says air conditioning circulates the virus. About 60 percent of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states. The Florida Hospital Association said Friday that statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations are nearing last year's peak, and one of the state's largest health care systems, AdventHealth's Central Florida Division, this week advised it would no longer be conducting nonemergency surgeries in order to free up resources for COVID-19 patients. Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld on Saturday became the latest theme park resorts in Florida to again ask visitors to wear masks indoors, with Universal also ordering its employees to wear face coverings to protect against COVID-19, which has been surging across the state. All workers at Universal's Florida park on Saturday started being required to wear masks while indoors as the employees returned to practicing social distancing. Cars line up at Miami Dade College North campus' COVID-19 testing site on Thursday Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld are the latest theme park resorts in Florida to again ask visitors to wear masks indoors, with Universal also ordering its employees to wear face coverings to protect against COVID-19 The home to Harry Potter and Despicable Me rides also asked visitors to follow federal and local health guidelines by voluntarily wearing face coverings indoors. 'The health and safety of our guests and team members is always our top priority,' Universal said in a statement. Health officials on Friday announced that coronavirus cases in Florida had jumped 50 percent over the past week with COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state nearing last year's peak. SeaWorld on Saturday posted on its website that it was recommending that visitors follow recently updated federal recommendations and wear face coverings while indoors. The change in policy this week at the theme park resorts came after the CDC recommended that everyone wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Walt Disney World started requiring employees and guests older than 2 to wear masks on Friday, but it also went a step further. The Walt Disney Co. said in a statement that it will be requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the US who work on site to be fully vaccinated. Disney employees who are not already vaccinated will have 60 days to do so and those still working from home will need to show proof of vaccination before returning. Disney said it was discussing the vaccine requirements with the union, and added that all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated before starting work at the company. Advertisement Controversial activist Shaun King has swapped his two-bedroom apartment in New York City for a luxury five-bedroom luxury home on a New Jersey lakefront. Shaun King and his wife, Rai-Tonicia, are being criticized for their new lavish home King, 41, has become a controversial figure in the Black Lives Matter and criminal justice reform movements after his racial identity was questioned. King's career has also been plagued by accusations of insincere motives and deception from his shady dealings. The new property, purchased by King's wife, Rai-Tonicia King, 41, in November 2020 for $842,000, is surrounded by lush, tall trees sitting on Farrington Lake. It has 'a lakefront backyard' and gourmet kitchen, according to public records. Rai-Tonicia is a Ph.D. candidate and educator. Last year she founded Hands In Learning, an 'education nonprofit providing high quality, virtual academic and enrichment classes for students all across the world regardless of their ability to pay.' The $842,000 house is above the average $217,500 home value in New Brunswick. The town of 41,431 is 45% White, 24% Asian, 20% Black, and 19% Hispanic with much smaller percentages of other races, according to Census data. Shaun King recently moved into a lavish lakefront home in North Brunswick, New Jersey with his wife and five children The King family left their luxury two-bedroom in Brooklyn, New York to move an hour and a half away to New Jersey The five bedroom and four bathroom home was purchased in November by King's wife, Rai-Toincia The center piece of the home is the gourmet kitchen featuring quartz counters, center island, and breakfast area According to Zillow, the property was purchased for $842,000 which is higher than the estimated median home value of North Brunswick which is $341,000 The house was built in 1986 on 0.25 acres with an attached two-car garage to accommodate the fluctuating family The many windows offer endless views of Farrington Lake which runs through East Brunswick, North Brunswick, and South Brunswick The house is situated at the end of a culdesac offering less passing traffic and more privacy for the residents In June, the mother of Tamir Rice, a black 12-year-old who was shot and killed by a white police officer in Cleveland in 2014, took to Instagram to blast King for profiting off of her son's death and brand him an 'imposter.' The post came shortly after King - who raised as much as $60,000 for Tamir's family after his death without their consent - posted a new podcast to his website titled 'I spoke to Samaria Rice this past week.' The episode seems to have since been deleted, and is no longer listed under the episodes for 'Breakdown with Shaun King.' 'Why do you think it's so important to tell folks we had a conversation?' Rice asked King in her Instagram post, which was captioned: 'For anyone that wants to know the truth.' 'Well we talked and everything you said was very toxic and uncomfortable for me to hear that you raised additional money, and then say you did not want to bother me,' she continued. 'Personally, I don't understand how you sleep at night. I never gave you permission to raise nothing.' 'Along with the United States, you robbed me for the death of my son.' The two-story home has one guest bedroom on the first floor and four bedrooms on the second floor of the family home North Brunswick, New Jersey has a population of 41,431 with an estimated 14,243 households in the city The rooms feature hardwood flooring and white walls which are flooded with natural lighting with the many windows Nearly every room in the house offers views of Farrington Lake through the trees The home has three full bathrooms and a 1/2 bath. The white title bathrooms have an open feeling with a glass standing shower and windows The modern bathrooms are covered in granite floors and counters with lots of storage space in the mirrors, drawers, and shelves A completely glassed in sunroom and deck continue the kitchen's open concept with a wall of glass doors leading to the covered deck which overlooks the lash backyard The enclosed patio connects the house to the beautiful backyard and a smaller open air deck to enjoy the fresh air The windows, glass doors, encased patio and open-air deck accentuate the natural beauty of the lakefront home An outdoor open-air deck allows for unobstructed views of the greenery and the lakefront and small dock The waters of Lake Farrington cover 290 acres of land to enjoy fishing or just relaxing on the lake on your kayak or boat The house is 20 minutes to Princeton, 10 minutes to Rutgers, and 10 minutes to the express bus to Wall Street, Midtown, and Port Authority Tamir Rice was shot and killed by Timothy Loehmann, a 26-year-old white police officer, in Cleveland on November 22, 2014, when he was carrying a toy gun. His death quickly made national and international news, and sparked outrage across the country. Shortly after his death, King held an online fundraiser for the Rice family, but attorneys for the family said at the time they had not spoken to King and did not know who he was. A court then seized the money on behalf of the family, the Washington Post reported in 2015, and set up a trustee to manage the funds, placing all the money into Tamir Rices estate, meaning that any withdrawal would require a judges ruling. So, rather than being gifted the money directly, the Rice family would have to apply for each disbursement. Family man: Rai and Shaun have five children, and have taken in other children in the past (Shaun above with four of his children) Samaria Rice, left, the mother of Tamir Rice, called out activist Shaun King, right, in an Instagram post on Tuesday after he posted an episode of his podcast entitled 'I spoke to Samaria Rice this past week,' and detailed his thoughts on the conversation. In her Instagram post, Rice criticized King, calling him an 'imposter that cannot be trusted.' Tamir Rice, pictured, was just 12 years old when he was shot and killed by a white police officer in Cleveland, Ohio on November 22, 2014 In a blog post accompanying his podcast episode first released in June, King said he and Rice spoke about the issue. 'It was a much needed conversation,' he wrote. 'I learned a lot. Listened a lot. Shared my heart. and pledged we would continue to fight to get justice and accountability for Tamir.' He said he was shocked that Rice knew who he was, as he had spent the past few months trying to reach her 'through civil rights leader Opal Tometi and through the families of Oscar Grant and Philando Castile in an attempt to hear from her directly and answer any questions she might have.' He said she was aware that he had tried to reach out to her, 'And then she spoke for a good 20 minutes about her pain, her frustrations, her questions and her struggles. 'She acknowledged that I was aware that I had written articles about Tamir across the years and had raised money for her family, but it was in that part of the conversation that I truly came to understand a central mistake that I had made with her. 'For the past seven years, I have left Samaria Rice alone,' he concluded. 'As a general rule, when a family impacted by police violence asks for my help with fundraising or advocacy I do it - not only with no questions asked, but I do it with zero expectations from the grieved family.' 'Ultimately, I learned that [Rice] didn't even know most of what I had done for her,' he said. 'That's my fault, and I'll never let that happen again.' But Rice had a completely different recounting of events in her Instagram post, saying he gave her a 'cop and donut conversation.' 'All lies Shaun, please stop thinking we on the same page,' she wrote. 'As a white man acting black, you are an imposter that cannot be trusted. 'My son was 12 years old, and DOJ needs to reopen his case, period. 'Tamir's Human rights was violated, who would you so ever make it about you? You are a selfish self-centered person and God will deal with you, white man.' King has previously said he has been told by his mother that 'the white man on my birth certificate is not my biological father, and that my actual biological father is a light-skinned black man.' Back in 2015, a family member confirmed in an interview that both of King's parents are white. CNN's Don Lemon spoke with an unidentified member of Shaun King's family who said that King was born to white parents. Lemon also spoke to King himself over text message, and asked him directly about his race. 'Initially he did not answer but later referred to himself as biracial,' said Lemon. One firm in five plans to shed jobs after today's latest cut in the Government's furlough aid. The support is slowly being made less generous, with the Treasury ending the scheme by October. From today, Government support for a furlough wage will be cut to 60 per cent from 70 per cent, with employers now having to foot 20 per cent of furlough pay, instead of the ten per cent expected in July. One firm in five plans to shed jobs after today's latest cut in the Government's furlough aid A poll of 250 businesses with employees still on furlough found that 18 per cent said they were likely to make staff redundant. This will lead to thousands of job losses, said the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC), which carried out the survey. A quarter of firms said they would aim to reduce hours or move staff to part-time working. Official data shows that 1.9 million people were still furloughed at the end of June, a reduction from 2.4 million a month earlier. BCC spokeswoman Jane Gratton said many people needed training in new skills, adding: 'It is crucial that employers and the Government give them the support they need to be re-engaged.' Scott Morrison has offered rare insight into his devout Christian faith and revealed he 'gave his life to the Lord' at a Boys' Brigade camp when he was 12. Mr Morrison made history by becoming Australia's first Pentecostal Prime Minister when he took the top job in August 2018. Now, three years on, the nation's leader has opened up about his religious rituals and involvement with his church in an interview with the Weekend Australian. The prime minister said he prays almost every day - on his knees when possible - and reads the bible from his phone, lately perusing through the Old Testament. Although his religious journey started in childhood, it was not until his adult years that he would become a member of the Pentecostal faith - which has controversial customs, such as speaking in tongues and claims to heal by the laying of hands. Scott Morrison has offered a rare glimpse into his Pentecostal faith, revealing he tries to pray every day and reads the bible from his phone. Pictured: The prime minister and his wife sing during an Easter Sunday service at the Horizon Church in Sutherland Growing up Christian, Mr Morrison attended the Presbyterian church at Waverley, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, with his family as a child. But it wasn't until Year 7 that he would make the decision to commit himself to becoming an active Christian for the rest of his life. While attending a Christian youth organisation camp in Melbourne, Mr Morrison felt compelled to make a promise to forever serve Jesus. 'On that camp I gave my life to the Lord, on January 11, 1981. I was 12. I massively felt it that day,' he told The Australian. 'It is a confession of repentance. I felt that movement, to get to my feet. I spent the rest of the day sitting with the chaplain.' Mr Morrison said his choice was entirely personal, with his religious parents urging him to wait until he was ready to take the step. A few years later, his brother, Alan, who had also dedicated himself to God, baptised him at their family church. Mr Morrison (pictured around age five) grew up religious, regularly attending a Presbyterian church in Waverley with his parents Mr Morrison (pictured alongside his wife Jenny, daughters Lily and Abbey, and mother Marion) has been a member of the Horizon Church, in Sydney's south, for more than a decade Mr Morrison went on to meet his wife Jenny through the Christian Brethren Assembly youth group at Waverley Gospel, and the pair began dating in Year 12, later marrying in 1990. A decade later, the Morrisons' faith would evolve from their Presbyterian roots into Pentecostalism. During a work trip to New Zealand, the couple attended a service at the Christchurch Brethren Assembly and developed a taste for the church's dynamic style of worship, which includes shouting, clapping, singing and dancing. 'When we came back to Australia in July 2000 we really appreciated that style of church and we started going to Hillsong church in Waterloo [in inner Sydney]. Its a bit different from the one in the Hills,' he said. 'It suited us, it was big, we made a lot of friends. Later we went to ShireLive. Its now called Horizon Church. Ive never been that fussed about denominations. I just like a community, Bible-based church.' Mr Morrison and his family have been members of the Sutherland Shire's Horizon Church, in Sydney's south, for more than a decade. He said he doesn't participate in the church's custom of 'speaking in tongues', a practice that involves uttering speech-like sounds, which is thought to be the Holy Spirit enabling them to pray - but he insists it isn't as strange as it sounds. Mr Morrison has previously said he and wife Jenny (pictured together) were called upon to do 'God's work' by leading the country However, the prime minister says his private relationship with God includes 'trying to pray every day', an gesture he describes as an 'important act of submission', and he regularly reads from a bible on his phone. Although religion is central to his life and he 'couldn't function without his faith', Mr Morrison also insists it does not dictate his policies and he thinks it is unfair that people suggest his faith is linked to his decisions in office. The disclosure comes just months after Mr Morrison revealed he has engaged in the Pentecostal act of offering 'spiritual healings' during his time in office. In April, the prime minister attended the Australian Christian Churches conference in the Gold Coast where he told cheering fellow parishioners he and Jenny were 'called to do God's work' by leading the country. He and said he often prayed at work and engaged in the evangelical tradition of 'laying on of hands', which is used to confer a spiritual blessing, having done so during a visit to the cyclone hit Pilbara region in Western Australia earlier this year. 'I've been in evacuation centres where people thought I was just giving someone a hug and I was praying, and putting my hands on people laying hands on them and praying in various situations,' he said. The prime minister admitted to giving 'spiritual healings' while in office during a speech at the Australian Christian Churches conference on the Gold Coast in April (pictured) 'God has, I believe, been using us in those moments to be able to provide some relief and comfort and just some reassurance.' However, Mr Morrison told the Australian he has only prayed for people at their request and with their permission. During the speech, Mr Morrison also labelled social media the work of the 'devil' called on believers to 'raise their spiritual weapons' and use prayer to combat its 'corrosive effect on society'. He also revealed he had looked for signs from God while he was on the 2019 election campaign trail, finding one during a trip to art gallery on the NSW central coast. 'And there right in front of me was the biggest picture of a soaring eagle but the message I got that day was, Scott you've got to run to not grow weary, you've got to walk to not grow faint, you've got to spread your wings like an eagle to soar like an eagle,' he said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Prime Minister's office for comment. Five men allegedly attacked police when they were caught breaching lockdown and at an illegal house party in western Sydney. The men were drinking with friends in the garage of a home on Unicombe Crescent in Oakhurst at 4.10pm on Saturday. Police were called to the house by reports of a party in breach of lockdown and asked the group to provide identification, but the men allegedly refused. A 44-year-old allegedly pushed an officer in the chest before the other four men became violent and officers used pepper spray to subdue them. Five men allegedly attacked police after they were caught breaching Covid-19 restrictions and drinking in a garage (pictured, officers patrolling Victoria Park at Glebe) All five men were arrested and taken to Mount Druitt Police Station. The 44-year-old was charged with two counts of intimidating a police officer in execution of duty, assaulting a police officer, resisting a police officer, and breaching lockdown. He was granted conditional bail and will face Mount Druitt Local Court on August 11. Three other men aged 30, 32, and 38 were charged with resisting and hindering a police officer, and breaching lockdown. The 32-year-old was also charged with assaulting a police officer. All three men were granted conditional bail and will front court on August 18. Another 33-year-old was charged with resisting and hindering a police officer and breaching lockdown. He was refused bail and will face Parramatta Local Court on Sunday. The second fastest sprinter in history couldn't hide his shock at being beaten by a little-known Australian runner at the Tokyo Olympics. Rohan Browning is Australia's new star of the track after the run of his life to win his 100m heat, leaving 2021 Jamaican world champion Yohan Blake trailing in his wake. The 23-year-old Sydney law student clocked a personal-best 10.01 seconds to move to second on the Australian all-time list and the equal fifth fastest time going into Sunday night's semi-finals. One of the hot favourites to win gold in Tokyo, Blake looked astonished to have beaten by the Australian he didn't see coming in lane one. The 2012 Olympic silver medalist took a quick glance across at Browning as his opponent crossed the finish line ahead of him. Seconds later, a stunned Blake was filmed by television cameras grimacing and shrugging his shoulders following the surprise defeat. Rohan Browning shocked the world on Saturday night by winning his 100 metre men's heat 'Yohan Blake has looked across and you know what he's thought, 'Who is that in lane one? I've been beaten by an Australian'! Yes, you have Yohan Blake,' former Olympian Tamsyn Manou said in Channel 7 coverage. Co-commentator Bruce McAvaney was just as excited. 'Boy oh boy. We've got one! We've found one,' he said. Browning was out of the blocks quickly and never looked like being beaten. The only Australian to have clocked a faster legal time was Patrick Johnson, who ran 9.93 back in 2003. The humble Australian used his 15 seconds in the spotlight to issue a passionate plea for millions of viewers holed up in lockdown back home. 'Hopefully I've put a few people on notice now,' Browning told reporters post-race. 'It feels good. If I can take one thing away from it, it's that Australia, don't go out on anti-vax protests, stay home and get around the underdogs at the Olympics.' 2011 world champion Yohan Blake (pictured) looked incredibly shocked to be beaten by Australia's new sprint hero, Rohan Browning Blake, 31, finished second behind fellow countryman Usain Bolt in the 100 and 200m double in 2012 in London and failed to make the podium in either event four years later in Rio. The semi-finals will begin at 8.15pm Sunday night with eight progressing to the final two hours later at 10.50pm. Former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington believes Browning could be on the medal podium on Sunday night if he can shave another 0.05 seconds of his personal best and go under 10 seconds. 'If Rohan can find 0.05, he is going to be in the mix for sure,' Shirvington told Sunrise on Sunday. No Australian man has qualified for an Olympic 100m final since Hec Hogan won bronze in Melbourne in 1956, a feat now well within Browning's reach if he can replicate this run in the semis on Sunday. 'There's more to pull out of myself. I can definitely be pushed a bit more,' Browning told Channel Seven post-race. Browning left the likes of 2011 world champion Yohan Blake from Jamaica in his wake as he stopped the clock at 10.01 seconds 'It's the one thing I've probably been lacking on the Australian circuit. I've been patient this year. 'I've just been training and racing in Australia and I've been dying for a bit of world-class competition.' ''I had a look at the start list when the heats came out and I thought 'geez I've got one of the stiffest heats'. 'But you'd rather do it the hard way because it's much more satisfying that way and you've got to front up to everyone at some point.' Browning was thrilled to take some early scalps in his heat. 'I've wanted to get him (Blake) for a long time. All the world's best guys are on my hit-list. 'When you're in lane one, you don't get a personalised introduction and I was definitely trying to harness a bit of that underdog spirit today. 'I doubt any of these guys would have any idea who I am.' Rohan Browning, left, of Australia, leads the field in his heat of the men's 100-meters The only Australian to have clocked a faster legal time was Patrick Johnson, who ran 9.93 back in 2003 Browning was the equal fifth fastest qualifier for Sunday's semis, with Canadian Andre de Grasse topping the timesheets with 9.91. 'There are a lot of media pundits who are writing up really well-meaning stories about how great it would be for me to make the finals, but you know I've never been here just to make the final,' he said. 'No matter what the bookies say, the pundits, the punters. I hope there are a few more believers tonight'. His electrifying performance was hailed on social media, but some fans were more impressed with Browning's mullet hairstyle. 'The win was almost as great as your haircut,' wrote one viewer while congratulating Browning. 'Rohan Browning won because his mullet was so aerodynamic,' joked another. A migrant mother has told how she and her two young children nearly drowned trying to reach the UK by boat but she is still planning another perilous crossing. Joan, 32, revealed that she and her son Zanyar, ten, and daughter Sidra, nine, were among 33 would-be asylum-seekers who nearly died last week when their ramshackle vessel capsized at night after seven hours at sea. After they were rescued, French authorities put them up in a hotel for three days, before returning them to a squalid camp in Dunkirk where they are planning their next attempt. Speaking exclusively to The Mail on Sunday, the Kurdistani national said of the ill-fated journey: 'I felt that something bad would happen and I was very scared. Joan, 32, revealed that she and her son Zanyar, ten, and daughter Sidra, nine, were among 33 would-be asylum-seekers who nearly died last week when their vessel capsized at night 'The waves became bigger and then the engine failed. We were in the boat for about seven hours during the night and then it flipped over and tipped us all into the water.' Earlier, as darkness fell, they had been picked up from the camp by a car and driven several miles to a beach, where she and her children were given just one lifejacket even though none of them can swim. Joan said: 'There were 33 people who were going on this small rigid inflatable boat from the beach. 'We had to wade through the water to get to it. I was carrying my children and the water came up to my neck. 'I had to be helped into the boat and when we were all in, the guy in charge of the outboard motor had to start it by touching two wires together. 'But he made a mistake and everyone got an electric shock because we were all wet. 'My son passed out because of the shock and I was very worried because I didn't even know if he was alive. I told them, 'Please, I want to go back because I think my son is dead'. 'They said, 'No, you cannot leave and, if you do, it will be a problem for you,' and we set off as my son came round.' Joan, her two children and their uncle, Karim (pictured with Zanyar), are now among 300 migrants in one such Dunkirk camp where people live in tents under tarpaulins With the sea becoming increasingly choppy as the journey progressed, Joan took some string from her bag and used it to tie the children to her. Speaking about being thrown into the water, she added: 'All I could do was hang on to my children. 'But it was difficult because we only had the one lifejacket. 'Luckily, one of the other guys came to help me. 'It was really cold and I thought we were all going to die. 'After about one hour in the water, the French arrived and put us in a boat to take us back to France. I felt like we were already dead. 'They took us to a police station which was a bit like a hospital. 'They fed us and looked after us, and we stayed for a day. 'Then the police took us to a hotel, where we were looked after for three days before being told to leave.' Last week, The Mail on Sunday became one of the first media organisations to visit new camps in northern France where more than 2,000 people are living. Record numbers of migrants from these camps have launched crossings spanning the Channel to the UK this year. Attempts by French police to prevent migrants gathering en masse in busy areas around Calais the site of the infamous Jungle camp and Dunkirk have resulted in them dispersing over a huge areas, making it harder for the authorities to monitor them. As a result, nearly 8,000 migrants have attempted the dangerous crossing so far this year around the same number as during the whole of last year. Joan, her two children and their uncle, Karim, are now among 300 migrants in one such Dunkirk camp where people live in tents under tarpaulins. Although there are no toilets, they do have running water and food and clothing are provided by local and British charities. Among the other child migrants in the camp are Islam, seven, and Aya, ten, whose happy smiles masked the horrors of their journey to northern France. Among the other child migrants in the camp are Islam (right), seven, and Aya (left), ten, whose happy smiles masked the horrors of their journey to northern France Meanwhile, in anticipation of a new life or perhaps in a bid to fit in more easily in this country one adult migrant has already had the slogan 'I love London' tattooed on his arm, with a heart in place of the word 'love'. For her part, Joan widowed when her husband was shot dead in 2014 while serving with Kurdish forces against Islamic State fighters said she had spent around a year travelling to France and that she had no choice but to attempt to reach Britain again. While she previously led a comfortable life, she claimed her father-in-law took away the family home and car following her husband's death. Joan said she worked for two years as a cleaner and, with the help of her brother, who sent money to her from the UK, she managed to buy her own house only for her father-in-law to return and take away her son, too. When she managed to get Zanyar back, she decided that she had no option but to leave. She managed to get as far as Serbia, where people smugglers arranged for her to travel in a van to Italy. She and her children then went to France after being hidden in a container and arrived in an unknown city where she was given a train ticket to Dunkirk. Joan said she was too scared to reveal the part played by people smugglers in arranging the journey she has made so far across Europe and her potential trip across the Channel. However, another source at the camp told The Mail on Sunday that traffickers charged around 2,000 to smuggle adults over the Channel to the UK and around 1,000 each for children. Last night, Joan said: 'I am very sad and very afraid.' She added: 'How can I do this with my children? How can I go in a boat again? 'I am so afraid when I remember what happened in the boat before but I have to try and cross again. I have no choice.' Dozens of migrants are living in a plush hotel close to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges' home in Kensington Palace - with 55 asylum seekers put up for as long as nine months By Jonathan Bucks for the Mail on Sunday Dozens of asylum seekers are being housed in a hotel in one of London's most upmarket postcodes. The Best Western Kensington Olympia, a short walk from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's residence Kensington Palace, has been closed to paying customers and is instead putting up 55 migrants in some cases for up to nine months. The hotel is nestled in a corner of West London where three-bedroom flats sell for about 1.2 million. The Mail on Sunday watched on last week as a group of young men gathered outside the hotel casually chatting and smoking together. The Best Western Kensington Olympia (pictured) has been closed to paying customers and is instead putting up 55 migrants in some cases for up to nine months One strolled out of the building watching a video on an iPad. Inside, rooms are equipped with wi-fi, air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Most of the residents said they did not understand or speak any English. One man named Mosin, 28, who said he was from Iran, told the MoS he had been living in the hotel for more than nine months. He said: 'There are 55 of us. We are all refugees. Many of us are waiting to know what will happen to us next. 'We survive here but we are f****** bored. There is nothing to do and we cannot work.' Another man, who claimed to be from El Salvador, said that he was not allowed to talk about why he was staying there. A neighbour, who declined to give his name, said: 'It does sometimes feel like you're living next to a refugee camp when they're all outside smoking, which is quite strange for West London.' The Best Western Kensington Olympia is one of dozens of hotels up and down the country being used to house migrants. There are around 64,000 people in Home Office accommodation. While the majority are in shared housing, about 10,000 people are in hotels. Home Office officials have admitted that 90 hotels are being used to house migrants and that the hotels are 'not great value for the taxpayer'. The accommodation, which includes four-star hotels, is part of a 4 billion contract between the Home Office and a string of outsourcing giants. The Government plans to move migrants out of hotels and into housing, known as dispersed accommodation, in a scheme called Operation Oak. There are around 64,000 people in Home Office accommodation. While the majority are in shared housing, about 10,000 people are in hotels The number of migrants crossing the Channel between 2019-21 has been increasing year-on-year. The red line for 2021 soars above the lines for previous years, showing the monthly total is now at its highest ever In Hull, where dozens of migrants are being housed in a hotel, local MPs and the council have objected, saying it is 'totally unsuitable for the vulnerable individuals'. Analysis by the National Audit Office has shown that the average cost of accommodating an asylum seeker is 560 a month, up from 437 a month, plus a weekly allowance of 39.63 for food and other costs. Figures published by the Home Office reveal that asylum costs stood at 956 million in 2019-20. A Home Office spokesman said: 'The asylum system is being exploited by criminal gangs who facilitate dangerous, unnecessary and illegal small boat crossings. 'Our Nationality and Borders Bill will fix this broken system to deter these crossings. 'In the meantime, due to the unprecedented demand, we need to use temporary facilities such as hotels to manage demands on our existing accommodation and the immigration detention estate.' Best Western did not respond to request for comment. Britain's most prestigious foreign affairs think-tank was last night accused of becoming the latest institution in thrall to woke culture after giving awards to a Black Lives Matter leader and Greta Thunberg. Chatham House, also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, has made three Centenary Awards recognising outstanding contributions to confronting the critical challenges facing the world today. The Centenary Changemakers Award went to Ms Thunberg, 18, the Swedish activist challenging world leaders to avert climate change, while the Centenary Diversity Champion Award went to Melina Abdullah, co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter. The movement was formed to protest against police brutality and violence against black people, but critics say it has led to the silencing of free speech, with academics hesitant to talk about restricted freedoms in case its followers target them. The institute said the award recognised the momentous work Black Lives Matter has done towards empowering black people and promoting a more inclusive approach to race in policy-making. The Centenary Changemakers Award went to Greta Thunberg (pictured), 18, the Swedish activist challenging world leaders to avert climate change The Centenary Diversity Champion Award went to Melina Abdullah (pictured), co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter 'The movement has brought global attention to systemic injustice against black lives. But Brendan Clarke-Smith, Tory MP for Bassetlaw, said: When the world faces tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and our brilliant scientists have given us light at the end of the tunnel, we see another exercise in recognising wokery above real achievement. 'We should be focusing on bringing people together, not giving awards to those who seek to cause division, such as BLM and its promoters. I see no such recognition of normalisation of relations in the Middle East or building bridges between North and South Korea. Perhaps this doesnt tick the right boxes. Mark Lehain, director of the Campaign for Common Sense, said: Its really sad to see Chatham House recognise an organisation as divisive as Black Lives Matter. 'Far from bringing people together BLMs extremism has set race relations back. Sir David Attenborough won the Centenary Lifetime Award. Chatham House director Dr Robin Niblett said the winners demonstrate a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and inclusive world. Queensland has recorded nine new Covid-19 cases with its snap three-day lockdown likely to be extended as the outbreak spreads between several schools. Deputy premier Steven Miles said it was the largest increase in cases recorded in the state in the past 12 months. The last time we were at this level was at August 22, 2020, he said during a press conference on Sunday. His statement echoed previous comments made by chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young who warned it was the 'biggest outbreak in months and risks being our biggest ever'. Queensland has recorded nine new Covid-19 cases with its snap three-day lockdown likely to be extended as the outbreak spreads between several schools Of the new cases, four are linked to a karate school, one to Brisbane Boys Grammar, two cases to Indooroopilly State High School and two to Ironside State School. Dr Young defended the decision to plunge eleven local government areas into lockdown with Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim residents confined to their homes. 'The purpose of the lockdown is to stop the virus spreading,' she said. 'So it is to have everyone in their homes, as we find people, we find them in their homes, and they will have minimal exposure out in the community.' The lockdown is set to end on Tuesday though experts believe it will almost certainly be extended after six cases on Saturday and nine on Sunday. Dr Young admitted restrictions would only be rolled back when case numbers were down and all of the cases were not out in the community while infectious. 'The threshold is that I'm confident that all the cases that potentially have been exposed are safely in quarantine and are unlikely to end up having been infectious out in the community so unlikely to have been out there spreading,' she said. Deputy premier Steven Miles revealed it was the largest increase in cases recorded in the state in the past 12 months (pictured, Brisbane residents walking ahead of lockdown) Of the new cases, four are linked to a karate school, one to Brisbane Boys Grammar, two cases to Indooroopilly State High School and two to Ironside State School (pictured, nurses at Covid-19 testing clinic) Health minister Dr Yvette D'Ath said not enough people were coming forward for testing after only 11,468 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. 'Yesterday, I talked about the number of cases New South Wales has, over 3000. What I am more concerned about is the number 14. New South Wales has recorded on average one death every three days,' she said. 'We cannot be complacent, we want more people coming out of testing. We will be putting out on many social media platforms today, where you can find testing sites in your local area.' Two high schools - including the prestigious Brisbane Grammar School - are the latest to be caught up in the Covid outbreak in Queensland. On Saturday night, parents at BGS, which charges almost $28,000 in fees each year for students in years 7-12, were notified a pupil had tested positive to the virus. Anyone at the school's Spring Hill campus on July 28, 29 and 30 was ordered into home isolation until further advice was provided by Queensland Health. St Peters Lutheran College in Indooroopilly, in Brisbane's west, also sent out an email to parents confirming the school had been identified by Queensland Health as a possible exposure site. 'They (Queensland Health) have asked for all members of the St Peter's community to quarantine/isolate in place until further notice,' the email read. Mater Hospital Director of Infectious Diseases Paul Griffin warned there was a 'fairly low' chance restrictions would be eased on time given the spread of the virus. 'I would think, with the number of additional cases overnight, the additional schools, that the chance of this ending after three days is fairly low,' he told the Courier Mail. The lockdown is set to end on Tuesday though fears have been raised it could be extended Eleven local government areas have begun their first day of lockdown with Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim residents confined to their homes 'But, of course, we need everyone to do the right thing so that we can get on top of it as quickly as possible and be out of lockdown as soon as it's appropriate.' Among the venues added to the growing list of exposure sites are a Coles supermarket, numerous chemists and even a handful of bus routes. Oxley, in Brisbane's south-west, has three fresh exposure sites - an Aldi supermarket, (July 25, 8.55am to 9.25am) Chemist Warehouse (July 25, 9.10am to 9.30am) and a Country Markets (July 25, 8.30am to 9.10am). Jindalee's Coles, (July 29, 2.55pm to 3.15pm) also in the south-west, a McDonald's (July 25, 6.20pm to 6.55pm) and a Terry White Chemmart (July 29, 3pm to 3.20pm) in the same suburb were also exposed. The same applies for Highgrove Bathrooms in East Brisbane (July 29, 11am to 11.25am) and the Southbank TAFE (July 29, 6pm to 9pm) in South Brisbane. The lockdown is set to end on Tuesday though fears have been raised it could be extended as the state braces for more Covid-19 cases with two prestigious schools recording positive cases (pictured, Brisbane Grammar School confirmed a pupil had tested positive to Covid-19) Latest Covid exposure sites in Queensland Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and then isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Blunder Road Country Markets, 3/150 Blunder Rd Oxley, Sunday 25 July 8.30am to 9.10am ALDI Oxley, 146 Blunder Rd Oxley, Sunday 25 July, 8.55am to 9.25am Chemist Warehouse, 146 Blunder Rd Oxley Sunday 25 July 9.10am to 9.30am McDonalds, Jindalee Homemaker City, 12A Goggs Rd Jindalee 6.20pm to 6.55pm Bus Route 66, UQ Lakes Bus Station to PA Hospital Bus Station Wednesday July 28, 12.20pm to 12.40pm Bus Route 29, PA Hospital Bus Station to UQ Lakes Bus Station, Wednesday July 28, 2.30pm to 2.50pm Southbank TAFE, F Block Level 5 Rm 501566, Ernest St South Brisbane, Wednesday July 28, 7pm to 9pm Highgrove Bathrooms, 899 Stanley St East East Brisbane, Thursday July 29 11am to 11.25am Coles Jindalee, Corner Goggs and Sinnamon Rds Jindalee, Thursday July 29 2.55pm to 3.15pm Terry White Chemmart Jindalee, 4/168 Sinnamon Rd Jindalee, Thursday July 29, 3pm to 3.20pm Bus Route 412, Sir Fred Schonell Dve, St Lucia to UQ Chancellor's Place, University of Queensland, Friday July 30, 9.45am to 9.55am Indooroopilly State High School, 111 Ward St Indooroopilly, Thursday July 29, 8am to 3.30pm Myer (level 2), Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Thursday 29 July, 8.50am to 9.30am Seed Heritage (level 2), Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Thursday 29 July, 9.20am to 9.35am Target (level 2) Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 9.25am to 9.50am H and M (level 2) Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 9.45am to 10.10am Kmart (Level 1) Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Thursday 29 July, 10.10am to 10.45am Stacks Discounts Store, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 10.35am to 10.50am Country Road, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 10.45am to 11am Andonis Cafe & Bar, 4/281 Station Rd Yeerongpilly, Thursday 29 July, 11.50am to 1.45pm Bus Route 412, UQ Chancellor's Place to Stop 19 Sir Fred Schonell Dve, St Lucia Friday 30 July, 12.25pm departure Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is considered a casual contact who must get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received Bunnings Warehouse, Wecker Rd Mount Gravatt, Wednesday 28 July 7am to 7.35am Bunnings Warehouse, Wecker Rd, Mount Gravatt Thursday 29 July 12.30pm to 1.05pm Translational Research Institute, Ground Floor, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 37 Kent St Woolloongabba Wednesday 28 July 12.50pm to 2.45pm Female Toilets Level 2 near Forever New and Myer, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre Thursday 29 July, 8.45am to 8.50am Female toilets near Rebel Store and JB Hifi Level 1, Indooroopilly shopping centre Indooroopilly 10.50am 10.55am Source: Queensland Health Advertisement Anyone who caught the route 66 bus from the UQ lakes bus station to the PA Hospital bus station on July 28, between 12.20pm and 12.40pm has also been added to the list. So too has the route 29 bus from the PA Hospital bus station to UQ lakes bus station on the same day, from 2.30pm to 2.50pm. Another bus route on the exposure site list is the 412 from Sir Fred Schonell Drive in St Lucia, southwest of the CBD, to UQ Chancellor's Place at the University of Queensland for Friday July 30, between 9.45am and 9.55am. The Indooroopilly Shopping Centre has become a site of interest for authorities, namely Myer, H and M, Target, Kmart and Seed Heritage for Thursday 29 July, between 8.30am and 11am. Additionally, two new casual contact exposure sites have been added for Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane's south. Coles Jindalee, in Brisbane's south-west, has been named as a Covid exposure site by Queensland Health Both are for Bunnings Warehouse, with one on July 28 between 7am and 7.35am and the other on July 29 between 12.30pm and 1.05pm. Late on Saturday evening, even more casual exposure sites were confirmed, including two women's public toilets at the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. Any person who has visited any of the identified sites is urged to get tested for Covid immediately. They must also remain in quarantine even after receiving a negative result for 14 days from when they were last at the venue. The lockdown has impacted more than three million residents, with NRL, AFL and Super Netball games all cancelled on Saturday across the state. Aldi in Oxley, (pictured) also in Brisbane's south-west, is a confirmed Covid exposure site - after six positive cases overnight, many parts of Queensland were plunged into a three-day lockdown The Terry White Chemmart in Jindalee (pictured) has been identified as a Covid exposure site in Queensland The 11 LGAs affected include Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Noosa Shire, Redland City, the Scenic Rim Regional Council, the Somerset Regional Council and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Residents living can only leave home for four reasons including for essential goods, to provide or receive care, for essential school and work, and exercise. Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the state had no choice but to impose the harsh restrictions. 'We have seen from the experience in other states that the only way to beat the Delta strain is to move quickly, to be fast, and to be strong,' he said. 'This will be the strictest lockdown that we have had.' Indianapolis police are investigating a shooting at a funeral home that has left a four-year-old girl in critical condition. Four other people were also shot and injured during the incident which happened on Saturday at around 4.30pm. Police say a funeral service was occurring inside the funeral home at the time when shots were fired in the parking lot outside. Indianapolis Police is investigating a shooting that saw five people get shot including a four-year-old girl The shooting occurred outside a funeral home on Saturday afternoon at around 4:30pm Police say a funeral service was occurring at the Sprowl funeral home when shots were fired in the parking lot outside Police officers were called to Sprowl Funeral & Cremation Care, follow reports of a shooting according to CBS4. Several of the victims who were shot had been attending the funeral service. Cops pointed out the service was not taking place for any individual involved in violent crimes. 'It's a shame. Here we are at a funeral home ... the next thing you know we have more people injured,' Genea Cook, a spokesperson for the Indianapolis Police said. 'We need to think about our actions. We need to think about the things that we do. 'We're mentors. We are what the children are watching. They see our actions, so if this is your action, they're going to see that and they're going to do that. So be the mentor that you want them to grow up to be, be that person.' The shooting happened in the parking lot of a funeral home at about 4:30pm The area around the funeral home was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape 'We need to think about our actions. We need to think about the things that we do. 'We're mentors. We are what the children are watching,' said Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Public Information Officer Genae Cook, pictured Officers first came across a 16-year-old girl who had been hit. She was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in stable condition while a man who was struck was taken to St. Vincent Hospital, also in stable condition. A four-year-old girl was taken to Riley Children's Hospital in critical condition. Two other people ended up walking into the city's Methodist Hospital also both suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The pair are both said to be in stable condition. All the victims were in the parking lot of the funeral home The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department tweeted shortly before 5 p.m. that the 1100 block of W 30th St. was roped off for an active investigation Police have revealed that prior to the shooting, a man got out of his car and walked over to another vehicle in the parking lot of the funeral home. The pair ended up arguing and it resulted in the shooting. Everyone who was wounded in the incident was in the parking lot of the funeral home. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett released a statement following the shooting calling it 'a cowardly act.': 'This afternoon our community witnessed yet another violent incident, this time with multiple victims including a young child. Tonight our thoughts are with all those impacted, including those injured in the shooting, their families, and a neighborhood scarred by a cowardly act. 'Far too many residents have borne the consequences of the combination of firearms and failed conflict resolution and I join a frustrated community in calling for an end to this cycle of violence. IMPD and the City of Indianapolis will continue to try every solution, incorporate every best practice we can. But we cannot do it alone. 'It will take neighbors sharing information, supporting those who are hurting, intervening when someone is headed down a dangerous path. I urge anyone with information on this incident to share what they know and contact Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.' The doors to one of the cars in which victims were traveling inside were fully open Dozens of asylum seekers are being housed in a hotel in one of London's most upmarket postcodes. The Best Western Kensington Olympia, a short walk from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's residence Kensington Palace, has been closed to paying customers and is instead putting up 55 migrants in some cases for up to nine months. The hotel is nestled in a corner of West London where three-bedroom flats sell for about 1.2 million. The Mail on Sunday watched on last week as a group of young men gathered outside the hotel casually chatting and smoking together. The Best Western Kensington Olympia (pictured) has been closed to paying customers and is instead putting up 55 migrants in some cases for up to nine months One strolled out of the building watching a video on an iPad. Inside, rooms are equipped with wi-fi, air conditioning and flat-screen TVs. Most of the residents said they did not understand or speak any English. One man named Mosin, 28, who said he was from Iran, told the MoS he had been living in the hotel for more than nine months. He said: 'There are 55 of us. We are all refugees. Many of us are waiting to know what will happen to us next. 'We survive here but we are f****** bored. There is nothing to do and we cannot work.' Another man, who claimed to be from El Salvador, said that he was not allowed to talk about why he was staying there. There are around 64,000 people in Home Office accommodation. While the majority are in shared housing, about 10,000 people are in hotels A neighbour, who declined to give his name, said: 'It does sometimes feel like you're living next to a refugee camp when they're all outside smoking, which is quite strange for West London.' The Best Western Kensington Olympia is one of dozens of hotels up and down the country being used to house migrants. There are around 64,000 people in Home Office accommodation. While the majority are in shared housing, about 10,000 people are in hotels. Home Office officials have admitted that 90 hotels are being used to house migrants and that the hotels are 'not great value for the taxpayer'. The accommodation, which includes four-star hotels, is part of a 4 billion contract between the Home Office and a string of outsourcing giants. The Government plans to move migrants out of hotels and into housing, known as dispersed accommodation, in a scheme called Operation Oak. The number of migrants crossing the Channel between 2019-21 has been increasing year-on-year. The red line for 2021 soars above the lines for previous years, showing the monthly total is now at its highest ever In Hull, where dozens of migrants are being housed in a hotel, local MPs and the council have objected, saying it is 'totally unsuitable for the vulnerable individuals'. Analysis by the National Audit Office has shown that the average cost of accommodating an asylum seeker is 560 a month, up from 437 a month, plus a weekly allowance of 39.63 for food and other costs. Figures published by the Home Office reveal that asylum costs stood at 956 million in 2019-20. A Home Office spokesman said: 'The asylum system is being exploited by criminal gangs who facilitate dangerous, unnecessary and illegal small boat crossings. 'Our Nationality and Borders Bill will fix this broken system to deter these crossings. 'In the meantime, due to the unprecedented demand, we need to use temporary facilities such as hotels to manage demands on our existing accommodation and the immigration detention estate.' Best Western did not respond to request for comment. Business leaders last night slammed the Government after it emerged that work on the eastern leg of the HS2 rail scheme has been shelved. Ministers are understood to have quietly ordered HS2 Limited to halt planning work on the route, to Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds, over fears about soaring costs. Instead, construction will focus solely on the western leg, to Manchester. But bosses in the East Midlands and the North told The Mail on Sunday that abandoning the eastern route threatened to undermine Boris Johnson's Election pledge to 'level up' the entire economy. The Prime Minister was also warned voters in 'Red Wall' constituencies would be furious. The Prime Minister was warned voters in 'Red Wall' constituencies would be furious at the idea of the Leeds leg being shelved (Pictured: PM Boris Johnson on site of a part of HS2) Mark Reynolds, chief executive of giant construction firm Mace, said: 'By failing to deliver the entirety of the HS2 route, we risk losing out on improvements to the vital links between our regions and thousands of jobs and growth in the areas that need it most.' Mark Goldstone, of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: 'It's time for the Prime Minister to be honest with communities and businesses across the North about what his intentions for levelling up actually mean. 'HS2 is a key component of wider infrastructure plans.' The HS2 eastern leg was set to link the first phase of the project a rapid rail line from London to Birmingham with Nottingham, Sheffield and Leeds. Initially, phase two was set to extend the line from Birmingham to Manchester via Crewe the so-called western leg. Florence - the largest ever tunnel boring machine used on a UK rail project - was unveiled in May this year The Leeds line would run through the east Midlands and through Nottingham and Sheffield A separate route would then have been created from Birmingham to Leeds via an East Midlands hub. The eastern leg, which Ministers call 'phase 2b', is now expected to be mothballed amid concerns about costs: scrapping the expansion would slash billions off the bill. The total cost of HS2 has risen from 32.7 billion when the project was approved in 2012 to 107.7 billion. Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, said: 'The eastern leg of HS2 is an essential part of the high-speed rail network and must go ahead in full. 'If this Government is going to deliver on promises to level up, it must invest in those communities that have historically been left behind.' A spokesman for the CBI, which represents 190,000 businesses, said: 'As the Government looks to build back better after Covid-19, delivery of HS2 in its entirety will be more relevant than ever. An artist's impression of the HS2 train on the Birmingham and Fazeley viaduct 'The construction phases alone will create thousands of jobs and deliver social value in some of the areas of the country hardest hit by the economic impact of Covid-19.' Businesses called for the Government to publish the much-delayed Integrated Rail Plan, which is expected to reveal intentions for a string of projects including HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Midlands Rail Hub. Darren Caplan, chief executive of the Rail Industry Association, said: 'We need publication as soon as possible. 'If we are to level up all parts of the UK, it is essential HS2 is delivered in its entirety.' Ex-Treasury Minister Lord O'Neill, vice chair of the Northern Powerhouse Group, said: 'Given what was said by Boris in the Election campaign about levelling up, sidelining these projects would be taking a big political risk.' A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'The Integrated Rail Plan will soon outline exactly how major rail projects, including HS2 phase 2b and other projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, will work together to deliver the services passengers deserve.' Sydney's coronavirus outbreak shows no signs of slowing down with a record-equalling 239 new cases, the second day in a row of more than 200. Daily case numbers dipped after the record number was first reported on Thursday, but jumped back to 210 on Saturday including hundreds of mystery cases. NSW deputy chief health officer Jeremy McAnulty said an alarming number of cases were detected among childcare workers. He strongly urged parents to consider keeping their children at home to curb the spread of infection through daycares. 'It is a reminder, please reserve childcare centres if you really need to have your child in child care,' he said. 'Otherwise, keep them at home to minimise the spread through childcare.' Sydney's coronavirus outbreak shows no signs of slowing down with a record-equalling 239 new cases. Bondi Beach was packed on Sunday anyway New South Wales has recorded 239 new infections for a second time this week with a number of cases in childcare prompting warnings for parents to reconsider keeping their children at home Nine residents also tested positive at a nursing home in Summer Hill, in Sydney's inner-west. 'On a regular basis we are seeing cases in hospital settings or aged care settings and we have even had some disability settings as well,' Mr McAnulty said. 'So there is an outbreak in a Summer Hill aged care facility with I understand nine residents affected. 'Fortunately, many of those have been vaccinated. As I understand it, the ones with vaccination are doing relatively well.' There are 54 patients being treated in the intensive care unit with a large number under 60 including seven in their 20s, five in their 30s, two in their 40s and six in their 50s. Dr McAnulty warned younger Sydneysiders aged between 18 and 30 were the biggest spreaders of the virus. 'We are seeing cases at high rates in those age group,' he said. 'This is the age group that tends to be a link between kids, younger people, and older, elderly relatives. 'They are working, they have big social networks, if you are in that age group it is important that you be aware that you are very vulnerable to the infection, as we have seen in ICU numbers you can get serious disease. It is important you come forward for vaccination.' The figures announced on Sunday marks the second time the state has reported a record 239 cases - after first recording the number on Thursday Cases then dipped to 170 on Friday before jumping back to 210 on Saturday Ms Berejiklian was pressed by a reporter over concerns that young people were being turned down requests to get the AstraZeneca vaccine by their GPs (pictured, police confronting a resident outside Hyde Park) Only 80 of the new cases were in isolation, with 35 partially out in the community while infectious and at least 26 were out in the public and not isolating. State premier Gladys Berejiklian renewed calls for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers. 'Today is August 1 and I am calling upon the people of greater Sydney, and New South Wales, to come forward and get vaccinated,' she said. 'To get to the 70 per cent target we need 9.2 million jabs. To get the 80 per cent target we need 10 million jabs. We have been talking about this in NSW for some time.' The 80 per cent target has been set by the federal government as the key to reopening the border and scrapping state lockdowns. Ms Berejiklian was pressed by a reporter over concerns that young people were being turned down requests to get the AstraZeneca vaccine by their GPs. 'On the 20 to 30 age bracket, we are hearing stories of people wanted to get AstraZeneca, going to the GP and the GP says no, wait for Pfizer,' the reporter said. 'What are you doing about that because that messaging is very different and the message is consistently changing over months?' Ms Berejiklian responded: 'The NSW Government always follows the advice of the federal health authorities. 'Of course, we ask ability to follow that health advice by the health advice in New South Wales is that if you are over 18, it is safe to get either vaccine.' Of the patients in ICU, seven are in their 20s, five are in their 30s, two in their 40s and six in their 50s State premier Gladys Berejiklian renewed calls for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers (pictured, Sydney residents walking at Hyde Park) There are currently 54 patients being treated in the intensive care unit with a large number under 60 years of age Ms Berejiklian has denied reports nurses were forced back into hospitals before returning negative Covid-19 test results. During the state's Covid update on Sunday, a reporter highlighted a growing cluster of Covid-19 cases within the emergency department of a key hospital in Sydney. They claimed nurses who were close contacts of the emerging cases were forced to go back to work before receiving a negative test result due to increasing numbers of ICU patients. 'I havent seen evidence of that. If that was the case, I would dispute because we [have] many staff members on the beat of over 140,000 people working in the health system,' Ms Berejiklian replied. 'So it is really important to note that when you are in the middle of the pandemic and having cases every day, it stretches things.' Ms Berejiklian said even though a vast majority of healthcare workers were vaccinated, they could still catch the virus and pass it to others. The state premier also responded to criticism after it was revealed that Pfizer doses would be redirected from the community to Year 12 students. Central Coast residents have had their bookings cancelled at a vaccination hub in Belmore so their doses can go to students. That test rate in that LHD - 270 per 1,000 - lags behind South Western Sydney LHD on 450, Sydney LHD on 312 and Western Sydney LHD on 281 (Bondi pictured on Friday) Concerns were raised over the number of residents coming forward for testing after footage revealed a nearly empty testing clinic at Bondi A Syndeysider spends the day at Bondi beach as the city remains in lockdown amid growing Covid-19 cases 'It is only around 19,000 students,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'It is important for us to give those year 12 students a chance to finish their exams and get rewarded.' 'It's what they deserve and know that we are finding younger people are getting the virus and spreading it.' Ms Berejiklian conceded it would be weeks before residents get their hands on the Pfizer jab after their bookings were cancelled. She said the state had to prioritise Year 12 students as they prepared to take their Higher School Certificate and growing reports that some were too anxious to return to the classroom. 'Year 12 attaining those credentials is so important,' she said. 'We want to reduce their stress.' 'It is stressful and upsetting the HSC, let alone in a pandemic. It is stressful for parents and families and we want to make sure we provide those best opportunities in every way we can. 'We are doing a lot of work on not only how we can have some level of face to face for your 12 but also in a safe way.' Students may have been pushed ahead of the line to receive Pfizer, but teachers will still have to get the AstraZeneca. 'Obviously, if you are a teacher or critical worker or any citizen, it doesn't matter what you are doing, you should be coming forward to get the vaccine,' she said. 'For all adults the AstraZeneca is now recommended.' Ms Berejiklian argued it was important to help Year 12 students ahead of their Higher School Certificate and amid reports that many were 'too scared' to return to the classroom Central Coast residents have had their bookings cancelled at a vaccination hub in Belmore so their doses can go to students Worrying traces of coronavirus have been found in sewage catchments in regional New South Wales despite the country towns reporting no cases of Covid-19. Fragments of the virus were detected in Molong which is 290km west of Sydney, and Armidale, located more than 480km from the outbreak. Traces were also discovered on the northern end of the Central Coast and Wollongong 'People in those areas please come forward for testing with the mildest of symptoms,' Dr McAnulty said. NSW Health on Wednesday night issued an alert for the sewage treatment plant in Molong, which services around 1700 people in the state's central west. The Western Local Health District said a sample was tested at Molong near Orange last Monday and came back positive on Wednesday. Worrying traces of coronavirus have been found in sewage catchments in regional New South Wales despite the country towns reporting no cases of Covid-19 (pictured, Bondi Beach) Police officer checks the ID of a Sydneysider at Bondi Beach on Sunday after NSW recorded 239 new cases Two beachgoers show their IDs to a passing police officer at Bondi beach on Sunday Health authorities have also raised concerns about the lack of people coming forward for testing. On Saturday, photos emerged of a Bondi Covid test centre sitting empty while a Fairfield clinic was packed with residents. A local resident who went to get tested at 3.30pm told Daily Mail Australia the empty clinic was concerning. 'If no-one is getting tested in the eastern suburbs, that could mean lots of cases are going undetected,' he said. The exposure list has also grown with three busy buses, a train line fruit markets, pizza shops, bakeries, a Target store and a cheesecake shop among the new venues. Among the new exposure sites is the 400 bus running between Bondi Junction and Clovelly, and a Woolworths in Double Bay. Bondi is part of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, where there have been 301 positive cases in the four weeks to July 30. That test rate in that LHD - 270 per 1,000 - lags behind South Western Sydney LHD on 450, Sydney LHD on 312 and Western Sydney LHD on 281. Worrying photos emerged of a Covid test centre in Bondi sitting empty on Saturday afternoon, in stark contrast to packed clinics in Fairfield, in south-west This Bond testing centres (pictured) was empty on Saturday, even though the South-Eastern Sydney local health district has recorded 301 positive cases in the last four weeks as of July 30 Fragments of the virus were detected in Molong which is 290km west of Sydney, and Armidale, located more than 480km from the outbreak (pictured, police patrolling Hyde Park) Additional exposure sites released on Saturday include venues include World of Fruit in Campsie and Mancini's Original Woodfired Pizza in Belfield, where anyone who attended at times listed must immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14-days regardless of a negative result. The same rules apply for shoppers at a Penrith Officeworks on High Street, with shoppers who visited the store on Monday July 26 between the hours of 12pm - 5pm now considered close contacts. Several other south-west Sydney sites were listed as casual contact venues, including Wattle Grove Coles, Rainbow Cakes Strathfield, Blacktown Kmart and Cincotta chemist in Campsie. Bankstown recorded casual contact exposure sites at a Woolworths at Centro shopping centre on July 30, Priceline Pharmacy on July 28, Suhhtan Pizza Bakery July 23 and Aussie Farm Fresh on July 28. Those who visited the affected venues at the listed times must immediately get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result. A stay at home order was also issued on Saturday evening for anyone in New South Wales who has visited 11 LGAs in Queensland since July 21. Medical staff assist locals queueing at a medical centre to undertake COVID-19 testing in Fairfield on Friday Anyone who visited Officeworks at High Street, Penrith, on July 26, 12pm - 5pm is considered a close contact The affected LGAs are: Brisbane City, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Logan City, Noosa Shire Council, Redland City, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council, and Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Anyone in the same household must also follow the stay at home rules and to only leave home with a reasonable excuse. People will only be permitted to leave their places of residence with a reasonable excuse, being shopping, medical care, caregiving, outdoor exercise with a member of your household or one other person, and work or education, if you cannot do it from home. The warning comes as 210 new local cases were recorded overnight with 21 of those infectious within the community, as contact tracers scramble to contain the state's latest deadly covid-19 outbreak. A spike in new cases prompted Gladys Berejiklian to announce an entire stadium would be set up to help boost the state's vaccination rates and 1,000 police and soldiers have been called in to enforce the Sydney lockdown which is now over a month in. Of the 210 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases recorded, up to 152 of those cases may have been active in the community while infectious. Several other Southwest Sydney sites were listed as casual contact venues, including Wattle Grove Coles, Rainbow Cakes Strathfield, Blacktown Kmart and Cincotta chemist in Campsie Latest Covid exposure sites in NSW Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Belfield, Mancini's Original Woodfired Pizza, 21 Burwood Road. Sunday 18 July to Saturday 24 July. ALL DAY. Burwood, Chemist Warehouse, 69 Burwood Road. Wednesday 28 July 5.25pm to 5.30pm. Penrith, Officeworks, 273 High Street. Monday 26 July 12pm to 5pm. Canley Heights, An Phat Supermarket, 213-217 Canley Vale Road. Thursday 29 July 10am to 10.30am. Campsie, World of Fruit, 224 Beamish Street. Sunday 25 July 10.40am to 11am. Campsie, Katsyua Japanese Restaurant, Clemton Park Shopping Village - Shop 14/5 Mackinder Street. Monday 19 July to Wednesday 28 July, 6am to 10pm. Campsie, All Group Supermarket. 238 Bearmish Street. Sunday 25 July to Tuesday 27 July 8.30am to 3.30pm. Campsie, 36 Meat Mart. 273 Beamish Street. Monday 26 July to Saturday 31 July - between 7.30am and 6pm. Rhodes, Muhealth Medical Centre. Level 8, Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre. Rider Boulevard. Tuesday 27 July 9am to 11am, Friday 30 July 10am to 11.30am. Pemulwuy, Fully Tabooly Kebab Shop, Pemulwuy Marketplace, 70 Butu Wargun Drive. Friday 30 July and Saturday 31 July - 9am to 9.30am. Anyone who travelled on the following public transport routes is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Bondi Junction Clovelly, 400 Bus, from Bondi Junction Station Stand F to Frenchmans Road at Clovelly Road, Randwick. Monday 19 July 1.31pm to 1.40pm Campsie to Earlwood, 473 Bus, from Dan's Corner, Beamish Street, Campsie to Earlwood Shops. Monday 26 July 2.42pm to 2.51pm Summer Hill to Camperdown, 461X Bus, from Parramatta Road after Sloane Street, Summer Hill to Parramatta Road bf Lyons, Camperdown. Tuesday 27 July 8.09am to 8.17am 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. Bankstown, Quantum Radiology 258 South Terrace. Monday 28 July, 12.30pm to 12.50pm. Bondi Junction, Bondi Junction Post Shop Eastgate Shopping Centre, Shop 28 71-73 Spring Street. Friday 16 July, 9.10am to 9.20am. Brookvale, Woolworths. Warringah Mall 145 Old Pittwater Road. Sunday 25 July 5.05pm to 5.35pm. Fairfield, Everyday in Fairfield, 109 Sackville Street. Thursday 15 July 4pm to 4.10pm. Smithfield, GRAM Engineering. 16-22 Cullen Place. Friday 23 July, Monday 26 July and Tueday 27 July - 7.15am to 4.30pm. St Mary's, Astley Mobility Pharmacy 368 Pennant Hills Road. Thursday 29 July 1.30pm to 2pm, Saturday 31 July 11am to 11.30am. Sydney, Sunlite Mitre 10, 74 Pitt Street, Tuesday 27 July 3.15pm to 5pm Wattle Grove, Coles, Village Way. Friday 23 July 10.25am to 11am. Bankstown, Suhhtan Pizza Bakery, 226 Chapel Road. Friday 23 July 12.20pm to 12.25pm Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Ave. Saturday 24 July 10am-11am. Blacktown, Kmart, 28 Patrick Street. Saturday 24 July 5.40pm to 5.45pm. Bankstown, Priceline Pharmacy, 1 North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 12.45pm to 1.05pm. Campsie, Cincotta Chemist, 157 - 159 Beamish Street. Friday 30 July 4.40pm to 5.15pm. Bankstown, Woolworths Bankstown Centro Shopping Centre, Lady Cutler Avenue. Friday 30 July 8am to 9.10am. Double Bay, Woolworths, Kiaora Road. Sunday 18 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm and Monday 19 July 4.30pm to 4.45pm. Eastwood, BSW, Level 1 Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. Friday 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Eastwood, Woolworths. Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Strathfield, Omni Mart. Shop 7, Symonf Arcade, 12 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July 10.25am to 11am. Strathfield, Fresh Seafood and Meat. 22/11 The Boulevard. Satirday 24 July, 10.45pm to 11.15am. Strathfield, GR Buy Asian Supermarket. Shop 8/11 The Boulevard. Saturday 24 July, 11am to 11.30am. Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July, 10am to 11am. Yagoona, Ya Ya Bakery, 522 Hume Highway. Monday 19 July 6.45am to 7am. Liverpool, Mina Pizza, Shop 3, 46 Elizabeth Street. Tuesday 20 July 9am to 10am. Gladesville, Bunnings (tools section). 461 Victoria Road. Friday 23 July, 2.45pm to 3.20pm. Granville, Woolworths, 6 Louis Street. Wednesday 21 July 6.20pm to 6.50pm. Eastwood, La Vigne Bakery, 82 Rowe Street. Thursday 22 July 11.40am to 11.55am. St Marys, Aldi, 410-422 Great Western Highway. Thursday 22 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm. Macquarie Fields, Target, Glenquarie Town Centre Click and Collect, Victoria Road. Thursday 22 July 9am to 7pm, Friday 23 July 9am to 5pm, Sunday 25 July 9am to 5pm, Monday 26 July 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 27 July 9am to 5pm. Macquarie Park, Commonwealth Bank, Level 1 Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 12.50pm to 2pm. Macquarie Park, Suncorp. Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Priceline, Shop 10 Macquarie Shopping Centre Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1.10pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Panetta Mercato, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Saturday 24 July 4.50pm to 5.10pm. Macquarie Park, Azakaze, Macquarie Shopping Centre, 402/199 Herring Road. Saturday 24 July, 4.05pm to 4.30pm. Marrickville, Woolworths Metro, Marrickville Shopping Centre, 34 Victoria Road. Monday 26 July, 10.30am to 11.30am. Wentworth Point, The Smelly Cheesecake, 5 Footbridge Boulevard. Saturday 24 July 9.25am to 9.35am. Burwood, Evergreen Fresh World, Burwood Plaza, 42 Railway Parade. Saturday 24 July 2.45pm to 3.15pm. St Marys, IGA, Great Western Highway and Mamre Road. Saturday 24 July 4pm to 4.15pm. Lakemba, Woolworths, 2-26 Haldon Street. Saturday 24 July 10.30am to 10.40am. Bankstown, Aussie Farm Fresh, Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 8.40am to 8.50am. West Ryde, Coles, Betts Street and Chatham Road. Monday 19 July, 7.20am to 7.55am. Anyone who travelled on the following train service is considered a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. T4 Train Line, From Caringbah to Bondi Junction. Monday 19 July 12.12pm to 1.26pm. Advertisement 'By far the majority' of new cases continued to be diagnosed in Sydney's southwest and western Sydney, Mr Hazzard told reporters. The minister highlighted the dangers of the Delta strain to young people, with just under two thirds of the new cases (138) aged under 40. Younger people are also being hospitalised, he said. Of the 53 people in intensive care, six are in their 20s, four are in their 30s, one is in their 40s, 18 are in their 50s, 14 are in their 60s, nine are in their 70s and one is in their 80s. Non-urgent elective surgery has been cancelled but Mr Hazzard said a number of procedures will be dealt with by the private health system instead. Greater Sydney and surrounding regions are in lockdown until at least August 28, as authorities battle to contain the Delta outbreak. Saturday marked the return of the construction sector after a fortnight-long enforced break, with work allowed to resume on non-occupied sites provided COVID-safe plans are in force. But the sector said it cannot call on 68,000 workers - or 42 per cent of the workforce - from eight council areas worst-hit by the city's coronavirus outbreak. Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said many construction sites will struggle to reopen at the end of the two-week industry shutdown with over half its workforce in the locked down LGAs. Bankstown recorded three casual contact exposure sites at a Woolworths at Centro shopping centre on July 30, Priceline Pharmacy on July 28 and Suhhtan Pizza Bakery July 23 Anyone who has been involved in animal rights groups should be banned from sitting on a powerful new animal sentience committee, peers have said, amid concerns over activists hijacking controversial new legislation. An amendment specifying the ban is planned for the Animal Welfare Sentience Bill to avoid Government laws being sabotaged by vocal and well-funded animal rights groups, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. One of the key measures of the Bill, currently passing through the House of Lords, will be to establish the committee which will have powers to scrutinise all current and past legislation, in all departments. Anyone who has been involved in animal rights groups should be banned from sitting on a powerful new animal sentience committee, peers have said. Protesters are seen in London in 2019 Peers say that in its current form it will have open-ended powers, not limited in scope or timeframe. Lord Mancroft, who plans to table the amendment to block animal rights activists from sitting on the committee, said last night: You cannot have the lunatics run the asylum. Critics have warned the Bill is poorly designed and open to abuse. Conservative Party donors have written to Boris Johnson to express concern about the implications of the new law, which follows a Tory Party manifesto promise. Lord Mancroft said one hypothetical scenario could see activists on the committee overruling Ministry of Defence plans to build a strategic site such as Porton Down (above) on the grounds that it could disturb local vole populations The committees aim would be to scrutinise whether Ministers had paid due regard to their policies adverse effect on the welfare of animals as sentient beings. MPs, peers, donors and countryside groups have warned that the committee could seek to block infrastructure projects or development that damage areas populated by deer, badgers or squirrels. Lord Mancroft said one hypothetical scenario could see activists on the committee overruling Ministry of Defence plans to build a strategic site such as Porton Down on the grounds that it could disturb local vole populations and make all such Government decisions subject to judicial review. He warned the committee could also turn its attention to past developments, which saw woodland destruction. The Bill is designed to legally recognise vertebrate animals as sentient beings, and ensure their needs are taken into consideration across all Government policies. It will create a committee of animal welfare experts to provide advice on how policies have taken into account the welfare of animals. Government sources said there would be no binding direct new requirement on Ministers to always accept these recommendations. Defra said: In Scotland, an Animal Sentience Commission provides technical and scientific advice. This Bill introduces a similar mechanism for the UK Government. A mother has been forced to take out a 10,000 loan to pay for a private hysterectomy after being told she faced a two-year wait for the operation on the NHS. Emma Jamieson, 29, suffered agonising pain as a result of endometriosis, in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus can become scarred. Unable to bear the pain any longer, she urged her NHS consultant at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough to give her the go-ahead for a hysterectomy. But, to her horror, she was told she would have to wait 24 months due to the backlog caused by the Covid pandemic. Unwilling to face such a long delay, she made the drastic decision to take out a 10,000 loan and used 3,000 donated by friends to pay to have the operation privately. Its sad, but I just wanted my misery to end, said Ms Jamieson, who has a daughter Imogen, seven, with partner Kieran, 30. Emma Jamieson (pictured), 29, suffered agonising pain as a result of endometriosis, in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus can become scarred Its sad, but I just wanted my misery to end, said Ms Jamieson, pictured with daughter Imogen, seven, and partner Kieran, 30 I couldnt imagine waiting more than two years for surgery. She is now recovering from the operation on July 22. Before the procedure, she said, the pain often left her unable do her job as a transport company clerk, and she felt she was letting her daughter down by being a less able mum. I found very little pleasure in life. It was dominated by my condition, she added. Her case illustrates just how much some women are suffering as a result of delays to routine NHS care caused by hospitals focusing on Covid. Recent figures showed the number of patients waiting to see a gynaecologist had jumped by a third in a year, from 286,000 in April 2020 to 380,000 in April this year. Edward Morris, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said gynaecology had not always got a fair share of surgery time over the past 18 months, with specialists often diverted to help care for Covid patients or oversee labour wards. A James Cook Hospital spokeswoman said treating thousands of Covid patients had inevitably had an impact and that the next big focus for the NHS is addressing the needs of anybody whose non-urgent care has been disrupted by the pandemic. A Health Department spokesman said 6.6 billion was being spent to help the NHS recover from Covid. More pet-owners are taking their cats on holiday after lockdown brought them closer together. Animal-lovers have often taken their dogs on holiday, but now cats too with 2.3 million of them being taken on UK 'stay-cat-ions' this summer, a survey says. The trend is being driven by young adults, with 33 per cent of cat-owners aged 18 to 34 taking them on holiday, compared to just four per cent of owners over 55. The poll of 2,000 pet-owners by Direct Line Motor Insurance suggests that 6.3 million dogs are going on stay-cations. Animal-lovers have often taken their dogs on holiday, but now cats too with 2.3 million of them being taken on UK 'stay-cat-ions' this summer, a survey says (stock image) The research found that British breaks are booming, with 36.9 million trips taken last year, with over 13 million Brits (25 per cent) not currently finding overseas holidays an appealing prospect due to the pandemic. Nearly 20 million people (37 per cent) say their holiday habits have changed this year, with pet ownership a key factor. One in five Brits would not normally drive on a UK holiday, while one in seven would not normally take their pet on a UK holiday but will this year as they have become so much more attached to them during lockdowns. The survey shows that dogs are set to cover 1.4 billion road miles this summer as 12 million pet owners prepare to take their furry friend on holiday with them. A study says a total of 6.3 million dogs and 2.3 million cats are set to be taken on summer staycations this year as their owners cannot bear to leave them behind (stock image) But dogs are not alone - some 3.6 million owners plan to take their cats on road trips over the next few months, driving 98 miles each, meaning British cats too will travel a total of 349 million miles. Lorraine Price, Head of Motor Insurance at Direct Line, which surveyed 2,000 pet owners said: 'This summer is set to see another boom for staycations as we pack up our cars and hit the road for well deserved holidays. 'We are certainly a nation of animal lovers, which is clear from the number of dog and cat owners who plan to pack their pets in the car when they set off this summer. 'Driving with pets can be stressful, so it's worth spending time planning how they're going to be safely secured and that there are plenty of opportunities for stops along the way if going on a long journey.' Advertisement Chancellor Rishi Sunak is urging Boris Johnson to scrap Covid travel restrictions and save summer holidays this year, warning that border rules are wrecking the UK economy, squandering Britain's vaccine advantage and are stricter than European rivals. Mr Sunak has written to the Prime Minister calling on him to dump the draconian curbs amid mounting concerns that current UK border rules are damaging the country's wobbly economy, particularly its already-devastated tourism and hospitality sectors. The Chancellor is said to have warned that the UK is squandering its vaccine advantage after locking-down the country in January to roll-out Covid jabs, and is now saddling travellers with more 'draconian' rules than even Britain's rivals in the European Union. A source close to the Chancellor told the Sunday Times that Mr Sunak also wants to see the rules eased amid growing fears that restrictions are hampering City firms that are competing against EU cities to do business with the United States. The Chancellor's intervention comes ahead of a meeting on Thursday, at which ministers will set rules that will be in place for most of August. Millions of Britons will want to know whether they have to undergo Covid tests or quarantine if they travel to popular tourist destinations such as France, Italy and Spain. A senior Government source told the newspaper: 'Rishi and the PM are concerned that we've got the benefit from vaccinating so many people and yet we are an outlier in terms of how draconian we are about travel.' Treasury sources did not deny that the Chancellor had written to the Prime Minister but said the communication was not related to next week's review. The Government has faced criticism over changes to its border policy during the coronavirus pandemic, with France the latest to be irked after it was placed on a newly-created 'amber-plus' list as part of the so-called traffic light system. The fresh designation, in response to suggestions of growing cases of the Beta variant that was first discovered in South Africa, saw the quarantine exemption for the fully vaccinated scrapped, meaning those returning from France had to quarantine for 10 days. It comes as MPs called for a guarantee that holidaymakers in so-called amber countries would not have to self-isolate if their destination was placed on the red list while they were abroad, as the holiday hopes of millions risk being thrown into chaos by plans for a 'danger list' that could force people to pay for hotel quarantine upon returning to the UK. The Chancellor has warned Boris Johnson that the UK's travel restrictions are 'out of step' with its international rivals as he pushes for holiday rules to be relaxed, according to reports The Sunday Times reported that Rishi Sunak has written to the Prime Minister about the damage that the current border rules are doing to the country's economy, particularly its tourism and hospitality sector Most viable European holiday destinations, including Spain and Italy, are amber. There are fears both countries could be moved to the tougher watch list as early as this week Analysts have predicted that Spain could be the next country to go on the amber-plus list, in what would be a blow to British tourists given Spain is the UK's most popular tourist destination. There is speculation that France might be promoted back to amber when the Government updates the travel lists on August 5, restoring the ability for the double jabbed to skip self-isolation Ministers agreed in principle to a new 'amber watch list'. MPs called for a guarantee tourists would not have to quarantine if a location was placed on the red list while they were abroad. Pictured: British holidaymakers leaving Ibiza airport on July 16 'You'd have to be crackers to book a holiday': Fury at travel chaos and NEW list Ministers have been condemned for causing quarantine confusion as a raging battle has erupted in the cabinet over plans for a danger list of countries that could see destinations like Spain and Italy suddenly move to red. The plans for a new 'amber watch list' sparked outrage in Whitehall as some ministers believe it could ruin the holiday hopes of millions of Britons. The idea, which was agreed in principle this week, would see holidaymakers warned that while they are abroad certain amber countries could go straight on to the red list. This would leave them facing compulsory hotel quarantine on their return, at a cost of 1,750 a head. Spain and Italy both featured in talks about countries that could be put into the new category - as soon as next week - amid fears about the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa. Senior ministers, including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, are said to have reservations about imposing further disruption on the beleaguered travel sector. One Whitehall source said: 'You would have to be crackers to book a holiday to a place knowing that it could go on to the red list at any moment. 'If you have already booked to go there you are going to spend your whole holiday worrying whether you are going to have to make a dash to the airport to get home. 'The decision next week will basically be in place for August. It is peak holiday season - are we really going to cause that much disruption to this many people?' Advertisement Analysts have predicted that Spain could be the next country to go on the amber-plus list, in what would be a blow to British tourists given Spain is the UK's most popular tourist destination. There is speculation that France might be promoted back to amber when the Government updates the travel lists on August 5, restoring the ability for the double jabbed to skip self-isolation. No 10 sources said it was too early to speculate on what changes might be made next week, with ministers yet to see the latest data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre, which assesses the risks presented by international travel. They pointed to the decision to open up travel to those who are fully vaccinated coming from the US and European Union as an example of Mr Johnson's own desire to see more open borders in Britain. Mr Sunak's push for travel restrictions to be softened comes only days after scientists advising the Government on coronavirus warned, in papers published on Friday, that any increase in foreign travel this summer is concerning. Last week Ministers agreed in principle a new 'amber watch list' which could mean amber countries go straight to red. However, Tories want some guarantee that UK travellers will not be forced to self-isolate if the rules change while they are abroad, meaning people who flew out under one set of rules would be allowed to fly back on the same rules - even if the country designation changed while there. Sir John Hayes, who leads the Common Sense group of Tory MPs, said: 'It is really important holidaymakers know where they stand. The worst in the world would be if you have flown somewhere and find you will not be able to get back except at significant cost.' He called on Ministers to 'get the balance right' and not 'move the goal posts' for fully vaccinated people who were told they could fly to amber countries without needing to isolate. 'Hopefully we can sort something out that reassures people that if they do embark on a trip without being stranded. It's common sense,' he added. Henry Smith, the Conservative MP for Crawley, said there should be a time-limited window in which people can fly back under the same rules they flew out on. He called on Ministers to introduce 'some sort of fortnight guarantee if you travelled in good faith, you should be allowed to come back in on the conditions you left.' The MP added the current system is 'really putting people off international travel, to places that are arguably safer than many parts of the UK. The real effects will be more job losses in the travel and aviation sectors.' The new traffic light plan comes just weeks after double-jabbed Brits were told they could go to amber countries without having to self-isolate on their return. However France was moved to an 'amber plus' list and exempted. Most viable European holiday destinations, including Spain and Italy, are amber. There are fears both countries could be moved to the tougher watch list as early as this week. Tom Hunt, the Conservative who also sits on the Common Sense Group of MPs, said that, unless the Government this week 'significantly' expands the green list, people flying to amber list countries should be given more protection. Mr Hunt said giving people a guarantee they can return on the same rules they flew out with is 'reasonable' and called on the Government to consider it. The MP called on Ministers to 'chart a balance between keeping an eye on variants and borders, and giving certainty to holidaymakers. Mr Hunt also warned of the mental health impact on holidaymakers finally trying to get a break. 'If you're checking your phone every hour when over in one of these countries, anxious about it changing category, it counteracts the whole point of a holiday,' he said. Claire Brophy, 40, from Marlow, Buckinghamshire, flew to Alicante yesterday to see her parents for the first time in a year. If Spain moved on to a red list she would have to fly home immediately to allow time to self-isolate before the start of her two children's school term and pay about 600 for Covid tests. She said: 'Changing the traffic lights for Spain absolutely shouldn't be allowed: the cost of that for our family would be ludicrous. If this trip was just for a holiday, I wouldn't bother. But I haven't seen my family since last August.' She and husband Damien, 39, booked their second vaccinations when the Government said double-jabbed passengers travelling to amber countries would be exempt from quarantine from July 19. But Ms Brophy is now angry the freedom promised by the vaccine could be taken away. Last night the travel industry attacked Ministers' traffic lights approach and 'chaos' over travel. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of industry body Airlines UK, which represents the UK's major airlines, said: 'Cooking up yet another traffic light tier at will - the sixth since the Global Travel Taskforce was published - would be a further blow to demand in the middle of what is supposed to be the peak summer season. 'The Government must focus on getting more countries on to the green list during its review next week. That's the single best way to provide the necessary reassurance to families desperate to get away.' The daily average of coronavirus-related deaths, those dying within 28 days of a positive test, has increased by 9 per cent over the past week, with hospital admissions up by almost a fifth The daily average of coronavirus-related deaths, those dying within 28 days of a positive test, has increased by nine per cent over the past week, with hospital admissions up by almost a fifth. Government data showed a further 71 people died as of Saturday, bringing the UK total to 129,654, and a further 26,144 lab-confirmed cases were also recorded. With more than 900 people reported to have been admitted to hospital on Saturday, meaning 5,900 Covid patients are currently being treated in wards, fresh incentives are being rolled out to entice young people into getting vaccinated. The Department of Health and Social Care said around 67 per cent of people aged 18 to 29 in England have received a first dose, and it is hoping to boost those figures with offers of vouchers and discounts for popular takeaways and taxi for those who get a jab. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the brands who will be offering incentives to encourage youngsters to get inoculated. Taxi app firm Uber will be sending reminders to all users in August encouraging them to get jabbed, DHSC said. The company will offer discounted Uber rides and meals on its Uber Eats platform for young adults who receive a vaccine. Bolt, another ride-hailing app, will offer 'free ride credit' to vaccination centres following a similar scheme earlier this year when it offered 250,000 worth of free rides to London vaccination facilities. Deliveroo is planning to give vouchers to young people who get jabbed. The DHSC said further details on partnerships will be released 'in due course' and other incentives 'could include vouchers or discount codes', along with competitions and promotional offers for restaurants. Where CAN you go on holiday? Brits heading to summer hotspots still face days of isolation, being barred from restaurants and getting turned away if not double jabbed under travel rules Getting your head round the rules for entering England from abroad is just the first step - next you must navigate an often mind-boggling raft of requirements for entry into the holiday destinations themselves. Italy tightened their restrictions this week, announcing that unvaccinated tourists without the country's 'Green Pass' - an app-based vaccine passport - will be banned from public spaces including restaurants, bars and swimming pools. The new rules, which start from August 6, are just the first step of the Green Pass rollout, and they could soon become mandatory for plane and train travel too. The pass can be issued to everyone who has had at least one vaccine dose, recently recovered from Covid, or presented a negative test taken within 48 hours. All countries are enforcing their own rules of varying degrees of stringency, with some restricting entry to vaccinated tourists only, and others only insisting on a lateral flow or PCR test. There are fears in Britain that Spain could soon be added to the UK's 'amber plus' list, which would require people returning to England to quarantine. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab today warned there was no 'cast-iron guarantee' the country would not see its risk rating upgraded. It is vital to check the latest requirements before travel or risk being turned away. Requirements for entry into foreign countries are constantly changing and it is vital to check the latest rules before leaving LEAVING ENGLAND: The rules for arriving in popular holiday destinations EUROPE Spain (amber) All arrivals from the UK over 12 must present either a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of travelling, or proof of being fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure. The NHS Covid Pass - which you can get on the NHS app or by ordering a physical copy online - counts as evidence of vaccination status. You must also fill in a health control form no more than 48 hours before leaving for Spain. RETURNING TO ENGLAND: The rules for red, amber and green list countries RED You should not travel to red list countries or territories. If you have been in a country or territory on the red list in the last 10 days you will only be allowed to enter the UK if you are a British or Irish National, or you have residence rights in the UK. You will have to follow a strict set of rules even if you are fully vaccinated. Before leaving to travel to England: Take a PCR or lateral flow test children aged 10 and under do not need to take this test; Book a quarantine hotel package, including two Covid tests complete a passenger locator form. Upon arrival in England: Quarantine in a managed hotel, and take two Covid tests. AMBER From July 19, fully vaccinated British arrivals from an amber list country have not had to quarantine after touching down in the UK. From Monday at 4am, the right to skip self-isolation will extend to visitors from Europe and the US who have received both jabs. Arrivals still have to take a private PCR or lateral flow test in the three days before the service on which you will arrive in England departs. Before landing in England, you must also book and pay for day two and day eight Covid-19 tests, to be taken after your arrival. GREEN You must take a PCR or lateral flow test three days before departure and, before leaving, book and pay for a day two Covid test to be taken after arrival in England. You need to also complete a passenger locator form. Advertisement France (amber) You can enter France from the UK if you provide either proof that you are fully vaccinated or a 'sworn statement' attesting to this. Double-jabbed travellers no longer need to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result. Minors travelling with fully vaccinated adults do not need to self-isolate, but children aged 11 to 17 must show a negative test result. People who are not fully vaccinated will only be allowed in for essential reasons. In these cases, over-12s must show a negative PCR or antigen test taken less than 24 hours beforehand and agree to seven days' isolation. Self-administered tests are not allowed. Italy (amber) All British visitors have to self-isolate for five days upon arrival in Italy as part of a requirement that will stay in place until at least July 30. You must also: Show a negative molecular or antigen test upon arrival; Take a test at the end of the self-isolation period; Call the local Covid helpline within 48 hours or arriving; Complete an EU passenger locator form before travelling. Children under six are excused from these requirements. Portugal (amber) Travellers to mainland Portugal from the UK must quarantine for 14 days unless you can prove you are fully vaccinated. Children aged 12 to 17 travelling with double-jabbed parents do not have to quarantine but must provide a negative PCR or antigen test result. Children aged 11 are under are excused from the quarantine and testing requirements. People over 12 must also compete a passenger locator form and prepare to be temperature checked upon arrival. Malta (amber) Adult travellers must be fully vaccinated, while children aged 5 to 11 will need to show evidence of a negative PCR test carried out within 72 before arrival. Under-fives are exempt. Children aged 12 to 17 must also be fully vaccinated, but the UK is not currently providing jabs to this age group. The NHS Covid Pass counts as evidence of vaccination status, while NHS letters will be accepted if you live in Scotland. Adults do not have to carry out a PCR test, but must complete a passenger locator form and public health declaration prior to travel. This will then be shown to officials upon arrival. People enjoy the sun and the warm weather at the Playa Segur de Calafell Beach in Calafell, Spain, earlier this month. The country is the most popular foreign destination for British tourists Greece (amber) Arrivals from the UK will need to prove they are double jabbed. The NHS Covid Pass counts as evidence of vaccination status, while NHS letters will be accepted if you live in Scotland. British tourists must also complete a passenger locator form before arrival. You may have to take an antigen test after touching down in Greece, with 10 days in a quarantine hotel if you test positive. Self-isolation may also be required if anyone on your flight tests positive. Turkey (red) The government advises against travel to Turkey, with hotel quarantine needed upon return if you do decide to visit the country. Travellers do not need to provide proof of vaccination. But they must: Provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival; Fill in an online form within 72 hours of arrival; Prepare to be checked for Covid symptoms. Germany (amber) You may enter Germany from the UK for any travel purpose if you are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated children under 12 years of age are allowed to enter Germany if they present proof of a negative PCR test result and travel with at least one fully vaccinated parent. Travellers who are not fully vaccinated and are not German citizens, the partners of German citizens, or travelling for an essential reason may not currently enter the country from the UK. Britons must also complete pre-departure digital registration, regardless of vaccination status. If you are travelling to Germany for an exempted reason but are not fully vaccinated, you will be asked to quarantine for 10 days. Beech trees are pictured in Bilstein on Tuesday in a characteristically German scene. The country has tightened entry requirements for British tourists Cyprus (amber) The UK entered Cyprus' Red category on July 8, meaning that all arrivals must undergo a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure and provide proof of a negative result. You must then undergo another PCR test upon arrival at Larnaca or Paphos airports, and remain in self-isolation until the result is issued. Test results should be available within three hours through the online platform. The cost of both tests is borne by the passenger. Children under 12 are exempted from the testing requirement. Travellers with proof of two Covid vaccinations are not required to take a PCR test before departure, but you will still need to obtain a Cyprus flight pass. Croatia (amber) All travellers from the UK must present a negative antigen or PCR test taken with 48 and 72 hours of travel consecutively. This applies regardless of vaccination status. Children under 12 are exempt from the testing requirements. Switzerland (amber) You may enter Switzerland from the UK for any travel purpose if you are fully vaccinated and can show adequate proof. The NHS Covid Pass counts as evidence of vaccination status, while NHS letters will be accepted if you live in Scotland. Arrivals must also provide evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test. Most non-vaccinated UK citizens are not allowed to enter the country. Austria (amber) Entry to Austria from the UK is currently prohibited by Austrian law. Netherlands (amber) Non-EU or EEU nationals are not allowed to enter the country apart from essential reasons. That includes UK citizens. NORTH AMERICA USA (amber) Since March 16 2020, it has not been possible for most British nationals to enter the USA if they have been in the UK. US citizens and permanent residents of the USA, certain specified close family members and certain other limited categories of visas holders (such as UN staff and diplomats) are exempt. They will still be able to enter the USA. Revellers at the Tiki Bar on Manhattan's Upper West Side on Monday. Most night spots in the city are now open as normal CARIBBEAN Jamaica (amber) All travellers aged over 12 arriving in Jamaica must present a negative molecular (PCR, NAA, RNA) or antigen test, which was conducted within the 72 hours prior to the date of travel. Tourists will be screened on arrival and may still be required to be tested at the airport or designated facility. If the test is negative, you will remain at your hotel. Barbados (amber) All travellers from the UK must present a negative PCR test result taken no more than three days before your flight arrives. If you are fully vaccinated you will have to take a PCR test on arrival, and will have to remain in quarantine until the result comes back negative which is usually within 24 hours. If you live in England, Barbados will accept the NHS Covid Pass or your NHS letter to demonstrate your vaccination status. Non-vaccinated travellers must quarantine in a hotel for five days before a PCR test. If this comes back negative you can leave. A vintage car in Havana, Cuba, which has strict entry requirements for foreign visitors. The graffiti on the road is a slogan commemorating leader Fidel Castro Grenada (amber) People who are double jabbed will only be required to quarantine for up to 48 hours, pending a negative result from a PCR test, administered on entry, and paid in advance. If you live in England, Barbados will accept the NHS Covid Pass or your NHS letter to demonstrate your vaccination status. Unvaccinated visitors will be barred from entering the country. Cuba (amber) Everyone travelling to Cuba must have a certified proof of a negative result of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel at an accredited testing centre in the UK or the country you are travelling from. Children are not exempt, neither are people who have been vaccinated. All arrivals must also complete a health declaration and take a PCR test upon arrival. They will have to stay at a hotel until they have a second negative PCR test. The test may be on the fifth day. AFRICA Egypt (red) All people arriving from overseas have to present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and an indication of when the test was taken. These must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to the flight leaving. Egypt is currently on the government's red list, so travel there is strongly advised against. ASIA UAE (red) UK arrivals must be able to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. They must take a second PCR test upon arrival and isolate for 10 days. Visitors from the UK and other countries classed as high risk must wear a wristband for the duration of their quarantine in Abu Dhabi. However, visitors to Dubai do not have to quarantine if they receive a negative test result. Thailand (amber) All British nationals travelling from the UK are required to complete 14 days' quarantine at an official quarantine centre. Passengers sit spaced apart while wearing face masks at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok on Wednesday Japan (amber) Travellers from the UK and other countries categorised as high risk are not allowed to enter until further notice, except in a select number of special circumstances. Maldives (red) All visitors must present a negative PCR test result issued no more than 96 hours prior to departure. Temperature checks and screening procedures will be in place on arrival. Tourists do not have to quarantine. The Maldives is currently on the government's red list, so travel there is strongly advised against. AUSTRALASIA Australia (green) Entry to Australia is currently closed to most arrivals. Australian citizens and returning permanent residents and their immediate family members are permitted to enter Australia without an exemption. All international travellers entering Australia need to undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a designated facility (for example a hotel). Surfers catch a wave at Bondi Beach in Australia. Entry to the country is currently closed to most arrivals, including citizens New Zealand (green) The New Zealand border is currently closed to almost all arrivals. A mum has got caught up in a petty feud with her neighbour who is apparently targetting her by parking his car perilously close to hers. Tracey Featherstone, a support worker from Hull, is becoming increasingly frustrated after being unable to go out in her car. She claims her neighbour is parking his car far too close to hers, leaving around an inch gap between the two vehicles. Tracey Featherstone, a support worker from Hull, is becoming increasingly frustrated after being unable to go out in her car Tracey says she cannot understand her neighbour's motivation as the pair have barely had a conversation in the past The man next door comes home every night at 6pm and parks his car as close as possible to Tracey's, despite there being plenty of room on the street. Ms Featherstone explained: 'I park my car at the back off my house in a car park. 'I parked my car up at 6pm in a good space, he comes home and puts his work van right at the side of mine with me unable to drive it out. 'I have a scratch along the side too. I am very angry. 'He had no motivations at all and we don't really talk as I don't know him - he seems to target my car only.' But Tracey says she cannot understand her neighbour's motivation as the pair have barely had a conversation in the past. She has described his parking habits as 'petty' and uncalled for. She claims her neighbour is parking his car far too close to hers, leaving around an inch gap between the two vehicles Tracey has found scratches on the side of her vehicle and on Friday discovered an unusual substance had appeared on her car She said it has left her unable to make journeys to and from her home, claiming her neighbour has left her trapped inside her home and unable to drive. But in discussions with other neighbours on her street, Tracey has said it appears that only she has had such problems with the man in question - her neighbours have not experienced any issues. Tracey has found scratches on the side of her vehicle and on Friday discovered an unusual substance had appeared on her car. Tracey claims that she has had to plan her journeys around when the neighbour's car has been moved. Australia has a 'close to zero' chance of eliminating the Delta variant of Covid and it must quickly vaccinate with the AstraZeneca jab, a top doctor warns. Professor Bruce Robinson, chairman of the National Health and Medical Research Council, called for a rapid vaccine rollout in the face of snowballing outbreaks in Queensland and NSW. Professor Robinson believes all restrictions on the AstraZeneca vaccine should be scrapped as there aren't enough doses of Pfizer to go around. A top doctor has warned that Australia has a 'close to zero' chance of eliminating the Delta variant of Covid-19 if restrictions aren't removed for the AstraZeneca jab Bruce Robinson, the outgoing chairman of the National Health and Medical Research Council says the ATAGI ruling on the vaccine was 'wrong' and needs to be changed 'ASAP' The head of Australia's top medical research organisation said the ruling by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation was 'wrong' and needs to be changed 'ASAP'. He is spearheading a 'second opinion' signed by some of the country's top medical practitioners, recommending everybody get AstraZeneca. 'This virus is spreading and there's probably no stopping it,' Professor Robinson told the Herald Sun. He explained the vaccine got a 'really bad rap' and the ATAGI advice was only appropriate for a time when Covid outbreaks were under control. The professor said he believed there was now a 'groundswell of of medical opinion which feels ATAGI's advice was wrong and that it needs to be publicly changed'. He said this would encourage more Australians to get jabbed as the highly contagious variant continues to spread through Sydney and now Queensland. 'The chance of eliminating this is close to zero there are many people I have spoken to who share that view,' he said. 'We might suppress it but we will be really unlikely to eliminate it and that's because we see people who are clearly infectious without knowing it and they're out and about. Professor Robinson believes all restrictions on the AstraZeneca vaccine should be scrapped as there aren't enough doses of Pfizer to go around The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is now urging younger Sydneysiders to consider getting the AstraZeneca vaccine What are the chances of dying from a blood clot after AstraZeneca? One in 1.9million people have died from a blood clot after AstraZeneca. By comparison, Aussies have a one in 33 chance of dying if they catch Covid-19, a one in 12,000 chance of being struck by lightning and a one in 55 chance of winning a prize in the Oz Lotto. Advertisement 'They should make a statement ASAP because at the moment we can't afford people to be hesitant about getting a vaccine.' ATAGI recommended Pfizer as the 'preferred' option for people younger than 60. However, it changed its unofficial stance after the latest outbreak of Covid-19 began in Sydney on June 16. The organisation now urges younger Sydneysiders to consider getting the AstraZeneca vaccine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison also vouched for a mass rollout of AstraZeneca, claiming recommendations from the ATAGI slowed inoculation rates. Professor Robinson's dire warning comes as a record number of young Australians rolled up their sleeves for AstraZeneca in the past four weeks. More than 340,500 under 60s have received their jab with under 40s accounting for a staggering one third. The professor's dire warning comes as a record number of young Australians have rolled up their sleeves for AstraZeneca in the last four weeks Pharmacies have also been running out of the AstraZeneca vaccine with demand outpacing supply, with national vaccination rates also seeing an upward shift The massive uptick suggests a change in attitude to the AstraZeneca vaccine after its extremely rare blood clotting side effect fuelled hesitancy across the country. Pharmacies are finally running out of the AstraZeneca vaccine with demand outpacing supply, with national vaccination rates also seeing an upward shift. Around 39.46 per cent of Australians have received their first dose while 17.73 per cent have been fully vaccinated. More than 78 per cent of over 70s have received their first dose while 39.5 per cent have received both. Around 64.13 per cent of over 50s have received one dose, while 24.34 per cent are fully vaccinated. Advertisement Meghan Markle's BFF Misha Nonoo and her oil tycoon husband Michael Hess were spotted boarding a private helicopter in New York City for a weekend getaway. Exclusive pictures obtained by DailyMail.com on Friday show Nonoo, pushing a stroller, and Hess preparing to board the chopper with their one-year-old son, Leo. The family was accompanied by two women, presumably the nannies, and were believed to be traveling to East Hampton. Employees were seen loading the family's luggage into the helicopter. This is the first time Nonoo has been seen cince she announced she was pregnant with a baby girl back in April. Fashion designer Misha Nonoo, pictured with a stroller, and her husband Michael Hess (holding their son Leo) were spotted boarding a private helicopter Saturday Workers were seen loading various pieces of luggage into the chopper They were accompanied by a masked woman wearing a shirt (front) that reads 'nurses inspire nurses,' suggesting she is the family's caregiver It is unclear at this time where the family was headed This is the first time Nonoo has been spotted publicly since announcing that she and Hess are expecting their second child On April 6, the British-Bahraini fashion designer posted a snap on Instagram of her blossoming baby bump with a caption reading: 'My journey into motherhood has been one of the most rewarding and beautiful experiences of my life.' In the same post, Nonoo said she was celebrating her growing family with the launch of her new maternity line. 'To celebrate, were launching a new collection of maternity styles, inspired by the wardrobe heroes I missed wearing the most during my pregnancy. Effortless pieces designed to be worn before, during, and after pregnancythis is maternity wear for whatever the future has in store,' she touted. 'Whether youre already a Mum or an expecting Mum-to-be, I hope these pieces bring you the comfort, style, and ease you need to tackle one of lifes most incredible experiences.' While the couple has not publicly announced the arrival of their daughter, photos captured Friday from the jet-bridge suggest that Nonoo, who no longer appears to have a baby bump, has given birth. In May 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the designer, known for her eponymous clothing line, was spotted returning to her Manhattan residence just hours after she told fans she was 'not going anywhere' and was working from home. Exclusive photos showed the doorman pushing a luggage cart loaded up with bags and boxes inside the building. A nanny in a face mask was carrying a L.L. Bean baby tote bag monogrammed with baby Leo's initials. Both employees were seen retrieving the items from the trunk of Nonoo's packed SUV. Nonoo announced that she and Hess were pregnant with their second child, a girl, on her Instagram account on April 6. In the same post she promoted the launch of her new maternity collection: 'This is maternity wear for whatever the future has in store' Meghan Markle's designer best friend Misha Nonoo was spotted returning to her NYC home on May 13, 2020 as doormen brought her luggage inside - the same day she told fans she was 'not going anywhere' and was working from home, exclusive DailyMail.com photos show Both the doorman (left) and nanny (right) were seen retrieving the items from the trunk of Nonoo's packed SUV. Nonoo and Hess were married in a ceremony in Rome in September 2019 that was attended by Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. The pair had their first child, Leo, last March, less than a year after the Duke and Duchess welcomed their son Archie in May 2019. Nonoo revealed she was expecting baby number two just weeks after Markle and Prince Harry revealed to Oprah Winfrey that they are also expecting a baby girl later this year. Their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on June 4. Nonoo has been close to Markle for many years and is rumored to have set up the former actress on her first date with the Duke of Sussex in 2016, although this has never been confirmed. During her first pregnancy, Misha told People, that the Duchess of Sussex had been sharing her advice about becoming a first-time mother. The designer revealed: 'As with all friendships, you share lots of tips and everything.' Nonoo and Hess (pictured above) welcomed their first child, Leo, last March, less than a year after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their son Archie in May 2019 Nonoo (right) has been close to Markle (left) for many years and is rumored to have set up the former actress on her first date with the Duke of Sussex in 2016 Markle has continued to show her support for Nonoo by publicly wearing her designs. She donned the famous 'Boyfriend shirt' for her first appearance alongside Prince Harry, and she wore another of Nonoo's designs for her final day of meetings in the UK before she jetted off to Canada earlier this year. Nonoo, who worked with the Duchess on her Smart Works charity line, opened up to DailyMail.com earlier this year about her friendship with the royal. Reflecting on the experience of working together, Nonoo described Markle as 'the ultimate professional' and very 'considerate' of the women the collection was helping. 'It was such an ideal, incredibly easy collaboration,' she said. 'It was, from start to finish, wonderful, thoughtful, considerate, as is she.' Australia's golden girls of the pool smashed records and lifted an entire country's spirits with another amazing day at the Tokyo Olympics. Emma McKeon won two gold medals in the space of 45 minutes to become Australia's most successful Olympic athlete of all time. The 27-year-old won the 50m freestyle in an Olympic record before claiming her fourth gold medal of the meet in the 4x100m women's medley. Australia's second gold of the day, and ninth of the Games, came after a blistering anchor leg from superstar Cate Campbell. McKeon is now Australia's most successful Olympian ever with 11 medals from two Games, including seven in Tokyo. Emma McKeon (left) celebrates with Kaylee McKeown and Chelsea Hodges after they won gold in 4x100m women's medley relay Kaylee McKeown, Chelsea Hodges, Emma McKeon and Cate Campbell pose with their gold medals Dual gold medalist Kaylee McKeown and breaststroker Chelsea Hodges set up the relay performance before McKeon swam the third butterfly leg. Australia was still trailing the US when Campbell dived into the pool for the final freestyle leg before she snatched gold in the dying stages in an Olympic record time. Campbell, 29, finished seventh in the 50m freestyle final half an hour earlier before her heroic relay leg in what could be her last swim at Olympic level. 'Oh my gosh. I still just can't believe that we just did that,' Campbell told Channel Seven post-race. 'That is an incredible effort by everyone. 'I think that obviously I was a little bit disappointed with my 50m freestyle earlier, but I just kind of told myself that you find out what you're made of in the times when things don't go your way, not when things don't go your way, not when things are working well for you. 'And I took that mindset into this race and I just thought, "you have to be brave and get back out there".' The medley relay team of Emma McKeon, Chelsea Hodges, Kaylee McKeown and Cate Campbell celebrate Australia's ninth gold medal in the pool An elated McKeon embraces her teammates after winning the 4x100m medley relay final AUSTRALIA'S PERFORMANCE IN THE POOL AT TOKYO OLYMPICS * Nine gold medals, three silver and eight bronze * Previous gold benchmark: Melbourne, 1956: eight golds * Benchmark by medals: 20 - Beijing, 2008 (six gold, six silver, eight bronze), Tokyo 2021 * Emma McKeon's seven medals, equal most of any female athlete at one Olympics with Russian gymnast Maria Gorokhovskaya (1952) * McKeon the first Australian to win four golds at one Olympics * McKeon's 11 career medals an Australian record, bettering the nine of Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones * Cate Campbell and Emily Seebohm win medals at fourth consecutive Olympics * Gold medallists Emma McKeon (50m freestyle,100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle, 4x100m medley) Kaylee McKeown (100m backstroke, 200m backstroke, 4x100 medley) Ariarne Titmus (200m freestyle, 400m freestyle) Zac Stubblety-Cook (200m breaststroke) Women's 4x100m freestyle (McKeon, Meg Harris, Cate Campbell, Bronte Campbell) Women's 4x100 medley: (McKeown, McKeon, Chelsea Hodges, Cate Campbell) Advertisement McKeon was unable to join her relay teammates for the post-race interview as she was collecting her 50m gold medal. The men's 4x100m men's medley relay were unable to repeat the girls' efforts, finishing fifth in the last event of the swimming program in Tokyo. Kaylee McKeown will go home with three gold medals after winning the 100 and 200m backstroke double. 'Being in a team so, so much better, there is so much more hype around it and I'm with girls who are so decorated in the sport,' she said. 'I couldn't be prouder of our team.' Her teammate McKeon goes home with gold in the 50 and 100m freestyle, 4x100m women's freestyle and medley relays. She also collected bronze in the 4x100m mixed medley, 4x200m freestyle relay and 100m butterfly. It's on top of McKeon's efforts in Rio de Janeiro five years ago, where she won gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay, silver in the 4x200m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays and bronze in the 200m freestyle. Earlier on Sunday, McKeon, 27, went into the 50m race as the raging hot favourite before storming home to win in 23.81 seconds, 0.26 ahead of Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom, while defending champion Pernille Blume claimed bronze. Emma McKeon has done it again with another gold medal after winning the 50m freestyle Aussie golden girl Emma KcKeon (left) celebrates her 50m win with fellow Aussie Cate Campbell (right), who finished seventh The top medallists in Australia Emma McKeon has cemented herself as Australia's most successful Olympian of all time. She won two gold medals in the space of 45 minutes after swimming in the 50m freestyle 4x100m women's medley on Sunday. The impressive achievement raises her medal tally and she has now won 11 medals across two Olympic Games. Seven of them have been won at Tokyo. Below is a list of swimmers who follow behind McKeon: Ian Thorpe: Nine (Five gold, three silver, one bronze) Dawn Fraser: Nine (Four gold, four silver) Leisel Jones: Nine (Three gold, five silver, one bronze) Lisbeth Trickett: Seven (Four gold, one silver, two bronze) Grant Hackett: Seven (Three gold, three silver, one bronze) Susie O'Neill: Seven (Two gold, four silver, one bronze) Murray Rose: Six (Four gold, one silver, one bronze) Petria Thomas: Five (Three gold, one silver, one bronze) Advertisement It was the third time in two days McKeon has broken the Olympic record after smashing the record in her heat and semi-final. McKeon will go home with seven medals and will likely claim a seventh later on Sunday in the women's 4x 100metre medley relay. If McKeon was a country, she would be 19th on the overall medal tally. Going into the 50m final, McKeon was equal with former swimming champions Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones as the most successful Olympians with nine medals. Australia overtook Russia to claim fourth spot on the overall medal tally with 12 gold, three silver and 14 bronze. On Saturday, McKeon provided an insight into how the all-conquering Aussie swimmers are inspiring one by showing off the team's common room adorned with current squad achievements. The likes of McKeon, Ariarne Titmus, Kaylee McKeown and freestyle gun Kyle Chalmers all feature, as well as catch phrases to fire the team up such as 'digging deep', 'Yeah the Girls' and 'it's all about our team'. Kaylee McKeown, Chelsea Hodges, Emma McKeon and Cate Campbell celebrate their astonishing win Sydney's Covid outbreak has spread into a nursing home infecting nine elderly residents, not all of whom are vaccinated. NSW recorded 239 new locally acquired cases on Sunday as the highly infectious Delta strain continues to wreak havoc across the Harbour City. Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Jeremy McNulty announced several cases have been identified across aged care facilities, impacting Australia's most vulnerable age groups. 'There are a number of aged care facilities across the city that have been affected, with staff and residents infected,' Dr McNulty told reporters. 'On a regular basis we are seeing cases in hospital settings or aged care settings and we have even had some disability settings as well.' NSW has recorded 239 new locally acquired Covid cases, as Sydney's highly infectious Delta outbreak shows no sign of slowing down. Pictured: A woman walks through the CBD on Saturday Dr McNulty said the contagion is spreading through a facility in the city's inner-west, but most of those who have so far tested positive were vaccinated. 'There is an outbreak in a Summer Hill aged care facility with I understand nine residents affected,' he said. 'Fortunately, many of those have been vaccinated. As I understand it, the ones with vaccination are doing relatively well.' Dr McNulty said he did not have information about why some of the nine elderly residents were not vaccinated. Sunday's figure is the equal-record for the highest number of daily cases in NSW during the entire pandemic, after the state first recorded 239 on Tuesday. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said trends show transmissions are taking place in workplaces and households. Ms Berejiklian said 'pleasingly' the bulk of the cases were not outside the main eight Sydney local government areas of concern. The latest case count is an equal-record high for the number of cases the state has recorded during the pandemic, after 239 infections were first recorded on Thursday. Pictured: Sydney's deserted CBD on Saturday as the city wrapped up its fifth week in lockdown - which is in place until August 28 'We are again seeing the virus circulating in workplaces and in homes,' she said. Ms Berejiklian said in the previous 24 hours more than 82,000 people in NSW had been vaccinated. 'At that rate we are vaccinating 500,000 of people per week,' she said. Of the 239 locally acquired cases recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday, 115 are linked to a known case or cluster - 92 are household contacts and 23 are close contacts. The source of infection for 124 cases is under investigation. There are currently 222 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital in NSW. Of these, 54 people are in intensive care, 25 of whom require ventilation. There were 87,712 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm on Saturday night. Earlier on Sunday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said authorities would keep harsher lockdown measures in specific local government areas despite calls to expand certain rules for all of Sydney. Health workers conducted more than 87,000 tests in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday night Pictured: Two masked women walk their dogs along Bondi Beach on Sunday The Australian Medical Association President Dr Omar Khorshid called for travel limits within a 5km radius from home and outdoor mask wearing rules to be extended beyond eight local government areas. 'We're trying to strike a balance and I think the balance is appropriate,' Mr Hazzard told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. He said when Sydney locked down the northern beaches during an outbreak last year and the eastern suburbs during this outbreak there was a 'high level of compliance'. The lockdown in Sydney's southwest had been more 'challenging', he said. NSW recorded its 14th death in this current outbreak on Saturday, a man in his 60s who died at home in southwest Sydney. When asked about his previous comments that Sydney families were turning up to hospitals with a Covid-19 infected relative who is 'not alive but dead' the minister said he would not go into the family's 'personal circumstances'. 'All I'll say is that there was broad infection in the family and there was no effort to get to health authorities, as I understand it, until it was too late,' Mr Hazzard said. He said there was a reluctance for large 'refugee family groups' where there are few income earners to come forward to health authorities. NSW Police were out in force on Saturday for a massive operation to prevent a repeat of the anti-lockdown protest in the CBD last weekend Sydney and surrounding regions are in lockdown until at least August 28, as health authorities battle to contain the virulent Delta strain outbreak. Saturday marked the return to work for the construction sector after a fortnight-long enforced break, with work allowed to resume on non-occupied sites provided Covid-safe plans are in force. But the sector cannot call on 68,000 workers - or 42 per cent of the workforce - from eight council areas worst-hit by the city's coronavirus outbreak. The state's workplace safety regulator said construction sites should expect a visit to ensure they're complying with public health orders. Meanwhile, a threatened anti-lockdown protest in central Sydney failed to eventuate on Saturday. Police set up an exclusion zone around the city between 9am and 3pm after warning taxi and rideshare companies they would face fines of up to half a million dollars for transporting passengers into the CBD. * A three-day lockdown has been imposed in Queensland's southeast, including the harshest restrictions the state has yet seen as 15 local cases are recorded. * It includes 10km travel restrictions for people in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset and the Lockyer Valley. * NSW recorded 239 local cases on Sunday with at least 35 in the community while infectious. * The ADF has deployed another 300 personnel to help police with isolation and welfare checks, in addition to 250 already working in quarantine enforcement. * Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the AstraZeneca vaccine is 'making a comeback' and is vital for the country to reach agreed upon jab rates of at least 70 per cent. * Delegates at the Australian Medical Association's national conference have renewed calls for a no-fault vaccination indemnity scheme, which has not been finalised by the federal government. * Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said he was confident the states would not decide to go it alone with future lockdowns once agreed vaccination rates had been achieved. * Mining magnate and former federal politician Clive Palmer has announced he will launch a High Court challenge to Scott Morrison's vaccine passport proposal. * Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd said concern was high within the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, which met on Saturday, around the continuing outbreak in Sydney and latest lockdown forced by new cases in Queensland. * Professor Kidd said Australia had reached a significant milestone in its COVID response, with 40 per cent of Australians aged 16 and above having received a first dose of vaccine. * Across Australia, more than 200,000 vaccine doses have been administered over each of the past three days, while over the past five days, the total is 990,000 doses, with 12.2 million doses administered in total. * Construction work has been allowed to resume in Sydney but 68,000 workers from the areas worst hit by the virus cannot go to their building sites. * Victoria has pushed out the interval between doses of the Pfizer vaccine from three weeks to six, to help more people get a first dose. * Fragments of coronavirus have been detected in Molong which is 290km west of Sydney, and Armidale, located more than 480km from the outbreak. *Traces were also discovered on the northern end of the Central Coast and Wollongong, despite the areas reporting no cases of Covid-19. AUSTRALIAN VACCINATION NUMBERS: * There have been 12,206,684 doses administered in the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout up to Friday, including 200,706 in the previous 24 hours. * Of the total, 6,914,150 have been administered by the Commonwealth (an increase of 124,012 in the previous 24 hours). * 6,391,251 have been issued in primary care (+119,594) and 522,899 in aged and disability facilities (+4,418). * 5,292,534 have been administered by the states and territories, including 76,694 in the previous 24 hours. * 1,630,960 have been administered in Victoria (+20,865), 1,473,867 in NSW (+26,872), 910,938 in Queensland (+11,879), 499,332 in Western Australia (+8,264), 389,217 in South Australia (+5,426), 161,592 in Tasmania (+0), 136,339 in the ACT (+2,244) and 90,289 in the NT (+1,144) AUSTRALIAN CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS: * Australia reported 218 local cases on Saturday, July 31: 210 in NSW, two in Victoria and six in Queensland. * There were three new overseas-acquired cases: two in NSW and one in Queensland. * The national death toll is 923: Victoria 820, NSW 67, Tasmania 13, WA 9, Queensland 7, SA 4, ACT 3. (Two Queensland residents who died in NSW have been included in the official tolls of both states). State Premier Gladys Berejiklian has denied reports nurses were forced back into hospitals before returning negative Covid-19 test results. Ms Berejiklian was asked to comment on reports that health workers in emergency departments had been asked to come to work instead of isolating. 'Ive never heard of anyone forced to work when they should be isolating,' the NSW premier said just moments after the state recorded 239 new cases of Covid-19. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian has denied reports nurses were forced back into hospitals before returning negative Covid-19 test results Ms Berejiklian was asked to comment on reports that health workers working in emergency departments had been asked to come to work instead of isolating. Pictured: A Sydney nurse There are 54 patients being treated in the intensive care unit with a large number under 60 years of age. Seven are in their 20s, five are in their 30s, two in their 40s and six in their 50s. During the Berejiklian Government's Covid update on Sunday, a reporter highlighted a growing cluster of Covid-19 cases within the emergency department of a key hospital in Sydney. They claimed nurses who were close contacts of the emerging cases were forced to go back to work before receiving a negative test result due to increasing numbers of ICU patients. 'I havent seen evidence of that. If that was the case, I would dispute because we [have] many staff members on the beat of over 140,000 people working in the health system,' the premier replied. 'So it is really important to note that when you are in the middle of the pandemic and having cases every day, it stretches things.' Ms Berejiklian said even though the vast majority of healthcare workers were vaccinated, they could still catch the virus and pass it to others. During the state's Covid update on Sunday, a reporter highlighted a growing cluster of Covid-19 cases within the emergency department of a key hospital in Sydney. Pictured: Health workers prepare to get Covid-19 test samples at a testing site in Sydney The reporter claimed nurses who were close contacts of the emerging cases were forced to go back to work before receiving a negative test result. Pictured: A masked woman in Sydney The premier said non-vaccinated residents who unknowingly had the virus and entered an emergency department put extra pressure on the hospital system. 'But please know that the system is meeting the challenge and we have reallocated resources we have needed here,' Ms Berejiklian reassured the public. 'I get briefings from our health officials are daily as to how resources are reallocated to fight the pandemic.' Deputy chief health officer Jeremy McAnulty also dismissed the claims and said the health system had a range of surveillance strategies for ensuring nurses were tested regularly. 'We have a low threshold for ensuring staff and patients are safer so we have a well thought through matrix of decision-making that takes account a number of factors,' he said. The health officer said in some circumstances healthcare workers were not asked to isolate following a risk assessment and continued testing. However, Dr McAnulty reiterated anyone considered a close contact by NSW Health would not be forced back to work. Dr Jeremy McAnulty also dismissed the claims and said the health system had a range of surveillance strategies for ensuring nurses are tested regularly Meanwhile, the premier renewed calls for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers. Pictured: Two girls line up for a Covid test in Melbourne's CBD Meanwhile, the premier renewed calls for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers. 'Today is August 1 and I am calling upon the people of greater Sydney, and New South Wales, to come forward and get vaccinated,' she said. 'To get to the 70 per cent target we need 9.2 million jabs. To get the 80 per cent target we need 10 million jabs. We have been talking about this in NSW for some time.' The figures announced on Sunday marks the second time the state has reported a record 239 cases - after first recording the number on Thursday. Cases then dipped to 170 on Friday before jumping back to 210 on Saturday Dr McAnulty also said an alarming number of cases were detected among childcare workers. He strongly urged parents to consider keeping their children at home to curb the spread of infection through daycares. 'It is a reminder, please reserve childcare centres if you really need to have your child in child care,' he said. 'Otherwise, keep them at home to minimise the spread through childcare.' Nine residents living at a Summer Hill aged care facility have also tested positive. 'Today is August 1 and I am calling upon the people of greater Sydney, and New South Wales, to come forward and get vaccinated,' Ms Berejiklian said on Sunday Greater Sydney and surrounding regions are in lockdown until at least August 28, as authorities battle to contain the Delta outbreak. Pictured: People exercising in Parramatta Park 'On a regular basis we are seeing cases in hospital settings or aged care settings and we have even had some disability settings as well,' Mr McAnulty said. 'So there is an outbreak in a Summer Hill aged care facility with I understand nine residents affected. Fortunately, many of those have been vaccinated. As I understand it, the ones with vaccination are doing relatively well.' Dr McAnulty warned younger residents were the biggest spreaders of the virus. 'We are seeing cases at high rates in those age group,' he said. 'This is the age group that tends to be a link between kids, younger people, and older, elderly relatives. 'They are working, they have big social networks, if you are in that age group it is important that you be aware that you are very vulnerable to the infection, as we have seen in ICU numbers you can get serious disease. It is important you come forward for vaccination.' Sydney and surrounding regions are in lockdown until at least August 28, as authorities battle to contain the Delta outbreak. Angry residents in regional NSW have had their Pfizer vaccine appointments cancelled as doses are redirected to Year 12 students in Sydney's Covid hotspots. The NSW Government said 40,000 jabs would be diverted from rural areas to vaccinate students in the eight local councils in west and southwestern Sydney. The measure is designed to help fast track the return to school for students in the Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown, Cumberland, Parramatta, Campbelltown, and Georges River councils as final exams loom. But residents outside Sydney were outraged to learn the decision would come at the cost of their pre-booked vaccinations, with NSW Health sending out a message on Friday advising them of the need to reschedule. 'Pfizer vaccines are being redirected to assist in vaccinating Year 12 students in South Western and Western Sydney to help them return to face-to-face teaching,' the message said. The NSW government last week announced 40,000 Pfizer doses would be rerouted from regional areas to Year 12 students in Sydney's eight LGAs of concern 'We will initially cancel your current booking but will send you a priority booking code in the coming days to enable you to rebook at a later date.' Many subsequently flocked to social media to vent their anger at students getting the jab while other members from high-risk groups were yet to be inoculated. 'Sorry but Year 12 students taking Pfizer doses away from regional NSW?' one woman tweeted. 'My partner works in a hospital and cant even get his Pfizer until September. What a joke.' Another wrote: 'So Sydney Year 12 students will get Pfizer now but the elderly in nursing homes and most essential workers still have not been given either shots yet? Is this for real?' David, a 30-year-old Year 12 teacher from Western Sydney, said it was ridiculous students were being offered the jab while it was not being extended to their teachers. 'I am not part of a current vaccination phase. I cannot book a Pfizer vaccination until October. This is ridiculous,' he wrote. 'If Pfizer is being prioritised for year 12 students, give it to teachers as well.' NSW Health issued a message to regional residents on Friday (pictured) to advise their Pfizer appointments had been cancelled Premier Gladys Berejiklian defended the decision during Sunday's press conference, and confirmed doses were rerouted from the Hunter region. She argued it would not pose a risk to regional areas and vaccination was an important a tool in their battle against the highly infectious Delta strain within red zones. 'When you consider there are eight million people in NSW, and we have been able to stop the spread of the virus in our regions and other parts of Sydney,' she said. 'It is important for us to give those Year 12 students a chance to finish their exams and get rewarded. 'We know that we are finding younger people are getting the virus and spreading it. It is important particularly for younger people, people up to the 30s in particular, to get access to the vaccine as soon as possible.' Two western NSW health districts - serving communities including Orange, Broken Hill, and Bourke - also confirmed those waiting for their first dose of Pfizer would have their bookings delayed for weeks. Ms Berejiklian defended the decision on Sunday, arguing the vaccinations were vital to combatting the highly infectious Delta outbreak in Sydney Sonya Thornberry said Orange, Blayney and Cabonne recently endured, and complied with, a hard lockdown to prevent Covid-19 transmission. 'Yet, the city has not endured a hard lockdown, nor complied with the lockdown rules, and regional NSW is expected to forfeit their right to a vaccine therapy to subsidise the city's population - unfair to say the least,' she posted on Facebook. Murray MP Helen Dalton also derided the decision. 'It is absolutely outrageous that the most Indigenous district in NSW is having to suspend their bookings so that vaccines can be sent to Sydney,' the Shooters Fishers and Farmers member said. 'Far West NSW have the worst health outcomes in the state. That's because the NSW Government continue to treat them like second class citizens.' NSW Health issued a statement on Saturday apologising for the inconvenience and thanking people for their patience. 'As part of its pandemic response, NSW Health is taking this important temporary measure to also give us the best chance of containing the current outbreak in Greater Sydney as quickly as possible,' it said. 'As a result, people in other regions could receive a notice advising their first dose of Pfizer will be rescheduled. 'Anyone who has had their first dose already or those in priority groups 1a or 1b will not have their bookings rescheduled.' Angry regional residents flocked to social media to express their outrage that Covid vaccines were being prioritised for Sydney students. Pictured: People queue at a vaccine centre at Sydney Olympic Park Teachers urged the premier to reconsider plans to allow Year 12 students to return to face-to-face learning in August, despite a mass vaccination plan for students in hotspot areas. NSW set August 16 as the date for a return to the classroom for students completing their final year of high school. Asked about reports children were terrified to return to school, Ms Berejiklian stressed that health authorities were 'not seeing a huge spread of the virus outside of those eight LGAs' and Covid-safety measures would be adopted in classrooms. NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos said he was 'deeply concerned' by the safety risk posed by Covid-19 to students and teachers. But Ms Berejiklian said 'there is nothing stopping teachers getting vaccinated now'. 'Obviously, if you are a teacher or critical worker or any citizen, it doesn't matter what you are doing. If you are interacting with any one at all you should be coming forward to getting the vaccine,' she said. 'We're calling on anybody over 18 years of age to come forward and get vaccinated. The AstraZeneca is available.' Ms Berejiklian outlined plans on Friday for a stadium in Sydney's west to be converted to rapidly vaccinate 20,000 Year 12 students in five days from August 9. The Olympic Park stadium usually hosts musicians and sporting events. There were 239 new locally acquired cases of Covid on Sunday, with at least 61 infectious in the community. Pictured: Police patrol Victoria Park in Sydney But Mr Gavrielatos asked the premier to 'reconsider her decision to allow Year 12 to return to face-to-face teaching with such a high number of infectious cases in the community'. Students last year began returning to the classroom when there were only five locally transmitted cases and the health and safety of teachers and students should remain paramount, he said. A total of 239 new locally acquired cases were recorded in NSW on Sunday, with at least 61 infectious while in the community. Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said her department was working closely with NSW Health to ensure the return of HSC classes and the subsequent exams happened in a Covid-safe way. 'I find it disappointing that organisations, who should put the interests of students first, are effectively lobbying for the HSC cohort in Sydney to stay at home and miss out on the opportunity for face-to-face learning,' she said. 'Particularly when health experts have advised that students are able to return with the measures we will have in place.' Hundreds of emails have been released by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill over a decision the educational establishment wrestled with, to have the creator of The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, become a tenured professor at the school. Ultimately, Pulitzer-winning Hannah-Jones, who was an alumna of UNC, chose to take up a position at Howard University instead, but behind the scenes there was a battle among the university's Board of Trustees over whether she should be given the role. Central to their concerns was the fact Walter Hussman, who is a major donor to UNC's Hussman School of Journalism and Media, had raised flags about the university being associated with the the 1619 Project, which had been described by some historians as 'inaccurate' and was derided by critics. Earlier in July , 1619 Project founder Nikole Hannah-Jones rejected the University of North Carolina's tenure offer and will go to Howard University instead At first, Hannah-Jones was offered a multi-year, but non-tenured position that would see her become the school's next Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism - a role which has been appointed with tenure since 1980. But the school later backed out of the offer of lifetime tenure amid criticism of her appointment, and she was offered a five-year contract after officials said they were concerned about her lack of a 'traditional academic background'. It appears that only once she threatened to leave the school entirely, did the board then vote to grant the journalist tenure. Private emails reveal that UNC Chapel Hill megadonor Walter Hussman (right) had objected to the university's hiring of New York Times reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones as a Knight Chair professor at the school last summer After a $25 million donation to the college, UNC named its journalism school after Hussman Hannah-Jones noted the influence of a 'powerful donor' to UNC, a reference to Hussman, who revealed that he had emailed university leaders calling The 1619 Project about the legacy of American slavery 'highly contentious and highly controversial' before the process was halted. The New York Times reporter won the Pulitzer Prize for the 1619 Project which essentially 'reframed' American history to focus on when the first Africans arrived to Virginia as slaves. The project presented American history through a racial equity lens and helped mainstream the idea of critical race theory - a topic that has become a core Republican talking point. But the 2019 series of essays has come under withering criticism for portraying American history as fundamentally racist and also containing historical inaccuracies and generalizations. Hannah-Jones won a Pulitzer Prize for her work on the 1619 Project, named for the year that the first African slaves were brought to the English colony of Virginia (pictured: speaking at a tribute to MLK in New York in January 2020) Author Nikole Hannah-Jones speaks on stage during the 137th Commencement at Morehouse College on May 16, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia One set of emails sees a discussion between Ralph W. Meekins Sr., a Trustee at University of North Carolina and Susan Robinson King, Dean of UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media How fight over appointment of 1619 Project founder unfolded August 2019 - The New York Times begins its 1619 project which aims to 'reframe the country's history' on slavery, but faces criticism over historical inaccuracies and generalizations May 2020 - Nikole Hannah-Jones is awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for her introductory essay to the project Summer 2020 - UNC start considering hiring Hannah-Jones to its journalism faculty. December 2020 - In an email, Arkansas newspaper publisher Walter Hussman - a top donor to UNC - expresses his fears that Hannah-Jones was, 'trying to push an agenda,' through the 1619 Project, and that, 'they will assume she is manipulating historical facts to support it.' April 2021 - UNC announces that Hannah-Jones would be joining the journalism school's faculty as Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism, traditionally a tenured professorship. May 2021 - Following criticism of the appointment, UNC u-turns and instead says she would take up the position on a five-year contract. This sparks a torrent of criticism, including from black students who claimed they had been neglected. June 30, 2021 - The trustees ultimately approved tenure last week, voting 9-4 to accept her application at a special meeting with a closed-door session that was invaded by her supporters, sparking an ugly brawl. July 6, 2021 - Hannah-Jones announces she has turned down the tenure offer and will go to Howard University instead. Advertisement The emails detail a host of discussions throughout the saga with officials at one stage considering contacting Oprah Winfrey to get a quote in response to Hannah-Jones' joining the school. Some of the emails see members of the board sharing their unease with being associated with the 1619 Project and Hannah-Jones' personal support for reparations. Other correspondences see debates over giving tenure to someone who was not already teaching at the university nor had any experience doing so. A board meeting had tabled a discussion of Hannah-Jones' tenure in January but at least one member wanted the subject delayed until later in the year. 'Can we remove this for now and take it up at [the board of trustees] meeting in March?' Chuck Duckett asked. 'Maybe another accommodation makes more sense for the university and the taxpayer?' adding that the request for tenure brought 'a lot of questions and feedback.' Other emails, seen by Fox News, saw messages both of support and in opposition to Hannah-Jones' appointment. 'I am very proud of UNC today following the news that Hannah-Jones will not be awarded tenure,' wrote Erich Jacobs. 'I think the decision was courageousThe 1619 Project, for me, fails on every point of academic rigor, and its author should in no way represent the university.' Mark and Connie Meares wrote in support of Hannah-Jones noting her denial for tenure had left them 'distressed' and listed her various qualifications. 'Ms. Hannah-Jones is not only a UNC alumna, a Pulitzer winner, a MacArthur Genius recipient, she is also one of the founders of the Ida B. Wells Society of Investigative Reporting, which is now housed within the Hussman School of Journalism,' they added. The student body president who who also sits on the board of trustees, Lamar Richards, wrote to the board chair, Richard Stevens, with a plea for Hannah-Jones to be given tenure. 'The tenure process here at Carolina, similar to most universities across the country, is led by faculty leaders. They determine who they believe is worthy of having tenure; in this instance, they determined that Nikole was in fact worthy of such a distinction,' Richards wrote. But the decision not to give Hannah-Jones a tenured position sparked further outrage from the left, leading to the school to make another U-turn. One email notes how January's board meeting had tabled a discussion of Hannah-Jones' tenure in but at least one member wanted the subject delayed until later in the year Another email sees UNC-Chapel Hill Provost Bob Blouin question Nikole Hannah-Jones' suitability for a tenured role given she had not yet taught at the university full time and listed 15 other points to be considered She rejected the University of North Carolina's tenure offer after a months-long controversy over her appointment Protesters and interested parties gather outside the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill in June when the University of North Carolina Board of Trustees voted on tenure for Nikole Hannah-Jones Police were seen confronting protesters who descended on the closed-door meeting Officials had reportedly not communicated the process with the public - which frustrated the demonstrated who were asked to leave the room before the confirmation vote took place The board voted 9-4 to accept her application at a special meeting in a closed-door session that was invaded by her supporters, sparking an ugly brawl. When board finally granted Hannah-Jones a tenured position, she turned it down opting instead to accept the position of Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism at Howard, a historically black school in Washington, D.C. 'I wanted to send a powerful message, or what I hope to be a powerful message, that we're often treated like we should be lucky that these institutions let us in, but we don't have to go to those institutions if we don't want to,' she wrote at the time. Speaking to CBS This Morning earlier in July about rejecting the UNC, she called it 'a very difficult decision, not a decision I wanted to make.' She said: 'This was a position that since the 1980s came with tenure. The Knight Chairs are designed for professional journalists who are working in the field to come into academia. 'Every other Chair before me, who also happened to be white, received that position with tenure. I was denied that. Trustees at UNC-Chapel Hill approved Hannah-Jones' tenure, capping weeks of tension that began when a board member halted the process over concerns about her teaching credentials because she did not come from a 'traditional academic-type background'. She turned it down Hannah-Jones then announced she will become a member of the historically black Howard University's (pictured) Cathy Hughes School of Communication 'To be denied it to only have that vote occur on the last possible day, at the last possible moment, after threat of legal action, after weeks of protest, after it became a national scandal, it's just not something that I want anymore.' She added: 'It's pretty clear that my tenure was not taken up because of political opposition, because of discriminatory views against my viewpoints, and I believe my race and my gender.' Hannah-Jones cited political interference by conservatives because of her work on The 1619 Project. 'I went through the official tenure process. My peers in academia said that I was deserving of tenure. These board members are political appointees who decided that I wasn't.' She noted that UNC-Chapel Hill is her alma mater. 'I love the university. The university has given me a lot and I wanted to give back. It was embarrassing to be the first person to be denied tenure. It was embarrassing and I didn't want this to become a public scandal. I didn't want to drag my university through the pages of newspapers because I was the first and the only black person in that position to be denied tenure.' Faculties of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media said they were 'disappointed, but not surprised' at Hannah Jones's decision to turn down the school's offer. Joel Curran, vice chancellor for communications at UNC-Chapel Hill, said the new email documents released did not contain very much new information about the Hannah-Jones controversy. 'Most of the findings offered in the public records released today, July 30, related to Nikole Hannah-Jones' tenure candidacy have been previously disclosed in news reports. The records correct the incorrect assertions suggesting the Board of Trustees chose not to take up her tenure decision in November,' Curran said in a statement. The U.S. Marine Corps deployed its Security Augmentation Unit (MSAU) twice in the past 30 days to help defend embassies in Africa and the Caribbean. A team was sent to Haiti on July 16 in wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, Fox News reported. This mission was said to be 'out of an abundance of caution'. Moise was gunned down in his home in Port-au-Prince before dawn on July 7, setting off a new political crisis in the Caribbean country that has struggled with poverty, lawlessness and instability. The deployment came just weeks after thirteen Marines were positioned in Eswatini, located in the southwestern portion of Africa, following an outbreak of civil unrest. MSAU Marines were sent to Haiti on July 16 in wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which has prompted violent protests (as seen in this photo from July 26) nationwide Another team was deployed to the U.S. Embassy in Eswatini on June 30 following civil unrest in the country. The Marine Corps shared a photo on Twitter (above) announcing the move President Joe Biden said the deployment was not a move to help the interim Haitian government: 'We're only sending American Marines to our embassy' (Photo taken on July 23 outside Moise's funeral) The interim Haitian government requested members of the United Nations, including the U.S., to deploy troops to help protect the country's infrastructure following the assassination. According to the Marine Corps Times, President Joe Biden was 'not open to the request'. 'We're only sending American Marines to our embassy,' Biden said. 'The idea of sending American forces to Haiti is not on the agenda.' Protests by angry Moise supporters have turned violent in the slain leader's hometown of Cap-Haitien. Gunshots rang out while demonstrators blocked roads, demanded justice and threatened to disrupt his funeral. Haitian police said Friday that a total of 27 people, including four officers, have been arrested in Moise's killing. Others are still being sought in connection with attack. Another nine officers were being held in isolation for questioning, apparently among a total of 44 people held to determine what responsibility they may have had in the killing or to determine if they were negligent in their duties. Police say eighteen of those formally arrested are former Colombian soldiers. Police are still looking for various suspects, including a former rebel leader and an ex-Haitian senator. Officials say it remains unclear who organized and financed the assassination. Biden has stated he does not anticipate a broader deployment of American troops to Haiti. Protests by angry Moise supporters have turned violent in the slain leader's hometown of Cap-Haitien, as shown above Demonstrators have blocked roads, demanded justice and threatened to disrupt the slain president's funeral (Photo taken as police prevented protesters from attending Moise's funeral outside his family home) Haitian police said a total of 27 people, including 4 officers, have been arrested in Moise's killing. Others are still being sought in connection with attack (Photo of July 22 protest) MSAU deployment to Haiti came just 17 days after a team was sent to Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, following an outbreak of violent demonstrations in the kingdom last month. Thousands of protesters took to the streets to publicly denounce the monarch's leader, King Mswati III, who allegedly lives in luxury while his citizens starve. Civil society and opposition groups led demonstrations in the nation's capital cities of Manzini and Mbabane, looting shops and ransacking properties, some of which belonged to the king. At least 27 people died as police clashed with protesters in some of the worst unrest in the country's history. Activists said police opened fire on a crowd Manzini, injuring at least two people and arresting 15 others. King Mswati III appointed a new prime minister just over a week ago, reportedly ignoring calls for democratic reforms. The MSAU was sent to protect the embassy (pictured) after thousands of protesters took to the streets to publicly denounce Eswatini's leader, King Mswati III, who allegedly lives in luxury while his citizens starve A MSAU team was sent to Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, after violent demonstrations broke out in the kingdom last month (Photo of demonstration in the capital city of Manzini on June 30) Civil society and opposition groups led demonstrations in the nation's capital cities of Manzini and Mbabane, looting shops and ransacking properties (shown above), some of which belonged to King Mswati III At least 27 people died as police clashed with protesters in some of the worst unrest in the country's history The MSAU, a quick reaction force comprised of 145 Marines, was founded in 2013. The two most recent deployments mark the force's 106th and 107th missions. According to the Marine Corps, the MSAU is in 'a high state of readiness and can rapidly respond when called upon'. The team's primary mission is to provide specially trained augmentation security forces to designated U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities overseas. MSAU Marines are trained in medical, close quarters battle, marksmanship, as well as security analysis and augmentation to existing security at various diplomatic facilities. 'Marines assigned to duty at MSAU are screened by Marine Corps Embassy Security Group Headquarters for performance, decision making, and leadership and tactical skills,' Capt. Andrew Wood, a Marine spokesman, told Fox News. 'Once assigned to the unit, the MSAU staff assess each Marine's ability and provide advanced training in MSG and Diplomatic Security skills.' The MSAU was founded after the 2012 attack on Benghazi, a city in Libya, left a U.S. Ambassador and three other Americans dead. New corps members undergo training at the Marine Security Guard School in Quantico for six weeks and then serve at an overseas post before they can be recommended by a region commander to join the MSAU. Gladys Berejiklian has pleaded with Sydneysiders to get tested for Covid immediately even if it means missing work. The NSW premier was asked about support for workers putting off testing because they couldn't afford to lose shifts after her health minister blamed 'refugee family groups' for falling test rates despite another 239 cases on Sunday. Brad Hazzard said health authorities were struggling to feel confident that communities in the city's west and south-west would continue to get tested. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has pleaded with Sydneysiders to prioritise getting tested for Covid-19 over work as the state records 239 new cases of Covid-19 Earlier on Sunday, the NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there was hesitance from large 'refugee family groups' to come forward for testing due to fewer income earners 'What we're seeing in particular, is refugee family groups are often large families, and often there might only be one or two people in the family who are income earners,' he told the ABC. 'We're seeing a reluctance for them to come to health authorities and say, "we have a problem in our household".' The health minister said these communities were pre-disposed to distrust government and law enforcement due to prior mistreatment. 'Theyve suffered greatly in their own nations, in their own countries,' he said. 'What we are trying to do is tell them, if you have got any symptoms at all or have been in contact with positive cases, please come forward to NSW Health.' The health minister said when Sydney locked down the northern beaches during an outbreak last year and the eastern suburbs earlier in the year there was a 'high level of compliance'. The lockdown in Sydney's southwest had been more 'challenging', he said. Ms Berejiklian cited a 'variety of reasons' including age as to why testing numbers across Greater Sydney, especially the city's south-west, had slowed. Pictured: A resident shopping in Bankstown) Ms Berejiklian cited a 'variety of reasons' including age as to why testing numbers across Sydney, especially the city's south-west, had slowed. She warned residents that symptoms of the contagious Delta variant of the virus can feel mild in the morning but quickly develop into a severe case just hours later. 'It is very sad that people don't even get any medical help and I dying at home. We will see more of that unless people come forward and get tested,' the premier said. Ms Berejiklian reasoned with residents that they would be keeping their families and loved ones safe by coming forward to get a test. The premier said it only took a handful of people to be scared or unaccepting of what the result could be to infect dozens of close contacts with the virus. 'You have disaster payments if you can't work, small business medium business and large business grants if you are a business in trouble, but also direct support for communities in the eight LGA's,' she said. Ms Berejiklian was asked what she would advise someone who was isolating at home awaiting a test result but was then asked by their boss to come in to work. Ms Berejiklian reasoned with residents that they would be keeping their families and loved ones safe by coming forward to get a test. Pictured: Bankstown locals on Chapel Road Mr Hazzard said authorities would keep the harsher lockdown measures in specific local government areas, despite calls to expand certain rules for all of Sydney The premier advised those workers to seek available financial support and reminded residents who remained in strict isolation that they would be supported in their decision to follow and respect public health orders. 'It is very important for people to get tested as soon as they have the mildest of symptoms,' she reiterated. 'But sometimes we are seeing people who are not in the workforce, people who don't leave their households necessarily, also remaining from getting tested. 'It is not a specific category of person. We are saying to everybody we are in the middle of a pandemic, it is a health crisis.' Ms Berejiklian said her government were working closely with NGO's in the eight LGA's to provide direct financial assistance to families and communities especially challenged by the most recent outbreak. While the premier didn't define the category of Sydneysiders reluctant to get tested. The health minister said when Sydney locked down the northern beaches during an outbreak last year and the eastern suburbs earlier in the year there was a 'high level of compliance' Earlier on Sunday, Mr Hazzard defended the deviation in Sydney's public health orders that remain stricter in the city's west and south-west. He said authorities would keep the harsher lockdown measures in specific local government areas, despite calls to expand certain rules for all of Sydney. The Australian Medical Association President Dr Omar Khorshid called for travel limits within a 5km radius from home and outdoor mask wearing rules to be extended beyond eight local government areas. 'We already have requirements that everybody stay at home... But certainly in these eight local government areas, it's very challenging,' Mr Hazzard told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. 'So, we're trying to strike the balance, and I think the balance is appropriate.' Advertisement Sydneysiders have made a mockery of the city's shutdown with a day at the beach turning the lockdown into a lie down in the sun. Streets around the world-famous beaches of Coogee and Bondi were packed with locals making the most of the unseasonable weather that saw temperatures rise above 25C. Despite pleas from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to stay at home, thousands took to the beach to sun bake, prompting police to call in air support to order people off the sand. Eastern Suburbs beachgoers have made a mockery of the Sydney shutdown with a day at the beach turning the lockdown into a lie down in the sun. Seen here is one Bondi beachgoer on Sunday beach police patrols individually checked IDs and the addresses of sunbathers and swimmers on the ground. A police helicopters bellowed at sunbathers from above while beach police patrols individually checked IDs and addresses of sunbathers and swimmers on the ground. Despite the blatant rule breaking, the crowds and sunbathing will be very unlikely to cause a spike in cases as there is no evidence of Covid spreading outdoors, as NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant has repeatedly said. NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia they had deployed 22 crews at beachsides in the Eastern Suburbs, from La Perouse in the south to Camp Cove at Watson's Bay, including Bondi, Coogee, Bronte and Maroubra. They issued 29 personal infringement notice fines, and warned 35 others, with another 44 businesses also inspected in the area. Police helicopters bellowed at sunbathers from above 'Nearly 1000 people were spoken to, ensuring they were complying with the LGA requirement,' said a NSW Police spokesman. 'Officers were also enforcing QR codes at large retailers at Maroubra, Bondi and Eastgardens.' For weeks, Ms Berejiklian has been begging Sydneysiders to only leave their home for essentials like exercise, shopping, vital work or getting vaccinated. 'Assume that you have the virus, or that people you come into contact with have the virus,' she has repeatedly told the state. 'We can't afford to have people who have the virus going about their business.' Streets around the world famous beaches of Coogee (seen here) and Bondi were packed with locals making the most of the wintry sun which saw temperatures ride above 25C Hundreds ignored pleas from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to stay at home and instead packed the streets of Coogee (pictured) and Bondi Gladys Berejiklian has been begging Sydneysiders to only leave their home for essentials like exercise, shopping, vital work or getting vaccinated. Seen here is a take-away restaurant in Coogee on Sunday But those words appeared lost on locals and visitors to the sun-soaked suburbs who turned out in big numbers to enjoy the unseasonably warm winter weather. The disappointing scenes played out as the another 239 Covid cases were confirmed in Greater Sydney, including nine in one inner west aged care facility in Summer Hill. The premier renewed calls on Sunday for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers. 'Today is August 1 and I am calling upon the people of greater Sydney, and New South Wales, to come forward and get vaccinated,' she said. The premier's pleas appeared lost on locals and visitors to the sun-soaked suburbs who turned out in numbers to make the most of the unseasonably warm winter weather. Pictured here is Bondi Beach on Sunday For weeks, Gladys Berejiklian has been begging Sydneysiders to only leave their home for essentials like exercise, shopping, vital work or getting vaccinated. Seen here is the scene at the north end of Bondi Beach on Sunday 'To get to the 70 per cent target we need 9.2 million jabs. To get the 80 per cent target we need 10 million jabs. We have been talking about this in NSW for some time.' The figures announced on Sunday marks the second time the state has reported a record 239 cases - after first recording the number on Thursday. Cases then dipped to 170 on Friday before jumping back to 210 on Saturday. There are 54 patients being treated in the intensive care unit with a large number under 60 including seven in their 20s, five in their 30s, two in their 40s and six in their 50s. The premier renewed calls on Sunday for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers. Seen here are two young women exercising at Bondi Beach on Sunday A large proportion of those seen in the beachside suburbs on Sunday were in the under 30s age group. NSW deputy chief health officer Dr Jeremy McAnulty warned younger Sydneysiders aged between 18 and 30 were the biggest spreaders of the virus. 'We are seeing cases at high rates in those age group,' he said on Sunday. 'This is the age group that tends to be a link between kids, younger people, and older, elderly relatives. NSW deputy chief health officer Dr Jeremy McAnulty warned younger Sydneysiders aged between 18 and 30 were the biggest spreaders of the virus. A mix of ages are seen here walking at Bondi Beach on Sunday 'They are working, they have big social networks, if you are in that age group it is important that you be aware that you are very vulnerable to the infection, as we have seen in ICU numbers you can get serious disease. 'It is important you come forward for vaccination.' Health authorities have also raised concerns about the lack of people coming forward for testing. On Saturday, photos emerged of a Bondi Covid test centre sitting empty while a Fairfield clinic was packed with residents. A large proportion of those seen in the beachside suburbs on Sunday were in younger under 30s age group, as seen here in Bondi Beach on Sunday A local resident who went to get tested at 3.30pm told Daily Mail Australia the empty clinic was concerning. 'If no-one is getting tested in the eastern suburbs, that could mean lots of cases are going undetected,' he said. The exposure list has also grown with three busy buses, a train line fruit markets, pizza shops, bakeries, a Target store and a cheesecake shop among the new venues. Among the new exposure sites is the 400 bus running between Bondi Junction and Clovelly, and a Woolworths in Double Bay. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District - which included Bondi and Coogee - has had 301 positive cases in the four weeks to July 30. A couple are pictured here exercising at Coogee Beach on Sunday Bondi is part of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, where there have been 301 positive cases in the four weeks to July 30. That test rate in that LHD - 270 per 1,000 - lags behind South Western Sydney LHD on 450, Sydney LHD on 312 and Western Sydney LHD on 281. Waverley LGA initially led the city in testing after the current outbreak began in the arera on June 16, but rates have fallen off as the focus of the disease spread to the south-west over the past month. Key workers are being forced out of some of Britain's most popular holiday locations as landlords evict tenants to put their properties on Airbnb in a bid to take advantage of the so-called 'staycation boom'. A combination of the Covid pandemic, cuts to stamp duty and staycations have triggered an unprecedented housing crisis in Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk and Cumbria as locals are left homeless by soaring property prices and domestic holidays. Anthony Mangnall, the Tory MP for Totnes, is set to declare a 'housing emergency' in South Hams, an area of outstanding natural beauty in Devon with more than 5,000 second homes, by the autumn. He is one of several MPs preparing to call on Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick to introduce a range of measures to ease the crisis. Mr Mangnall told the Sunday Times: 'There are just 19 properties you can rent long-term in the whole of South Hams on Rightmove, yet there are 300 advertised on Airbnb in Salcombe, another 300 in Kingsbridge, a similar number in Totnes. 'Yet we have hospital staff who can't find anywhere to live, RNLI crew that can't live in the town they serve. This is starting to become dangerous.' In the first six months of 2021, nearly 15,000 second homes were bought in Britain according to statistics from Countrywide, the largest estate agency chain in the UK - the highest number since 2009 when they began collecting data Key workers are being forced out of some of Britain's most popular holiday locations as landlords evict tenants to put their properties on Airbnb in a bid to take advantage of the so-called 'staycation boom'. Cornwall stock image In the first six months of 2021, nearly 15,000 second homes were bought in Britain according to statistics from Countrywide, the largest estate agency chain in the UK - the highest number since 2009 when they began collecting data. In some areas of the Lake District, north Norfolk, Devon and Cornwall, up to 80 per cent of houses are thought to be holiday lets or second homes, the Sunday Times reported. Of the eight UK postcodes where house prices have risen by more than 100,000 in the past year, three are in Cornwall. Houses are selling for millions of pounds to buyers with seemingly limitless budgets, while key workers struggle to find a home and locals are forced to camp. Anthony Mangnall, the Tory MP for Totnes, is set to declare a 'housing emergency' in South Hams, an area of outstanding natural beauty in Devon with more than 5,000 second homes, by the autumn The crisis even forced the Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, to speak oput on the 'devastating' effect second homes are having on communities in Cornwall. MPs including Mr Mangnall, Steve Double, Derek Thomas, and Duncan Baker are set to propose plans including the regulation of Airbnb-style rentals, the building of more affordable homes, curbs on the number of holiday and second homes, incentives for landlords to rent to locals, and new powers to impose council tax surcharges on second homes. Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, launched a petition last week calling for planning legislation to be changed to stop family housing being turned into second homes and holiday lets, warning: 'The market is utterly broken and if we don't step in we will see entire populations move out.' Mr Double, the Tory MP for St Austell and Newquay, said there are now an estimated 10,000 Airbnbs in Cornwall. Mr Thomas, the MP for St Ives, West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is also campaigning to charge 'twice or treble council tax and ring-fence that to subsidise local services.' Cornwall Council has announced plans to build hundreds of 'pop-up' homes for those without a permanent home. Olly Monk, Cornwall council's portfolio holder for housing and planning, said the changes in the housing market in the county this year had been 'seismic' and warned: 'There's a perfect storm at the moment in terms of supply and demand for housing and it's a worrying time for lots of people.' A combination of the Covid pandemic, cuts to stamp duty and staycations have triggered an unprecedented housing crisis in Cornwall, Devon (Clovelly pictured), Norfolk and Cumbria as locals are left homeless by soaring property prices and domestic holidays The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government told the Sunday Times: 'We have introduced a series of measures to help mitigate the adverse effect large numbers of second homes can have on some areas, including higher rates of stamp duty for buyers of second homes. 'We've delivered more than 542,000 affordable homes since 2010 and are investing more than 12billion in affordable housing over the next five years.' Last year, Princess Anne said there was a shortage of affordable houses in most rural area. She wrote for Country Life magazine: 'One of my pleas... is for housing for local families that are priced out of the market; for young, single people who would like to stay and work in their home village or area; young families; and retired people who were born in the village and would like to return home.' A spokesman for Airbnb told MailOnline: 'Airbnb is built on the foundation of helping locals afford their homes and the majority of UK Hosts share a space in their own home with nearly half of UK Hosts saying that the additional income is an economic lifeline. 'We take housing concerns seriously and always welcome the opportunity to work with governments on solutions. 'We have already put forward proposals for a host registration system to the Government following a UK-wide consultation with local authorities and communities, and we are delighted to see the Government commit to consulting on measures as part of its Tourism Recovery Plan.' A Japanese restaurant in Sydney's south-west is a major Covid-19 exposure site after an employee worked there for 10 days while infected. Health authorities announced on Sunday evening that anyone who has been to Katsuya Japanese Restaurant in Campsie between 6am and 10pm, from July 19 to 28, should get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result. The same advice applies to customers who went to Chemist Warehouse in Burwood on Wednesday, and people who visited All Group Supermarket in Campsie between Sunday and Tuesday. Myhealth Medical Centre in Rhodes has also been added to the list, with patrons who went to the clinic on Tuesday or Friday ordered to get tested and isolate immediately. New South Wales recorded 239 new cases on Sunday with 50 people fighting for life on ventilators. New South Wales recorded 239 new cases on Sunday with 50 people fighting for life on ventilators. Oictured: People in Coogee on Sunday Pictured: Katsuya Japanese Restaurant in Campsie, south-west Sydney, where an employee worked while infected with Covid-19 for ten days Chemist Warehouse in Burwood has also been listed as an exposure site after a Covid-positive person went there on Wednesday Latest Covid exposure sites in NSW Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Belfield, Mancini's Original Woodfired Pizza, 21 Burwood Road. Sunday 18 July to Saturday 24 July. ALL DAY. Burwood, Chemist Warehouse, 69 Burwood Road. Wednesday 28 July 5.25pm to 5.30pm. Penrith, Officeworks, 273 High Street. Monday 26 July 12pm to 5pm. Canley Heights, An Phat Supermarket, 213-217 Canley Vale Road. Thursday 29 July 10am to 10.30am. Campsie, World of Fruit, 224 Beamish Street. Sunday 25 July 10.40am to 11am. Campsie, Katsyua Japanese Restaurant, Clemton Park Shopping Village - Shop 14/5 Mackinder Street. Monday 19 July to Wednesday 28 July, 6am to 10pm. Campsie, All Group Supermarket. 238 Bearmish Street. Sunday 25 July to Tuesday 27 July 8.30am to 3.30pm. Campsie, 36 Meat Mart. 273 Beamish Street. Monday 26 July to Saturday 31 July - between 7.30am and 6pm. Rhodes, Muhealth Medical Centre. Level 8, Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre. Rider Boulevard. Tuesday 27 July 9am to 11am, Friday 30 July 10am to 11.30am. Pemulwuy, Fully Tabooly Kebab Shop, Pemulwuy Marketplace, 70 Butu Wargun Drive. Friday 30 July and Saturday 31 July - 9am to 9.30am. Anyone who travelled on the following public transport routes is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Bondi Junction Clovelly, 400 Bus, from Bondi Junction Station Stand F to Frenchmans Road at Clovelly Road, Randwick. Monday 19 July 1.31pm to 1.40pm Campsie to Earlwood, 473 Bus, from Dan's Corner, Beamish Street, Campsie to Earlwood Shops. Monday 26 July 2.42pm to 2.51pm Summer Hill to Camperdown, 461X Bus, from Parramatta Road after Sloane Street, Summer Hill to Parramatta Road bf Lyons, Camperdown. Tuesday 27 July 8.09am to 8.17am 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. Bankstown, Quantum Radiology 258 South Terrace. Monday 28 July, 12.30pm to 12.50pm. Bondi Junction, Bondi Junction Post Shop Eastgate Shopping Centre, Shop 28 71-73 Spring Street. Friday 16 July, 9.10am to 9.20am. Brookvale, Woolworths. Warringah Mall 145 Old Pittwater Road. Sunday 25 July 5.05pm to 5.35pm. Fairfield, Everyday in Fairfield, 109 Sackville Street. Thursday 15 July 4pm to 4.10pm. Smithfield, GRAM Engineering. 16-22 Cullen Place. Friday 23 July, Monday 26 July and Tueday 27 July - 7.15am to 4.30pm. St Mary's, Astley Mobility Pharmacy 368 Pennant Hills Road. Thursday 29 July 1.30pm to 2pm, Saturday 31 July 11am to 11.30am. Sydney, Sunlite Mitre 10, 74 Pitt Street, Tuesday 27 July 3.15pm to 5pm Wattle Grove, Coles, Village Way. Friday 23 July 10.25am to 11am. Bankstown, Suhhtan Pizza Bakery, 226 Chapel Road. Friday 23 July 12.20pm to 12.25pm Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Ave. Saturday 24 July 10am-11am. Blacktown, Kmart, 28 Patrick Street. Saturday 24 July 5.40pm to 5.45pm. Bankstown, Priceline Pharmacy, 1 North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 12.45pm to 1.05pm. Campsie, Cincotta Chemist, 157 - 159 Beamish Street. Friday 30 July 4.40pm to 5.15pm. Bankstown, Woolworths Bankstown Centro Shopping Centre, Lady Cutler Avenue. Friday 30 July 8am to 9.10am. Double Bay, Woolworths, Kiaora Road. Sunday 18 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm and Monday 19 July 4.30pm to 4.45pm. Eastwood, BSW, Level 1 Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. Friday 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Eastwood, Woolworths. Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Strathfield, Omni Mart. Shop 7, Symonf Arcade, 12 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July 10.25am to 11am. Strathfield, Fresh Seafood and Meat. 22/11 The Boulevard. Satirday 24 July, 10.45pm to 11.15am. Strathfield, GR Buy Asian Supermarket. Shop 8/11 The Boulevard. Saturday 24 July, 11am to 11.30am. Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July, 10am to 11am. Yagoona, Ya Ya Bakery, 522 Hume Highway. Monday 19 July 6.45am to 7am. Liverpool, Mina Pizza, Shop 3, 46 Elizabeth Street. Tuesday 20 July 9am to 10am. Gladesville, Bunnings (tools section). 461 Victoria Road. Friday 23 July, 2.45pm to 3.20pm. Granville, Woolworths, 6 Louis Street. Wednesday 21 July 6.20pm to 6.50pm. Eastwood, La Vigne Bakery, 82 Rowe Street. Thursday 22 July 11.40am to 11.55am. St Marys, Aldi, 410-422 Great Western Highway. Thursday 22 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm. Macquarie Fields, Target, Glenquarie Town Centre Click and Collect, Victoria Road. Thursday 22 July 9am to 7pm, Friday 23 July 9am to 5pm, Sunday 25 July 9am to 5pm, Monday 26 July 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 27 July 9am to 5pm. Macquarie Park, Commonwealth Bank, Level 1 Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 12.50pm to 2pm. Macquarie Park, Suncorp. Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Priceline, Shop 10 Macquarie Shopping Centre Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1.10pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Panetta Mercato, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Saturday 24 July 4.50pm to 5.10pm. Macquarie Park, Azakaze, Macquarie Shopping Centre, 402/199 Herring Road. Saturday 24 July, 4.05pm to 4.30pm. Marrickville, Woolworths Metro, Marrickville Shopping Centre, 34 Victoria Road. Monday 26 July, 10.30am to 11.30am. Wentworth Point, The Smelly Cheesecake, 5 Footbridge Boulevard. Saturday 24 July 9.25am to 9.35am. Burwood, Evergreen Fresh World, Burwood Plaza, 42 Railway Parade. Saturday 24 July 2.45pm to 3.15pm. St Marys, IGA, Great Western Highway and Mamre Road. Saturday 24 July 4pm to 4.15pm. Lakemba, Woolworths, 2-26 Haldon Street. Saturday 24 July 10.30am to 10.40am. Bankstown, Aussie Farm Fresh, Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 8.40am to 8.50am. West Ryde, Coles, Betts Street and Chatham Road. Monday 19 July, 7.20am to 7.55am. Anyone who travelled on the following train service is considered a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. T4 Train Line, From Caringbah to Bondi Junction. Monday 19 July 12.12pm to 1.26pm. Advertisement People who were at GRAM Engineering in Smithfield between 7.15am and 4.30pm on July 23, 26 or 27 has been listed as a casual contact and told to get a test and isolate until a negative test is received. The same advice applies to anyone who went to Quantum Radiology in Bankstown on Monday, Woolworths in Brookvale last Sunday, or Astley Mobility Pharmacy in Pennent Hills on Thursday or Saturday. The 239 figure on Sunday is the second day in a row of more than 200. Daily case numbers dipped after the record number was first reported on Thursday, but jumped back to 210 on Saturday including hundreds of mystery cases. NSW deputy chief health officer Jeremy McAnulty said an alarming number of cases were detected among childcare workers. He strongly urged parents to consider keeping their children at home to curb the spread of infection through daycares. 'It is a reminder, please reserve childcare centres if you really need to have your child in child care,' he said. 'Otherwise, keep them at home to minimise the spread through childcare.' Pictured: People gathering outside restaurants and cafes in Coogee on Sunday, as the state recorded 239 new cases A number of cases in childcare prompting warnings for parents to reconsider keeping their children at home. Pictured: Women exercising together at Coogee Beach Nine residents also tested positive at a nursing home in Summer Hill, in Sydney's inner-west. 'On a regular basis we are seeing cases in hospital settings or aged care settings and we have even had some disability settings as well,' Mr McAnulty said. 'So there is an outbreak in a Summer Hill aged care facility with I understand nine residents affected. 'Fortunately, many of those have been vaccinated. As I understand it, the ones with vaccination are doing relatively well.' There are 54 patients being treated in the intensive care unit with a large number under 60 including seven in their 20s, five in their 30s, two in their 40s and six in their 50s. Dr McAnulty warned younger Sydneysiders aged between 18 and 30 were the biggest spreaders of the virus. 'We are seeing cases at high rates in those age group,' he said. 'This is the age group that tends to be a link between kids, younger people, and older, elderly relatives. 'They are working, they have big social networks, if you are in that age group it is important that you be aware that you are very vulnerable to the infection, as we have seen in ICU numbers you can get serious disease. It is important you come forward for vaccination.' Pictured: People walking aling Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon during Sydney-wide lockdown Pictured: Residents queue up outside a pharmacy for a Covid-19 vaccination in western Sydney on July 30 Cases then dipped to 170 on Friday before jumping back to 210 on Saturday Ms Berejiklian was pressed by a reporter over concerns that young people were being turned down requests to get the AstraZeneca vaccine by their GPs (pictured, police confronting a resident outside Hyde Park) Only 80 of the new cases were in isolation, with 35 partially out in the community while infectious and at least 26 were out in the public and not isolating. State premier Gladys Berejiklian renewed calls for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers. 'Today is August 1 and I am calling upon the people of greater Sydney, and New South Wales, to come forward and get vaccinated,' she said. 'To get to the 70 per cent target we need 9.2 million jabs. To get the 80 per cent target we need 10 million jabs. We have been talking about this in NSW for some time.' The 80 per cent target has been set by the federal government as the key to reopening the border and scrapping state lockdowns. Ms Berejiklian was pressed by a reporter over concerns that young people were being turned down requests to get the AstraZeneca vaccine by their GPs. 'On the 20 to 30 age bracket, we are hearing stories of people wanted to get AstraZeneca, going to the GP and the GP says no, wait for Pfizer,' the reporter said. 'What are you doing about that because that messaging is very different and the message is consistently changing over months?' Ms Berejiklian responded: 'The NSW Government always follows the advice of the federal health authorities. 'Of course, we ask ability to follow that health advice by the health advice in New South Wales is that if you are over 18, it is safe to get either vaccine.' Of the patients in ICU, seven are in their 20s, five are in their 30s, two in their 40s and six in their 50s State premier Gladys Berejiklian renewed calls for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers (pictured, Sydney residents walking at Hyde Park) There are currently 54 patients being treated in the intensive care unit with a large number under 60 years of age Ms Berejiklian has denied reports nurses were forced back into hospitals before returning negative Covid-19 test results. During the state's Covid update on Sunday, a reporter highlighted a growing cluster of Covid-19 cases within the emergency department of a key hospital in Sydney. They claimed nurses who were close contacts of the emerging cases were forced to go back to work before receiving a negative test result due to increasing numbers of ICU patients. 'I havent seen evidence of that. If that was the case, I would dispute because we [have] many staff members on the beat of over 140,000 people working in the health system,' Ms Berejiklian replied. 'So it is really important to note that when you are in the middle of the pandemic and having cases every day, it stretches things.' Ms Berejiklian said even though a vast majority of healthcare workers were vaccinated, they could still catch the virus and pass it to others. The state premier also responded to criticism after it was revealed that Pfizer doses would be redirected from the community to Year 12 students. Central Coast residents have had their bookings cancelled at a vaccination hub in Belmore so their doses can go to students. That test rate in that LHD - 270 per 1,000 - lags behind South Western Sydney LHD on 450, Sydney LHD on 312 and Western Sydney LHD on 281 (Bondi pictured on Friday) Concerns were raised over the number of residents coming forward for testing after footage revealed a nearly empty testing clinic at Bondi A Syndeysider spends the day at Bondi beach as the city remains in lockdown amid growing Covid-19 cases 'It is only around 19,000 students,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'It is important for us to give those year 12 students a chance to finish their exams and get rewarded.' 'It's what they deserve and know that we are finding younger people are getting the virus and spreading it.' Ms Berejiklian conceded it would be weeks before residents get their hands on the Pfizer jab after their bookings were cancelled. She said the state had to prioritise Year 12 students as they prepared to take their Higher School Certificate and growing reports that some were too anxious to return to the classroom. 'Year 12 attaining those credentials is so important,' she said. 'We want to reduce their stress.' 'It is stressful and upsetting the HSC, let alone in a pandemic. It is stressful for parents and families and we want to make sure we provide those best opportunities in every way we can. 'We are doing a lot of work on not only how we can have some level of face to face for your 12 but also in a safe way.' Students may have been pushed ahead of the line to receive Pfizer, but teachers will still have to get the AstraZeneca. 'Obviously, if you are a teacher or critical worker or any citizen, it doesn't matter what you are doing, you should be coming forward to get the vaccine,' she said. 'For all adults the AstraZeneca is now recommended.' Ms Berejiklian argued it was important to help Year 12 students ahead of their Higher School Certificate and amid reports that many were 'too scared' to return to the classroom Central Coast residents have had their bookings cancelled at a vaccination hub in Belmore so their doses can go to students Worrying traces of coronavirus have been found in sewage catchments in regional New South Wales despite the country towns reporting no cases of Covid-19. Fragments of the virus were detected in Molong which is 290km west of Sydney, and Armidale, located more than 480km from the outbreak. Traces were also discovered on the northern end of the Central Coast and Wollongong 'People in those areas please come forward for testing with the mildest of symptoms,' Dr McAnulty said. NSW Health on Wednesday night issued an alert for the sewage treatment plant in Molong, which services around 1700 people in the state's central west. The Western Local Health District said a sample was tested at Molong near Orange last Monday and came back positive on Wednesday. Worrying traces of coronavirus have been found in sewage catchments in regional New South Wales despite the country towns reporting no cases of Covid-19 (pictured, Bondi Beach) Police officer checks the ID of a Sydneysider at Bondi Beach on Sunday after NSW recorded 239 new cases Two beachgoers show their IDs to a passing police officer at Bondi beach on Sunday Health authorities have also raised concerns about the lack of people coming forward for testing. On Saturday, photos emerged of a Bondi Covid test centre sitting empty while a Fairfield clinic was packed with residents. A local resident who went to get tested at 3.30pm told Daily Mail Australia the empty clinic was concerning. 'If no-one is getting tested in the eastern suburbs, that could mean lots of cases are going undetected,' he said. Students will face unprecedented competition to get a place at university over the next four years as a surge in applicants from China will drive a 40 per cent rise in demand. UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant spoke during a seminar hosted by the Higher Education Policy Institute ahead of A-level results being published on August 10. She argued that internationally there is a 'real appetite for UK Higher Education' including from China, India, Nigeria and Ghana. The surge in the number of students from China is expected to far outstrip those from the whole of the EU by 2025, according to The Times. There were 28,490 young people from China applying to UK universities this year alone, the publication said. Ms Merchant, attending the webinar on July 30, said: 'Internationally we are still seeing demand holding up - up 14 per cent from last year - so year-on-year increasing.' She added that the EU had been an exception. Ms Merchant continued: 'I think as well as the China and India dominance in terms of internationals coming through we are also seeing diversification in terms of new nations with real appetite for UK Higher Education (as of figures from June 30). 'So [applications] from the likes of Nigeria were up 66 per cent and Ghana up nearly a third - with applicants from India also up a third. 'By the time my 13-year-old son gets to age 18, it will be much, much, more competitive. We think there will be one million applicants by 2025, up from 700,000 now,' Ms Merchant said. UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant, attending the webinar on July 30, said that international application numbers were up from last year but added that the EU had been an exception She argued that internationally there is a 'real appetite for UK Higher Education' including from China, India, Nigeria and Ghana Official UCAS statistics showed that as of June 30 - which is the final date to apply to up to five courses simultaneously - a total of 682,010 applicants (up 4 per cent on 2020) made 2,955,990 applications (up 6 per cent), resulting in 1,998,690 offers (up 3 per cent) made by universities and colleges. One of the biggest increases in applications was seen for medical and dentistry degrees. Last year, 105,200 students applied for the course but this has jumped nearly 20 per cent in 2021 to 124,510 applications. Ms Marchant said that she was hopeful there would not be a 'tsunami of appeals' over A-level grades to secure places following the disrupted academic year amid the coronavirus pandemic. The pregnant widow of an Australian snowboarding champion wants emergency first responders to tell grieving relatives how to save their dead partner's sperm. Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin, 32, drowned in shallow water while spearfishing at Palm Beach on Queensland's Gold Coast on July 8, 2020. Within hours of his death, his partner Ellidy Pullin - who changed her name from Vlug to Chumpy's surname in recent weeks - organised IVF specialists to harvest his sperm. Pregnant widow Ellidy Pullin (pictured) of Australian snowboarding champion Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin wants first responders to tell grieving relatives how to save their dead partner's sperm The couple had been trying for a child together in the lead up to the tragic accident and were able to fast track the process once she realised it was possible. Ms Pullin, 29, is now pregnant with his child through IVF, one year after he died, and due to give birth in October. But the model says paramedics and police must be trained to advise devastated spouses of the possibilities of posthumous sperm retrieval as early as possible. There is only a 24 to 36 hour window where medics can perform the procedure after death and it requires legal paperwork to be completed before it can begin. Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin, 32, pictured here withe partner Ellidy, drowned in shallow water while spearfishing at Palm Beach on Queensland's Gold Coast on July 8, 2020 But Ms Pullin said instead of being told of the IVF options available to her, she was being asked about the state of their relationship and their movements that day. 'I was explaining to them how we had the most perfect life in the world, we were trying for a baby, nothing could have been better in our life,' Ms Pullin revealed in her podcast, Darling, Shine! 'I think that they should have the knowledge to say, "Oh my God, you were trying for a baby? Do you know that if you act really crucially in the next 24 hours, 36 hours, you can actually retrieve his sperm?" 'I think that would have been really important knowledge.' Ellidy and Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin (pictured) loved spending time together at the beach on the Gold Coast She added: 'Ive said this to a few people, I just think the police officers, the ambulance officers and stuff on the day (of the tragedy), I think it should have almost been something that they said to us that day.' Podcast co-host Chloe Fisher, wife of international DJ Paul Fisher, said family and friends rang around five different IVF clinics until they found a doctor to help, with just six hours to spare. 'It turns out because everyone was on board, we were able to get an affidavit done and all this legal documentation written up so we didnt actually have to get up in front of a court,' she said. 'The lawyer, he must have done a weeks worth of work in two hours or something.' Ms Pullin displayed her pregnancy progress on social media after announcing the happy news Ms Pullin added: 'I feel like Chumpy was pulling some strings from up there making this all happen for sure. 'My main reason for going on the news is to spread awareness about sperm retrieval so many people dont know about it.' Mr Pullin was found on the ocean floor by another snorkeller and brought to shore by lifeguards, with his partner rushing to scene as they tried to revive him. She announced in June she was pregnant via IVF in a heartwarming announcement to 57,000 Instagram followers through a series of photos of her swollen stomach. Ellidy Pullin has already introduced her bump to her late partner's parents (pictured) as they posed in front of an image of Mr Pullin in the Winter Olympics 'When my love had his accident, we all held onto hope that I'd be pregnant that month. We'd been trying for a baby,' the 29-year-old model wrote. 'IVF was on our cards but it wasn't something I ever imagined I'd be tackling on my own. Bittersweet like none other, I've never been more certain or excited about anything in my entire life.' Queensland Police declined to comment to Daily Mail Australia about Ms Pullin's request. But Queensland Ambulance Service said it would be inapproraite for their staff to get involved. Ms Pullin (left) celebrates with a pal who captioned the photo: 'This angel and her Chumpy bumpy' 'For expected deaths, this will already have been considered,' a spokesman told Gold Coast Bulletin. 'For unexpected deaths, the situation is extremely raw and it would not be appropriate for paramedics to get involved at that point. 'The Coronial services would be better placed. Ellidy is pictured with Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin and their beloved kelpie Rummi Ms Pullin previously told Daily Mail Australia Pullin had been an experienced free diver and 'had mastered the art of holding his breath for long periods of time'. The Olympian often went out spearfishing on his own or with friends, and Ms Pullin said she never once had any concerns about anything going askew. On the morning of his death, the couple woke late before Mr Pullin decided to go get some sun. Ms Pullin told Daily Mail Australia she last saw her boyfriend alive moments before he'd decided to go for a dive, telling him: 'Love you, watch out for sharks'. Ms Pullin then went for a walk, returning home to find a neighbour at her door telling her a spearfisher had been pulled from the ocean. Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin was twice snowboard cross world champion and the Australian flag-bearer at the Russian Sochi Olympics in 2014. Advertisement Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has blamed Iran for a 'suicide' drone strike on an oil tanker that killed two people including a British Army veteran off the coast of Oman after he came under fire for ignoring pleas from Israel to retaliate against the Islamist regime. The unidentified British serviceman, as well as a Romanian crew member, died late on Thursday night after the MV Mercer Street oil tanker was attacked by a so-called kamikaze drone, which is laden with explosives and detonates on impact with its target. Israel was quick to accuse Iran of being behind the attack and urged Britain to take action against Tehran, with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett claiming to have 'evidence' of Iranian complicity this afternoon and vowing to 'send a message' to the ayatollahs. However, the British Government came under criticism for refusing to apportion blame, with the Henry Jackson Society think-tank accusing 'naive' and 'stupid' British officials of 'ignoring Iran's malfeasances for too long' and allowing the regime to 'get away with murder'. Mr Raab has now swung out against Iran, blaming the regime in Tehran for the 'callous attack'. He claimed the assault was a 'deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law' and vowed to work with British allies 'on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack'. He said: 'The UK condemns the unlawful and callous attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman, which killed a British and a Romanian National. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those killed in the incident. 'We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. UK assessments have concluded that it is highly likely that Iran attacked the MV MERCER STREET in international waters off Oman on 29 July using one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). 'Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. The UK is working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack.' Since this February, at least three other Israeli-linked ships have been attacked in the same region - including MV Helios Ray on February 25, off the coast of Oman, MV Hyperion Ray on April 13 off the coast of UAE, and CSAV Tyndall on July 2 in the Persian Gulf. Mr Bennett blamed Iran for the drone attack at a Cabinet meeting in Jersusalem and claimed to have 'evidence' that the Islamist regime was behind the deadly tanker assault, warning his country could 'send a message' in retaliation. 'The intelligence evidence for this exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake,' the Israeli premier said at the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks conveyed by his office. 'In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way.' Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said: '[I] noted to [Mr Raab] the need to respond severely to the attack. Iran is not just an Israeli problem, but an exporter of terror, destruction and instability that hurt us all. The world must not be silent in the face of Iranian terror.' Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has blamed Iran for a 'suicide' drone strike on an oil tanker that killed two people including a British Army veteran off the coast of Oman after he came under fire for ignoring pleas from Israel to retaliate against the Islamist regime. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid quickly accused Iran - the country's regional arch-rival - of being behind the attack and urged Britain to take action against Tehran This January 2, 2016 photo shows the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Mercer Street off Cape Town, South Africa The oil tanker linked to an Israeli billionaire reportedly came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh denied the regime's involvement in the assault and called Israel's allegation 'baseless' during a news conference. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his Israeli counterpart and both men agreed to work with other allies 'to investigate the facts, provide support, and consider the appropriate next steps,' according to a State Department statement. Earlier today, Sam Armstrong, director of communications at the Henry Jackson Society, said: 'The UK has ignored Iran's malfeasances for too long. From the kidnapping of Nazanin Zatgari-Ratcliffe, to the attacks on Saudi oilfields, to the hijacking of British flagged boats, we have let Iran get away with murder. The unidentified Briton, as well as a Romanian crew member, died late on Thursday night after the MV Mercer Street oil tanker was attacked by a so-called kamikaze drone, which is laden with explosives and detonates on impact with its target 'Now that the Government has seen the deadly consequences of this outrageous negligence it must finally act. Placating Iran's Ayatollahs while ignoring our allies in Israel is not just naive, it's plain stupid.' On Saturday, an Israeli military official told the Ynet newspaper they would launch their own response to the attack on the Mercer Street vessel. 'The only question is how and when we'll respond,' the Israeli official added. Mr Bennett said at the start of Israel's weekly Cabinet meeting: 'The Iranians who attacked with unmanned aircraft the Mercer Street intended to harm an Israeli target. Instead, their piratical act caused the deaths of a British citizen and a Romanian citizen.' He warned: 'We know, at any rate, know how to convey the message to Iran in our own way.' Iranian state media has claimed the incident was in retaliation for an airstrike on a Syrian military airport, which it accused Israel of being behind, according to CNN. The Syrian regime is backed by Iranian forces. Analysts said the attack bore all the hallmarks of tit-for-tat exchanges in the 'shadow war' between Israel and Iran, in which vessels linked to each nation have been targeted in waters around the Gulf. The Israeli official warned that 'our campaign against them (Iran) will continue'. The tanker was in the northern Indian Ocean, travelling from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates at the time of the incident. Zodiac Maritime confirmed the incident on board the tanker left one Romanian and a UK national dead. 'We are not aware of harm to any other personnel,' it said in a statement, adding that the Japanese-owned tanker was back under the control of its crew and was steaming to an undisclosed 'safe location' under US naval escort. The British victim worked as a guard for UK maritime security firm Ambrey, the company said. A security official claimed the crew reported hearing drone noises and eruptions in the water before the vessel went radio silent, CNN reported. The boat's driver and a security detail reportedly remained to pilot the vessel and were both hit in the attack. Mercer Street off Cape Town, South Africa. The oil tanker owned by an Israeli billionaire reportedly came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea. Two people - including a British man - are reported to have been killed in the attack Speaking of Friday, Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid (pictured earlier this week) blamed 'Iranian terrorism' for the attack Deadly standoff: How tit-for-tat exchanges between Iran and Israel have threatened to send the Middle East into a major conflict In recent months, there have been several reported attacks on Iranian ships that Tehran has linked to Israel. In March, Iran's foreign ministry said it was 'considering all options' in response to an attack on a cargo ship in the Mediterranean it blamed on Israel. And in April, Tehran said its freighter Saviz was hit by an 'explosion' in the Red Sea, after media reports said Israel had struck the ship. The New York Times reported at the time that the Saviz had been targeted in an Israeli 'retaliatory' attack after 'Iran's earlier strikes on Israeli ships'. It came at a time of heightened tensions between the foes, with reports of a series of tit-for-tat strikes on shipping since early March. In a report published in March that cited US and Middle East officials, the Wall Street Journal said Israel has targeted at least a dozen vessels bound for Syria, mostly carrying Iranian oil, since late 2019. 'The occupier regime knows that such (accusations) will not fix its problems. Whoever sows the wind reaps the whirlwind,' Khatibzadeh said. Iran has also accused Israel of being behind sabotage attacks against its nuclear sites, and killing a number of its scientists. The tanker strike comes as Tehran and world powers are engaged in talks in Vienna in an effort to return Washington to a 2015 nuclear deal and lift sanctions, and bring Iran back in compliance with nuclear commitments it waived in retaliation for sanctions. The accord was strained when in 2018 former president Donald Trump withdrew the US unilaterally and reimposed sanctions. Advertisement The Briton was said to be a member of the security team. The tanker, called MV Mercer Street, is operated by London-based company Zodiac Maritime which is owned by Israeli shipping billionaire Eyal Ofer. The company said it was working to establish what happened in the attack, which saw the vessel targeted north-east of the Omani island of Masirah, 185 miles south-east of the capital Muscat, on Thursday. The United States, a key ally of Israel and arch-rival of Iran, expressed concern and said it was monitoring the situation. 'We are urgently working with our partners, our international partners, to establish the facts,' a State Department spokeswoman said. Meir Javedanfar, an expert on Iranian diplomacy and security at Israel's IDC Herzliya university, told AFP news agency the attack was 'most probably Iran'. Al-Alam, Iran's state TV channel in Arabic, citing 'informed regional sources' said the attack was a 'response to a recent Israeli attack' targeting an airport in central Syria. It did not provide further details. Oman's state news agency said the country's navy dispatched a ship and confirmed the attack took place outside the sultanate's territorial waters. Exact details of how the attack occurred have yet to be confirmed. Javedanfar said Iranians 'feel badly disadvantaged when it comes to responding to attacks inside Iran which have been associated to Israel', including an April strike on the Natanz uranium enrichment site reportedly executed by Israel. The Arabian Sea and surrounding Indian Ocean were plagued by piracy around a decade ago, but incidents have waned in recent years after foreign navies stepped up patrols. Zodiac initially called the attack on the MT Mercer Street 'a suspected piracy incident'. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) - an anti-piracy taskforce run by the Royal Navy - also issued a report of 'a vessel being attacked' around 152 nautical miles (280 kilometres) off the coast of Oman. It classed the incident as 'non-piracy'. Maritime industry analysts Dryad Global said the attack was similar to previous incidents against vessels associated with Israel and Iran. Two ships operated by Israeli firm Ray Shipping were attacked earlier this year. 'The attack on the MT Mercer Street is now assessed to be the fifth attack against a vessel connected to Israel,' Dryad said in an email note on the incident. But it said before the deaths were confirmed that the loss of two personnel 'would represent a significant escalation in events that... would likely lead to significant international condemnation and would require diplomatic redress'. It advised clients that the risk to commercial vessels associated with Israel and Iran in the Gulf waterway was 'heightened', pointing to lingering tensions between the two powers over Iran's nuclear ambitions. Iran and Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthi rebels have employed 'suicide' drones in the past. These are unmanned aircraft loaded with explosives that detonate on impact with a target. The deaths mark the first fatalities after years of assaults targeting shipping in the region. Other Israeli-linked ships have been targeted in recent months amid a shadow war with Iran, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults. New data shows eight bosses working at NHS Test and Trace are earning more than the Prime Minister despite prolonged criticism and concern over the system's success. The Covid contact tracing system has faced a barrage of criticism since its inception last May, but shocking new data reveals its highest paid staff are paid almost 250,000-a-year. The news comes amid concerns over the effectiveness of the 37 billion Test and Trace organisation - which failed to hit a number of its key targets according to a recent report. New data from the first quarter of the 2021/22 financial year indicate that eight of the 10 most lucrative salaries at the Department of Health and Social Care belonged to the much-maligned NHS Test and Trace team. The majority of its highest paid staff come from the retail industry, including former supermarket chiefs, motor industry specialists and a BT boss. The Telegraph reports most Test and Trace bosses are paid in excess of 200,000-a- year, a sizeable chunk more than Prime Minister Boris Johnson's reported 157,372 income in 2020-21. Gareth Williams (left), Test and Trace's chief operating officer, and Ben Stimson, chief customer officer until he left in May, pocketed between 240,000 and 245,000-a-year Philip Huggins, the organisation's chief information security officer, earns between 180,000 to 185,000-a-year Mark Hewlett, the testing chief operating officer and former Aldi boss, netted between 220,000 and 225,000 a year Records show Gareth Williams, the service's chief operating officer, and Ben Stimson, chief customer officer until he left in May, pocketed between 240,000 and 245,000-a-year. Both men had strong links to the supermarket industry before joining Test and Trace, with Mr Williams formerly a human resources director at Sainsbury's, while Mr Stimson worked as a retail director at Waitrose. Mark Hewlett, the testing chief operating officer and former Aldi boss, netted between 220,000 and 225,000-a-year, while two others, Simon Bolton - former tech boss at Jaguar Land Rover - and Adam Wheelwright, an ex-banking executive, took home 200,000 to 205,000. Former Astra Zeneca tsar Robert Howes, who oversees Test and Trace's Royal Leamington Spa 'megalab', has a salary of 180,000 to 185,000, as does Philip Huggins, the organisation's chief information security officer. Chief people officer Faran Johnson was paid the least at 160,000 to 165,000-a- year, according to the senior civil servant data. Simon Bolton (left), former tech boss at Jaguar Land Rover, earned 200,000 to 205,000, as did Adam Wheelwright (right), an ex-banking executive Robert Howes (pictured), who oversees Test and Trace's 'superlab' at Royal Leamington Spa, has a salary of 180,000 to 185,000 Chief people officer Faran Johnson was paid the least out of the Test and Trace bosses at 160,000 to 165,000 a year, according to the senior civil servant data The release of their salaries comes amid mounting pressure in recent months over the cost and efficacy of the 37billion Test and Trace service. The so-called 'pingdemic' led to 689,313 alerts being sent to users of the NHS Covid-19 app last week telling them they had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus. Some frontline workers are exempt from isolation, including those in prisons, waste collection, defence, the food industry, transport, Border Force and police and fire services. Daily negative test results enable those eligible workers who have been alerted by the NHS Covid-19 app or called by NHS Test and Trace as coronavirus contacts to continue working. But many businesses have been left frustrated by thousands of staff having to isolate, even after having both doses of the vaccine. Most Test and Trace bosses are paid in excess of 200,000-a- year, a sizeable chunk more than Prime Minister Boris Johnson's reported 157,372 income in 2020-21 Dido Harding insists Test and Trace has been a success... despite SAGE saying 37billion scheme has FAILED to slow pandemic Baroness Dido Harding told MPs she was 'proud' of the work done by the 37billion much maligned Covid contact tracing system. She said the scheme had achieved its goal of helping break the chains of transmission. She said: 'I would actually argue and I do appreciate that a lot of people listening to this will find this rather incredulous given some of the way its been reported but I would actually argue that NHS Test and Trace has been a success.' Baroness Harding quoted a Government study suggesting the scheme has reduced transmission by '18 to 33 per cent'. Her comments come after the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said the system had a 'marginal' impact on tackling the virus because it neither tests nor traces enough people. Test and Trace has been allocated a 37billion budget for two years 18.5billion-a-year but has already burned through 23billion of that cash according to figures released earlier this month. Baroness Harding's tenure was criticised by former Treasury chief Lord Macpherson, who accused her of presiding over 'the most wasteful and inept public spending programme of all time'. Advertisement NHS Test and Trace, then described as a 'world-beating' system, was headed-up by Baroness Harding from its launch in May last year. She stepped down in the spring, before applying to become the new head of the NHS - a job which ultimately went to healthcare official Amanda Pritchard. Baroness Harding quoted a Government study suggesting the scheme has reduced transmission by '18 to 33 per cent'. Her comments come after the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said the system had a 'marginal' impact on tackling the virus because it neither tests nor traces enough people. Test and Trace has been allocated a 37billion budget for two years 18.5billion-a-year but has already burned through 23billion of that cash according to figures released earlier this month. Baroness Harding's tenure was criticised by former Treasury chief Lord Macpherson, who accused her of presiding over 'the most wasteful and inept public spending programme of all time'. Private consultants were charging more than 1,000-a-day for their work on NHS Test and Trace, with the service having now cost the taxpayer more than 23billion so far - despite scientists saying it has failed to slow the pandemic. And multinational Deloitte is among those supplying consultants, with its contract worth 298m out of 516m in fees agreed with City companies including McKinsey and Ernst and Young. A National Audit Office report at the end of June revealed that 2,239 consultants are employed by NHS Test and Trace - 45 per cent of the organisation's full-time staff - despite the scheme's claim to be attempting to reduce their numbers. The service employed 18,000 contact tracers last October, 13,000 in February and 10,000 in March - but their contracts make them difficult to switch between departments leading to many of them going unused. Auditors also found that 80 per cent of contact tracers spent their time sitting idle while on shift, and that public compliance with their instructions was 'low'. And in February just after the peak of the second wave, every contact traced cost the taxpayer 47, compared to 5 per contact last October because the service struggles to match its staff levels to variable demand. Since April, the Test and Trace scheme has been headed up by Dame Jenny Harries and the UK Health Security Agency. A DHSC spokesperson said: 'This year more than ever the Department needed to attract, recruit and retain highly-skilled individuals, both permanently and temporarily, to respond to the unprecedented demands created by Covid-19. 'We have drawn upon the highest-standard of expertise in dealing with this global public health crisis. 'This has resulted in the largest diagnostics network in UK history through an NHS Test and Trace system which can identify and cut transmission rates protecting peoples health, saving lives and helping to stop the spread of the virus.' The heartbroken boyfriend of a 'fit and healthy' 38-year-old woman who tragically died after contracting coronavirus says he's riddled with guilt and can't answer why he 'made it and she didn't'. Brazilian Adriana Midori Takara, was struck down by the highly infectious Indian Delta variant on July 15 and succumbed to her illness in hospital just nine days later. The finance worker, described by friends as the 'brightest star' died alone in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery, with doctors finding a viral infection on her heart. Due to Covid restrictions her loving partner Khalid, who also tested positive but has now recovered, was forced to say his final harrowing goodbye to her through the window of a Sydney hospital as family back home in Brazil said a teary farewell via zoom. Brazilian Adriana Midori Takara (pictured), was struck down by the highly infectious Indian Delta variant on July 15 and succumbed to her illness in hospital just nine days later 'I have my memories of Adriana, that's all I have of her I need to stay with those now, I don't have it (Covid) now, I'm ok, but I feel bad, I miss her, she was a modest, beautiful soul,' the Sydney chef told the Daily Telegraph. 'I'm angry at the situation, why I had to make it and she didn't?' Ms Takara contracted the virus from her roommate who works as a nurse, and despite trying to get an AstraZeneca vaccine, was denied by her doctor. After testing positive her health rapidly deteriorated and she was rushed to hospital two days later, where she had a heart attack and underwent surgery. She had no underlying health conditions but suffered thrombosis in the legs and was placed in an induced coma before she eventually died at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's intensive care ward. Despite being a respiratory virus, Covid-19 can affect organs all over the body, with scientists finding damage in patients' heart, brain and liver. The finance worker (pictured), described by friends as the 'brightest star' died alone in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery, with doctors finding a viral infection on her heart 'She went straight into a quarantine hotel and the next day, the Friday, she was vomiting, had headaches and was struggling to breathe. They put her in an induced coma so her body could recover but she never did. It was sad, people loved Adriana, she was so sweet and loving,' Khalid said. In the wake of her shock death, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it serves as a stark warning to those complacent about the virus that it does not discriminate. Ms Takara, was living in Sydney's CBD with Khalid and on the cusp of finishing her graduate degree in accounting at the Kaplan Business School. One of their housemates was a nurse became infected with coronavirus, sending the unvaccinated couple who would later test positive into isolation. Just a few days later her boyfriend called an ambulance and Ms Takara was rushed to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital feeling very 'unwell'. Ms Takara (pictured) was living in Sydney's CBD with Khalid and on the cusp of finishing her graduate degree in accounting at the Kaplan Business School 'A day or two after admission, Adriana complained of chest pains. Medical staff assessed her having a heart attack,' her friend Jules Pedrosa wrote on Facebook. 'She needed immediate surgery and an instrument (don't know if it was a pacemaker or otherwise) had to assist her heart to maintain a regular rhythm. 'Adriana's health condition worsened after a few days and further tests confirmed that her heart had a 'viral infection'. 'This is interesting because she and her family have no history of heart disease.' He said her condition deteriorated so quickly that a decision was made with the relevant consent from family members to switch off the life-preserving machines. Under Sydney's strict lockdown rules, no friends or family were allowed to visit Ms Takara in the intensive care unit, forcing loved ones to say a teary goodbye over video link. Adriana Midori Takara (pictured) had her life support switched off on Sunday after a battle with Covid at just 38 'All goodbyes were said via Zoom to audiences in Australia and Brazil,' Mr Pedrosa said. 'Communication was one-way because she had been unconscious for several hours after her emergency heart surgery.' Ms Coimbra, a student liaison officer who quickly became close friends with the finance worker, added that she had become debilitated 'very, very quickly'. 'She was very young, someone who had a future ahead full of plans and dreams. It's so sad,' she added. Ms Takara moved to Australia from Sao Paulo in 2019 and quickly became part of the 'family' in Sydney's tightknit expat community of South Americans. One of her friends shared a heartfelt message on Facebook reminding Australians that she is not just another coronavirus statistic. Ms Takara (pictured) had no underlying health conditions that would have contributed to her death 'Adriana is not a number, she is a woman with dreams and wishes,' Fernanda Ferreira Batista posted. 'Adriana is a daughter, sister, aunty, niece and specially a friend. An amazing friend, not only my friend but friend of so many people,' 'Tonight when you look at the sky, it will be brighter and the shiniest star will be my friend is peace away of all this madness. 'I can't thank enough all the doctors for doing their best.' Advertisement Tens of millions of Britons are expected to be offered a Pfizer booster jab this autumn as the vaccine has proved to be the most effective against the Delta variant. The booster scheme, which was announced earlier this year, is set to start in September and should see 23million over-50s, vulnerable Britons and NHS and care home staff offered a third dose. Extra vaccines would be rolled out in two stages prioritising those most at risk of Covid, before the programme is extended. While patients were initially expected to be offered the jab they were originally inoculated with, it is understood all patients will be offered the Pfizer jab as it has proven to be the most effective against the Delta variant. The Department of Health has yet to confirm the official details of the booster scheme, plans of which were first shared by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in June. The JCVI is expected to issue its final advice in regards to the booster scheme in the coming months. Pictured: A woman receives the AstraZeneca Covid19 vaccine at an NHS vaccination centre in Ealing, west London A senior government source also told the Times that those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine would 'be getting an mRNA booster'. MRNA used in the Pfizer and Moderna jabs is essentially a DNA instruction to tell your cells how to produce the harmless spike proteins from the virus - allowing your body to create an immune response without being exposed to the virus itself. Oxford AstraZeneca is not an mRNA jab - instead using a weakened version of a common cold virus from chimpanzees that has been modified to contain genetic material shared by the coronavirus. Again, this technique means the person receiving the jab is not exposed to the real virus - unlike previous jab types which often relied on weakened or dead forms of the actual virus. A UK Government-backed study published earlier this year found that mixing and matching Covid vaccines may result in higher protection against the virus. People who had been vaccinated with AstraZeneca's jab initially and then received a top-up with Pfizer's had nine times more antibodies than those who stuck to the UK vaccine. Although antibodies are just one part of the immune response, the Oxford University researchers said the findings strongly suggested the approach could enhance immunity. But it is understood the mix and match approach is not going to be used in the short term more broadly because there is a 'strong supply' of each vaccine type. A senior HSE source told the Times: 'Currently there's no need for it. Currently we have plenty of vaccines. The amount of vaccine isn't an issue at all. There's no plan to do it. It's not under immediate consideration, but I wouldn't rule it out.' The Government said analysis has shown that the Pfizer vaccine is 96 per cent effective against the Delta variant while the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 92 per cent effective against hospitalisation after two doses. Pictured: A young person receives a dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab at a vaccination centre for young people and students at the Hunter Street Health Centre in London on June 5 Which jab combinations provided the best protection? The early results from the Com-Cov trial, published today in the Lancet, looked at the efficacy of either two doses of Pfizer, two of AstraZeneca, or one of them followed by the other. All second doses were given four weeks apart and the trial recruited 830 volunteers who were aged 50 and above. All combinations worked well, priming the immune system. It found: AstraZeneca's vaccine, followed by Pfizer's, induced higher levels of antibodies and T cells than vice versa. Both antibodies and T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in defending against Covid. The mix-match approach produced more antibodies than two regular doses of AstraZeneca's, no matter which way round the jabs were given. The largest antibody levels were induced after two doses of Pfizer, and the highest T cell response was from AstraZeneca's followed by Pfizer. Advertisement A study published this week also showed that a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine could offer strong protection against the Delta variant. Research showed that antibody levels increased five-fold among people ages 18 to 55 who were given the booster shot. The third dose was especially effecting for the elderly, with antibody levels spiking 11-fold among people aged 65 to 85 who had already received the standard two doses. In the slides published online, the researchers wrote there there is 'estimated potential for up to 100-fold increase in Delta neutralization post-dose three compared to pre-dose three.' The booster roll-out will coincide with the annual influenza inoculation programme, which health officials said will be vital this winter amid warnings of a difficult flu season. Immunity gained from Covid jabs last for at least six months in the 'majority' of cases, but there are fears this could fade later in the year which could trigger a spike in hospitalisations and deaths. An Oxford University trial looking at booster doses suggested a third shot six months after the second could restore peak immunity against Covid. It comes as the week-on-week rate of Covid cases fell yesterday for the tenth day in a row with 26,144 infections marking a 17.8 per cent fall while deaths also fell to 71. The latest data from Public Health England and Cambridge University suggests that about 60,000 deaths, 22 million infections and 52,600 hospitalisations have been prevented by vaccines. The Government plans to lure young people in for their vaccinations with the promise of cut-price taxis and takeaways, as Boris Johnson tries to tackle the relatively low take-up among the under-30s. Uber, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the companies in discussion with the Government about offering incentives as part of the 'Jab 18-30' drive. So far, only two-thirds of people in that age bracket in England have received a first dose since they became eligible in June, compared with 88.4 per cent across all age groups, meaning more than three million 18-to-30-year-olds remain unjabbed. Rishi rebels over holiday chaos: Chancellor writes to Boris to tell him that border restrictions are ruining the economy, squandering Britain's vaccine advantage - and are stricter than the rest of Europe By Harry Howard and Jack Wright for MailOnline Chancellor Rishi Sunak is urging Boris Johnson to scrap Covid travel restrictions and save summer holidays this year, warning that border rules are wrecking the UK economy, squandering Britain's vaccine advantage and are stricter than European rivals. Mr Sunak has written to the Prime Minister calling on him to dump the draconian curbs amid mounting concerns that current UK border rules are damaging the country's wobbly economy, particularly its already-devastated tourism and hospitality sectors. The Chancellor is said to have warned that the UK is squandering its vaccine advantage after locking-down the country in January to roll-out Covid jabs, and is now saddling travellers with more 'draconian' rules than even Britain's rivals in the European Union. A source close to the Chancellor told the Sunday Times that Mr Sunak also wants to see the rules eased amid growing fears that restrictions are hampering City firms that are competing against EU cities to do business with the United States. The Chancellor's intervention comes ahead of a meeting on Thursday, at which ministers will set rules that will be in place for most of August. Millions of Britons will want to know whether they have to undergo Covid tests or quarantine if they travel to popular tourist destinations such as France, Italy and Spain. A senior Government source told the newspaper: 'Rishi and the PM are concerned that we've got the benefit from vaccinating so many people and yet we are an outlier in terms of how draconian we are about travel.' Treasury sources did not deny that the Chancellor had written to the Prime Minister but said the communication was not related to next week's review. The Government has faced criticism over changes to its border policy during the coronavirus pandemic, with France the latest to be irked after it was placed on a newly-created 'amber-plus' list as part of the so-called traffic light system. The fresh designation, in response to suggestions of growing cases of the Beta variant that was first discovered in South Africa, saw the quarantine exemption for the fully vaccinated scrapped, meaning those returning from France had to quarantine for 10 days. It comes as MPs called for a guarantee that holidaymakers in so-called amber countries would not have to self-isolate if their destination was placed on the red list while they were abroad, as the holiday hopes of millions risk being thrown into chaos by plans for a 'danger list' that could force people to pay for hotel quarantine upon returning to the UK. The Chancellor has warned Boris Johnson that the UK's travel restrictions are 'out of step' with its international rivals as he pushes for holiday rules to be relaxed, according to reports The Sunday Times reported that Rishi Sunak has written to the Prime Minister about the damage that the current border rules are doing to the country's economy, particularly its tourism and hospitality sector Most viable European holiday destinations, including Spain and Italy, are amber. There are fears both countries could be moved to the tougher watch list as early as this week Analysts have predicted that Spain could be the next country to go on the amber-plus list, in what would be a blow to British tourists given Spain is the UK's most popular tourist destination. There is speculation that France might be promoted back to amber when the Government updates the travel lists on August 5, restoring the ability for the double jabbed to skip self-isolation Ministers agreed in principle to a new 'amber watch list'. MPs called for a guarantee tourists would not have to quarantine if a location was placed on the red list while they were abroad. Pictured: British holidaymakers leaving Ibiza airport on July 16 'You'd have to be crackers to book a holiday': Fury at travel chaos and NEW list Ministers have been condemned for causing quarantine confusion as a raging battle has erupted in the cabinet over plans for a danger list of countries that could see destinations like Spain and Italy suddenly move to red. The plans for a new 'amber watch list' sparked outrage in Whitehall as some ministers believe it could ruin the holiday hopes of millions of Britons. The idea, which was agreed in principle this week, would see holidaymakers warned that while they are abroad certain amber countries could go straight on to the red list. This would leave them facing compulsory hotel quarantine on their return, at a cost of 1,750 a head. Spain and Italy both featured in talks about countries that could be put into the new category - as soon as next week - amid fears about the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa. Senior ministers, including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, are said to have reservations about imposing further disruption on the beleaguered travel sector. One Whitehall source said: 'You would have to be crackers to book a holiday to a place knowing that it could go on to the red list at any moment. 'If you have already booked to go there you are going to spend your whole holiday worrying whether you are going to have to make a dash to the airport to get home. 'The decision next week will basically be in place for August. It is peak holiday season - are we really going to cause that much disruption to this many people?' Advertisement Analysts have predicted that Spain could be the next country to go on the amber-plus list, in what would be a blow to British tourists given Spain is the UK's most popular tourist destination. There is speculation that France might be promoted back to amber when the Government updates the travel lists on August 5, restoring the ability for the double jabbed to skip self-isolation. No 10 sources said it was too early to speculate on what changes might be made next week, with ministers yet to see the latest data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre, which assesses the risks presented by international travel. They pointed to the decision to open up travel to those who are fully vaccinated coming from the US and European Union as an example of Mr Johnson's own desire to see more open borders in Britain. Mr Sunak's push for travel restrictions to be softened comes only days after scientists advising the Government on coronavirus warned, in papers published on Friday, that any increase in foreign travel this summer is concerning. Last week Ministers agreed in principle a new 'amber watch list' which could mean amber countries go straight to red. However, Tories want some guarantee that UK travellers will not be forced to self-isolate if the rules change while they are abroad, meaning people who flew out under one set of rules would be allowed to fly back on the same rules - even if the country designation changed while there. Sir John Hayes, who leads the Common Sense group of Tory MPs, said: 'It is really important holidaymakers know where they stand. The worst in the world would be if you have flown somewhere and find you will not be able to get back except at significant cost.' He called on Ministers to 'get the balance right' and not 'move the goal posts' for fully vaccinated people who were told they could fly to amber countries without needing to isolate. 'Hopefully we can sort something out that reassures people that if they do embark on a trip without being stranded. It's common sense,' he added. Henry Smith, the Conservative MP for Crawley, said there should be a time-limited window in which people can fly back under the same rules they flew out on. He called on Ministers to introduce 'some sort of fortnight guarantee if you travelled in good faith, you should be allowed to come back in on the conditions you left.' The MP added the current system is 'really putting people off international travel, to places that are arguably safer than many parts of the UK. The real effects will be more job losses in the travel and aviation sectors.' The new traffic light plan comes just weeks after double-jabbed Brits were told they could go to amber countries without having to self-isolate on their return. However France was moved to an 'amber plus' list and exempted. Most viable European holiday destinations, including Spain and Italy, are amber. There are fears both countries could be moved to the tougher watch list as early as this week. Tom Hunt, the Conservative who also sits on the Common Sense Group of MPs, said that, unless the Government this week 'significantly' expands the green list, people flying to amber list countries should be given more protection. Mr Hunt said giving people a guarantee they can return on the same rules they flew out with is 'reasonable' and called on the Government to consider it. The MP called on Ministers to 'chart a balance between keeping an eye on variants and borders, and giving certainty to holidaymakers. Mr Hunt also warned of the mental health impact on holidaymakers finally trying to get a break. 'If you're checking your phone every hour when over in one of these countries, anxious about it changing category, it counteracts the whole point of a holiday,' he said. Claire Brophy, 40, from Marlow, Buckinghamshire, flew to Alicante yesterday to see her parents for the first time in a year. If Spain moved on to a red list she would have to fly home immediately to allow time to self-isolate before the start of her two children's school term and pay about 600 for Covid tests. She said: 'Changing the traffic lights for Spain absolutely shouldn't be allowed: the cost of that for our family would be ludicrous. If this trip was just for a holiday, I wouldn't bother. But I haven't seen my family since last August.' She and husband Damien, 39, booked their second vaccinations when the Government said double-jabbed passengers travelling to amber countries would be exempt from quarantine from July 19. But Ms Brophy is now angry the freedom promised by the vaccine could be taken away. Last night the travel industry attacked Ministers' traffic lights approach and 'chaos' over travel. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of industry body Airlines UK, which represents the UK's major airlines, said: 'Cooking up yet another traffic light tier at will - the sixth since the Global Travel Taskforce was published - would be a further blow to demand in the middle of what is supposed to be the peak summer season. 'The Government must focus on getting more countries on to the green list during its review next week. That's the single best way to provide the necessary reassurance to families desperate to get away.' The daily average of coronavirus-related deaths, those dying within 28 days of a positive test, has increased by 9 per cent over the past week, with hospital admissions up by almost a fifth The daily average of coronavirus-related deaths, those dying within 28 days of a positive test, has increased by nine per cent over the past week, with hospital admissions up by almost a fifth. Government data showed a further 71 people died as of Saturday, bringing the UK total to 129,654, and a further 26,144 lab-confirmed cases were also recorded. With more than 900 people reported to have been admitted to hospital on Saturday, meaning 5,900 Covid patients are currently being treated in wards, fresh incentives are being rolled out to entice young people into getting vaccinated. The Department of Health and Social Care said around 67 per cent of people aged 18 to 29 in England have received a first dose, and it is hoping to boost those figures with offers of vouchers and discounts for popular takeaways and taxi for those who get a jab. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the brands who will be offering incentives to encourage youngsters to get inoculated. Taxi app firm Uber will be sending reminders to all users in August encouraging them to get jabbed, DHSC said. The company will offer discounted Uber rides and meals on its Uber Eats platform for young adults who receive a vaccine. Bolt, another ride-hailing app, will offer 'free ride credit' to vaccination centres following a similar scheme earlier this year when it offered 250,000 worth of free rides to London vaccination facilities. Deliveroo is planning to give vouchers to young people who get jabbed. The DHSC said further details on partnerships will be released 'in due course' and other incentives 'could include vouchers or discount codes', along with competitions and promotional offers for restaurants. Advertisement Ministers are set to allow quarantine-free travel to families, holidaymakers and businessmen coming through red list destinations if they remain airside by easing Britain's travel ban on airport hubs, in a move likely to unleash new airport chaos. At a crunch meeting this week, ministers are set to agree a plan to allow travellers to pass through the red list hubs of the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Bahrain without having to quarantine in a hotel on arrival in the UK for 10 days at a cost of 1,750. Travellers would be quarantine-free provided they remained airside on transit through the airports, in a major boon for the devastated travel and hospitality sectors, as well as the holiday hopes of millions of people this summer. Though the UAE, Turkey, Qatar and Bahrain are on the red list amid concerns they could act as focal points for the spread of Covid variants, ministers are preparing to exemption travellers who do not enter the countries and instead transit and remain airside. The move will make it cheaper and easier for business travellers and families, particularly those seeking to reunite with relatives in Australia and New Zealand, with a Government source telling the Sunday Telegraph: 'We are close to agreement and it will be announced in the next week or so.' The travel sector reacted positively to the development. Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency, told the newspaper: 'The infection rates in the hubs have fallen. Opening them up is vital to the future success of aviation. 'Aviation has grown in recent years on the back of strong interconnectivity at these hubs. Without them, the air lines cannot operate at anything like the capacity they need. It would be major progress if they opened the hubs for transit passengers but it is only when they come off the red list that it will make a true difference to the travel sector.' A traveller arrives at Heathrow Airport in London, Britain, 31 July 2021 Most viable European holiday destinations, including Spain and Italy, are amber. There are fears both countries could be moved to the tougher watch list as early as this week 'You'd have to be crackers to book a holiday': Fury at travel chaos and NEW list Ministers have been condemned for causing quarantine confusion as a raging battle has erupted in the cabinet over plans for a danger list of countries that could see destinations like Spain and Italy suddenly move to red. The plans for a new 'amber watch list' sparked outrage in Whitehall as some ministers believe it could ruin the holiday hopes of millions of Britons. The idea, which was agreed in principle this week, would see holidaymakers warned that while they are abroad certain amber countries could go straight on to the red list. This would leave them facing compulsory hotel quarantine on their return, at a cost of 1,750 a head. Spain and Italy both featured in talks about countries that could be put into the new category as soon as next week amid fears about the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa. Senior ministers, including Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Chancellor Rishi Sunak, are said to have reservations about imposing further disruption on the beleaguered travel sector. One Whitehall source said: 'You would have to be crackers to book a holiday to a place knowing that it could go on to the red list at any moment. 'If you have already booked to go there you are going to spend your whole holiday worrying whether you are going to have to make a dash to the airport to get home. 'The decision next week will basically be in place for August. It is peak holiday season are we really going to cause that much disruption to this many people?' Advertisement The report will help heap pressure on President Joe Biden to lift the US travel ban on the UK. Though double-vaccinated US citizens will be able to travel to Britain from tomorrow without having to quarantine, Britons remain banned from travelling to the United States. Seventy-seven members of Congress have written to President Biden urging him to remove the ban and boost transatlantic trade. Henry Smith, the Tory chairman of the all party Future of Aviation group, said the Anglo-US taskforce must work 'much more in concert' rather than the UK 'just taking unilateral action.' It comes as Chancellor Rishi Sunak urges Boris Johnson to scrap Covid travel restrictions and save summer holidays this year, warning that border rules are wrecking the UK economy, squandering Britain's vaccine advantage and are stricter than European rivals. Mr Sunak has reportedly written to the Prime Minister to scrap travel restrictions amid mounting concerns that current UK border rules are damaging the country's wobbly economy, particularly its already-devastated tourism and hospitality sectors. The Chancellor is said to have warned that the UK is squandering its vaccine advantage after locking-down the country in January to roll-out Covid jabs, and is now saddling travellers with more 'draconian' rules than even Britain's rivals in the European Union. A source close to the Chancellor told the Sunday Times that Mr Sunak also wants to see the rules eased amid growing fears that restrictions are hampering City firms that are competing against EU cities to do business with the United States. The Chancellor's intervention comes ahead of a meeting on Thursday, at which ministers will set rules that will be in place for most of August. Millions of Britons will want to know whether they have to undergo Covid tests or quarantine if they travel to popular tourist destinations such as France, Italy and Spain. A senior Government source told the newspaper: 'Rishi and the PM are concerned that we've got the benefit from vaccinating so many people and yet we are an outlier in terms of how draconian we are about travel.' Treasury sources did not deny that the Chancellor had written to the Prime Minister but said the communication was not related to next week's review. The Government has faced criticism over changes to its border policy during the coronavirus pandemic, with France the latest to be irked after it was placed on a newly-created 'amber-plus' list as part of the so-called traffic light system. The fresh designation, in response to suggestions of growing cases of the Beta variant that was first discovered in South Africa, saw the quarantine exemption for the fully vaccinated scrapped, meaning those returning from France had to quarantine for 10 days. It comes as MPs called for a guarantee that holidaymakers in so-called amber countries would not have to self-isolate if their destination was placed on the red list while they were abroad, as the holiday hopes of millions risk being thrown into chaos by plans for a 'danger list' that could force people to pay for hotel quarantine upon returning to the UK. Analysts have predicted that Spain could be the next country to go on the amber-plus list, in what would be a blow to British tourists given Spain is the UK's most popular tourist destination. There is speculation that France might be promoted back to amber when the Government updates the travel lists on August 5, restoring the ability for the double jabbed to skip self-isolation. No 10 sources said it was too early to speculate on what changes might be made next week, with ministers yet to see the latest data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre, which assesses the risks presented by international travel. They pointed to the decision to open up travel to those who are fully vaccinated coming from the US and European Union as an example of Mr Johnson's own desire to see more open borders in Britain. Mr Sunak's push for travel restrictions to be softened comes only days after scientists advising the Government on coronavirus warned, in papers published on Friday, that any increase in foreign travel this summer is concerning. Analysts have predicted that Spain could be the next country to go on the amber-plus list, in what would be a blow to British tourists given Spain is the UK's most popular tourist destination. There is speculation that France might be promoted back to amber when the Government updates the travel lists on August 5, restoring the ability for the double jabbed to skip self-isolation Last week Ministers agreed in principle a new 'amber watch list' which could mean amber countries go straight to red. However, Tories want some guarantee that UK travellers will not be forced to self-isolate if the rules change while they are abroad, meaning people who flew out under one set of rules would be allowed to fly back on the same rules - even if the country designation changed while there. Sir John Hayes, who leads the Common Sense group of Tory MPs, said: 'It is really important holidaymakers know where they stand. The worst in the world would be if you have flown somewhere and find you will not be able to get back except at significant cost.' He called on Ministers to 'get the balance right' and not 'move the goal posts' for fully vaccinated people who were told they could fly to amber countries without needing to isolate. 'Hopefully we can sort something out that reassures people that if they do embark on a trip without being stranded. It's common sense,' he added. Henry Smith, the Conservative MP for Crawley, said there should be a time-limited window in which people can fly back under the same rules they flew out on. He called on Ministers to introduce 'some sort of fortnight guarantee if you travelled in good faith, you should be allowed to come back in on the conditions you left.' The MP added the current system is 'really putting people off international travel, to places that are arguably safer than many parts of the UK. The real effects will be more job losses in the travel and aviation sectors.' The new traffic light plan comes just weeks after double-jabbed Brits were told they could go to amber countries without having to self-isolate on their return. However France was moved to an 'amber plus' list and exempted. Most viable European holiday destinations, including Spain and Italy, are amber. There are fears both countries could be moved to the tougher watch list as early as this week. Tom Hunt, the Conservative who also sits on the Common Sense Group of MPs, said that, unless the Government this week 'significantly' expands the green list, people flying to amber list countries should be given more protection. Mr Hunt said giving people a guarantee they can return on the same rules they flew out with is 'reasonable' and called on the Government to consider it. The MP called on Ministers to 'chart a balance between keeping an eye on variants and borders, and giving certainty to holidaymakers. The daily average of coronavirus-related deaths, those dying within 28 days of a positive test, has increased by 9 per cent over the past week, with hospital admissions up by almost a fifth Mr Hunt also warned of the mental health impact on holidaymakers finally trying to get a break. 'If you're checking your phone every hour when over in one of these countries, anxious about it changing category, it counteracts the whole point of a holiday,' he said. Claire Brophy, 40, from Marlow, Buckinghamshire, flew to Alicante yesterday to see her parents for the first time in a year. If Spain moved on to a red list she would have to fly home immediately to allow time to self-isolate before the start of her two children's school term and pay about 600 for Covid tests. She said: 'Changing the traffic lights for Spain absolutely shouldn't be allowed: the cost of that for our family would be ludicrous. If this trip was just for a holiday, I wouldn't bother. But I haven't seen my family since last August.' She and husband Damien, 39, booked their second vaccinations when the Government said double-jabbed passengers travelling to amber countries would be exempt from quarantine from July 19. But Ms Brophy is now angry the freedom promised by the vaccine could be taken away. Last night the travel industry attacked Ministers' traffic lights approach and 'chaos' over travel. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of industry body Airlines UK, which represents the UK's major airlines, said: 'Cooking up yet another traffic light tier at will - the sixth since the Global Travel Taskforce was published - would be a further blow to demand in the middle of what is supposed to be the peak summer season. 'The Government must focus on getting more countries on to the green list during its review next week. That's the single best way to provide the necessary reassurance to families desperate to get away.' The daily average of coronavirus-related deaths, those dying within 28 days of a positive test, has increased by nine per cent over the past week, with hospital admissions up by almost a fifth. Government data showed a further 71 people died as of Saturday, bringing the UK total to 129,654, and a further 26,144 lab-confirmed cases were also recorded. With more than 900 people reported to have been admitted to hospital on Saturday, meaning 5,900 Covid patients are currently being treated in wards, fresh incentives are being rolled out to entice young people into getting vaccinated. The Department of Health and Social Care said around 67 per cent of people aged 18 to 29 in England have received a first dose, and it is hoping to boost those figures with offers of vouchers and discounts for popular takeaways and taxi for those who get a jab. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the brands who will be offering incentives to encourage youngsters to get inoculated. Taxi app firm Uber will be sending reminders to all users in August encouraging them to get jabbed, DHSC said. The company will offer discounted Uber rides and meals on its Uber Eats platform for young adults who receive a vaccine. Bolt, another ride-hailing app, will offer 'free ride credit' to vaccination centres following a similar scheme earlier this year when it offered 250,000 worth of free rides to London vaccination facilities. Deliveroo is planning to give vouchers to young people who get jabbed. The DHSC said further details on partnerships will be released 'in due course' and other incentives 'could include vouchers or discount codes', along with competitions and promotional offers for restaurants. Queensland's Covid-19 outbreak has continued to spread after an infected contractor made a return trip to Rockhampton on a Qantas flight - as part of the state is plunged into a three-day lockdown. The woman was working on the Rookwood Weir when she flew to the regional town for work at 8.30am Wednesday and returned to Brisbane at 6.40pm on Friday. She tested positive on July 31, but it is believed she was infectious from July 28 and was included among the Sunshine State's nine local cases announced on Sunday. The case means the Sunshine State's outbreak has spread beyond Brisbane in the south-east. Pictured: Passengers from a Qantas flight arriving into Sydney Airport from Brisbane, Queensland on July 29 People who were QF2362 at 8.30am on July 28 and QF2365 at 6.40pm on 30 July are being contacted by authorities (pictured: a Qantas flight at Brisbane Airport) 'Work on site has stopped and workers have been isolated to their rooms for 14 days of quarantine,' Queensland Health said in a statement. 'Other workers from the Rookwood project who have left the site have also been contacted and told to isolate for 14 days.' Other workers who have been at the site have been contacted and told to isolate. Authorities are also contacting people who were on QF2362 at 8.30am on July 28 and QF2365 at 6.40pm on 30 July. Rockhamptons Central Queensland University fever clinic has extended its testing hours. Queensland's nine new cases on Sunday represented the highest number in almost a year. Pictured: People at a Covid testing centre at Covid Testing Centre at Indooroopilly High School Brisbane There are more than 80 exposure sites linked to the outbreak, with about 20 new sites of concern listed on Sunday. Earlier on Sunday, Deputy Premier Steven Miles said implored more Queenslanders to seek virus testing, with fewer than 12,000 tests conducted on Saturday. Authorities hope to see at least 40,000 daily tests. The local government areas of Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim entered the lockdown on Saturday afternoon - which has harshest virus restrictions the Sunshine State has seen. Residents in affected areas can only leave home for essential work, study or child care, to exercise, buy food and supplies, and receive health care, including being tested for COVID-19 or vaccinated. Non-essential travel must be within 10 kilometres of residences and everyone must wear a mask when outside their home. All schools in the lockdown zone will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, while all staff and students of Indooroopilly High School and Ironside State School are in quarantine for two weeks. Other schools affected by the outbreak include St Peters Lutheran College, Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Boys Grammar School. Pictured: A passenger from a Qantas flight arriving into Sydney Airport from Brisbane, Queensland on July 29 Chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said: 'The purpose of the lockdown is to stop the virus spreading.' 'So it is to have everyone in their homes, as we find people, we find them in their homes, and they will have minimal exposure out in the community.' The lockdown is set to end on Tuesday though experts believe it will almost certainly be extended after six cases on Saturday and nine on Sunday. Dr Young admitted restrictions would only be rolled back when case numbers were down and all of the cases were not out in the community while infectious. 'The threshold is that I'm confident that all the cases that potentially have been exposed are safely in quarantine and are unlikely to end up having been infectious out in the community so unlikely to have been out there spreading,' she said. World War Two flying ace Sir Douglas Bader could have been shot down by his own side, a historian has suggested. The RAF Wing Commander had been brought down and taken prisoner in France on August 9, 1941, as fighter squadrons escorted bomber on raiding runs into the continent. Sir Douglas, a double amputee, lost both his legs in a pre-war flying stunt, but went on to win fame in the Battle of Britain, earning a Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross. While the 1856 film Reach For The Sky, based on Paul Brickhill's best-selling 1954 account of Sir Douglas' exploits, depicts the pilot clashing with a German fighter over France, questions have been raised over whether this was really what happened. Military historian Andy Saunders, editor of German military history magazine Iron Cross, wrote in the Express: 'With no legs to propel himself, one of his prosthetic limbs became trapped. Only when its straps broke did Bader fall 'And the only Messerschmitt downed that day? Its deeply buried wreck was discovered quite recently. Its tail was still intact. In the heat of battle, incidents of ''friendly fire'' were frequent, with pilots under extreme stress. Sir Douglas Bader with a remote controlled spitfire in 1982: A hero to most of his men, Bader flew with 222 Squadron ahead of the Dunkirk evacuation Sir Douglas Bader with his wife at the theatre in London in 1969 - he campaigned for the disabled and in the Queen's Birthday Honours 1976 was appointed a Knight Bachelor for services to disabled people Group captain Douglas Bader looks at a painting of Reginald Mitchell - designer of the Spitfire - in 1957 'They had nanoseconds to decide: kill, or be killed. And against bright skies, the rear view of a Messerschmitt 109 is very similar to a Spitfire.' Mr Saunders wrote that no pilot could be 'identified as victor' in shooting down Sir Douglas, despite 'fastidious combat reports'. And the lone Messerschmitt that was lost is attributed to another of Bader's pilots, with the circumstances and location perfectly aligning with that pilot's report of events. Sir Douglas Bader at Biggin Hill Airshow in 1966 'But, if Bader didn't collide with a Messerschmitt, and if the Germans didn't shoot him down, then what?' writes Mr Saunders. The quick hit that took his Spitfire out of action was catastrophic, and if the tail and rear fuselage had been hit by cannon shells then it could well seem to any pilot to have been a collision. The German fighter ace Adolf Galland wrote his version of events in the 1953 account, The First And The Last. He said that Sir Douglas had been shot down in a dogfight over Pas de Calais, but it was 'never confirmed who shot him down'. He adds that after he was captured Sir Douglas 'particularly wanted to know' who had taken him down, and it was an 'intolerable idea' that he could have been bested by a German NCO. Mr Saunders writes that while the account in Reach For The Sky 'cannot be relied upon for historical accuracy', it does tell of Sir Douglas's diving attack on a squad of Messerschmitts, setting one 'well ablaze' and damaging another before two fighters turns to attack from the left. On 9th August 1941 Douglas Bader was shot down over Le Tourquet. He was captured by German forces and sent to the Colditz prison. He remained there until the end of the war (Picture from the 1956 film Reach for the Sky) He then broke away but was hit, the account says, with something 'holding his aeroplane by the tail', and when he turned around in horror to see the whole rear of the plane 'sheared off', it seemed the second 109 'must have run into him and sliced it off with his propeller'. As the war reached its end, Sir Douglas wrote to Flight Lieutenant 'Buck' Casson about the events. Casson replied that he had watched Sir Douglas attack and break, he attacked two 109s flying together, but then left them for a single aircraft flying inland on its own. He wrote that he fired upon 'this boy who finally baled out at about 6,000ft', having lost the majority of his tail unit - a description eerily matching what happened to Sir Douglas. A grandmother who was stripped of her British citizenship over fears she was an ISIS sympathiser has won a High Court battle that has sparked fear among ministers who believe dozens of jihadists will return to the UK. The woman known only as D4, from the north of England, had her rights as a UK national revoked in 2019 over national security fears. She had reportedly travelled to the Middle East to 'align with the so-called Islamic State' and she remains in the same camp in al-Roj, north east Syria that houses Shamima Begum. High Court judges ruled Friday that the move to suspend her rights as a UK national was unlawful because the Home Office failed to inform her it was doing so, reports the Times. Their legal verdict did not dispute the decision to remove her citizenship, rather the method of doing so. Whitehall sources say that legal decision has sparked fresh fears among ministers that a new precedent could allow 'dozens' of jihadists to claim the right to return to the UK. A senior minister reportedly described the ruling as 'nuts', while a second warned the move will open the prospect of 'national security risks' being sent back to the UK, according to the Times. The woman known only as D4, from the north of England, had her rights as a UK national revoked in 2019 over national security fears. She now resides in the Al-Roj camp in north Syria (above), that also houses Shamima Begum D4's citizenship was removed in December 2019, although her legal team say were not informed until October 2020 and had requested her repatriation. The High Court's ruling said: ' You do not 'give' someone 'notice' of something by putting the notice in your desk drawer and locking it. 'The Home Secretary's failure to give notice of her decision to deprive D4 of her citizenship invalidates the order... D4 remains a British citizen. 'The judgment also refers to a case D4 was involved in at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission this year. 'The papers from that case reveal that the grandmother is being detained with her two adult daughters in Roj camp. 'One of her daughters, identified as C8, was stripped of her citizenship in April 2017 and has two daughters, aged 3 and 4, born under the caliphate.' Home Secretary Priti Patel and the Home Office are understood to be considering an appeal against the decision. Home Secretary Priti Patel (above) and the Home Office are understood to be considering an appeal against the decision Over 900 British citizens are understood to have made the trip to the Middle East to join the so-called Islamic state and other groups sympathetic with jihadists. At least 100 of these Brits have had their rights as UK national revoked. Whitehall sources say they believe suspected jihadists could now use the precedent set by this latest ruling to force a return to British shores. A Home Office spokesman said: 'The government will always take the strongest possible action to protect our national security and the priority remains the safety of our citizens. 'We are carefully considering the implications of this ruling, including an application to appeal.' Around 800 families live in the Al-Roj camp, close to the borders with Turkey and Iran and much-preferred to the infamous Al-Hol centre 80 miles away and home to 15,000 families. Ringed by a high fence to prevent escapes, it has a nursery, school, playground, health centre and scores of shops selling fresh produce. Male Isis fighters are kept away in separate camps and prisons. Shamima Begum (above) was 15 when she and two other east London schoolgirls travelled to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State group in February 2015 and marry jihadis Shamima Begum, who was recently described as posing 'no threat' to the UK by a diplomat, currently resides in Al-Roj. Ms Begum was 15 when she and two other east London schoolgirls travelled to Syria to join the so-called Islamic State group in February 2015 and marry jihadis. Now 21, she is challenging the Home Office's decision to remove her British citizenship and has asked a specialist tribunal to consider whether she was a victim of trafficking when she travelled to Syria. The Home Office says she is a threat to national security and should not be allowed to return to the UK or be a British citizen. They claim she is not stateless because her parents are from Bangladesh. Five trustees quit the Vegan Society last month amid allegations of institutional racism and transphobia sparked by a bitter row over whether the word 'veganism' was 'cultural appropriation'. Last summer the society, which was established nearly eight decades ago, commissioned Ijeoma Omambala QC to investigate claims that the then vice chair, Eshe Kiama Zuri, had posted racist comments online. Her report, which was published in June, found that Zuri had written two 'unprofessional and inappropriate' comments about the society, but that neither was racist. The barrister also noted how the 'vast majority' of complaints against 25-year-old Zuri were unfounded but appeared motivated by an anonymous person's 'profound personal animosity' towards Zuri due to their 'identity and protected characteristics'. Zuri describes themself on their personal website as 'disabled and non-gendered', meaning they do not identify as either male or female. They have written how veganism was coined by a 'white man' but 'hippy vegan food' is based upon culinary traditions including dal from Pakistan, tofu and wheat from China and hummus from the Middle East. Last summer the society, which was established nearly eight decades ago, commissioned Ijeoma Omambala QC to investigate claims that the then vice chair, Eshe Kiama Zuri, had posted racist comments online Vegan Society co-founder Donald Watson coined the word 'vegan' as a way of describing non-dairy vegetarians and produced the first copy of the Vegan News in 1944 Donald Watson: Vegan Society co-founder who coined the term 'veganism' Born in 1910, Watson - who died in 2005 - became vegetarian aged 14 after a pig being slaughtered on his uncle's farm horrified him Vegan Society co-founder Donald Watson coined the word 'vegan' as a way of describing non-dairy vegetarians and produced the first copy of the Vegan News in 1944. Born in 1910, Watson - who died in 2005 - became vegetarian aged 14 after a pig being slaughtered on his uncle's farm horrified him. He became vegan in the 1940s, having come to feel the production of milk-related products was unethical. The Mexborough and District Heritage Society, which has organised the plaque, said he 'played a significant role in founding the modern vegan movement that is now this amazing worldwide movement'. 'Veganism has never been more popular than it is today and all vegans owe a huge debt of gratitude to Donald Watson and the pioneering early members,' it added. Advertisement Vegan Society co-founder Donald Watson coined the word 'vegan' as a way of describing non-dairy vegetarians and produced the first copy of the Vegan News in 1944. The barrister's report to the society added how during its meetings, Zuri had been 'misgendered' - referred to by a sex they do not identify as - and the council 'is not equipped to have mature and constructive conversations on diversity and inclusion matters; nor is it able to deal effectively with challenges to prevailing orthodoxies', the Sunday Telegraph reports. The publication of Ms Omambala's report saw Zuri, Robb Masters, Joel Bravette, Michele Fox and Sally Anderson quit as trustees last month. Zuri's resignation letter states they had been 'naive' joining the council in 2019 as a 'multiply marginalised trustee, being black, queer, disabled and working class' accusing the charity of being 'institutionally racist'. Zuri alleged they had been 'forced out' due to a 'smear campaign', adding: 'I can confidently say that the Vegan Society is not a safe place for young people, for black people, for queer people or for any other marginalised people.' They claim to have 'brought a perspective to council that challenged not just trustees as individuals, but also the systemic racism and oppression that exists in any organisation set up without any time taken to look at diversity or inclusivity and with a white supremacist structure...' In his resignation letter, ex-chairman Robb Masters complained of a 'toxic environment' which saw Zuri face 'hostility', with other 'oppressions' being commonplace, including transphobia and ableism - discrimination in favour of able-bodied people. He said hopes that 'while we continue to focus on challenging the exploitation of other animals, we strive not to uphold the oppression of marginalised humans as we do so' were short-lived. Instead, he claimed be became the victim of a 'public smear campaign instigated by certain trustees' who prioritise 'income over ethics while preserving a predominately white, predominately male, predominately cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied and neurotypical stranglehold over the Vegan movement', the newspaper added. Ms Omambala found complaints Mr Masters supported alleged racism by Zuri were also unfounded. A spokesperson for The Vegan Society told MailOnline: 'Four trustees, including the Chair and Vice Chair, have decided to resign with immediate effect. One other trustee resigned on 6 July. Five trustees quit the Vegan Society last month amid allegations of institutional racism and transphobia sparked by a bitter row over whether the word 'veganism' was 'cultural appropriation' 'There has been conflict amongst the Board that we have been working hard to address and it is regrettable that the most recent resignations were received the day before a planned mediation session. We thank them for their work for the society and wish them well for their future endeavours. 'The society recently commissioned an independent report by Ijeoma Omambala QC in relation to complaints by members against two of the former trustees. We are seeking to implement the general recommendations to the board in the report as quickly as possible. 'As with many charities, The Vegan Society has a number of challenges that we must address as we evolve into an even more diverse and inclusive organisation. 'This is something we are actively working on, supported by respected external ED&I consultants, and our commitment is to foster an inclusive environment for all of our staff, trustees, members and supporters.' The Montana man who confronted Tucker Carlson in a fishing store in Livingston over vaccine misinformation says he has no regrets about calling the Fox News host the worst human being known to man, in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com. A DailyMail.com team tracked Dan Bailey, 38, and his wife Kascie, 36, on Saturday to the remote Middle Fork Salmon River which sits in the middle of the 2.5m acre Frank-Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho where the couple returned from a long-planned wilderness vacation. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Dan Bailey, 38, said he had been oblivious to the furor caused by the video until Thursday when he found a message at a ranger station telling him to phone his parents due to an emergency. When he got in touch, his parents told him they had been bombarded with calls and threatening messages and explained the clip had gone viral. A DailyMail.com team tracked Dan Bailey, 38, and his wife Kascie, 36, to the remote Middle Fork Salmon River which sits in the middle of the 2.5m acre Frank-Church River of No Return Wilderness where the couple were enjoying a long-planned vacation The Montana fly fisherman confronted Carlson at a fishing supplies store in Livingston, Montana the week before, where he called the Fox News host 'the worst human being ever' Bailey said he never thought the clip would go viral and had posted it for his friends. He says he has been deluged with death threats but doesnt regret approaching Carlson just that his family had to deal with the aftermath without him due to his wilderness trip But despite the avalanche of hateful messages, Bailey says he doesnt regret accosting Carlson who he met while buying supplies for his Idaho trip. Bailey said: We were in there [the shop] buying the last two freeze-dried meals for this trip and I was checking out, and this guy walked through the front door. I said, are you Tucker Carlson? He said, no but Ill take it as a compliment and I said, I wouldnt. I started walking out and I heard him talk and I said, you are Tucker Carlson. I started walking towards him and I dont even know what I said. I didnt even know she [Kascie] was filming. He added: I told him about the vaccine and what hes done. The guy has done a lot of really bad things to our country and were in a state of really terrible, partisan nonsense and violence, and I saw the guy and I thought to myself, Im going to say something, or Ill regret it forever. So I said something to him and that was that. Tucker Carlson talks total bull whether its Covid or racism or the tension in this country. Bailey, here with his wife as they returned from a week-long vacation on the remote Middle Fork Salmon River, laughed at the idea, floated by Carlson, that he is a Californian incomer obsessed with diversity politics, telling DailyMail.com that he isnt particularly interested in politics and was born in Wyoming Bailey says the confrontation was totally unplanned and he had no idea his wife was filming it which she said was to keep a record of the moment [Tucker] put his hand on my chest and I stopped. I never touched him. I didnt threaten him. I didnt cuss,' Bailey told DailyMail.com Bailey also denied hassling Carlson in front of his children, telling DailyMail.com that the Fox host was with his eldest daughter and that she walked out as soon as he approached her father Carlson addressed the confrontation on The Five last Thursday and accused Bailey of setting the incident up The 22-second clip begins with Bailey appearing already engaged in a conversation with the Fox News host. Carlson whispers, 'My daughter is here,' to which Bailey says, 'I don't care man. You are the worst human being known to man. I want you to know that.' In response, Carlson says. 'I appreciate that. I appreciate that.' Bailey continues, 'What you have done to everybody else in this state, to the United States, to everyone else in this world. What you have done to families, what you have done to everybody else in this world. I don't care that your daughter is here. What you've done to people's families ' As he talks, Carlson notices he is being recorded on a camera and gives a grin. The Fox News host says, 'Settle down son,' to which Bailey says, 'Son? Don't call me son,' before Carlson walks away with Bailey trying to follow him as the video ends. He has a brand and its destructive,' Bailey told DailyMail.com. 'I felt like saying something and so I did. He touched me I never touched him. He put his hand on my chest and I stopped. I never touched him. I didnt threaten him. I didnt cuss. Carlson addressed the confrontation when he appeared on The Five last Thursday. Answering a question posed to him by co-host Greg Gutfeld, he accused Bailey of setting the incident up. He said: What would you have done if the person wasnt filming it? Hassling me in front of my kids? I mean, I had some dark thoughts which Im not going to articulate here. Gutfield added: I find it very frustrating that adult men are now becoming like mean girls. He could have come up to you and actually expressed himself and you could have had a conversation. Bailey shared the 22-second clip to his Instagram page and ranted about Tucker's Covid vaccine misinformation But he couldnt do that without someone filming it, because he knew if he had someone to film it that would impact your response which, as a wise person in the media, you know that. Donald Trump Jr also piled into Bailey over the clip, tweeting: Is the loser who went out of his way to have someone video him harassing Tucker in public for some viral content the model for the new Pregnant Male Emoji? The likeness is uncanny! #SoBrave Bailey says the confrontation was totally unplanned and he had no idea his wife was filming it which she said was to keep a record of the moment. He also denied hassling Carlson in front of his children, telling DailyMail.com that the Fox host was with his eldest daughter and that she walked out as soon as he approached her father. Bailey said: [He was with] his older daughter, definitely well into her teens in my opinion. He said, please dont do this in front of my daughter. 'The fact we were on this river, and I wasnt able to deal with it myself and had to have other people answer for me, thats what I regret. But we had no idea it would go viral,' Bailey told DailyMail.com When has the guy ever thought about, anyone elses families? He spouts off every night on TV and doesnt think about anyone else. She walked out of the store immediately. She just turned and walked away. My guess is it probably wasnt the first time. Thats what happens when your father is the worst person in the world. I didnt say anything about his politics. When you see someone whos caused so much pain in peoples lives, enoughs enough. Bailey also laughed at the idea also floated by Carlson on his Thursday show that he is a Californian incomer obsessed with diversity politics, telling DailyMail.com that he isnt particularly interested in politics and was born in Wyoming. He said: Before this thing, I had 300 Instagram followers, I dont have Twitter. Im not someone trying to make it out there in the world. So, Don Jr wants to spend his time reading about some random guy in Montana? The most views I ever had before this was 100 views on a pheasant hunting video that my wife shot. I find it funny. I dont have a history of saying political things. But I dont agree with anything these people say at all. Bailey is the Yellowstone Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association Bailey said: I was born in Wyoming, Im from Montana. Ive just got off an eight-day self-guided wilderness boat trip. I am the furthest thing from a liberal elitist there is' I was born in Wyoming, Im from Montana Im not some liberal elitist. Ive just got off an eight-day self-guided wilderness boat trip. I am the furthest thing from a liberal elitist there is. Bailey, who is the Yellowstone Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, said he never thought the clip would go viral and had posted it for his friends. He says he has been deluged with death threats but doesnt regret approaching Carlson just that his family had to deal with the aftermath without him due to his wilderness trip. He said: Looking back on it, no I dont regret it. The only thing is that my parents have had to deal with it my boss, my colleagues. I work for a nonprofit and that was getting a lot of blowback too. The fact we were on this river, and I wasnt able to deal with it myself and had to have other people answer for me, thats what I regret. But we had no idea it would go viral. In a statement sent to the Daily Mail, a Fox News spokesperson said, 'Ambushing Tucker Carlson while he is in a store with his family is totally inexcusable no public figure should be accosted regardless of their political persuasion or beliefs simply due to the intolerance of another point of view.' Criminal gangs are choosing to use 'quieter' e-bikes as their getaway vehicles and wear brogues over trainers as they attempt to blend in with crowds, police officers have revealed. The new tactics, which sees criminals attempting to pose as commuters, comes amid a police crackdown on rising moped thefts in London in recent years. Met Police officers explained they have seen criminal groups ditch the traditional motorised vehicles and instead opt for 'quieter' e-bikes that can cost up to 3,000. The Telegraph reports these e-bikes are stolen by gangs before they are modified, allowing them to travel both on and off road at speeds exceeding 35mph. The criminals then drive around in small groups, snatching up to 40 phones every day from the hands of unwitting pedestrians at their peak. The Met has since launched the Look Up and Look Out campaign to help commuters who are returning to their normal routines recognise the tactics used by the gangs. Met Police officers explained they have seen criminal groups ditch the traditional motorised moped and instead opt for 'quieter' e-bikes that can cost up to 3,000 Police Sergeant Clem Jones said: 'When we started tackling this problem, there were a lot of criminals that thought the crime had no risk, just a lot of reward - then we came on the scene. 'They make themselves look like early morning commuters. They know what they need to wear. 'They try to make out like they are normal people, sometimes with high-vis jackets on to look like builders. 'We are aware of it and we are developing tactics to keep up with them. We have to evolve.' During the surge in moped enabled crimes in 2017, yobs on scooters were targeting pedestrians and snatching phones, wallets and anything else they could get their hands on. At times, crafty criminals would remove their helmets in a bid to throw off pursuing police vehicles, who would not chase them due to health and safety concerns. In other instances, they would throw their helmets at police officers' windscreens or dart down no-entry roads which would prevent pursuit. Specially trained 'scorpion' officers from Operation Venice the taskforce set up to tackle moped thieves carrying out robberies and phone snatches were given new high-powered motorbikes last January to help cut down on crime in the capital. But with lockdown restrictions ending and commuters expected to return to offices in London in the future, there are fears of new tactics being used by criminal outfits. During the surge in moped enabled crimes in 2017, yobs on scooters were targeting pedestrians and snatching phones, wallets and anything else they could get their hands on Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Hill, who heads up Operation Venice, said: 'Tackling violence in all its forms is our absolute priority. 'We want to send a clear message to anyone who thinks it's OK to steal from our communities that it will not be tolerated. 'Officers will be out on motorcycles and using specialist tactics to target offenders. 'Many of us walk around looking down at our phones and often people have other valuable items, such as headphones, on the go too. 'We are urging people to be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Please look up and look out.' Lewis Hamilton has said he is 'devastated' following the death of a volunteer marshal during a race meeting at the Brands Hatch circuit Lewis Hamilton has said he is 'devastated' following the death of a volunteer marshal during a race meeting at the Brands Hatch circuit. The incident occurred during an event at the Kent racing track on Saturday afternoon. The volunteer marshal died after being hit by an out of control car after it spun off the track during a race at Brands Hatch circuit. Reacting to the accident on Sunday morning, Hamilton said on social media that his heart with the volunteer marshal's family. In an Instagram post accompanied by an orange love heart emoji, Hamilton wrote: 'Devastated to hear of the passing of a marshal at the Brands Hatch Circuit. 'These volunteer marshals are what makes racing possible, they are heroes. My heart is with his family.' A spokesman for Kent Police said the force was called shortly before 3pm following a collision involving a car and two people on foot at Brands Hatch. He said officers attended the scene and carried out inquiries, with no suspicious circumstances being reported. The British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) said in a statement that it was 'saddened to confirm that as a result of an accident that occurred during a race meeting at Brands Hatch circuit today, a volunteer marshal tragically lost their life.' A volunteer marshal has died after being hit by an out of control car after it spun off the track during a race at Brands Hatch circuit in Kent. Pictured: Air ambulance at the scene It added: 'The rest of the day's racing activity was cancelled.' The BARC said it would be working with national governing body Motorsport UK and local police following the incident. It added: 'On behalf of everyone connected with the BARC, we are devastated by loss of one of the amazing volunteer marshal community who do so much to enable the sport to take place. 'Our thoughts and best wishes are with the family and friends of all those involved.' Other drivers and organisations associated with the sport also expressed their sadness. A spokesman for Kent Police said the force was called shortly before 3pm following a collision involving a car and two people on foot at Brands Hatch Motorsports UK tweeted: 'The thoughts of everyone at Motorsport UK are with the marshal's family, the event organisers, and other members of the motorsport community present. 'Together with BARC we have begun a full investigation into the accident.' Former Formula One driver Karun Chandhok wrote on Twitter: 'Very sad news coming from Brands Hatch today. 'Marshalls are volunteers who give up their weekends to support the sport they love. Awful to hear that a member of this close knit community lost their life. 'My condolences to the family at this tragic time.' The tragic incident happened during an event at the racing track on Saturday afternoon Campaigners have called for helmets to be mandatory after a volunteer marshal died at a race circuit when a car flipped off the track. Two cars are thought to have clipped each other during an opening lap at Brands Hatch, flipping one off the track and hitting two pedestrians. A Ford Escort is believed to have left the track yesterday (Sat) afternoon and flown into a section of fencing on the approach to the Paddock Hill bend of the prestigious track in Kent. Since the tragic death, a fundraiser has been launched for the family of the motorsport marshal who died in the horror crash. One fundraiser called for all track marshals to wear helmets - as they already do in much of Europe. Lucas Fothergill, who started the fundraiser, said: 'I believe it should already be mandatory and can very easily be resolved, however I am starting this crowdfund to raise money for every track marshal in the UK to have access to the correct safety equipment, most prominently a helmet at the very least. 'From speaking to other professionals within motorsport it is mandatory in Europe to be given the correct safety equipment and training along with a paid wage, compared to the UK where it is purely done for the love of the sport. 'I am not stating that a helmet would have saved the marshal [at Brands Hatch], I am simply suggesting that a simple solution can be applied to ensure safety within the sport.' Advertisement Google has banned Sky News Australia from uploading content to YouTube for one week after the news platform allegedly breached its rules on spreading so-called 'Covid misinformation'. According to the channel, the videos that provoked the censorship included 'debates around whether masks were effective and whether lockdowns were justified when considering their adverse health outcomes'. And it cited its commentators who argue 'masks are not effective in containing outbreaks, particularly when mandated outside in the fresh air' and take issue with 'the frequency and mechanisms of locking down Australians.' It pointed out the science on both of these points is not settled. While studies published by the Lancet suggest a mask stops up to 80 per cent of droplets from being released into the air, researchers in Denmark found there was no statistically significant difference in the number of people who contracted Covid while wearing masks in public compared to without. The move comes as Australia's 'Zero Covid' strategy that aims to completely eliminate the virus shows signs of buckling. Professor Bruce Robinson, chairman of Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council, admitted that the nation's chance of successfully eliminating the Indian Covid variant was 'close to zero'. He said: 'The chance of eliminating this is close to zero - there are many people I have spoken to who share that view. We might suppress it but we will be really unlikely to eliminate it and that's because we see people who are clearly infectious without knowing it and they're out and about.' YouTube's move followed a review of posts uploaded by the Rupert Murdoch-owned TV channel, which allegedly posted material that 'could cause real-world harm' to its 1.86 million YouTube subscribers. YouTube said it had 'clear and established Covid-19 medical misinformation policies based on local and global health authority guidance'. A spokesman told MailOnline today that it 'did not allow content that denies the existence of Covid-19' or which encouraged people 'to use hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin to treat or prevent the virus'. Sky News Australia said it had found old videos that did not comply with YouTube's policies and took its 'commitment to meeting editorial and community expectations seriously'. However, it denied any of its hosts had ever denied the existence of Covid and its reporters warned the move was an attack on press freedom and free speech. The ban could affect Sky News Australia's revenue stream from Google. Its posts, including some questioning whether there is a pandemic and the efficacy of vaccines, are widely shared on social media forums around the world that spread virus and vaccine misinformation. Google has banned Sky News Australia from uploading content to YouTube for one week after the news platform allegedly breached its rules on spreading so-called 'Covid misinformation' (stock0 According to the channel, the videos that provoked the censorship included 'debates around whether masks were effective and whether lockdowns were justified when considering their adverse health outcomes' And it cited its commentators who argue 'masks are not effective in containing outbreaks, particularly when mandated outside in the fresh air' and take issue with 'the frequency and mechanisms of locking down Australians' Bondi Beach, Sydney: Police check IDs to ensure visitors to the beach meet the exercise radius stipulated in lockdown directives Just 17 per cent of adults in the country have been vaccinated, and now Sydney's five million inhabitants are under a strict stay-at-home order due to a worrying surge of nearly 3,000 infections since the middle of June Do facemasks work? Most (but not all) studies say coverings DO reduce spread of Covid in enclosed indoor settings Most - but not all - scientific studies conducted to date suggest facemasks do reduce the spread of coronavirus in enclosed indoor settings. The latest data, from the Lancet, studies in China and Thailand as well as on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, suggests a mask stops up to 80 per cent of droplets from being released into the air, and they also block around 50 per cent of them being inhaled by a potential victim. The US Centers for Disease Control found in one real-world data experiment the coverings were useful. Two hair stylists who had Covid symptoms worked on 139 customers in eight days. Everyone involved wore masks and no one out of the 67 who volunteered to be tested came back positive. Another experiment in China looked at 124 houses where there had been a case of the virus. It found transmission was reduced by 79 per cent by wearing a face covering. And an example also came from the USS Theodore Roosevelt - a cramped vessel with tight living quarters and makes social distancing hard. But the study found when using face coverings there was a 70 per cent reduced risk of infection. Meanwhile in Thailand a retrospective case-control study discovered out of 1,000 spoken to during a contact tracing probe, those who said they wore a covering had a 70 per cent reduced chance of catching Covid. And the Lancet in its report looked at 172 studies from 16 countries and concluded wearing a mask gives a person just a three per cent chance of getting the virus. Meanwhile, a large Danish study suggested that facemasks may only offer the wearer limited protection against Covid-19 infection. Researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital found there was no statistically significant difference in the number of people who contracted Covid while wearing masks in public compared to without. The study, which was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, was carried out in April and May 2020 when Danish authorities did not recommend wearing face coverings. During this period, only about two percent of Denmark's population had contracted the coronavirus, lower than several other European countries such as Spain and Italy. The team recruited more than 6,000 adults and split them into two groups: one wearing surgical masks in public coverings and one control group that did not. Results showed that, after one month, 1.8 percent of the people wearing masks had been infected with the virus. By comparison, 2.1 percent of the people in the unmasked group had tested positive for Covid-19. The difference between the two groups not statistically significant. Edinburgh University looked into the different types of masks people can wear and found homemade ones can be effective. Researchers tested seven types, including surgical masks, respirators, lightweight and heavy-duty face shields and handmade masks. All of them - except ones with a valve - reduced the distance droplets could get by at least 90 per cent. The CDC says: 'Experimental and epidemiological data support community masking to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The prevention benefit of masking is derived from the combination of source control and wearer protection for the mask wearer. 'The relationship between source control and wearer protection is likely complementary and possibly synergistic, so that individual benefit increases with increasing community mask use,' the agency added. The WHO says: 'Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19. 'If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all!' Advertisement The last YouTube upload, from three days ago, features a host claiming that lockdowns have failed and criticising state authorities for extending Sydney's current shutdown measures. Sky News Australia confirmed the temporary ban and a spokesperson said 'we support broad discussion and debate on a wide range of topics and perspectives which is vital to any democracy'. 'We take our commitment to meeting editorial and community expectations seriously,' they added. Comments by veteran Sky presenter Alan Jones have triggered debate in Australia. In one July 12, broadcast with MP Craig Kelly, both men claimed Delta was not as dangerous as the original and vaccines would not help. Sky News website issued an apology. Sydney radio host Ray Hadley said Mr Jones's performances had 'allowed conspiracy theorists, anti-vaxers... to gain support from a minority who think the virus is nothing more than a dose of flu'. Australia's Daily Telegraph last week ended the column Mr Jones wrote for it. In an article on the Sky News Australia website, digital editor Jack Houghton said that if conversation about Australia's Covid policies were stifled 'our political leaders will be free to act with immunity, without justification and lacking any sufficient scrutiny from the public'. He wrote: 'Sky News Australia has been temporarily suspended from posting on the Google-owned platform YouTube for publishing opinion content the tech giant disagrees with. 'Among the videos deemed unpalatable for societal consumption were debates around whether masks were effective and whether lockdowns were justified when considering their adverse health outcomes. 'The stance taken by some commentators at this network was that masks are not effective in containing outbreaks, particularly when mandated outside in the fresh air. Some also took issue with the frequency and mechanisms of locking down Australians. Other commentators vehemently disagreed, and their views were also published. The science is certainly not clear on either of these two points.' He added: 'If YouTube's COVID-19 misinformation policy was around in the early days of the pandemic, people would be banned for criticising China's transparency, saying the virus seems to be airborne or calling for limitations on international travel. 'No one body should have that power - let alone an organisation with such a poor track record. Even more concerning is what this does to the freedom of debate and conversation. 'You have a right to debate Australia's COVID-19 policies. Science, and the government's response to that science, are two very different things. If that conversation is stifled our political leaders will be free to act with immunity, without justification and lacking any sufficient scrutiny from the public. 'Your freedom to think will be extinguished.' YouTube has a 'three strikes' policy on violations, with the first resulting in a one-week suspension, a second strike within 90 days producing a two-week ban, while a third means permanent removal from the platform. Former US president Donald Trump was temporarily banned under the policy. A YouTube spokesman told MailOnline: 'We have clear and established COVID-19 medical misinformation policies based on local and global health authority guidance, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 misinformation. 'We apply our policies equally for everyone regardless of uploader, and in accordance with these policies and our long-standing strikes system, removed videos from and issued a strike to Sky News Australia's channel.' In Australia, people are being ordered away from beaches by police helicopters as the country's lockdown continues, and a top doctor warned there is a 'close to zero' chance of eliminating the Delta variant of Covid and the AstraZeneca jab must be used to quell surging cases. While Covid cases in the UK have fallen week-on-week for ten days in a row amid a lifting of restrictions and hopes that the pandemic could be shrinking, the situation is quite different in Austrialia, where armed forces and thousands of police officers are now enforcing the country's 'Zero Covid' lockdown. Just 17 per cent of adults in the country have been vaccinated, and now Sydney's five million inhabitants are under a strict stay-at-home order due to a worrying surge of nearly 3,000 infections since the middle of June. Streets around the Coogee and Bondi beaches were packed with locals as thousands made the most of the 25C heat, despite pleas from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to stay at home, prompting police to call in air support to order people off the sand. 'Nearly 1000 people were spoken to, ensuring they were complying with the LGA requirement,' said a NSW Police spokesman. 'Officers were also enforcing QR codes at large retailers at Maroubra, Bondi and Eastgardens.' For weeks, Ms Berejiklian has been begging Sydneysiders to only leave their home for essentials like exercise, shopping, vital work or getting vaccinated. 'Assume that you have the virus, or that people you come into contact with have the virus,' she has repeatedly told the state. We can't afford to have people who have the virus going about their business.' Earlier this week the former leader of Britain's Conservative Party, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, said there were 'some scientists' who wanted no restrictions to be lifted until there was 'zero Covid'. The move followed a review of posts uploaded by the Rupert Murdoch-owned TV channel, which allegedly posted material that 'could cause real-world harm' to its 1.86 million YouTube subscribers Police officers check ID cards of people walking in the CBD in order to prevent an anti-lockdown protest, during lockdown in Sydney, Australia Streets around the world famous beaches of Coogee (pictured) and Bondi were packed with locals making the most of the wintry sun which saw temperatures ride above 25C He told the Telegraph newspaper: 'The Government is constantly being assailed by scientists whose forecasts seem to be around fulfilling a purpose, keeping us in lockdown. 'We are in a state of unreality, it's as though we don't need an economy, we don't need to meet each other, we don't need to do anything that makes life worthwhile. But we do.' Professor Robinson, who is spearheading a 'second opinion' signed by some of the country's top medical practitioners, recommending everybody get AstraZeneca, believes all restrictions on that version of the jab should be scrapped because there are not enough doses of Pfizer to go around. 'This virus is spreading and there's probably no stopping it,' Professor Robinson told the Herald Sun . The head of Australia's top medical research organisation said the ruling by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation was 'wrong' and needs to be changed 'ASAP'. He explained the vaccine got a 'really bad rap' and the ATAGI advice was only appropriate for a time when Covid outbreaks were under control. The professor said he believed there was now a 'groundswell of medical opinion which feels ATAGI's advice was wrong and that it needs to be publicly changed'. He said this would encourage more Australians to get jabbed as the highly contagious variant continues to spread through Sydney and now Queensland. Kevin McCarthy said on Saturday he would have trouble 'not hitting' Nancy Pelosi with the Speaker's gavel if Republicans regain the House in 2022 and he takes the top post in the lower chamber. The Minority leader also invited the group of 1,400 attending the Statesmen's Dinner in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday that they were invited to the event where Pelosi would hand him over the gavel. 'I'll make this one promise here when we win the majority, which I know we're going to, you're all invited,' the California representative said to a group of cheering Republicans. 'I want you to watch Nancy Pelosi hand me that gavel,' he added, before joking: 'It'll be hard not to hit her with it, but I will bang it down.' At the same time, McCarthy wielding an oversized gavel he was gifted by the Tennessee delegation at the dinner. Audio of the remarks from McCarthy were captured by Main Street Nashville. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy was presented with a comically large gavel at a Statesmen's dinner in Nashville on Saturday where he said: 'I want you to watch Nancy Pelosi hand me that gavel. It'll be hard not to hit her with it, but I will bang it down' McCarthy invited all 1,400 attendees on Saturday in the instance Pelosi has to hand over the real gavel after the 2022 election The latest attack against Pelosi comes as the war of words and bipartisan bickering between the parties' top House leaders escalates in the midst of controversy over the Capitol riot committee. They two are also publicly at odds after the Centers for Disease and Prevention released updated guidance last week saying even fully vaccinated Americans should return to wearing masks indoors in high transmission areas. The Capitol Physician also reimplemented mask mandates for House lawmakers and their staff last week, the Senate has not. Pelosi on Wednesday called McCarthy a 'moron' for opposing new mask guidelines. Getting into her SUV, Pelosi was heard muttering of McCarthy: 'He's such a moron.' McCarthy claimed the new guidelines from CDC on face masks were not 'based on science' but from 'liberal government officials.' Here McCarthy hands over the Speaker's gavel to Pelosi on January 3, 2019 after Democrats took back the House majority in the 2018 midterm elections 'Make no mistake - the threat of bringing masks back is not a decision based on science, but a decision conjured up by liberal government officials who want to continue to live in a perpetual pandemic state,' McCarthy wrote on Twitter Tuesday. Asked later to clarify her remark, Pelosi didn't deny it. 'To say that wearing a mask is not based on science, I think it's is not wise, and that was my comment and that's all I'm gonna say about that,' she clarified. McCarthy snapped back sarcastically by telling reporters on Capitol Hill: 'Well, if she's so brilliant, can she tell me where the science in the building changes between the House and the Senate? Can she explain to me when the CDC says only vaccinated people need to wear a mask in hotspots?' Relation hit an all time low in July when Pelosi rejected two of McCarthy's picks Representatives Jim Jordan and Jim Banks for her select committee investigating the events surrounding the January 6 Capitol riot. The GOP leader ended up pulling all five of his nominees for the committee. Instead, Pelosi chose Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger, a Trump critic, to join the group. Kinzinger and Liz Cheney are the two sole Republicans on the nine-person committee, which held their first hearing last week. Advertisement The four-day Lollapalooza music festival was drawing to a close on Sunday, with health officials hoping that they haven't witnessed a super-spreader event. Organizers were estimating that 100,000 people would attend the event daily for the 30th anniversary celebrations, in Chicago's Grant Park. Concert-goers had to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from 72 hours prior, and on the opening day - Thursday - Lollapalooza officials said that over 90 percent of attendees presented proof of a vaccination. Around 600 people were not allowed to enter the festival due to lack of paperwork, they said. The FBI has been warning that faking a vaccine crime is a federal crime, punishable by a $5,000 fine or five years in prison. The Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, pictured on Saturday, has drawn crowds of 100,000 people every day. Attendees are asked to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test at the entrance, but health officials still fear a surge in cases in the coming weeks as a result of the gathering Tripple Redd performs on stage on Saturday. The third day of the festival was headlined by Megan Thee Stallion, Journey and Limp Bizkit Only 51.7 per cent of Chicago's residents are fully vaccinated - although on Thursday, organizers said, 90 per cent of those attending provided their vaccination certificates. The other 10 per cent showed negative COVID tests Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit is seen on stage on Saturday - one of the headliners for the third day A sign outside the entrance reads: 'We have taken enhanced health and safety measures for you, our artists and employees. 'You must follow all posted instructions while attending Lollapalooza. 'An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. 'By attending Lollapalooza, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. 'Please help keep each other healthy!' The number of new cases reported daily in Chicago had dropped to as low as 34 in late June, but is now back up to 192 - although hospitalizations remain drastically lower than their peak this spring. The Illinois state health department reports that 58.6 percent of residents over 18 are fully vaccinated, and 74.3 percent have had their first shot. Chicago is slightly lower than the state average, with 51.7 percent of their 2.7 million people fully vaccinated. Of the six million fully-vaccinated people in the state, 644 have been hospitalized with 'breakthrough' infections, and 169 have died. The festival kicked off on Thursday, with Miley Cyrus headlining and a surprise guest appearance from Billy Idol. Friday saw Tyler, The Creator take top billing, while Saturday belonged to Post Malone, Journey, Megan Thee Stallion and Limp Bizkit. Sunday will close with Foo Fighters. Cook County was added on Thursday to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of areas experiencing 'substantial' COVID-19 transmission, bringing with it advisories for masks indoors. The festival announced late Friday that masks will be required in any indoor spaces on the grounds beginning Saturday. 'We encourage all fans attending the festival to bring a mask as they attend the final two days of the festival,' according to an announcement from festival producer C3 Presents. Health officials said they did expect there to be an increase in COVID cases. 'When you're having this many folks who are coming through almost certainly there will be some cases,' said Dr Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. She told CNBC: 'But I'm confident that the combination of what we know about limiting risk in outdoor settings, pairing that with vaccination and or testing and ideally mostly vaccination, which is what we expect, as well as all the other mitigation factors.' Megan Thee Stallion performs in concert during day three of the 30th anniversary of Lollapalooza The concert in Grant Park is one of the biggest since the pandemic began, with 100,000 people every day Some felt the event was a bad idea, pointing out that recent music festivals, including the Verknipt festival in Utrecht, Netherlands, and Rolling Loud in Miami, have been connected to outbreaks among their attendees and surrounding communities. Dr Emily Landon, the executive medical director of infection prevention and control at the University of Chicago Medicine, said last Monday in an interview with NBC-5 Chicago that she thought the festival should have been cancelled. 'I think continuing to have Lolla at that level of capacity was a bad idea even before there was a pandemic, and I'm shocked that we've agreed to go back to that same level of capacity, ' she said. Harrowing footage captured the moment two men approached a crowd in a busy Queens neighborhood and fired about 40 shots, injuring 10 people before fleeing the scene on mopeds, as New York City's violent summer of crime rages on. The shooters were targeting members of the Trinitarios gang on Saturday night in the borough's Corona neighborhood, police said. They opened fire while some bystanders were walking outside a barbershop and others were at a nearby restaurant for a birthday party. The victims included a 72-year-old woman and a 70-year-old man, both of whom were shot in the leg, in addition to seven other men and one other woman. All were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. Three of the shooting victims were intended targets, police said, but seven were people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. The most seriously injured victim suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said at a news conference on Sunday morning. Police footage reveals the moment two men approached a crowd in a busy Queens neighborhood and opened fire, injuring 10 people The men were gang members targeting rivals from the Trinitarios gang during the shooting on Saturday night in the borough's Corona neighborhood, police said Following the violence, the shooters hopped on mopeds and fled the scene Essig described what was caught in the surveillance footage as 'pretty disturbing.' The two males immediately extended their arms and began firing in the direction of a group in front of the barber shop down the street,' he said. 'There was a party going on at the restaurant just a few stores away . . . This was, as I can most accurately describe it, a brazen, coordinated attack. Theres just one common theme I want to get out there thats a recurring theme that keeps happening and it has to stop throughout the city. Thats gang members, thats guns, multiple guns on the scene, scooters being used, masks and, lastly, unintended targets getting hit. This is unacceptable in our streets of NYC and it has to stop. Police said the two gunmen arrived at the scene on foot, but left by jumping on the backs of two mopeds driven by two other men. All four were wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks. It is unclear which gang the shooters are affiliated with, if any, but police said they were clearly targeting the three Trinitarios members. The Trinitarios gang formed in Rykers Island in 1993 as a means of protecting Hispanic inmates from other gangs. New York gang members are known to use machetes in their attacks. Outside jail, the Trinitarios began in the Marcy Houses in Brooklyn before expanding throughout the city and Long Island. No one was in custody as of Sunday morning, police said. We need the communitys help on this one, said Chief of Patrol Juanita Holmes at the news conference. Someones gonna see that video, theyre gonna see those still photos, and theyre gonna say, I know that clothing, or the video, I know their gait. I know so-and-so walks that way and thats why were really appealing to the public. Our biggest asset is the public when it comes to solving crimes like this. City Council Member Francisco Moya, who represents the 21st Council District in which the shooting happened, said in a statement provided to CNN, The uptick in gun violence has been a reality of daily life in the outer boroughs and for communities of color. He added: 'This is not just a Manhattan problem making headlines because we are concerned about scaring away tourists. We are trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic and a gun violence pandemic. This is why I'm working to bring more opportunity for interventions to our neighborhood through Saturday Night Lights and Cure Violence. New York City saw another violent night Saturday with seven additional shootings that left 18 people injured or killed in seven additional shootings. Police gave an update on the shooting at a news conference the following morning. Speaking above was Assistant Chief Galen Frierson, of the NYPD's Patrol Borough Queens North The most seriously injured victim suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said Less than 30 minutes after the Corona shooting, three innocent women were hit by gunfire when two groups exchanged gunshots in Inwood. The victims included a 78-year-old woman shot in the hand, a 58-year-old woman shot in the leg and a 42-year-old woman who was grazed in the left arm, the New York Daily News reported. Five other people were shot in separate incidents between 12am and 5am, two of whom died from their injuries. One was a 32-year-old man who was repeatedly shot in the torso while sitting in his car in Brooklyn at 4.30am. A second man, 26, was shot in the chest during an unrelated drive by shooting in Crown Heights and died at Kings County Hospital. As of Saturday night, 1,056 people were hit by gunfire in 898 incidents this year. Thats a 12 percent jump from the 938 people shot in the same period last year, according to police data. The Gun Violence Archive noted the Queens mass shooting as one of five mass shootings that took place on Saturday. Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky also saw mass shootings where no deaths were reported, GVA reported Sunday. NYPD's CompStat shows a slight increase in total crimes in July 2021 when compared to the same time period last year Robberies, grand larcenies and felony assaults are among the crimes that are spiking citywide Dr Anthony Fauci has warned of 'some pain and suffering in the future' as coronavirus cases continue to rise, but said that he does not see the need for new lockdowns. 'I don't think we're going to see lockdowns,' Fauci told Jonathan Karl of ABC's This Week on Sunday. 'I think we have enough of the percentage of people in the country not enough to crush the outbreak but I believe enough to allow us to not get into the situation we were in last winter.' The nation's top infectious disease expert warned, however, that 'things are gonna get worse' and the number of COVID-19 cases will continue to rise because so many Americans are still unvaccinated. 'We have 100 million people in this country who are eligible to be vaccinated who are not getting vaccinated,' he said. 'The unvaccinated, who have a much, much, much greater chance of being infected in the first place, are the ones most vulnerable to getting severe illness that might lead to hospitalization and, in some cases, death.' Dr Anthony Fauci on Sunday said COVID-19 cases will continue to rise, but he does not see the need for lockdowns again He added: 'So we're looking, not to lockdown, but we're looking to some pain and suffering in the future because we're seeing the cases go up, which is the reason why we keep saying over and over again, the solution to this is get vaccinated or this would not be happening.' While this week the nation saw a surge in Americans getting the shot, as coronavirus cases rise driven largely by the more infectious delta variant, still only about 60 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated. Karl also pressed Fauci about new mask-wearing guidelines released by the CDC that urge even vaccinated people to wear masks again indoors. Fauci has been criticized for flip-flopping on his views regarding whether vaccinated individuals need masks. 'The change, as we know now, is even if you are fully vaccinated when you are in an indoor setting in an area of the country that has a high or substantial degree of transmissibility . . . you should wear a mask, even if you, in fact, are vaccinated,' Fauci said. He added: 'That has much more to do with transmission . . . no vaccine is 100 percent effective, which means in areas of high volume of infection, vaccinated people will get infected. Thank goodness, for the most part, they will not get seriously ill. They will generally be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.' Fauci argued that the unvaccinated are affecting others by 'allowing the propagation and the spread of the outbreak,' and pushed back against politicians and critics who say whether to get the shot is an individual decision. Fauci also echoed the new mask wearing guidelines released by the CDC that says even vaccinated people should wear masks again indoors Some Republican governors argued that it impedes individuals' rights to not allow them to make their own decisions about getting the vaccine. Above, Georgia Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene dramatically pulled off her mask at the U.S. Capitol Some Republican governors, including Arizona's Doug Ducey and Florida's Ron DeSantis, argued that it impedes individuals' rights to not allow them to make their own decisions about getting the vaccine. Asked about such governors' views, Fauci said: 'I respectfully disagree with them . . . although you want to respect every person's individual right, when you are dealing with a public health situation . . . the fact is, if you get infected, even if you are without symptoms, you very well may infect another person who may be vulnerable, who may get seriously ill. 'So in essence, you are encroaching on their individual rights because you are making them vulnerable, so you could argue that situation both ways. The average number of new cases reported each day has nearly doubled in the past 10 days and the number of hospitalized patients in many states is surging, according to a Reuters analysis. A recent uptick in COVID-19 cases linked to Provincetown, Massachusetts, sparked fear among many by proving that the now-dominant delta variant may be able to spread among fully vaccinated people, ABC News reported. But Fauci said that this should be expected as no vaccine is impenetrable. 'The vaccines are doing what they're supposed to do,' he said. 'They're protecting one from getting seriously ill, requiring hospitalizations and perhaps, even dying.' Vaccinated people infected with the Indian 'Delta' variant have the same viral levels as the unvaccinated infected with this variant, Fauci said, citing unreleased data from the CDC that led to its new decision on mask-wearing. Meanwhile, Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday, as its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the US as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread. Republican Florida Gov Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials' ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the CDC website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. The previous peak in Florida had been 19,334 cases reported on January 7, before the availability of vaccinations became widespread. Amid the spike in new Delta variant cases, countries around the world are pushing to get more young people vaccinated. Teenagers lined up to receive Sinovac's Covid-19 vaccine at the Phnom Penh Thmey Health Center in Cambodia on Sunday, when the country began its inoculation campaign for young people aged 12-17 A protester in Turin, Italy, on July 28 revealed a sign shaped like a Star of David reading in Italian 'They want us like this' during a protest against plans to require people to hold cards showing proof of vaccination to continue normal social activities, like dining indoors at restaurants, visiting museums or cheering home teams in stadiums People staged a protest against the vaccination pass in Rome on July 28 after Italy's government approved a decree ordering the use of the so-called 'green' passes starting on Aug. 6. To be eligible for a pass, individuals must prove they have received at least one vaccine dose in the last nine months, recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months or tested negative in the previous 48 hours Amid the spike in new Delta variant cases, countries around the world are pushing to get more teenagers vaccinated. Germany's government will recommend the coronavirus vaccine for all 12- to 17-year-olds on Monday, according to a draft resolution ahead of a planned meeting of state-level health ministers. They also plan to offer boosters to high-risk individuals starting in September. The European Medicines Agency approved the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year old individuals in May, and Modernas vaccine in late July. Still, Germanys vaccine commission had thus far only recommended high-risk youths under 18 be vaccinated, citing a lack of data on vaccine safety in this age group. More than 61 percent of the German population has received at least one dose of vaccine and 52 percent are fully vaccinated. And in Italy, by the end of July, 60percent of those aged 12 and older will have been vaccinated, according to government figures on Sunday. Italy is particularly trying to encourage young people to receive the jab. On Saturday night, an ice cream parlor in Ostia, a popular beach town near Rome, paired the debut of a new flavor with the possibility to receive the vaccine without making a reservation. State radio said many people stepped up to take the injection. As a reward, they received a free 'coffee-beer' flavored gelato. Cambodia is also pushing to vaccinate minors and aims to inoculate about 2 million people aged 12 to 17 before November, beginning in the capital Phnom Penh and three nearby provinces. Among the first to be vaccinated Sunday were the grandchildren of Prime Minister Hun Sen and grandchildren of other government ministers. Sydney's burgeoning Covid-19 outbreak could continue to worsen as 19 more venues are added to the city's list of exposure sites. NSW health announced the new list on Sunday night, which included multiple supermarkets and 36 Meat Mart in Campsie where an infected person worked for six days. Anyone who was at the meat store, in the city's south-west, between Monday and Saturday has been told to get a test and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. The advice applies to people who went to Fully Tabooly Kebab Shop in Pemulwuy, in western Sydney, on Friday or Saturday. NSW recorded 239 new cases of Covid on Sunday with 50 people fighting for life on ventilators. A Coles in West Ryde has been added to the list (pictured), along with Commonwealth Bank and Suncorp in Macquarie Park Woolworths in Marrickville Metro (pictured) is also on the list. Anyone who went on Monday July 26 between 10.30am and 11.30am has been told to get tested and isolate Further north, a Coles in West Ryde has been added to the list, along with Commonwealth Bank and Suncorp in Macquarie Park. People who went to Priceline, fruit shop Panetta Mercato or Japanese restaurant Azakaze in Macquarie Park should also isolate and get a test. The same goes for anyone who went to a busy Woolworths supermarket and BSW liquor store in Eastwood on Friday July 23. A Covid-infected person also went to three venues in Strathfield, including Fresh Seafood Meat, GR Buy Asian Supermarket and Rainbow Cakes - all on Saturday July 24. Earlier on Sunday evening, Katsuya Japanese Restaurant in Sydney's south-west was listed as a major Covid-19 exposure site after an employee worked there for 10 days while infected. Pictured: Fully Tabooly Kebab Shop in Pemulwuy Marketplaceis listed as an exposure site between Friday 30 July and Saturday 31 July - 9am to 9.30am New South Wales recorded 239 new cases on Sunday with 50 people fighting for life on ventilators. Pictured: People in Coogee on Sunday Anyone who was at the eatery in Campsie between 6am and 10pm, from July 19 to 28, should get tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result. The same advice applies to customers who went to Chemist Warehouse in Burwood on Wednesday, and people who visited All Group Supermarket in Campsie between Sunday and Tuesday. Myhealth Medical Centre in Rhodes has also been added to the list, with patrons who went to the clinic on Tuesday or Friday ordered to get tested and isolate immediately. New South Wales recorded 239 new cases on Sunday with 50 people fighting for life on ventilators. Pictured: Katsuya Japanese Restaurant in Campsie, south-west Sydney, where an employee worked while infected with Covid-19 for ten days Chemist Warehouse in Burwood has also been listed as an exposure site after a Covid-positive person went there on Wednesday Latest Covid exposure sites in NSW Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Belfield, Mancini's Original Woodfired Pizza, 21 Burwood Road. Sunday 18 July to Saturday 24 July. ALL DAY. Burwood, Chemist Warehouse, 69 Burwood Road. Wednesday 28 July 5.25pm to 5.30pm. Penrith, Officeworks, 273 High Street. Monday 26 July 12pm to 5pm. Canley Heights, An Phat Supermarket, 213-217 Canley Vale Road. Thursday 29 July 10am to 10.30am. Campsie, World of Fruit, 224 Beamish Street. Sunday 25 July 10.40am to 11am. Campsie, Katsyua Japanese Restaurant, Clemton Park Shopping Village - Shop 14/5 Mackinder Street. Monday 19 July to Wednesday 28 July, 6am to 10pm. Campsie, All Group Supermarket. 238 Bearmish Street. Sunday 25 July to Tuesday 27 July 8.30am to 3.30pm. Campsie, 36 Meat Mart. 273 Beamish Street. Monday 26 July to Saturday 31 July - between 7.30am and 6pm. Rhodes, Muhealth Medical Centre. Level 8, Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre. Rider Boulevard. Tuesday 27 July 9am to 11am, Friday 30 July 10am to 11.30am. Pemulwuy, Fully Tabooly Kebab Shop, Pemulwuy Marketplace, 70 Butu Wargun Drive. Friday 30 July and Saturday 31 July - 9am to 9.30am. Anyone who travelled on the following public transport routes is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Bondi Junction Clovelly, 400 Bus, from Bondi Junction Station Stand F to Frenchmans Road at Clovelly Road, Randwick. Monday 19 July 1.31pm to 1.40pm Campsie to Earlwood, 473 Bus, from Dan's Corner, Beamish Street, Campsie to Earlwood Shops. Monday 26 July 2.42pm to 2.51pm Summer Hill to Camperdown, 461X Bus, from Parramatta Road after Sloane Street, Summer Hill to Parramatta Road bf Lyons, Camperdown. Tuesday 27 July 8.09am to 8.17am 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. Bankstown, Quantum Radiology 258 South Terrace. Monday 28 July, 12.30pm to 12.50pm. Bondi Junction, Bondi Junction Post Shop Eastgate Shopping Centre, Shop 28 71-73 Spring Street. Friday 16 July, 9.10am to 9.20am. Brookvale, Woolworths. Warringah Mall 145 Old Pittwater Road. Sunday 25 July 5.05pm to 5.35pm. Fairfield, Everyday in Fairfield, 109 Sackville Street. Thursday 15 July 4pm to 4.10pm. Smithfield, GRAM Engineering. 16-22 Cullen Place. Friday 23 July, Monday 26 July and Tueday 27 July - 7.15am to 4.30pm. St Mary's, Astley Mobility Pharmacy 368 Pennant Hills Road. Thursday 29 July 1.30pm to 2pm, Saturday 31 July 11am to 11.30am. Sydney, Sunlite Mitre 10, 74 Pitt Street, Tuesday 27 July 3.15pm to 5pm Wattle Grove, Coles, Village Way. Friday 23 July 10.25am to 11am. Bankstown, Suhhtan Pizza Bakery, 226 Chapel Road. Friday 23 July 12.20pm to 12.25pm Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Ave. Saturday 24 July 10am-11am. Blacktown, Kmart, 28 Patrick Street. Saturday 24 July 5.40pm to 5.45pm. Bankstown, Priceline Pharmacy, 1 North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 12.45pm to 1.05pm. Campsie, Cincotta Chemist, 157 - 159 Beamish Street. Friday 30 July 4.40pm to 5.15pm. Bankstown, Woolworths Bankstown Centro Shopping Centre, Lady Cutler Avenue. Friday 30 July 8am to 9.10am. Double Bay, Woolworths, Kiaora Road. Sunday 18 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm and Monday 19 July 4.30pm to 4.45pm. Eastwood, BSW, Level 1 Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. Friday 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Eastwood, Woolworths. Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Strathfield, Omni Mart. Shop 7, Symonf Arcade, 12 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July 10.25am to 11am. Strathfield, Fresh Seafood and Meat. 22/11 The Boulevard. Satirday 24 July, 10.45pm to 11.15am. Strathfield, GR Buy Asian Supermarket. Shop 8/11 The Boulevard. Saturday 24 July, 11am to 11.30am. Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July, 10am to 11am. Yagoona, Ya Ya Bakery, 522 Hume Highway. Monday 19 July 6.45am to 7am. Liverpool, Mina Pizza, Shop 3, 46 Elizabeth Street. Tuesday 20 July 9am to 10am. Gladesville, Bunnings (tools section). 461 Victoria Road. Friday 23 July, 2.45pm to 3.20pm. Granville, Woolworths, 6 Louis Street. Wednesday 21 July 6.20pm to 6.50pm. Eastwood, La Vigne Bakery, 82 Rowe Street. Thursday 22 July 11.40am to 11.55am. St Marys, Aldi, 410-422 Great Western Highway. Thursday 22 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm. Macquarie Fields, Target, Glenquarie Town Centre Click and Collect, Victoria Road. Thursday 22 July 9am to 7pm, Friday 23 July 9am to 5pm, Sunday 25 July 9am to 5pm, Monday 26 July 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 27 July 9am to 5pm. Macquarie Park, Commonwealth Bank, Level 1 Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 12.50pm to 2pm. Macquarie Park, Suncorp. Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Priceline, Shop 10 Macquarie Shopping Centre Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1.10pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Panetta Mercato, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Saturday 24 July 4.50pm to 5.10pm. Macquarie Park, Azakaze, Macquarie Shopping Centre, 402/199 Herring Road. Saturday 24 July, 4.05pm to 4.30pm. Marrickville, Woolworths Metro, Marrickville Shopping Centre, 34 Victoria Road. Monday 26 July, 10.30am to 11.30am. Wentworth Point, The Smelly Cheesecake, 5 Footbridge Boulevard. Saturday 24 July 9.25am to 9.35am. Burwood, Evergreen Fresh World, Burwood Plaza, 42 Railway Parade. Saturday 24 July 2.45pm to 3.15pm. St Marys, IGA, Great Western Highway and Mamre Road. Saturday 24 July 4pm to 4.15pm. Lakemba, Woolworths, 2-26 Haldon Street. Saturday 24 July 10.30am to 10.40am. Bankstown, Aussie Farm Fresh, Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 8.40am to 8.50am. West Ryde, Coles, Betts Street and Chatham Road. Monday 19 July, 7.20am to 7.55am. Anyone who travelled on the following train service is considered a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. T4 Train Line, From Caringbah to Bondi Junction. Monday 19 July 12.12pm to 1.26pm. Advertisement People who were at GRAM Engineering in Smithfield between 7.15am and 4.30pm on July 23, 26 or 27 has been listed as a casual contact and told to get a test and isolate until a negative test is received. The same advice applies to anyone who went to Quantum Radiology in Bankstown on Monday, Woolworths in Brookvale last Sunday, or Astley Mobility Pharmacy in Pennent Hills on Thursday or Saturday. The 239 figure on Sunday is the second day in a row of more than 200. Daily case numbers dipped after the record number was first reported on Thursday, but jumped back to 210 on Saturday including hundreds of mystery cases. NSW deputy chief health officer Jeremy McAnulty said an alarming number of cases were detected among childcare workers. He strongly urged parents to consider keeping their children at home to curb the spread of infection through daycares. 'It is a reminder, please reserve childcare centres if you really need to have your child in child care,' he said. 'Otherwise, keep them at home to minimise the spread through childcare.' Pictured: People gathering outside restaurants and cafes in Coogee on Sunday, as the state recorded 239 new cases Nine residents also tested positive at a nursing home in Summer Hill, in Sydney's inner-west. 'On a regular basis we are seeing cases in hospital settings or aged care settings and we have even had some disability settings as well,' Mr McAnulty said. 'So there is an outbreak in a Summer Hill aged care facility with I understand nine residents affected. 'Fortunately, many of those have been vaccinated. As I understand it, the ones with vaccination are doing relatively well.' There are 54 patients being treated in the intensive care unit with a large number under 60 including seven in their 20s, five in their 30s, two in their 40s and six in their 50s. Dr McAnulty warned younger Sydneysiders aged between 18 and 30 were the biggest spreaders of the virus. 'We are seeing cases at high rates in those age group,' he said. 'This is the age group that tends to be a link between kids, younger people, and older, elderly relatives. 'They are working, they have big social networks, if you are in that age group it is important that you be aware that you are very vulnerable to the infection, as we have seen in ICU numbers you can get serious disease. It is important you come forward for vaccination.' Pictured: Residents queue up outside a pharmacy for a Covid-19 vaccination in western Sydney on July 30 Cases then dipped to 170 on Friday before jumping back to 210 on Saturday Only 80 of the new cases were in isolation, with 35 partially out in the community while infectious and at least 26 were out in the public and not isolating. State premier Gladys Berejiklian renewed calls for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers. 'Today is August 1 and I am calling upon the people of greater Sydney, and New South Wales, to come forward and get vaccinated,' she said. 'To get to the 70 per cent target we need 9.2 million jabs. To get the 80 per cent target we need 10 million jabs. We have been talking about this in NSW for some time.' The 80 per cent target has been set by the federal government as the key to reopening the border and scrapping state lockdowns. Ms Berejiklian was pressed by a reporter over concerns that young people were being turned down requests to get the AstraZeneca vaccine by their GPs. 'On the 20 to 30 age bracket, we are hearing stories of people wanted to get AstraZeneca, going to the GP and the GP says no, wait for Pfizer,' the reporter said. 'What are you doing about that because that messaging is very different and the message is consistently changing over months?' Ms Berejiklian responded: 'The NSW Government always follows the advice of the federal health authorities. 'Of course, we ask ability to follow that health advice by the health advice in New South Wales is that if you are over 18, it is safe to get either vaccine.' State premier Gladys Berejiklian renewed calls for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers (pictured, Sydney residents walking at Hyde Park) Ms Berejiklian has denied reports nurses were forced back into hospitals before returning negative Covid-19 test results. During the state's Covid update on Sunday, a reporter highlighted a growing cluster of Covid-19 cases within the emergency department of a key hospital in Sydney. They claimed nurses who were close contacts of the emerging cases were forced to go back to work before receiving a negative test result due to increasing numbers of ICU patients. 'I havent seen evidence of that. If that was the case, I would dispute because we [have] many staff members on the beat of over 140,000 people working in the health system,' Ms Berejiklian replied. 'So it is really important to note that when you are in the middle of the pandemic and having cases every day, it stretches things.' Ms Berejiklian said even though a vast majority of healthcare workers were vaccinated, they could still catch the virus and pass it to others. The state premier also responded to criticism after it was revealed that Pfizer doses would be redirected from the community to Year 12 students. Central Coast residents have had their bookings cancelled at a vaccination hub in Belmore so their doses can go to students. That test rate in that LHD - 270 per 1,000 - lags behind South Western Sydney LHD on 450, Sydney LHD on 312 and Western Sydney LHD on 281 (Bondi pictured on Friday) Concerns were raised over the number of residents coming forward for testing after footage revealed a nearly empty testing clinic at Bondi 'It is only around 19,000 students,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'It is important for us to give those year 12 students a chance to finish their exams and get rewarded.' 'It's what they deserve and know that we are finding younger people are getting the virus and spreading it.' Ms Berejiklian conceded it would be weeks before residents get their hands on the Pfizer jab after their bookings were cancelled. She said the state had to prioritise Year 12 students as they prepared to take their Higher School Certificate and growing reports that some were too anxious to return to the classroom. 'Year 12 attaining those credentials is so important,' she said. 'We want to reduce their stress.' 'It is stressful and upsetting the HSC, let alone in a pandemic. It is stressful for parents and families and we want to make sure we provide those best opportunities in every way we can. 'We are doing a lot of work on not only how we can have some level of face to face for your 12 but also in a safe way.' Students may have been pushed ahead of the line to receive Pfizer, but teachers will still have to get the AstraZeneca. 'Obviously, if you are a teacher or critical worker or any citizen, it doesn't matter what you are doing, you should be coming forward to get the vaccine,' she said. 'For all adults the AstraZeneca is now recommended.' Two beachgoers show their IDs to a passing police officer at Bondi beach on Sunday Health authorities have also raised concerns about the lack of people coming forward for testing. On Saturday, photos emerged of a Bondi Covid test centre sitting empty while a Fairfield clinic was packed with residents. A local resident who went to get tested at 3.30pm told Daily Mail Australia the empty clinic was concerning. 'If no-one is getting tested in the eastern suburbs, that could mean lots of cases are going undetected,' he said. Sydney's lockdown could be lifted as soon as September with NSW is on track to reach 70 per cent vaccination in just five weeks. Cooped-up Sydneysiders are entering their sixth gruelling week of lockdown after NSW recorded 239 locally acquired cases on Sunday. Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who extended stay-at-home orders to at least August 28 as the latest outbreak rose to 3,427 infections, said her government had a plan to 'break records' as it ramped up its immunisation campaign. 'Once you get to 50 per cent vaccination, 60 per cent, 70 per cent, that triggers more freedoms. We can turn this around in four weeks,' she said on Sunday. Sydney's Bondi Beach was teeming with people on Sunday, despite strict stay-at-home orders. The city's brutal lockdown could end by September if vaccination rates continue to increase Return to freedom? NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged Australians to get the jab, saying more vaccinations 'triggers more freedoms' 'We have the month of August to get the vaccination rates as high as possible. Let August be the month where we break records with the vaccination.' NSW's vaccination rate sits at about 15 per cent for those who have received both jabs and 32 per cent have received only one dose. But with 82,000 doses distributed in 24 hours and 4.5 million more Pfizer jabs to be delivered to Australia in August, federal health officials are confident NSW could carry out about 650,000 vaccinations a week. At that rate, NSW could hit its target of 70 per cent coverage by early September. Until then, Ms Berejiklian will likely continue her bitter slanging match with Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, who rarely misses a chance to take a shot at her in his regular Covid announcements. The two have never appeared to get on and frequently sparred even before the latest outbreaks, but a three-word remark reportedly send it into overdrive. Despite a worrying increase of 239 new Covid cases on Sunday, thousands flocked to Sydney's eastern suburbs to lap up the sun One of Ms Berejiklian's biggest critics Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, became furious after the NSW leader made a barbed insult over two weeks ago, kickstarting a war of words The remark came on July 15 when a reporter asked why NSW Health hadn't tightened the rules about who an essential worker was. 'Why not tighten the rules about who an essential worker is? Victoria did it very successfully,' Ms Berejiklian was asked. 'No, they didn't,' she shot back. Victorial Labor sources told The Australian's Diary the dismissive remark infuriated Mr Andrews and started a bitter back-and-forth between the pair. Days after her comment, Andrews extended Victoria's fifth lockdown - saying it was to avoid a 'NSW-style long, very challenging lockdown where you just lose control of cases.' When Ms Berejiklian pleaded with Victoria and other states for Pfizer vaccines, Mr Andrews responded by rejecting the request and saying there was a 'national responsibility to put a ring of steel around Sydney.' Ms Berejiklian ignored his demand for a 'ring of steel', prompting the Victorian government to air adverts during the Olympics describing NSW as an 'extreme risk zone'. Police are pictured patrolling Sydney's Coogee Beach to enforce Covid compliance on Sunday Sydneysiders stop to pat a dog at Bondi Beach on Sunday despite strict lockdown rules A woman dressed in black activewear goes for a job at Sydney's Coogee Beach with the city in lockdown The encouraging increase in people getting vaccinated against Covid in NSW comes after a slow start due to the federal government's bungled jab rollout. Scott Morrison's government in the early stages of the pandemic had relied on the AstraZeneca jab for the bulk of its inoculation campaign. But those plans were thrown into disarray almost immediately in April when the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation advised that only over 50s should receive the shot due to the extremely remote risk of developing blood clots. Shortly after the age cut off was increased to 60 but now with the highly contagious Indian Delta variant sweeping through Sydney, ATAGI advises that those aged over 18 speak to their GP. While Australia has been lacking a viable alternative jab after the federal government failed to secure enough Pfizer doses, those problems will soon be solved. There are 4.5 million shots of Pfizer which were scheduled to arrive in September, fast-tracked to land in Australia during August which is expected to see the nation's vaccination numbers increase from between 300,000 and 350,000 a week to over a million. A St John Ambulance staff member registers a client arriving at a COVID-19 Vaccination Centre in the CBD on July 19, 2021 in Sydney, Australia A woman receives her first Pfizer vaccination at the Inner City Covid-19 Vaccine Hub on July 01, 2021 in Sydney, Australia Ms Berejiklian inferred that vaccination rates could be answer to lifting the dreaded lockdown on Sunday. 'There is no place in the world that has been able to live with the Delta virus and not have higher rates of vaccination. We have to be very clear about that,' she said. 'We want this to be the last lockdown we have and we can make that happen if we get vaccinated. 'Our strategy for NSW is to get vaccination rates to 60, 70, 80 per cent. That means we can live with the Delta variant and we won't have to go in and out of lockdown.' She made a plea for Sydneysiders to get vaccinated amid the worrying case numbers. 'Today is August 1 and I am calling upon the people of greater Sydney, and NSW, to come forward and get vaccinated,' she said. 'To get to the 70 per cent target we need 9.2 million jabs. To get the 80 per cent target we need 10 million jabs. We have been talking about this in NSW for some time.' The 80 per cent target has been set by the federal government as the key to reopening the border and scrapping state lockdowns. But Ms Berejiklian was pressed by a reporter over concerns that young people were being turned down requests to get the AstraZeneca vaccine by their GPs. 'On the 20 to 30 age bracket, we are hearing stories of people wanted to get AstraZeneca, going to the GP and the GP says no, wait for Pfizer,' the reporter said. 'What are you doing about that because that messaging is very different and the message is consistently changing over months?' Ms Berejiklian responded: 'The NSW Government always follows the advice of the federal health authorities. 'Of course, we ask ability to follow that health advice by the health advice in New South Wales is that if you are over 18, it is safe to get either vaccine.' The state premier also responded to criticism after it was revealed that Pfizer doses would be redirected from regional communities to Year 12 students. Central Coast residents have had their bookings cancelled at a vaccination hub in Belmore so their doses can go to students. 'It is only around 19,000 students,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'It is important for us to give those year 12 students a chance to finish their exams and get rewarded.' 'It's what they deserve and know that we are finding younger people are getting the virus and spreading it.' A Syndeysider spends the day at Bondi beach as the city remains in lockdown amid growing Covid-19 cases But Ms Berejiklian was pressed by a reporter over concerns that young people were being turned down requests to get the AstraZeneca vaccine by their GPs. Pictured: A woman in a face mask strolls through the streets of Sydney on July 31, 2021 Ms Berejiklian conceded it would be weeks before residents get their hands on the Pfizer jab after their bookings were cancelled. She said the state had to prioritise Year 12 students as they prepared to take their Higher School Certificate and growing reports that some were too anxious to return to the classroom. 'Year 12 attaining those credentials is so important,' she said. 'We want to reduce their stress.' 'It is stressful and upsetting the HSC, let alone in a pandemic. It is stressful for parents and families and we want to make sure we provide those best opportunities in every way we can. 'We are doing a lot of work on not only how we can have some level of face to face for your 12 but also in a safe way.' Students may have been pushed ahead of the line to receive Pfizer, but teachers will still have to get the AstraZeneca. 'Obviously, if you are a teacher or critical worker or any citizen, it doesn't matter what you are doing, you should be coming forward to get the vaccine,' she said. 'For all adults the AstraZeneca is now recommended.' Latest Covid exposure sites in NSW Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Belfield, Mancini's Original Woodfired Pizza, 21 Burwood Road. Sunday 18 July to Saturday 24 July. ALL DAY. Burwood, Chemist Warehouse, 69 Burwood Road. Wednesday 28 July 5.25pm to 5.30pm. Penrith, Officeworks, 273 High Street. Monday 26 July 12pm to 5pm. Canley Heights, An Phat Supermarket, 213-217 Canley Vale Road. Thursday 29 July 10am to 10.30am. Campsie, World of Fruit, 224 Beamish Street. Sunday 25 July 10.40am to 11am. Campsie, Katsyua Japanese Restaurant, Clemton Park Shopping Village - Shop 14/5 Mackinder Street. Monday 19 July to Wednesday 28 July, 6am to 10pm. Campsie, All Group Supermarket. 238 Bearmish Street. Sunday 25 July to Tuesday 27 July 8.30am to 3.30pm. Campsie, 36 Meat Mart. 273 Beamish Street. Monday 26 July to Saturday 31 July - between 7.30am and 6pm. Rhodes, Muhealth Medical Centre. Level 8, Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre. Rider Boulevard. Tuesday 27 July 9am to 11am, Friday 30 July 10am to 11.30am. Pemulwuy, Fully Tabooly Kebab Shop, Pemulwuy Marketplace, 70 Butu Wargun Drive. Friday 30 July and Saturday 31 July - 9am to 9.30am. Anyone who travelled on the following public transport routes is a close contact and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. Bondi Junction Clovelly, 400 Bus, from Bondi Junction Station Stand F to Frenchmans Road at Clovelly Road, Randwick. Monday 19 July 1.31pm to 1.40pm Campsie to Earlwood, 473 Bus, from Dan's Corner, Beamish Street, Campsie to Earlwood Shops. Monday 26 July 2.42pm to 2.51pm Summer Hill to Camperdown, 461X Bus, from Parramatta Road after Sloane Street, Summer Hill to Parramatta Road bf Lyons, Camperdown. Tuesday 27 July 8.09am to 8.17am 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. Bankstown, Quantum Radiology 258 South Terrace. Monday 28 July, 12.30pm to 12.50pm. Bondi Junction, Bondi Junction Post Shop Eastgate Shopping Centre, Shop 28 71-73 Spring Street. Friday 16 July, 9.10am to 9.20am. Brookvale, Woolworths. Warringah Mall 145 Old Pittwater Road. Sunday 25 July 5.05pm to 5.35pm. Fairfield, Everyday in Fairfield, 109 Sackville Street. Thursday 15 July 4pm to 4.10pm. Smithfield, GRAM Engineering. 16-22 Cullen Place. Friday 23 July, Monday 26 July and Tueday 27 July - 7.15am to 4.30pm. St Mary's, Astley Mobility Pharmacy 368 Pennant Hills Road. Thursday 29 July 1.30pm to 2pm, Saturday 31 July 11am to 11.30am. Sydney, Sunlite Mitre 10, 74 Pitt Street, Tuesday 27 July 3.15pm to 5pm Wattle Grove, Coles, Village Way. Friday 23 July 10.25am to 11am. Bankstown, Suhhtan Pizza Bakery, 226 Chapel Road. Friday 23 July 12.20pm to 12.25pm Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Ave. Saturday 24 July 10am-11am. Blacktown, Kmart, 28 Patrick Street. Saturday 24 July 5.40pm to 5.45pm. Bankstown, Priceline Pharmacy, 1 North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 12.45pm to 1.05pm. Campsie, Cincotta Chemist, 157 - 159 Beamish Street. Friday 30 July 4.40pm to 5.15pm. Bankstown, Woolworths Bankstown Centro Shopping Centre, Lady Cutler Avenue. Friday 30 July 8am to 9.10am. Double Bay, Woolworths, Kiaora Road. Sunday 18 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm and Monday 19 July 4.30pm to 4.45pm. Eastwood, BSW, Level 1 Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. Friday 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Eastwood, Woolworths. Eastwood Centre 160 Rowe Street. 23 July 5pm to 5.20pm. Strathfield, Omni Mart. Shop 7, Symonf Arcade, 12 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July 10.25am to 11am. Strathfield, Fresh Seafood and Meat. 22/11 The Boulevard. Satirday 24 July, 10.45pm to 11.15am. Strathfield, GR Buy Asian Supermarket. Shop 8/11 The Boulevard. Saturday 24 July, 11am to 11.30am. Strathfield, Rainbow Cakes, 2 Churchill Avenue. Saturday 24 July, 10am to 11am. Yagoona, Ya Ya Bakery, 522 Hume Highway. Monday 19 July 6.45am to 7am. Liverpool, Mina Pizza, Shop 3, 46 Elizabeth Street. Tuesday 20 July 9am to 10am. Gladesville, Bunnings (tools section). 461 Victoria Road. Friday 23 July, 2.45pm to 3.20pm. Granville, Woolworths, 6 Louis Street. Wednesday 21 July 6.20pm to 6.50pm. Eastwood, La Vigne Bakery, 82 Rowe Street. Thursday 22 July 11.40am to 11.55am. St Marys, Aldi, 410-422 Great Western Highway. Thursday 22 July 5.30pm to 5.45pm. Macquarie Fields, Target, Glenquarie Town Centre Click and Collect, Victoria Road. Thursday 22 July 9am to 7pm, Friday 23 July 9am to 5pm, Sunday 25 July 9am to 5pm, Monday 26 July 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 27 July 9am to 5pm. Macquarie Park, Commonwealth Bank, Level 1 Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 12.50pm to 2pm. Macquarie Park, Suncorp. Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Priceline, Shop 10 Macquarie Shopping Centre Herring Road. Friday 23 July, 1.10pm to 1.20pm. Macquarie Park, Panetta Mercato, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Herring Road. Saturday 24 July 4.50pm to 5.10pm. Macquarie Park, Azakaze, Macquarie Shopping Centre, 402/199 Herring Road. Saturday 24 July, 4.05pm to 4.30pm. Marrickville, Woolworths Metro, Marrickville Shopping Centre, 34 Victoria Road. Monday 26 July, 10.30am to 11.30am. Wentworth Point, The Smelly Cheesecake, 5 Footbridge Boulevard. Saturday 24 July 9.25am to 9.35am. Burwood, Evergreen Fresh World, Burwood Plaza, 42 Railway Parade. Saturday 24 July 2.45pm to 3.15pm. St Marys, IGA, Great Western Highway and Mamre Road. Saturday 24 July 4pm to 4.15pm. Lakemba, Woolworths, 2-26 Haldon Street. Saturday 24 July 10.30am to 10.40am. Bankstown, Aussie Farm Fresh, Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, North Terrace. Wednesday 28 July 8.40am to 8.50am. West Ryde, Coles, Betts Street and Chatham Road. Monday 19 July, 7.20am to 7.55am. Anyone who travelled on the following train service is considered a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received. T4 Train Line, From Caringbah to Bondi Junction. Monday 19 July 12.12pm to 1.26pm. Advertisement Britain's longest serving lollipop lady is hanging up her stick after crossing the road more than a million times during an incredible 52-year career. Dedicated Ann Perry, 78, has decided to call it quits after more than half a century patrolling the same stretch of road since 1969. Over the decades it is estimated she has clocked up more than 3,700 miles safely guiding children to and from Kingsbury School, near Tamworth, Staffordshire. Ann, who is married to retired builder Bob, 82, started the job aged 26 when her two children, Elaine and Robert, started at the school. Dedicated Ann Perry, 78, has decided to call it quits after more than half a century patrolling the same stretch of road since 1969 Since then she had seen other pupils grow up and have children of their own but she is now retiring so she can spend more time with her family. Grandmother-of-three Ann, of Kingsbury, Warwickshire, said: 'My best memories of the job were watching the children grow up and have children of their own, which I had the pleasure of crossing too. 'I loved making them smile and remembering their names. They made me smile on a daily basis and I'll miss that the most. 'I am now looking forward to spending more time with my family and husband.' Every school day Ann would walk a quarter-of-a-mile from home to do the morning crossing from 8.15am to 9am, and again in the afternoon from 3pm to 3.30pm. Over the decades it is estimated she has clocked up more than 3,700 miles safely guiding children to and from Kingsbury School, near Tamworth, Staffordshire Ann, who is married to retired builder Bob, 82, started the job aged 26 when her two children, Elaine and Robert, started at the school She added: 'It's the best job in the world. I loved just meeting people and watching the children grow up. 'They were always polite and said 'good morning' and 'thank you' as they cross the road. 'The job stayed the same but there's more traffic now so the roads are more dangerous. 'I shouldn't really give my secrets away, but it's important to stay warm because you're out in all weathers. Since then she had seen other pupils grow up and have children of their own but she is now retiring so she can spend more time with her family Grandmother-of-three Ann, of Kingsbury, Warwickshire, said that her favourite memories on the job are watching the children grow up and have children on their own 'I've used hand warmers and little hot water bottles in my pockets.' Ann's granddaughter Morgan Perry, 24, of Baddesley Ensor, Warwickshire, said the Covid-19 pandemic had made her grandmother reassess what was important in her life. She added: 'It is something she's loved doing for over 50 years but she's had to make the heartbreaking decision to finish. 'I don't believe it was directly related to Covid but it did make her realise life's fragile and that she wants to spend more of it with her family. 'We as a family are very proud of her selflessness and kindness, she inspires us to be better and we are extremely grateful for her guidance and love. 'My nan would like to say a massive thank you to all the children and parents she has crossed and will miss them all dearly. Ann's granddaughter Morgan Perry, 24, of Baddesley Ensor, Warwickshire, said the Covid-19 pandemic had made her grandmother reassess what was important in her life Morgan added: 'We as a family are very proud of her selflessness and kindness, she inspires us to be better and we are extremely grateful for her guidance and love' 'She looks forward to seeing them in the village.' Celebrating her 50-year milestone back in 2019, headteacher of Kingsbury School Martin Clarke said: 'As a school it's important our students don't take Ann for granted. 'We wanted to take the time to pay tribute and say thank you to her for keeping all our pupils safe.' Rosalie Taylor, School Patrol Officer Supervisor at Warwickshire County Council, said: 'I am sure that many adults who remember Ann and all of the children will agree that she is a very special person with a real passion for the job. 'Standing in all weathers is not an easy job, but Ann has always done it with a smile on her face and a commitment to keeping young people safe on their journey to school.' Donald Trump exploded at Gen. Mark Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper after they refused to deploy active-duty troops to quell protests over George Floyd's death last June, a new book has revealed. At the time, both Milley and Esper wanted to avoid that option, resulting in the then-president cursing out his top military advisors, according to a new book by Washington Post reporters Carol D. Leonnig and Philip Rucker. 'You're all f**ked up,' Trump said, according to the book titled, I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J. Trump's Catastrophic Final Year. 'Every one of you is f**ked up.' Trump's plans were to make Milley the leader of an operation to restore order, but Milley explained he wasn't in an operational role, which is when the former president lost it. According to the book, Trump pointed to the 1960s race riots to justify the use of troops to restore order, which Milley immediately dismissed. 'Mr. President, it doesn't compare anywhere to the summer of sixty-eight,' Milley said, according to the book. 'It's not even close.' While attempting to quell protests during the aftermath of George Floyd's death, former President Donald Trump (middle) reportedly exploded at Gen. Mark Milley (left) and Defense secretary Mark Esper, (right) after his demand for deploying active-duty troops was dismissed. Trump's plans were to make Milley the leader of an operation to restore order after the protests, but Milley explained he wasn't in an operational role, which is when the former president lost it. Pictured here are dozens of protestors gathering for a Black Lives Matter march in Washington, D.C. after the death of George Floyd Former Trump advisor Stephen Miller declared the protests were 'an insurrection,' which was when Milley pointed to a portrait of former President Abraham Lincoln, and said: 'Mr. President, that guy had an insurrection. You don't have an insurrection.' 'When guys show up in gray and start bombing Fort Sumter, you'll have an insurrection,' Milley added. Trump initially wanted to invoke the Insurrection Act, which would let him deploy troops across the country to end any civil disorder or insurrection, but Milley and Esper didn't agree. Hours later, Trump (far left) along with Milley (far right), Esper (middle) and several other advisors, walked from the White House complex to nearby St. John's Episcopal Church, in what is now considered an infamous photo-op. Many protestors were tear-gassed and aggressively pushed for no apparent reason, while Trump delivered a speech in front St. John's Episcopal Church nearby According to the book, that response didn't go over well with the former president. 'How do you think this looks to hostile countries?' Trump fired back. 'They see we can't even control our own capital city and the space around the White House!' Hours later, Trump, along with Milley, Esper, and several other advisors, walked from the White House complex to nearby St. John's Episcopal Church, in what is now considered an infamous photo-op. In the photo, Trump held up a bible in front of St. John's Episcopal Church, without praying or quoting a verse, as dozens of protestors were violently cleared from Lafayette Park nearby. 'We have the greatest country in the world,' Trump said. 'Keep it nice and safe.' Many protestors were tear-gassed and aggressively pushed for no apparent reason. In June 2021, the inspector general for the Interior Department later determined that the US Park Police and Secret Service said they cleared the park to install anti-scale fencing and not for Trump's photoshoot. Advertisement Turks have recounted the devastating loss of their homes and farms in wildfires which have killed at least eight people and forced tourists and residents to flee. The blazes raged near Turkey's holiday beach destinations of Antalya and Mugla and in the surrounding countryside for a fifth day on Sunday. Residents and tourists fled the danger in small boats while the coast guard and two navy ships waited out at sea in case a bigger evacuation was needed. Fires also enveloped Mugla province's Mazikoy, and villagers who evacuated were devastated. Farmer Nurten Almaz said she lost everything. 'I feel so much pain, like I lost a child,' she said. The 63-year-old woman lost her animals and her home as well as 'one century of people's labor.' Residents had to flee nearby Cokertme village as flames neared. Some got on boats and others left by cars as the fire got closer and closer. Bodrum mayor Ahmet Aras said Sunday evening that people experienced 'hell' near Cokertme and Mazi as they drove away from the fire. He said the blaze could not be stopped and hoped to protect residential areas but said it was too late for the trees. The area was engulfed by Sunday night, Turkish broadcasters said. Reporters said they had to get hurry to safety as the fire intensified with strong winds. Turks have recounted the devastating loss of their homes and farms in wildfires which have killed at least eight people and forced tourists and residents to flee The blazes raged near Turkey's holiday beach destinations of Antalya and Mugla and in the surrounding countryside for a fifth day on Sunday Holidaymakers have been rescued by boats and hotels are evacuated after wildfires ravaged parts of Turkey for a fifth day Turkish officials have had to save summer sunseekers in the smoke-engulfed Mazi area in Mugla (pictured), Turkey Tourists wait to be evacuated from smoke-engulfed Mazi area as wildfires rolled down the hill toward the seashore, in Bodrum, Mugla People wait to be evacuated from Turunc, in the Marmaris district of Mugla province, Turkey Tourists and some residents were boarding boats with their suitcases as others waited anxiously to see if the fire would come down to the shore Officials said precautions were being taken to protect two thermic power plants in the vicinity and at present the winds were blowing away from the plants. Authorities warned tourists and residents to keep evacuating Turunc, a town in the seaside resort of Marmaris in Mugla province. Fires enveloped the area and strong winds made firefighting efforts more difficult. A helicopter attempted to extinguish the blazes, which were unreachable by land. Aerial firefighting was not possible Sunday night and the fires raged, burning hectares (acres) of forests. Forestry official Mustafa Ozkaya said units continued to fight fires strategically, digging ditches and taking other measures. He said eight planes and 50 helicopters would fly in Mugla on Monday. The European Commission announced it helped mobilised one firefighting Canadair plane from Croatia and two from Spain to aid Turkey. Planes from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran have already been helping. Watching from out in the Mediterranean Sea, the area looked a bright orange. Turkish television showed fires had reignited after being extinguished earlier, with blazes and smoke approaching a village. Above: A man walks down a road as wildfires rip through Sirtkoy village, near Manavgat The death count from wildfires has now reached eight. Pictured: Smoke rises from burning woodland in the Marmaris district of Mugla, Turkey A man is seen wetting the street before an evacuation due to wildfires in Turunc, Turkey Gary and his wife from the UK board a boat with their cats as they evacuate their house amid the wildfires As residents of villages around Marmaris pleaded for more help on social media, people boarded small boats carrying suitcases. Others waited anxiously to see if the fire would come down to the shore. High temperatures and strong winds were making matters worse. Antalya registered 42 degrees Celsius (over 107 degrees Fahrenheit), about 5 to 6 degrees C higher than seasonal averages. Earlier Sunday, police water cannons, usually used to control riots, helped helicopters and fire trucks in Mugla's popular district of Bodrum to fight fires. Turkish television showed fires had reignited after being extinguished earlier, with flame and smoke approaching a village. Social media videos showed tourists in Bodrum scampering down streets rolling their luggage to escape the nearby flames. The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said at least 27 people affected by the fires were still receiving treatment in hospitals while hundreds of others had been released. The minister of forestry and agriculture, Bekir Pakdemirli, said 117 wildfires were 'under control' across Turkey while eight continued. His tweets showed that since Wednesday, wildfires had ignited in 32 provinces. While Turkish authorities say they are investigating whether the fires may have started as 'sabotage' by outlawed Kurdish militants, experts mostly point to climate change along with accidents caused by people. Erdogan said one of the fires was started by children. A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western Greece, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames. Locals take water from the sea to battle the wildfires in Turunc Tourists are evacuated from smoke-engulfed Mazi area as wildfires rolled down the hill toward the seashore, in Bodrum, Turkey Water canisters are piled up in a jeep in Turunc, Mugla as people begin evacuating Fires were also encroaching on a village near the town of Manavgat, where helicopters and fire fighters on the ground desperately try to extinguish blazes People run away as the wildfires engulf an area near the seashore in Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey On Sunday afternoon, bathers on an Italian beach south of the Adriatic city of Pescara fled when they spotted towering clouds of smoke and flames from a fire in a nearby pine forest, the Italian news agency LaPresse reported. Several people were reportedly injured when they tried to put out wind-whipped flames that had reached their homes. Local officials told state TV that an elderly home in Pescara had to be evacuated. Meanwhile, in Turkey's eastern Van province, floods over the weekend destroyed at least six houses after a small river overflowed amid heavy rains. Villagers were ordered to leave their homes and climb to higher locations. Fanned by soaring temperatures, strong winds and climate change - which experts say increases both the frequency and intensity of such blazes - this year's fire season has been significantly more destructive than the previous average, EU data shows. Turkey is suffering through its worst fires in at least a decade with nearly 95,000 hectares (235,000 acres) burnt so far this year, compared with an average of 13,516 at this point in the year between 2008 and 2020. Turkey is suffering through its worst fires in at least a decade with nearly 95,000 hectares (235,000 acres) burnt so far this year While Turkish authorities say they are investigating whether the fires may have started as 'sabotage' by outlawed Kurdish militants, experts mostly point to the climate crisis, as seen by the drastic increases in temperatures along with accidents caused by people. Turkey's president said Saturday that one of the fires was started by children. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan toured some of the affected areas on Saturday and promised to help residents rebuild their homes. But social media users criticised him for arriving in Marmaris in a massive convoy that affected traffic and throwing bags of tea from the top of his bus to people gathered to hear him speak. A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western Greece, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames. Temperatures in Turkey and nearby countries in southeast Europe are expected to climb to 107F (42C) on Monday in many cities and towns across the south West. A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western Greece, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames Temperatures in Turkey and nearby countries in southeast Europe are expected to climb to 107F (42C) on Monday. Pictured: Firefighters use water to douse flames in Sirtkoy village, near Antalya A man is pictured walking as wildfires continue to rage on in the rural Marmaris district of Mugla on Sunday afternoon. Antalya was already registering temperatures of 106F (41C) Firefighters work as the wildfires engulf an area near the seashore in Bodrum Meanwhile, other Mediterranean tourist hotspots are also facing unprecedented summer season of wildfires. Above: Local residents walk in the burnt area of an abandonned Club Mediterranee in Lambiri, Greece Antalya was already registering 106F (41C) on Sunday. Firefighters were also battling fires in Greece, after a major blaze broke out early Saturday near Patras in the west. Five villages have been evacuated and eight people hospitalised with burns and respiratory problems in the region, which remains on alert. Around 20 homes have been burnt down, according to a provisional figure from the fire brigade. In other parts of the Mediterranean, Italy was rocked by fires after more than 20,000 hectares of forest, olive groves and crops were destroyed by a blaze in Sardinia last weekend. More than 800 flare-ups were recorded this weekend, mainly in the south, Italy's fire brigade said. A helicopter desperately pours water over the fire-devastating Sirtkoy village, near Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey on Sunday Firefighters and volunteers battle to extinguish a section of wildfire near Marmaris, Turkey as the country's death roll rose to eight on Sunday The remnants of a burned house following a devastating forest fire in the area of Zeria, Achaia in Greece The mayor of nearby village Aigialeias, Dimitris Kalogeropoulos, called it 'an immense catastrophe'. Around 30 houses, barns and stables were consumed by flames in the villages of Ziria, Kamares, Achaias and Labiri. 'We slept outside overnight, terrified that we would not have a house when we woke up,' a Labiri resident told Greek TV station Skai. The seaside resort of Loggos was also evacuated, with nearly 100 residents and tourists sent to the nearby city of Aigio. According to EU data, 13,500 hectares had been burnt in Greece, compared with an average of 7,500 at this point in the year from 2008-2020. A passenger jet drops water over the fire-devastated towns and villages of south western Turkey as wildfires continue for a fifth day Local residents watch as a Greek army Chinook helicopter and a Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane helicopter collect water as firefighters continue to tackle a wildfire near the village of Lambiri, Greece In other parts of the Mediterranean, Italy was rocked by fires after more than 20,000 hectares of forest, olive groves and crops were destroyed by a blaze in Sardinia last weekend 'In the last 24 hours, firefighters have carried out more than 800 interventions: 250 in Sicily, 130 in Puglia and Calabria, 90 in Lazio and 70 in Campania,' the brigade tweeted. It added that firefighters were still working against blazes in the Sicilian cities of Catania, Palermo and Syracuse. While the south of Italy has been burning, the north has suffered wild storms. 'The cost of the damage caused throughout the northern Italian countryside by the violent storms and hail during this crazy summer amounts to tens of millions of euros,' the Coldiretti agricultural organisation said. In Spain, dozens of firefighters backed by water-dropping aircraft were battling a wildfire that broke out Saturday afternoon near the San Juan reservoir, about 70 kilometres (40 miles) east of Madrid. Firefighters said Sunday they had managed to stabilise the blaze overnight but local authorities urged people to stay away from the reservoir, a popular bathing spot for residents of the Spanish capital. A former British ambassador to Uzbekistan has handed himself in to police as he is set to begin an eight-month prison sentence. Blogger and pro-independence campaigner Mr Murray, 62, was judged to have been in contempt of court over blogs he wrote during the trial of former first minister Alex Salmond. His offending blog posts contained details which, if pieced together, could lead readers to identify women who made allegations against Mr Salmond. Alba Party leader Mr Salmond was acquitted of all 13 charges including sexual assault and attempted rape in March last year. Former diplomat Mr Murray today arrived at St Leonard's police station in Edinburgh to hand himself in and was joined by family and supporters. Britain's former ambassador to Uzbekistan, Craig Murray (R) spends final moments with members of his family, raising a glass with daughter Emily Murray (L) outside St Leonard's Police Station in Edinburgh A supporter waits for Britain's former ambassador to Uzbekistan, Craig Murray outside St Leonard's Police Station in Edinburgh on August 1 A badge is pictured, worn by a supporter of Britain's former ambassador to Uzbekistan, Craig Murray outside St Leonard's Police Station Mr Murray drank from what appeared to be a bottle of champagne and thanked the crowd for their attendance, one video on social media showed, before embracing his wife Nadira and five-month-old son Oscar. All victims of sexual offences, including children, are automatically guaranteed anonymity for life from the moment they make an allegation that they are the victim of a sexual offence. A victim is guaranteed anonymity even when someoAne else accuses the defendant of the offence. In Scotland, the law is different but the practice of respecting anonymity is the same. At a virtual sentencing in May, Lady Dorrian said Murray knew there were court orders giving the women anonymity and he was 'relishing' the potential disclosure of their identities. Lady Dorrian said Murray deliberately risked what is known as 'jigsaw identification'. She said: 'It appears from the posts and articles that he was in fact relishing the task he set himself, which was essentially to allow the identities of complainers to be discerned - which he thought was in the public interest - in a way which did not attract sanction.' Advertisement Covid cases have fallen for the eleventh day in a row with a further 24,470 recorded in the UK today. Last Sunday saw 29,173 cases recorded, meaning today's figures represent a fall of 16% from the July 25 figure. A further 65 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Sunday, bringing the UK total to 129,719. Today's figure is more than twice that of last Sunday, which saw 28 deaths reported. The most recent data for vaccinations, which goes up to July 31, shows 88.6 per cent of the adult population have had one dose of the Covid jab, while 72.5% have had two. Government data up to July 31 shows that of the 85,196,986 Covid jabs given in the UK, 46,851,145 were first doses, a rise of 38,858 on the previous day. Some 38,345,841 were second doses, an increase of 212,159. The figures come as Boris Johnson faces a renewed backlash within his party over the 'threat' of domestic vaccine passports, with demands for MPs to be recalled from their holidays to debate the proposal. Andrew Bridgen, one of 43 Conservative MPs to sign a declaration opposing vaccine passports, said Parliament should be recalled from its summer recess if ministers are 'serious' about asking people to show proof of their vaccine status to gain entry to domestic venues and events. The call means cross-party backing is emerging for the Commons to return before September. In other Covid news today: Tens of millions of Britons will be offered a Pfizer booster jab this autumn as the vaccine has proved to be the most effective against the Delta variant. Young adults will be lured into vaccination centres with the promise of cut-price taxis and takeaways, as Boris Johnson tries to tackle the relatively low take-up among the under-30s. Australians are being ordered away from beaches by police helicopters as the country's lockdown continues, and a top doctor warned there is a 'close to zero' chance of eliminating the Delta variant of Covid and the AstraZeneca jab must be used to quell surging cases. Ministers are set to agree a plan to allow travellers to pass through the red list hubs of the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Bahrain without having to quarantine in a hotel on arrival in the UK Last week, the Liberal Democrats, said a change rolled out to the NHS app, allowing users to prove they had been double-jabbed to access domestic settings - as well as for international travel - warranted a recall. Conservative grandee Sir David Lidington, who was de facto deputy prime minister under Theresa May, added his voice to growing numbers in the Tory Party who are concerned about the prospect of vaccine passports, which are being used in some European countries, including Denmark and France. ALL over-50s will get Covid booster shots by autumn Tens of millions of Britons will be offered a Pfizer booster jab this autumn as the vaccine has proved to be the most effective against the Delta variant. The booster scheme, which was announced earlier this year, is set to start in September and should see 23million over-50s, vulnerable Britons and NHS and care home staff offered a third dose. Extra vaccines would be rolled out in two stages prioritising those most at risk of Covid, before the programme is extended. While patients were initially expected to be offered the jab they were originally inoculated with, it is understood all patients will be offered the Pfizer jab as it has proven to be the most effective against the Delta variant. The Department of Health has yet to confirm the official details of the booster scheme, plans of which were first shared by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in June. The JCVI is expected to issue its final advice in regards to the booster scheme in the coming months. A senior government source also told the Times that those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine would 'be getting an mRNA booster'. MRNA is a type of vaccine and applies to the Pfizer and Oxford jabs while AstraZeneca is not an mRNA jab. A UK Government-backed study published earlier this year found that mixing and matching Covid vaccines may result in higher protection against the virus. People who had been vaccinated with AstraZeneca's jab initially and then received a top-up with Pfizer's had nine times more antibodies than those who stuck to the UK vaccine. Although antibodies are just one part of the immune response, the Oxford University researchers said the findings strongly suggested the approach could enhance immunity. But it is understood the mix and match approach is not going to be used in the short term more broadly because there is a 'strong supply' of each vaccine type. A senior HSE source told the Times: 'Currently there's no need for it. Currently we have plenty of vaccines. The amount of vaccine isn't an issue at all. There's no plan to do it. It's not under immediate consideration, but I wouldn't rule it out.' The Government said analysis has shown that the Pfizer vaccine is 96 per cent effective against the Delta variant while the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 92 per cent effective against hospitalisation after 2 doses. Advertisement The former cabinet minister told Times Radio that introducing a 'Government certificate of approval' to access certain events would set a 'dangerous precedent'. The Prime Minister has announced that he intends to change the rules in September so that only those who are fully vaccinated can attend nightclubs, in a move designed to increase the take-up of vaccination among young people. According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), about two-thirds of people aged 18 to 29 in England have received a first dose. The nightclub stipulations would be stricter than the coronavirus status certificates used at some mass events in recent months, with clubbers not allowed to use proof of a negative Covid-19 test or evidence of having had the virus to gain entry. But Mr Johnson was warned by one of his backbenchers that he faced an 'embarrassing defeat' if he put the 'authoritarian' proposal to a vote in the Commons. North West Leicestershire MP, Mr Bridgen, told LBC: 'I think if the Government is serious about the threat of bringing in domestic vaccine passports then, of course, Parliament should be recalled. 'This is a very serious infringement on people's liberties, it is basically unprecedented in this country, and I and a number of colleagues would oppose it.' There are also ethical concerns, with professor of medical ethics Dominic Wilkinson telling the same radio station the idea of using Covid passes as a 'stick to punish' those who have not yet opted to get vaccinated was 'ethically flawed'. Mr Bridgen suggested the Government had looked to change tack in its approach to enticing young people to get jabbed because it knew objections to vaccine passes were growing. Labour shadow environment secretary, Luke Pollard, said the party was 'very cautious' about domestic Covid passports, with leader Sir Keir Starmer ruling out supporting them for use in 'everyday life', setting up the possibility of a Government defeat on the policy. Mr Bridgen said: 'I personally don't think it would get through the House of Commons in any event and that's why the Government has moved on to this carrot inducements for young people.' The so-called 'inducements' will see young people offered vouchers and discounts for popular takeaways and taxi rides in exchange for getting a jab. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the brands who will be offering incentives to encourage youngsters to get inoculated, DHSC has announced. Labour MP Mr Pollard, who dubbed the offer 'kebabs for jabs', said he doubted the concept 'is going to be enough to get that last 30% of young people' vaccinated, and called for youngsters to be given more of a role in leading the campaign to get protected from the virus. The rumblings over vaccine passports have coincided with a row over travel restrictions, with reports that the Chancellor has warned the Prime Minister the UK's border policy is 'out of step' with international rivals and is hurting the economy. Rishi Sunak, according to the Sunday Times, is said to be calling for Britain to take advantage of its successful vaccination programme by opening up further. The newspaper quotes a source, who it claims is familiar with the letter, as saying: 'Rishi has called time on the travel restrictions.' Pictured: A woman receives the AstraZeneca Covid19 vaccine at an NHS vaccination centre in Ealing, west London Shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon said it showed the two most senior figures in Government were 'in open disagreement' and accused the Tories of being 'in chaos over their border policy'. Government data released on Sunday showed that a further 65 people had died in the UK within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test, while a further 24,470 lab-confirmed Covid cases were also recorded. And more than 85 million Covid-19 vaccines, including first and second doses, have been administered in the UK - with more than 88% of adults having now had a first dose and more 72% getting both doses. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'In under eight months, health services across the UK have delivered more than 85 million doses - this is a phenomenal achievement. It has shown Britain at its best. 'Please get both of your jabs if you haven't already to protect yourself and your loved ones.' Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said some of the nine million spare AstraZeneca jabs donated to developing countries last week were 'going in arms in Jamaica', with batches also 'on their way' to Kenya, Guyana, Belize and Laos. ALL over-50s will get Covid booster shots by autumn: People who got AstraZeneca 'are set to be offered a Pfizer jab' in new vaccine drive because it is more effective against Indian variant By Katie Feehan for MailOnline and Glen Owen for the Mail on Sunday Tens of millions of Britons are expected to be offered a Pfizer booster jab this autumn as the vaccine has proved to be the most effective against the Delta variant. The booster scheme, which was announced earlier this year, is set to start in September and should see 23million over-50s, vulnerable Britons and NHS and care home staff offered a third dose. Extra vaccines would be rolled out in two stages prioritising those most at risk of Covid, before the programme is extended. While patients were initially expected to be offered the jab they were originally inoculated with, it is understood all patients will be offered the Pfizer jab as it has proven to be the most effective against the Delta variant. The Department of Health has yet to confirm the official details of the booster scheme, plans of which were first shared by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in June. The JCVI is expected to issue its final advice in regards to the booster scheme in the coming months. Pictured: A woman receives the AstraZeneca Covid19 vaccine at an NHS vaccination centre in Ealing, west London A senior government source also told the Times that those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine would 'be getting an mRNA booster'. MRNA used in the Pfizer and Moderna jabs is essentially a DNA instruction to tell your cells how to produce the harmless spike proteins from the virus - allowing your body to create an immune response without being exposed to the virus itself. Oxford AstraZeneca is not an mRNA jab - instead using a weakened version of a common cold virus from chimpanzees that has been modified to contain genetic material shared by the coronavirus. Again, this technique means the person receiving the jab is not exposed to the real virus - unlike previous jab types which often relied on weakened or dead forms of the actual virus. A UK Government-backed study published earlier this year found that mixing and matching Covid vaccines may result in higher protection against the virus. People who had been vaccinated with AstraZeneca's jab initially and then received a top-up with Pfizer's had nine times more antibodies than those who stuck to the UK vaccine. Although antibodies are just one part of the immune response, the Oxford University researchers said the findings strongly suggested the approach could enhance immunity. But it is understood the mix and match approach is not going to be used in the short term more broadly because there is a 'strong supply' of each vaccine type. A senior HSE source told the Times: 'Currently there's no need for it. Currently we have plenty of vaccines. The amount of vaccine isn't an issue at all. There's no plan to do it. It's not under immediate consideration, but I wouldn't rule it out.' The Government said analysis has shown that the Pfizer vaccine is 96 per cent effective against the Delta variant while the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 92 per cent effective against hospitalisation after two doses. Pictured: A young person receives a dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab at a vaccination centre for young people and students at the Hunter Street Health Centre in London on June 5 Which jab combinations provided the best protection? The early results from the Com-Cov trial, published today in the Lancet, looked at the efficacy of either two doses of Pfizer, two of AstraZeneca, or one of them followed by the other. All second doses were given four weeks apart and the trial recruited 830 volunteers who were aged 50 and above. All combinations worked well, priming the immune system. It found: AstraZeneca's vaccine, followed by Pfizer's, induced higher levels of antibodies and T cells than vice versa. Both antibodies and T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in defending against Covid. The mix-match approach produced more antibodies than two regular doses of AstraZeneca's, no matter which way round the jabs were given. The largest antibody levels were induced after two doses of Pfizer, and the highest T cell response was from AstraZeneca's followed by Pfizer. Advertisement A study published this week also showed that a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine could offer strong protection against the Delta variant. Research showed that antibody levels increased five-fold among people ages 18 to 55 who were given the booster shot. The third dose was especially effecting for the elderly, with antibody levels spiking 11-fold among people aged 65 to 85 who had already received the standard two doses. In the slides published online, the researchers wrote there there is 'estimated potential for up to 100-fold increase in Delta neutralization post-dose three compared to pre-dose three.' The booster roll-out will coincide with the annual influenza inoculation programme, which health officials said will be vital this winter amid warnings of a difficult flu season. Immunity gained from Covid jabs last for at least six months in the 'majority' of cases, but there are fears this could fade later in the year which could trigger a spike in hospitalisations and deaths. An Oxford University trial looking at booster doses suggested a third shot six months after the second could restore peak immunity against Covid. It comes as the week-on-week rate of Covid cases fell yesterday for the tenth day in a row with 26,144 infections marking a 17.8 per cent fall while deaths also fell to 71. The latest data from Public Health England and Cambridge University suggests that about 60,000 deaths, 22 million infections and 52,600 hospitalisations have been prevented by vaccines. The Government plans to lure young people in for their vaccinations with the promise of cut-price taxis and takeaways, as Boris Johnson tries to tackle the relatively low take-up among the under-30s. Uber, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the companies in discussion with the Government about offering incentives as part of the 'Jab 18-30' drive. So far, only two-thirds of people in that age bracket in England have received a first dose since they became eligible in June, compared with 88.4 per cent across all age groups, meaning more than three million 18-to-30-year-olds remain unjabbed. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez blamed her own party on Sunday for the eviction moratorium ending, claiming she can't bring herself to blame the GOP when Democrats have a majority in Congress. 'We have to really just call a spade a spade,' the New York progressive congresswoman told CNN's State of the Union. 'We cannot in good faith blame the Republican Party when House Democrats have a majority.' 'I think there's a couple of issues here,' she explained. 'First of all, you are absolutely correct, in that the House and House leadership had the opportunity to vote to extend the moratorium.' Ocasio-Cortez said there is 'a handful of conservative Democrats in the House that threatened to get on planes rather than hold this vote.' She also blamed President Joe Biden and his administration for not being up front about their stance on the eviction moratorium. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi insisted on Sunday that it's up to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to do something about extending the eviction freeze as Congress breaks for the end of summer. 'The CDC has the power to extend the eviction moratorium,' the California Democratic leader tweeted. 'As they double down on masks, why wouldn't they extend the moratorium in light of delta variant?' she queried. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Sunday that she 'cannot in good faith blame the Republican Party when House Democrats have a majority' on eviction moratoriums lapsing on Saturday House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it was up to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to extend the moratorium as the House is in recess through mid September and the White House on Thursday called on Congress to act to prevent a lapse She reasoned the end of the moratorium would contribute to the 'public health emergency' by displacing people from their homes 'It is a moral imperative to keep people from being put out in the street which also contributes to the public health emergency,' Pelosi continued. 'The virus is still a threat, the moratorium must be extended and the funds Congress allocated to assist renters and landlords must be spent.' The rent moratorium was passed in several sweeping coronavirus legislation packages over the last year as a way to prevent Americans who rent their residences from being evicted in the midst of the pandemic, which saw millions lose their jobs or be furloughed. The measure prevented landlords from evicting those leasing from them for failure to pay rent. On Thursday, the White House called on Congress to pass legislation extending the eviction moratorium, which ended on July 31, 2021. Representative Cori Bush (center in orange), spent the night on the steps of the Capitol to protest the House recessing over the weekend and allowing the moratorium to end after the White House called on Congress to pass legislation extending it Ocasio-Cortez (left), Ayanna Pressley (center) and Bush (right) stood outside the Capitol Saturday evening with demonstrators protesting the end of pandemic-era eviction moratoriums The moratorium originally started on September 4, 2020 as part of a COVID-19 package passed under then-President Donald Trump, around six months after the onset of the pandemic. It was originally set to expire on December 31, 2020, but has been extended four times. The latest extension was issued on June 24, 2021. Congress has until July 31 to extend it again, but failed to do so before recessing for the month of August and start of September. 'The White House waited until the day before the House adjourned to release a statement asking on Congress to extend the moratorium,' Ocasio-Cortez lamented to CNN's Jake Tapper on Sunday morning. 'I sit on the Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over housing,' she continued. 'We had the housing secretary there, asking about the administration stance. We asked the Biden administration about their stance. And they were not being really forthright about that advocacy and that request until the day before the House adjourned.' She said this put the House in 'a needlessly difficult situation'. 'The House should reconvene and call this vote and extend the moratorium,' Ocasio-Cortez insisted. 'There's about 11 million people that are behind on their rent, at risk of eviction. That's one out of every six renters in the United States.' Centrist Democratic Senator Joe Manchin agreed, telling CNN in his own interview Sunday that 'the money's already there'. 'Why didn't it go out the door? I can't tell you that,' Manchin added. 'But to put blame on anybody right now, let's fix that and make sure that we're able to use the money for the purpose it was appropriated for.' 'But, also, the economy's coming back strong. Everybody can get a vaccination. I hope they have. But still yet they're trying to get your feet back under them again from a real tough year. We understand all that. So, we should be compassionate. We should help. And if that money is there, we should use it for its extended purpose,' Machin said. 'So, you would support extending the moratorium to get the money out the door?' Tapper asked. 'Absolutely' Manchin said. 'It's not new money. It's not more debt.' 'It's already money we've appropriated.' In terms of the administration's response, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told ABC's This Week fill-in host Jonathan Karl that Biden views the lapse in moratorium as a 'moral issue, not just a political one.' 'The pace has picked up,' he assured. 'And we need to continue getting this emergency assistance out to people so that they can stay in their homes.' 'Yes, the president enthusiastically supports movement to extend this,' Buttigieg added. On Saturday night, several progressive lawmakers protested the eviction moratorium ending with a demonstration in front of the U.S. Capitol building. Bush speaks to reporters about the upcoming expiration of the pandemic-related federal moratorium on residential evictions. The lawmaker was evicted three times in her life and lived in her car with her two children before her career in politics Representative Cori Bush, who was evicted three times and lived in her car with her two children before her career in politics, spent a sleepless night on the steps of the Capito; to protest the end of a pandemic freeze on evictions. Bush, a progressive Democrat who won her Missouri seat last year, managed to get about an hour of sleep sitting upright on a camp chair. Three others supported Bush Representatives Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Ocasio-Cortez by joining her at the Capitol on Saturday night. Bush remained outside the Capitol on Saturday afternoon urging an Instagram audience to join her in demanding Congress, President Biden or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stop the moratorium from expiring. Ocasio-Cortez showed up on the steps of the Capitol to show her support Bush, who represents Missouri, slept in a deck chair overnight and did several livestreams during the day on Saturday 'We slept at the Capitol last night to ask them to come back and do their jobs. Today's their last chance,' Bush tweeted. 'Today, by midnight, if nothing happens, if no other action is taken from the House, or the Senate or the administration, 7 million people will be at risk for evictions,' the black congresswoman said. 'I've been there myself.' 'This pandemic is not behind us, and our federal housing policies should reflect that stark reality. With the United States facing the most severe eviction crisis in its history, our local and state governments still need more time to distribute critical rental assistance to help keep a roof over the heads of our constituents,' Democratic U.S. Reps. Cori Bush of Missouri, Jimmy Gomez of California and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts said in a joint statement. People are at risk of eviction because of unpaid rent that accrued during the pandemic, when many lost jobs due to the economic fallout. We cannot be abandoning the up to 11 million Americans that are in need, particularly when the emergency rental assistance ... has not gotten out.@AOC to me, during her visit to an ongoing gathering on the House steps, urging lawmakers to extend the eviction moratorium. @NY1 pic.twitter.com/HqoQs3e2iP Kevin Frey (@KevinFreyTV) July 31, 2021 Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) has been attempting to put pressure on her colleagues in the House, the Senate and the White House to extend the eviction moratorium Bush greets Senator Elizabeth Warren after the Massachuetts progressive senator arrived to support Bush who spent the night on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Friday 'As of midnight tonight the CDC National Eviction Moratorium is set to expire. Yesterday, instead of the House convening and taking a vote to extend it they moved to a vote to extend it they moved to adjourn on a seven-week recess. It's simply unacceptable,' said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez outside the Capitol steps on Saturday. 'We cannot be abandoning 11 million Americans that are in need, particularly when the $46 billion emergency rental assistance that we authorized to pay people's back rent has not gotten out. Governors and municipalities have not released the emergency rental assistance funds so we are asking to extending the moratorium until the funds come because this is simple not folks' fault that those resources have not gone out.' Across the country in San Francisco advocates protested outside Nancy Pelosi's home to demand the House Speaker reconvene Congress in order to pass an extension to the moratorium. Around 40 protestors went to her home and taped an 'eviction notice' to her door with the aim of reminding the speaker that millions of Americans face eviction as of Sunday while she remains comfortable in her home. Across the country in San Francisco advocates protested outside Nancy Pelosi's home to demand the House Speaker reconvene Congress in order to pass a moratorium extension Around 40 protestors went to her home and taped an 'eviction notice' to her door with the aim of reminding the speaker that millions of Americans face eviction as of Sunday while she remains comfortable in her home A sign calling for fighting evictions is set on the ground as Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) spends the night outside the U.S. Capitol to call for for an extension of the federal eviction moratorium on July 31, 2021 in Washington, DC Two other progressive lawmakers - Representatives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley - showed up to support her Rep. Cori Bush posted about her experience as she slept on the Capitol steps on Friday night The CDC imposed the moratorium 11 months ago in part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus through crowding in shelters and homes of people who would take in others. The House of Representatives adjourned for a seven-week August recess on Friday without renewing the moratorium after a Republican congressman blocked a motion to extend it until October 18. Lacking sufficient support, including among some Democrats, House Democrats opted not to bring legislation to a vote. Biden on Thursday had asked Congress to extend the moratorium and made clear that his administration would not extend it again without congressional approval. The moratorium was put in place last September by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) speaks with supporters as she spends the night outside the U.S. Capitol Bush, a progressive Democrat who won her Missouri seat last year, managed to get about an hour of sleep sitting upright on a camp chair 'Given the recent spread of the delta variant, including among those Americans both most likely to face evictions and lacking vaccinations, President Biden would have strongly supported a decision by the CDC to further extend this eviction moratorium to protect renters at this moment of heightened vulnerability,' the White House said in a statement. 'Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has made clear that this option is no longer available.' The court mustered a bare 5-4 majority last month, to allow the eviction ban to continue through the end of July. One of those in the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, made clear he would block any additional extensions unless there was 'clear and specific congressional authorization.' More than 6.5 million U.S. households are currently behind on $20 billion in rental payments, according to a study by the Aspen Institute and the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. As of July 5, roughly 3.6 million people in the U.S. said they faced eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey. Housing advocates and some lawmakers have called for the moratorium to be extended due to the increase in coronavirus cases and the fact so little rental assistance has been distributed. Joe Biden's administration allowed a nationwide ban on evictions to expire Saturday, instead calling last minute on Thursday for Congress to pass legislation extending it Congress has allocated nearly $47 billion in rental assistance that is supposed to go to help tenants pay off months of back rent. But so far, only about $3 billion of the first tranche of $25 billion has been distributed through June by states and localities. Some states like New York have distributed almost nothing, while several have only approved a few million dollars. Opponents of extending the moratorium note the mounting pressure on landlords who have had to keep up with mortgage, insurance and tax payments without rent coming in. Bush said she had long expected the CDC would extend the moratorium. She now hoped to get enough other lawmakers to help her convince House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring the House back into session and act. 'We need to buy some time so that we can talk to moderate Democrats and ... see how we can work together to get this done,' she told reporters. She had not heard from Pelosi, who told reporters Friday that she believed the CDC could extend the moratorium. Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters defied a court-ordered protest ban on Sunday, gathering in Berlin and scuffling with police. Local authorities banned several different protests due for this weekend, including one organised by the Stuttgart-based Querdenker movement, which had expected some 22,500 attendees. Berlin's police department, which deployed more than 2,000 officers, said officers who sought to redirect protesters or disband larger groups were 'harassed and attacked'. 'They tried to break through police cordon and pull out our colleagues,' it said, adding that police used irritants and batons against the protesters. The protests, at different sites across the city, led to multiple arrests, police said. Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters defied a court-ordered protest ban on Sunday, gathering in Berlin and scuffling with police Local authorities banned several different protests due for this weekend over concerns about mask wearing and social distancing One planned protest, organised by the Stuttgart-based Querdenker movement, had expected some 22,500 attendees Berlin's police department deployed more than 2,000 officers across the German capital on Sunday in anticipation of breaches of the ban Berlin police said officers who sought to redirect protesters or disband larger groups were 'harassed and attacked' Some of the demonstrators held up signs saying 'Freedom' and 'No to the corona dictatorship', with few masks seen among them. As the crowds made their way toward the Brandenburg Gate, police warned via loudspeaker that they would use water cannons if protesters did not disperse. Germany eased many coronavirus restrictions in May, allowing restaurants and bars to reopen. Still, many activities, such as dining indoors at restaurants or staying in a hotel, require proof that an individual is either fully vaccinated, has recovered from the virus or can show proof of a recent negative coronavirus test. A court said it could not allow the rallies planned for this weekend to go ahead over fears that participants would flout rules on mask wearing and social distancing, at a time when Germany's infection numbers are on the rise again. Police said protesters 'tried to break through police cordon and pull out our colleagues' and added that police used irritants and batons against the protesters The protests, at different sites across the city, led to multiple arrests, police said on Sunday Some of the demonstrators held up signs saying 'Freedom' and 'No to the corona dictatorship', with few masks seen among them As the crowds made their way toward the Brandenburg Gate, police warned via loudspeaker that they would use water cannons if protesters did not disperse The Querdenker movement, the largest and most visible anti-lockdown movement in Germany, has at times drawn thousands to its demonstrations, uniting an eclectic mix of those opposed to vaccinations on both the right and the left, coronavirus deniers, conspiracy theorists and right-wing extremists. Earlier this year, Germany's domestic intelligence service warned the movement was becoming increasingly radical and put some of its adherents under surveillance. The protest Sunday follows other demonstrations against coronavirus restrictions around Europe. Thousands have turned out for the past three weekends in France to protest a vaccine health pass that people will need to enter stadiums or restaurants, at times clashing with French police. Another 80,000 people also protested in cities across Italy last weekend. Cases are rising in Germany, which recorded 1,806 new infections on Saturday and three deaths. Germany eased many coronavirus restrictions in May, allowing restaurants and bars to reopen. Still, many activities, such as dining indoors at restaurants or staying in a hotel, require proof that an individual is either fully vaccinated, has recovered from the virus or can show proof of a recent negative coronavirus test A court said it could not allow the rallies planned for this weekend to go ahead over fears that participants would flout rules on mask wearing and social distancing, at a time when Germany's infection numbers are on the rise again One of the organisers was the Querdenker movement, the largest and most visible anti-lockdown movement in Germany, has at times drawn thousands to its demonstrations, uniting an eclectic mix of those opposed to vaccinations on both the right and the left, coronavirus deniers, conspiracy theorists and right-wing extremists Sniffer dogs may have the potential to tell whether their handler holds any prejudiced views, according to the Prison Service. New guidance issued by the body to staff last week explained that dog handlers need to be aware of any 'unconscious biases' they may have while at work. The 116-page document was put together following research undertaken at the University of California, The Telegraph reports. Sniffer dogs may have the potential to tell whether their handler holds any prejudiced views, according to the Prison Service (stock image) The research concluded that a dog's ability to read body language is so impressive, that they are even capable of picking up on when their handler is suspicious - knowingly or not. In the document, the Prison Service guidance said: 'A study conducted by UC Davis found that handler's beliefs and expectations can have an influence on detection-dog performance. 'This is particularly significant as it suggests that handlers will need to be aware of issues around unconscious bias.' The guidance also said that dogs had been used by the Prison Service for more than 50 years and that their abilities to detect concealed items and their ability to help fight crime, make them 'excellent value for money'. New guidance issued by the body to staff last week explained that dog handlers need to be aware of any 'unconscious biases' they may have while at work (stock image) During the study in California, dog handlers were required to walk their canine partners around a pre-prepared area on the hunt for explosives. However, instead of explosives, researchers had hidden sausages and red warning signs around the controlled environment. The idea was that the sausages would act as a distraction for the dogs, while the warning signs would attract the attention of their handlers. Despite no explosives being present, a number of false positive alerts were recorded, with the greatest number coming in areas with red warnings signs. As such, the study concluded that if a dog's handler holds prejudiced views about specific ethnicities or races and suspect an individual of possessing banned substances, their canine is more likely to raise false alarms when inspecting people belonging to those backgrounds. The news comes after earlier this year, when a major British study claimed sniffer dogs are more effective than rapid tests at detecting cases of Covid-19 and could soon be deployed at airports. Researchers found coronavirus has a 'distinctive odour' that means specially-trained medical detection dogs can identify infected people, even those without symptoms. Astonishingly, the dogs are able to detect up to 94 per cent per cent of cases - making them significantly more accurate than rapid lateral flow tests. The 116-page document was put together following research undertaken at the University of California (stock image) The authors said their findings had 'exceeded all expectations' and that dogs could be used at workplaces, theatres and stadiums to help Britain get back to normal. The scientists, from the University of Durham and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), are currently in discussions with the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation about deploying dogs at airports. They said two dogs could screen 300 passengers coming off a plane for Covid-19 in just 30 minutes. People identified as positive by the dogs would then receive a PCR test to confirm the results. The charity Medical Detection Dogs trained the dogs to detect Covid-19 scent by using more than 3,500 body odour samples consisting of socks and t-shirts from members of the public and NHS staff. After eight weeks of training, the dogs were then tested on their ability to detect the virus in a highly controlled randomised trial, using 200 positive samples and 200 negative samples. The news comes after earlier this year, when a major British study claimed sniffer dogs are more effective than rapid tests at detecting cases of Covid-19 and could soon be deployed at airports. Pictured: Millie, one of six Medical Detection Dogs that took part in a double-blind trial to see if they could detect coronavirus Six dogs were used including three Labradors called Lexie, Tala and Marlow. The other three were Cocker Spaniel Asher, Golden Retriever Millie, and Kip, a Labrador x Retriever. All the dogs performed well, with more than 82 per cent accuracy. Three-year-old Labrador Tala was found to have the best nose for Covid, with an accuracy of 94.3 per cent. PCR tests detect 97 per cent of cases while lateral flow tests have an accuracy between 58 and 77 per cent. Dr Clare Guest, Chief Scientific Officer of Medical Detection Dogs, said she was immensely proud of the dogs, hailing their 'remarkable and incredible' achievements. She said: 'Two of our dogs - Kip and Asher - were actually rescue dogs with very poor starts in life. Look at what they've gone on to achieve. A medical detection dog and handler demonstrate how dogs could be used to detect COVID-19 on members of the public in public places 'Our dogs live in volunteers' homes and come into work every single day. They love to work.' She added: 'Traditional gundog breeds would be considered the best, they have been bred for centuries to use their nose and search. They are also very friendly affable dogs and they enjoy working in public places.' Professor James Logan, who led the project, stressed that dogs would not be able to entirely replace PCR tests but are significantly quicker and just as accurate as rapid lateral flow tests. He said: 'The advantage of using this method is being able to detect COVID-19 with incredible speed and good accuracy among large groups of people, even in asymptomatic cases. Medical Detection Dogs trainer Rob Harris runs a training exercise with dog Florin 'This really could help us get back to doing the things we love sooner, safely and with less disruption, such as helping to reduce queuing times at border points or sporting events. 'While PCR is the gold-standard test, dogs hold a major advantage and that is that they are quick. '300 people can be screened in under 30 minutes by two dogs, which is the equivalent of a plane load of passengers, without adding any extra time to their journey. 'We hope this research will enable the deployment of Covid dogs here in the UK and overseas at travel hubs such as airports, perhaps theatres, stadiums, workplaces and other public venues.' He added that dogs would serve as a visual deterrent and stop infected people attempting to break the rules and get on a plane despite knowing they had the virus. A homeless man who was taken in as a lodger by a great grandmother has been charged with her murder after partial human remains were discovered at her home. Alan Scott, 41, has been charged with the murder of widow Patricia Holland, 83, who was reported missing from her home in Lowestoft Road near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk on July 25. She was last seen after officers were called to reports of a disturbance at her home on the evening of July 24. Ms Holland, who walked with the aid of a frame and was described as a 'lovely little old lady', was reported missing by relatives who could not contact her the following day. Alan Scott, 41, has been charged with the murder of widow Patricia Holland (pictured), 83, who was reported missing from her home in Lowestoft Road near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk on July 25 Pictured: Police at the home of pensioner Patricia Holland soon after she went missing Specialist police search officers, coastguards and volunteers from Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue launched a hunt for her in the surrounding area as concerns grew for her safety. Police revealed on Tuesday that they had arrested lodger Scott on suspicion of her murder, despite her body not being found. He was released on police bail later on Tuesday after being quizzed at the Police Investigation Centre in Gorleston, but he was re-arrested yesterday. A Norfolk Police spokesman said today: 'Following extensive searches of Pat's home address, partial human remains have been recovered. Ms Holland (pictured), who walked with the aid of a frame and was described as a 'lovely little old lady', was reported missing by relatives who could not contact her the following day 'Whilst formal coroner's proceedings will take place in due course, the family of Pat Holland have been informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers.' The statement said that Scott had been charged with her murder and was due to appear tomorrow before Norwich magistrates. Mrs Holland's family said in a statement released by police: 'Our beloved Mum, nan and great grandmother has been taken from us in a way which simply cannot be comprehended. 'This past week has been the worst imaginable for us. Mum spent her days trying to help others, she reached out to local people and wanted to make a difference in any way she could. We respectfully ask to be left in peace at this incredibly difficult time.' Neighbours said that Mrs Holland, a widowed mother-of-four, had taken in the homeless man because she felt sorry for him and wanted to keep him off the streets. She was said to have regularly befriended homeless people in the town, and was a regular at local church social banks. Forensic officers spent several days last week hunting for evidence inside her house while police teams searched undergrowth near her detached home. Coastguards and firefighters were also been involved in the search for the pensioner who had lived in her home for nearly 30 years. Specialist police search officers, coastguards and volunteers from Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue launched a hunt for her in the surrounding area as concerns grew for her safety Mrs Holland whose husband George died in 1994 was said to be of a slight build and around 5ft 7ins tall, but walked slightly bent over so she appeared shorter. Tracy Bessey, 60, who lives opposite, added: 'She was a lovely sweet little old lady and was quite vibrant for her age. 'She could only walk a few steps and supported herself with a frame when she was out and about. 'But she used to get herself to the shops, and would catch a bus or a taxi home. She would always wave to everyone at her gate.' Mrs Bessey, a passenger assistant for special needs children, said: 'There were a lot of police here at around 1pm on Sunday and I didn't think any more of it. 'Then we came home later on Sunday night and they were banging on the door of her home and shining lights through the windows.' Five people were wounded in the early hours of Sunday after a gunfight erupted along New Orleans' famed Bourbon Street, forcing crowds of revelers to run in panic. Footage showed the crowd scattering, running as fast as they could to escape the scene. The shooting happened near Bourbon and Orleans Streets, about two blocks from Jackson Square, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) reported around 3am. Police were on the scene in minutes, and LaToya Cantrell, the mayor of New Orleans, and NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson both made it to the scene. On Sunday the NOPD said that one person was in custody, and the investigation was ongoing. The condition of those shot was unclear. Crowds of revelers are seen running for their lives in the early hours of Sunday as gunfire rang out along Bourbon Street, in the heart of New Orleans' tourist area Police were quickly on the scene and taped off the area. The chief of New Orleans police and the mayor were also on site Shootings are soaring in New Orleans: per capita, only Detroit, Rochester, Minneapolis and Milwaukee saw sharper rises in non-fatal incidents. Fatal shootings are also on the rise in the Louisiana city. From June 2020 until May 2021, there were 49.88 fatal shootings per 100,000 people - compared to 32.84 for the same time period a year prior. Only Baton Rouge, with 57 per 100,000, and St Louis, with 94 per 100,000, were worse. There have been 194 fatal shootings in New Orleans in the period June 2020 to May 2021, according to AmericanViolence.org - an increase of 66 from the same time frame the year before. Chicago has by far the most fatal shootings, with 730 recorded in the time frame. Philadelphia has had 470, and New York City 340. Chicago also leads with non-fatal shootings, clocking 3,576. Philadelphia had 2,030 and New York City 1,531. Bourbon Street in New Orleans, pictured in July 2020, is one of the most popular drinking and dining areas in the city The Latin Quarter is thronged with people year round, but particularly during Mardi Gras (above) Richard Rosenfeld, a criminologist at the University of Missouri in St. Louis, found that the per-capita murder rate climbed 30 per cent in 2020 among 34 major cities. Murders in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago accounted for 40 per cent of the 1,268 additional people killed in 2020, compared to the previous year, in the cities Rosenfeld studied. In the first quarter of 2021, the research showed, the murder rate had declined from a peak the previous summer but was still up 24 per cent over the first quarter of 2020. President Joe Biden pledged in June to go after the 'merchants of death' who traffic illegal guns and to boost funding for local law enforcement nationwide. The dean of the journalism school at North Carolina at Chapel Hill agreed to offer Nikole Hannah-Jones a non-tenured position but later blamed trustees when media reports suggested that The 1619 Project creator was denied a permanent professorship over politics, newly released emails suggest. Susan King, who helms the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at UNCs flagship campus, was accused of casting blame on the Board of Trustees for the public relations firestorm over the Hannah-Jones tenure controversy. But new emails now show that in February, Hannah-Jones accepted an offer of a non-tenured position with the school that would pay her $180,000 per year over the course of a five-year contract. The school says the emails prove that it was bureaucratic delays with the tenure application process rather than a top donor's opposition to the 1619 Project and critical race theory that prevented the matter from being resolved earlier. King made Hannah-Jones the offer of a non-tenured position after she was told by that the Board of Trustees would be 'reluctant' to offer tenure to someone who 'had not worked at university,' according to the Raleigh News & Observer. Susan King (left), the dean of the journalism school at North Carolina at Chapel Hill agreed to offer Nikole Hannah-Jones (right) a non-tenured position but later blamed trustees when media reports suggested that The 1619 Project creator was denied a permanent professorship over politics, newly released emails suggest In late June, the Board of Trustees at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill voted 9-4 to offer Hannah-Jones a tenured position as Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism. But Hannah-Jones spurned the offer and took up the same position with Howard University The dean made the decision to tender an offer of a non-tenured position after a possible tenured position was brought up for discussion back in November. But when one of the trustees, Chuck Duckett, expressed reservations about granting tenure to someone without a proper academic background and experience, King was deterred from pursuing it and instead tried a quicker 'workaround.' Even though she signed a contract for a non-tenured position with the school back in February, Hannah-Jones publicly spurned UNC-Chapel Hill on July 11 and accepted a tenured Knight Chair professorship at Howard University. Hannah-Jones rejected UNC's offer even though the Board of Trustees voted to grant her a tenured position in late June. It appears that only once she threatened to leave the school entirely did the board then vote to grant the journalist tenure. The decision was portrayed in media reports as Hannah-Jones defiantly standing up to a board that was resisting granting her tenure due to the controversial nature of the 1619 Project, which has been accused of historical inaccuracies. Five days after Hannah-Jones announced she would be going to Howard, one of the trustees, Ralph Meekins, wrote a sternly worded email to King resentful of the fact that the media reports portrayed the board as bowing to pressure over the issue. Meekins writes that the board would have voted to grant tenure earlier this year if the issue was brought up, but since King had already tendered an offer of a non-tenured position that Hannah-Jones accepted, the matter was put off. 'Your continued failure to come forth with the truth on these issues and your continued use of your blog account and letters to others to blame me and the Board of Trustees for what has happened in this instance is disturbing,' Meekins wrote. 'You know, and we all know now, that you, the Knight Foundation, and Ms. Hannah-Jones entered into a contract in February, and never came back to the Board of Trustees to consider the tenure issue until this "uproar" that you helped to orchestrate. 'Why are you continuing to blame the Board of Trustees for this delay? Why didnt you bring it back to the Board of Trustees in March?' Ralph Meekins, a trustee, angrily wrote to King in an email that the board was being portrayed as having denied Hannah-Jones tenure even though this was not so Meekins accuses King of allowing the board to take the blame and making it appear that Hannah-Jones was the victim of censorship even though the dean signed off on the offer of the non-tenured position. In the email correspondence, King acknowledges her error. 'I was informed that no tenure packages would be reviewed in November and that they were postponed until January,' King wrote in an email to Meekins. King decided to offer Hannah-Jones a fixed contract in order to expedite her hiring since it would not require board approval - unlike the offer of a tenured position. She said that because she wanted Hannah-Jones to begin teaching in January that she was moving on an expedited timeline. That was a problem since she had planned for Hannah-Jones to be teaching classes the next semester. Controversy erupted, however, when it became clear that Hannah-Jones' position, which she accepted, would not be tenured while others who also bore the title of Knight Chair were tenured. 'I realize now that agreeing to the fixed term contract was a mistake - that it was a "workaround" that meant the board did not have to vote,' King wrote to Meekins dated July 17. 'Once it was discovered that such an agreement was a breach of university norms, questions and concerns were raised.' The Board of Trustees was first asked to consider a tenured position for Hannah-Jones back in January. But Duckett asked the other board members to postpone the issue. Emails revealed by the News & Observer indicate that Hannah-Jones' lack of a background in academia was at the core of the problem. 'I and others on the committee have serious concerns over granting tenure to a person that has not taught before,' Duckett wrote in an email dated January 23. 'We take granting tenure very seriously.' Duckett proposed taking up the matter in March. 'Maybe another accommodation makes more sense for the university and the taxpayer?' he wrote in an email. That other 'accommodation' was King's offer of a non-tenured position. King admits she made a mistake by going forward with the offer. 'I take full blame for moving forward a contract that made the Knight Chair a lesser position within the school,' she writes. 'Like others, I wanted her to join our faculty and this agreement, presented by the leadership, seemed a bold move of support for her and the school. 'I now can say it was not.' Duckett eventually voted in late June to give Hannah-Jones tenure. The decision passed by a 9-4 vote. 'Most of the findings offered in the public records released today, July 30, related to Nikole Hannah-Jones tenure candidacy have been previously disclosed in news reports,' UNC-Chapel Hill's vice chancellor for communications, Joel Curran, said in a statement. 'The records correct the incorrect assertions suggesting the Board of Trustees chose not to take up her tenure decision in November.' Curran added: 'The tenure application was not presented to the Board of Trustees in November 2020 because Provost [Bob] Blouin was in the process of completing his review of the application at that time. 'The timing of Provost Blouins review was conveyed to Dean King at that time. 'He completed his review before the end of 2020, and he submitted the application for inclusion on the agenda of the Boards University Affairs Committee prior to its January 2021 meeting and was prepared to present it. 'Shortly before the meeting, the Chair of the University Affairs Committee (Duckett) elected not to include the application on the committee's agenda because he wanted more time to request and consider additional information. 'Upon learning of the postponement, Dean King expressed concern to Provost Blouin and Chancellor Guskiewicz that the University risked losing Ms. Hannah-Jones to another university where she reportedly had other pending opportunities. 'To alleviate that risk, the University negotiated a variable track appointment with Ms. Hannah-Jones to assure that Ms. Hannah-Jones would join the faculty of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media in July 2021 and that the school would be able to submit her application for tenure at a later date. Earlier in July , 1619 Project founder Nikole Hannah-Jones rejected the University of North Carolina's tenure offer and will go to Howard University instead 'Ms. Hannah-Jones accepted that appointment in February 2021. 'Neither the Chancellor nor the Provost stated or speculated how they believed the Board may or may not have voted had the Board been presented with and considered the tenure application in November 2020 or in January 2021. 'The Board ultimately called a special meeting on June 30, 2021, to consider Ms. Hannah-Jones tenure application, and it voted to extend her an unconditional offer of tenure.' Hundreds of emails have been released by the university over the decision. The emails show the extent to which there was a behind-the-scenes battle among the Board of Trustees over whether Hannah-Jones should be given the role. Central to their concerns was the fact Walter Hussman, who is a major donor to the journalism school, had raised flags about the university being associated with the the 1619 Project, which had been described by some historians as 'inaccurate' and was derided by critics. Private emails reveal that UNC Chapel Hill megadonor Walter Hussman (right) had objected to the university's hiring of New York Times reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones as a Knight Chair professor at the school last summer After a $25 million donation to the college, UNC named its journalism school after Hussman Hannah-Jones noted the influence of a 'powerful donor' to UNC, a reference to Hussman, who revealed that he had emailed university leaders calling The 1619 Project about the legacy of American slavery 'highly contentious and highly controversial' before the process was halted. The New York Times reporter won the Pulitzer Prize for the 1619 Project which essentially 'reframed' American history to focus on when the first Africans arrived to Virginia as slaves. The project presented American history through a racial equity lens and helped mainstream the idea of critical race theory - a topic that has become a core Republican talking point. But the 2019 series of essays has come under withering criticism for portraying American history as fundamentally racist and also containing historical inaccuracies and generalizations. Hannah-Jones won a Pulitzer Prize for her work on the 1619 Project, named for the year that the first African slaves were brought to the English colony of Virginia (pictured: speaking at a tribute to MLK in New York in January 2020) Author Nikole Hannah-Jones speaks on stage during the 137th Commencement at Morehouse College on May 16, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia One set of emails sees a discussion between Ralph W. Meekins Sr., a Trustee at University of North Carolina and Susan Robinson King, Dean of UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media How fight over appointment of 1619 Project founder unfolded August 2019 - The New York Times begins its 1619 project which aims to 'reframe the country's history' on slavery, but faces criticism over historical inaccuracies and generalizations May 2020 - Nikole Hannah-Jones is awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for her introductory essay to the project Summer 2020 - UNC start considering hiring Hannah-Jones to its journalism faculty. December 2020 - In an email, Arkansas newspaper publisher Walter Hussman - a top donor to UNC - expresses his fears that Hannah-Jones was, 'trying to push an agenda,' through the 1619 Project, and that, 'they will assume she is manipulating historical facts to support it.' April 2021 - UNC announces that Hannah-Jones would be joining the journalism school's faculty as Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism, traditionally a tenured professorship. May 2021 - Following criticism of the appointment, UNC u-turns and instead says she would take up the position on a five-year contract. This sparks a torrent of criticism, including from black students who claimed they had been neglected. June 30, 2021 - The trustees ultimately approved tenure last week, voting 9-4 to accept her application at a special meeting with a closed-door session that was invaded by her supporters, sparking an ugly brawl. July 6, 2021 - Hannah-Jones announces she has turned down the tenure offer and will go to Howard University instead. Advertisement The emails detail a host of discussions throughout the saga with officials at one stage considering contacting Oprah Winfrey to get a quote in response to Hannah-Jones' joining the school. Some of the emails see members of the board sharing their unease with being associated with the 1619 Project and Hannah-Jones' personal support for reparations. Other correspondences see debates over giving tenure to someone who was not already teaching at the university nor had any experience doing so. A board meeting had tabled a discussion of Hannah-Jones' tenure in January but at least one member wanted the subject delayed until later in the year. 'Can we remove this for now and take it up at [the board of trustees] meeting in March?' Chuck Duckett asked. 'Maybe another accommodation makes more sense for the university and the taxpayer?' adding that the request for tenure brought 'a lot of questions and feedback.' Other emails, seen by Fox News, saw messages both of support and in opposition to Hannah-Jones' appointment. 'I am very proud of UNC today following the news that Hannah-Jones will not be awarded tenure,' wrote Erich Jacobs. 'I think the decision was courageousThe 1619 Project, for me, fails on every point of academic rigor, and its author should in no way represent the university.' Mark and Connie Meares wrote in support of Hannah-Jones noting her denial for tenure had left them 'distressed' and listed her various qualifications. 'Ms. Hannah-Jones is not only a UNC alumna, a Pulitzer winner, a MacArthur Genius recipient, she is also one of the founders of the Ida B. Wells Society of Investigative Reporting, which is now housed within the Hussman School of Journalism,' they added. The student body president who who also sits on the board of trustees, Lamar Richards, wrote to the board chair, Richard Stevens, with a plea for Hannah-Jones to be given tenure. 'The tenure process here at Carolina, similar to most universities across the country, is led by faculty leaders. They determine who they believe is worthy of having tenure; in this instance, they determined that Nikole was in fact worthy of such a distinction,' Richards wrote. But the decision not to give Hannah-Jones a tenured position sparked further outrage from the left, leading to the school to make another U-turn. One email notes how January's board meeting had tabled a discussion of Hannah-Jones' tenure in but at least one member wanted the subject delayed until later in the year Another email sees UNC-Chapel Hill Provost Bob Blouin question Nikole Hannah-Jones' suitability for a tenured role given she had not yet taught at the university full time and listed 15 other points to be considered She rejected the University of North Carolina's tenure offer after a months-long controversy over her appointment Protesters and interested parties gather outside the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill in June when the University of North Carolina Board of Trustees voted on tenure for Nikole Hannah-Jones Police were seen confronting protesters who descended on the closed-door meeting Officials had reportedly not communicated the process with the public - which frustrated the demonstrated who were asked to leave the room before the confirmation vote took place The board voted 9-4 to accept her application at a special meeting in a closed-door session that was invaded by her supporters, sparking an ugly brawl. When board finally granted Hannah-Jones a tenured position, she turned it down opting instead to accept the position of Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism at Howard, a historically black school in Washington, D.C. 'I wanted to send a powerful message, or what I hope to be a powerful message, that we're often treated like we should be lucky that these institutions let us in, but we don't have to go to those institutions if we don't want to,' she wrote at the time. Speaking to CBS This Morning earlier in July about rejecting the UNC, she called it 'a very difficult decision, not a decision I wanted to make.' She said: 'This was a position that since the 1980s came with tenure. The Knight Chairs are designed for professional journalists who are working in the field to come into academia. 'Every other Chair before me, who also happened to be white, received that position with tenure. I was denied that. Trustees at UNC-Chapel Hill approved Hannah-Jones' tenure, capping weeks of tension that began when a board member halted the process over concerns about her teaching credentials because she did not come from a 'traditional academic-type background'. She turned it down Hannah-Jones then announced she will become a member of the historically black Howard University's (pictured) Cathy Hughes School of Communication 'To be denied it to only have that vote occur on the last possible day, at the last possible moment, after threat of legal action, after weeks of protest, after it became a national scandal, it's just not something that I want anymore.' She added: 'It's pretty clear that my tenure was not taken up because of political opposition, because of discriminatory views against my viewpoints, and I believe my race and my gender.' Hannah-Jones cited political interference by conservatives because of her work on The 1619 Project. 'I went through the official tenure process. My peers in academia said that I was deserving of tenure. These board members are political appointees who decided that I wasn't.' She noted that UNC-Chapel Hill is her alma mater. 'I love the university. The university has given me a lot and I wanted to give back. It was embarrassing to be the first person to be denied tenure. It was embarrassing and I didn't want this to become a public scandal. I didn't want to drag my university through the pages of newspapers because I was the first and the only black person in that position to be denied tenure.' Faculties of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media said they were 'disappointed, but not surprised' at Hannah Jones's decision to turn down the school's offer. Joel Curran, vice chancellor for communications at UNC-Chapel Hill, said the new email documents released did not contain very much new information about the Hannah-Jones controversy. 'Most of the findings offered in the public records released today, July 30, related to Nikole Hannah-Jones' tenure candidacy have been previously disclosed in news reports. The records correct the incorrect assertions suggesting the Board of Trustees chose not to take up her tenure decision in November,' Curran said in a statement. The Taliban have stepped up a nationwide offensive, targeting three major cities and a key airport as they Afghan government struggle to fight back. Hundreds of commandos were deployed to the western city of Herat while authorities in the southern city of Lashkar Gah called for more troops to rein in the assaults. Fighting has surged across the country since early May when US-led foreign forces began a final withdrawal from Afghanistan that is now almost complete. After seizing large tracts of rural territory and capturing key border crossings, the Taliban have started assaulting provincial capitals with gruelling onslaughts. Flights out of Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city and the former stronghold for the insurgents, were halted after rockets struck the airport before dawn on Sunday. Airport chief Massoud Pashtun said two rockets had hit the runway and repairs were underway with planes likely to resume service later on Sunday. The facility is vital to maintaining the logistics and air support needed to keep the Taliban from overrunning the city, while also providing aerial cover for large tracts of southern Afghanistan. The attack came as the Taliban inched closer to overwhelming at least two other provincial capitals, including nearby Lashkar Gah in Helmand province. The Taliban have stepped up a nationwide offensive, targeting three major cities and a key airport as they Afghan government struggle to fight back. Pictured: An Afghan security official checks people at a roadside checkpoint in Kandahar on Sunday Hundreds of commandos were deployed to the western city of Herat while authorities in the southern city of Lashkar Gah called for more troops to rein in the assaults. Pictured: Women and children travel in a motorcycle cart in Herat during the fighting After seizing large tracts of rural territory and capturing key border crossings, the Taliban have started assaulting provincial capitals with gruelling onslaughts. Pictured: An Afghan family flees their home in Kandahar as fighting intensifies 'Fighting is going on inside the city and we have asked for special forces to be deployed,' Ataullah Afghan, head of Helmand provincial council, told AFP news agency. Afghan security forces have increasingly relied on air strikes to push the militants back from cities even as they run the risk of hitting civilians in heavily populated areas. 'The city is in the worst condition. I do not know what will happen,' said Halim Karimi, a resident of Lashkar Gah, a city of 200,000 people. 'Neither the Taliban will have mercy on us, nor will the government stop bombing.' Further west in Herat, fighting continued on the city's outskirts overnight with air strikes targeting Taliban positions, following another day of dramatic clashes between the insurgents and Afghan security forces bolstered by local militia fighters. Herat provincial governor's spokesman Jailani Farhad said around 100 militant fighters had been killed in the attacks. Both the Taliban and government forces tend to exaggerate their claims of casualties inflicted on the other's forces and true counts are difficult to independently verify. Fighting has surged across the country since early May when US-led foreign forces began a final withdrawal from Afghanistan that is now almost complete. Pictured: A Herat market is shuttered on Sunday amid the fighting For months, the Taliban's rapid territorial gains during the final stages of the US military withdrawal have largely been in sparsely populated rural areas. But in recent weeks they have brought increasing pressure on provincial capitals and seized key border crossings. Pictured: A Herat market is shuttered on Sunday amid the fighting Herat provincial governor's spokesman Jailani Farhad said around 100 militant fighters had been killed in the attacks on Saturday night. Pictured: A Herat market is shuttered on Sunday amid the fighting On Sunday, the Ministry of Defence said that hundreds of commandos had been sent to Herat to help beat back the insurgent assault. 'These forces will increase offensive operations and suppress the Taliban in Herat,' the ministry tweeted. As fighting raged, President Ashraf Ghani again slammed the Taliban for failing to marshal their negotiating power to reach a peace deal. 'We want peace but they want us to surrender,' Ghani said at a cabinet meeting. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also took issue with the Taliban, demanding the insurgents 'provide answers' for the rocket attack on its office in Herat Friday that killed an Afghan guard. In a tweet posted on Sunday, UNAMA indicated there were also 'violent occurrences at the Herat base' on Saturday, without offering further details. For months, the Taliban's rapid territorial gains during the final stages of the US military withdrawal have largely been in sparsely populated rural areas. But in recent weeks they have brought increasing pressure on provincial capitals and seized key border crossings. On Sunday, the Ministry of Defence said that hundreds of commandos had been sent to Herat to help beat back the insurgent assault. Pictured: Afghan security forces in Herat As fighting raged, President Ashraf Ghani again slammed the Taliban for failing to marshal their negotiating power to reach a peace deal. Pictured: An Afghan security official checks people at a roadside checkpoint in Kandahar on Sunday The government has repeatedly dismissed the militants' steady gains over the summer as lacking strategic value but has largely failed to reverse their momentum on the battlefield. Pictured: A pro-government private militia joins Afghan security forces fighting the Taliban in Herat The capture of any major urban centre would take their current offensive to another level and fuel concerns that the army is incapable of resisting the Taliban's advances. The government has repeatedly dismissed the militants' steady gains over the summer as lacking strategic value but has largely failed to reverse their momentum on the battlefield. The Taliban have seized Afghan cities in the past but have managed to retain them only briefly. The insurgents overran the northern city of Kunduz in 2015 and 2016, and briefly held control of Ghazni after setting ablaze key government buildings and destroying telecommunication towers. Top US officials and generals have acknowledged that in recent weeks the US military, despite being in its final stages of withdrawal, has carried out air strikes against the Taliban to help the Afghan forces keep the insurgents from overrunning urban areas. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti recently signed into law an ordinance that criminalizes homelessness in most parts of the city, a motion that has drawn just as much fierce support by some as it has opposition by others. The law specifies certain times and locations where it will be 'unlawful for a person to sit, lie, or sleep, or to store, use, maintain, or place personal property in the public right-of-way'. The ordinance, which will go into effect 30 days from last Thursday, makes it illegal to sit, lie, sleep, or set up encampments within 500 feet from 'sensitive use' properties, which include schools, parks, libraries, overpasses, underpasses, freeway ramps, tunnels, bridges, pedestrian bridges, subways, washes, spreading grounds and active railways. The ordinance also makes it a crime to sit, lie, sleep, or set up encampments within 1,000 feet of or on a 'street, sidewalk, or other public right-of-way'. Individuals who violate the law will be issued a citation from the City's Administrative Citation Enforcement Program. However, individuals who refuse to comply or obstruct a city employee from enforcing the law will either face a misdemeanor charge, imprisonment for up to six months in the LA County jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000, as laid out in Section 11 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti recently signed into law an ordinance that criminalizes homelessness in most parts of the city The law specifies certain times and locations where it will be 'unlawful for a person to sit, lie, or sleep, or to store, use, maintain, or place personal property in the public right-of-way,' the ordinance reads Garcetti and other proponents of the law say that its intentions are not to punish unhoused individuals, but to promote public safety and cleanliness. 'The homeless crisis has reached epic proportions across the City of Los Angeles,' the ordinance reads. 'It is the obligation of the City to keep its public rights of way clean and available for public use, and to protect the public health, safety, and access by City constituents.' Garcetti signed the law Thursday, following a 13-2 vote in favor by the Los Angeles City Council. The following night, about 50 protesters rallied outside Garcetti's house with some leaving protest placards on the sidewalk and others vandalizing the exterior with toilet paper and graffiti. Police in riot gear responded to the protest and cleared the area, but no arrests were made, according to Fox News. According to the Greater L.A. Homeless Count, there were 66,433 homeless people living on the streets of LA County in 2020, a 12.7 percent increase from the previous year. The night after Garcetti signed the law, about 50 protesters rallied outside his house Some left protest placards on the sidewalk and others vandalizing the exterior with toilet paper and graffiti Police in riot gear responded to the protest and cleared the area, but no arrests were made Over the last decade, Los Angeles County has seen the number of homeless double from about 40,000 to about 80,000, according to the Los Angeles County Homeless Count. Mike Bonnin, one of two city council members who voted against the ordinance, said at Wednesday's city council meeting, 'There are far more people who want housing than we have sufficient resources for. He added that the city only has enough shelter beds for 39percent of the unhoused population, but 'What about the other 61%? Where can they go? Where can they sleep?' Bonnin previously spoke out against the motion and gave a personal anecdote about his experience with homelessness, as reported by Spectrum News. 'Some of those nights I slept in the car, some of those nights, when my car was in the shop, I slept on the beach,' he said. 'I cannot tell you how much turmoil is in your heart when the sun is setting and you don't know where to sleep. I cannot tell you how demoralizing and dehumanizing and defeating that experience is when you don't know where you're going to sleep. 'That's what it comes down to for me ... where can people go, where can people sleep when they do not have an alternative.' Ricci Sergienco, of the LA People's City Council, spoke at Wednesday's meeting against the ordinance and said that it's 'basically saying that poor people just existing will be criminalized'. He added, 'This law unfairly paints unhoused people as a threat to children and the public. The lack of appropriate housing is the real threat to public safety. 'I've been down on the Venice boardwalk in the middle of the night for the past month or so and the cops are moving people from 2 to 5am. How the city is handling the homelessness crisis is not appropriate. And if you all think that you're all doing a good job, you should take a long look in the mirror.' Many took to Twitter to express their dissent for the new law. Yoonj Kim, an MTV News correspondent, tweeted, 'So instead of responsible policy reform around affordable housing, zoning, or even rent control, Los Angelesthe epicenter of the housing crisishas officially criminalized the act of sitting and sleeping outside. Context by @ananyaUCLA @BryantOdegaLA' A left-leaning podcaster called Lefty-Desiree McLefty Face, Milkshake Whisperer, tweeted, 'The City Council in Los Angeles is pretty much outlawing homeless instead of addressing the very real structural issues that cause it. Minimum wage should be around 30 an hour for starters. Tonight protesters will be heading to Garcetti's house to press the issue.' But some residents were just as passionate about their support for the law. Sulman Mancus, who's on the board of a local condominium association, spoke in favor of the motion and said that when it comes to seeing dozens of homeless people camped on public streets, 'we all feel our hands our tied to do anything about it.' 'Children are feeling unsafe, people are feeling unsafe in my building to walk around the neighborhood,' he added. 'Previous speakers do not speak for most Angelenos. We are a compassionate city, the city council members are compassionate as well, but there has to be a balance between a full heart for people that do not have homes and also a full heart for our community and our sense of neighborhood and safety.' Councilman Paul Krekorian, who voted in favor of the law, told The Independent earlier this month that the law does not make it illegal to be homeless. 'It does not make any conduct that is fundamental to being human illegal,' he said. 'What it does do is it guarantees that we will reestablish passable sidewalks. It protects the users of our public infrastructure and the unhoused residents of our city from being put into positions of interaction with automobiles, around loading docks, driveways and so forth. It guarantees access to our fire hydrants, entrances to buildings.' A statement the mayor's office sent to The Independent describes the city's attempt to find a balance between public safety and the homeless crisis. It reads, 'We don't need to choose between keeping our public spaces clean and safe, and connecting Angelenos experiencing homelessness with the housing and services they so desperately need. 'We can and will do both, and I support the council action because it will help achieve that goal in a way that is humane, compassionate, and responsive to the urgent needs in our communities.' Meanwhile, the morning Garcetti signed the law, authorities cleared dozens of homeless encampments dotting Venice Beach The homeless encampments have become a virtual tent city with violent crime and rampant drug use, pushing tourists and families out City workers began the process of tearing down homeless camps along Venice Beach ahead of the July 4 weekend this year Meanwhile, the morning Garcetti signed the law, authorities cleared dozens of homeless encampments dotting Venice Beach and, starting last Friday, camping is no longer be permitted in the area. The homeless encampments have become a virtual tent city with violent crime and rampant drug use, pushing tourists and families out. City workers began the process of tearing down homeless camps along Venice Beach ahead of the July 4 weekend this year. The move followed the discovery of a dead homeless man in his tent on the boardwalk, according to Fox News. And another homeless man was arrested in connection with the killing. Fox News reported that Venice had a 132 percent increase in assaults in which a homeless person was a suspect in 2021 and a 126 percent increase in cases in which a homeless person was a victim as of the end of May. Meanwhile, robberies in which a homeless person was the victim increased by 1,100 percent while robberies in which homeless person was a suspect increased by 160 percent. Felony arrests have increased by 81 percent so far this year, the outlet reported. Adam Kinzinger said Sunday he would be open to calling House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy to testify in front of the Capitol riot committee but suggested it wouldn't be necessary to subpoena Donald Trump. 'I don't know,' Kinzinger said when ABC This Week host Jonathan Karl asked if the panel will want to compel the former president to speak before the committee. 'Again, it's going to depend on where the facts lead,' the Illinois Republican congressman said. 'We may not even have to talk to Donald Trump to get the information. There were tons of people around him. There were tons of people involved in the things that led up to January 6.' Kinzinger, who was the last member brought onto the panel by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month, said I know that we're going to get to the information' without speaking to Trump. 'I think there's a lot of people around him that knew some things,' he said. There are only two Republicans on the nine-member panel, Kinzinger and Liz Cheney. Both are Trump critics and voted for his second impeachment, where the former president stood accused of incitement of insurrection for the January 6 Capitol riot. Representative Adam Kinzinger said Sunday that he would be opening to issuing a subpoena for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to testify before the Capitol riot committee The Trump critic Republican, however, said he doesn't feel it will be necessary to compl the former president to testify because 'there were tons of people around him' that have the relevant information of that day. Here Trump speaks to his crowd of supporters in front of the White House on January 6 Cheney lost her House leadership seat as Republican Conference chair earlier this summer for repeatedly breaking with Trump. The at-large Wyoming representative was part of the original group of eight lawmakers Pelopsi appointed to the select committee last month. Kinzinger was brought on later when McCarthy pulled all five of his picks for the panel. McCarthy only did so after Pelosi vetoed two of the five lawmakers Representatives Jim Jordan and Jim Banks, who are Trump allies and voted against Congress certifying the election for Joe Biden on January 6. Kizninger said that he would back subpoenas for McCarthy and Jordan to testify. 'I would support subpoenas to anybody that can shed light on that [day],' Kinzinger told ABC News. 'If that's the leader, that's the leader,' he assured. 'If it's anybody that talked to the president that can provide us that information, I want to know what the president was doing every moment of that day, after he said, 'I'm going to walk with you to the Capitol,' after Mo Brooks stood up and said, 'We're going to kick backside and take names. Today's the day that, you know, patriots take their country back from other people.' 'I want to know what they were doing, because that's going to be important. I want to know -- you know, if the National Guard took five or six hours to get to Capitol Hill, did the president make any calls?' Kizinger continued. 'If anybody is scared of this investigation, I ask you one question What are you afraid of?' Kinzinger said. 'I mean, either you're afraid of being discovered of having some culpability in it or, you know, what? If you think it wasn't a big deal, then you should allow this to go forward.' He said that the investigation is 'essential for history' so American people know the truth of what happened on January 6. Liz Cheney (left) and Kinzinger (right) attend on July 27, 2021 the first hearing for the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol Karl asked how the panel would enforce subpoenas on fellow members of Congress if the likes of Jordan and McCarthy refused to comply. Kinzinger said there are likely legal and constitutional mechanisms that they could use for enforcement. 'I intend, at least, on the committee, to get to a full accounting of the truth,' he said. 'And if somebody thinks that they can stand up and use, you know, maneuvers to try to string this investigation out and hope that people lose interest and hope that they can resist, at least me, and I know the other members of the committee, are determined that we are going to get to that answer.' 'So it may cost you a lot in legal fees to try to resist, but we're going to get to that answer,' he said, adding, 'I don't know what, you know, specific things we can do to compel.' The committee held its first hearing last week, where Kinzinger ended up getting choked up when listening to testimony from U.S. Capitol Police officers. A 19-year-old man has been arrested after his 15-year-old sister was allegedly stabbed to death in a domestic disturbance at a Welsh holiday park. Officers rushed to Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn, near Abergele in North Wales, on Saturday afternoon. A force spokesman said: 'North Wales Police can confirm that we attended the report of a domestic disturbance at the location where sadly a 15-year-old female has died. 'A 19-year-old male has been arrested and is presently in custody at St Asaph.' The Sun, citing an unnamed source, reported that the 19-year-old is suspected of killing his younger sister, attacking and seriously injuring their dad, and then allegedly taking their grandad hostage. An air ambulance rushed to the scene on Saturday afternoon, as parts of the Parkdean resort and a caravan were cordoned off while police carried out an investigation in the 100acre park. An air ambulance was rushed to the scene at Ty Mawr park in Towyn, north Wales on Saturday afternoon Police have been called to a 'serious incident' at a Welsh holiday park and warned people to 'stay away' after the 'tragic incident' Eyewitnesses reported the air ambulance landed on the A548, which was shut in both directions, at around 3.30pm, with two ambulances and three rapid response vehicles in tow. Mother of two Carly Hargreaves, 44, who arrived on holiday from Manchester on Friday, said about eight police cars, three ambulances and the air ambulance arrived to the park. She said from outside the vast caravan and campsite: 'We are staying two rows behind where it happened and didn't hear a single thing. I can't stop thinking about it because my son is 16. To come away on holiday and not go home with that special person is tragic. It's a normal family-orientated site.' On Sunday, police cars were seen entering the site as investigations continued. Ty Mawr, close to the sea and part of the Parkdean Resorts chain, is one of the more upmarket holiday venues, with a heated indoor pool among other amenities, a far cry from the rough and ready image of camps of old. Tens of thousands of holidaymakers are staying in camps along a strip of coastline on what is traditionally one of the busiest weeks of the year. Kay Redhead, mayor of Towyn and KInmel Bay said: 'It's knocked us to the core. This is a fantastic place where we welcome everyone. This time of year we have 45,000 to 50,000 extra people in the area and with staycation it's ready bustling. Ty Mawr is a well organised and managed family camp and when something like this happens it affects everybody..' Mrs Redhead added: 'I would like to express condolences to the family. It's a tragic situation.' North Wales Police said there is no threat to the wider public. Social media images showed a caravan had been taped off by detectives. Police said in a statement: 'Officers are attending a serious incident at a Holiday Park near Abergele. Investigations are ongoing. Apologies for any difficulty. 'There is no threat to the public but please stay away from the area whilst we deal with the incident. Thank you for your patience.' A park spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are shocked and saddened by this tragic incident. The Parkdean resort was cordoned off as police carried out an investigation in the park 'Ty Mawr is a 100 acre family park which welcomes tens of thousands of happy holidaymakers every year. 'This was an isolated and unprecedented incident which took place inside a caravan which is now a crime scene. 'Our team are assisting police with their inquiries and as it is a police matter we can't comment further at the moment.' Congressman Matt Gaetz mockingly said he had 'the freedom variant' of COVID-19 - addressing a rally in his home state of Florida on the day the state announced its highest infection rate of the pandemic. Gaetz, 39, mocked concerns about the delta variant, which is now accounting for the majority of new cases nationwide. 'You've had all the experts say look out for the delta variant, or the lambda variant,' he told a rally in Largo - part of his 'Florida Man Freedom Tour'. 'Well next it'll be the Chi Omega variant or the Pi Kappa Psi variant. 'I got the Florida variant. I got the freedom variant. 'It affects the brain. It gets you to think for yourself where you don't just surrender to the truth that they're trying to create in corrupt big media.' Matt Gaetz held a rally in Largo, in Pinellas County, Florida, on Saturday. He mocked concerns over the rise in the delta variant Gaetz told the crowd that 'the Florida variant' affects the brain. He added: 'It gets you to think for yourself where you don't just surrender to the truth that they're trying to create in corrupt big media' Gaetz: I got the Florida variant. I got the freedom variant. It affects the brain. pic.twitter.com/U4XGhbVqph Acyn (@Acyn) July 31, 2021 In Pinellas County, in which Largo sits, 59 percent of residents aged over 12 have been vaccinated - less than the state average of 61 percent. Cases are up 205 percent in the last 14 days, according to The New York Times COVID tracker. Gaetz, seen on Saturday at an earlier event in Melbourne Beach, Florida, has been touring with his 'Florida Man Freedom Tour' Hospitalizations are up 80 percent in the last two weeks. Deaths have remained the same, owing to the time between falling ill and dying. Florida on Saturday reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19 - the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic - and its theme park resorts again started asking visitors to wear masks indoors. The figure breaks the record set on January 7, when 19,334 cases reported - before the availability of vaccinations became widespread. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the US as the highly contagious delta variant continues to spread. Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida, has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials' ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. Motorists in Orlando, Florida, line up for testing on Thursday. Friday saw 21,683 new cases of COVID-19 - the highest total of the whole pandemic, breaking a record set in January People attend a mobile COVID-19 vaccination event at the downtown Orlando campus of the University of Central Florida and Valencia College, on July 24 A group waits to get a COVID-19 test on Saturday in North Miami. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The state's peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over a seven-day period. Deaths usually follow increases in hospitalizations by a few weeks. Advertisement In a ray of hope for millions of British holidaymakers, industry experts last night released optimistic data which they say shows how 17 countries (pictured) could be added to the quarantine-free green list or green watch list. The creation of an extra travel alert level hangs in the balance today amid a mounting Tory revolt and a warning by Rishi Sunak that the industry faced devastation - while travel experts push for 17 destinations to be added to the quarantine-free green list. Ministers signed off proposals last week to create an 'amber watch list' that could plunge the plans of hundreds of thousands of British holidaymakers into turmoil. Travellers would be warned that destinations possibly including hotspots such as Spain and Italy face being placed on the red list while they are away, forcing them to quarantine on return in a state-selected hotel at huge expense. But Whitehall sources last night told the Mail that the plans could now be scrapped - amid a growing backlash from Tory MPs. It comes as yesterday it emerged that Mr Sunak had written to Boris Johnson to warn the Government risked damaging the travel sector by imposing more 'draconian' measures than EU rivals. And today fully vaccinated arrivals to the UK who have been double jabbed in the US or the EU will no longer have to quarantine when arriving from amber list countries after a rule change. The Chancellor said UK border policy was 'out of step with our international competitors' in a way that threatened to damage jobs. Tory backbenchers also took aim at the Government's 'amber watch list' plans, which they dubbed 'inexplicably complicated'. And industry bosses last night issued a warning that it was the 'last chance saloon' to 'save the summer' unless ministers moved more countries on to the green list. Travel expert Paul Charles has said it would be a 'disaster' if the Government introduced a new travel traffic light category. The chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency told ITV's Good Morning Britain programme: 'It would be a disaster to bring in an amber watchlist on top of the amber list, the green list, the red list.' Mr Charles argued creating a watchlist designed to warn travellers of the possibility that countries with concerning coronavirus data - which could potentially include Italy and Spain - could be put onto the red list at short notice 'doesn't make any difference to what we've got today'. 'Today with the amber list the Government can change (destinations) to red at short notice,' he added. The traffic light system was not achieving its aim of encouraging the travel sector to recover, Mr Charles said. 'At the moment the system in the UK is choking off recovery, and it's not helping the sector because there's no confidence to book because people are worried about places changing at short notice anyway.' Meanwhile, in a ray of hope for millions of holidaymakers, industry experts last night released optimistic data which they say shows how 17 countries could be added to the quarantine-free green list or green watch list. Countries including Germany, Austria, Poland and Canada, are among the countries most likely to go green due to low infection rates, according to travel experts. It comes as it was revealed: That free coffee and cinema tickets could be next incentives to beat Covid vaccine hesitancy in youngsters after the Government unveiled plans to to hand out Uber rides and takeaways to encourage Britons to go get the jab; That all over 50s across the UK will be offered a booster shot of Pfizer by Autumn in a bid to battle back variants; Meanwhile, Covid cases fell for the eleventh day in a row, with infections dropping by 16 per cent in a week to 24,470 and deaths stay low at 65; New figures also revealed a 10-year age drop in Covid patients due to the impact of the vaccine roll-out; But Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg warned that enforcing Covid vaccine passports was 'not a British way to behave'; Lewis Hamilton claimed he is suffering from Long Covid after suffering dizziness and fatigue following his second-placed finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Countries including Germany, Austria (pictured), Poland and Canada, are among the countries most likely to go green due to low infection rates, according to travel experts The creation of an extra travel alert level hung in the balance last night amid a mounting Tory revolt and a warning by Rishi Sunak (pictured) that the industry faced devastation Travellers would be warned that destinations possibly including hotspots such as Spain and Italy face being placed on the red list while they are away, forcing them to quarantine on return in a state-selected hotel at huge expense Ministers signed off proposals last week to create an 'amber watch list' that could plunge the plans of hundreds of thousands of British holidaymakers into turmoil (file image) Probe into testing kits pricing By Az Munrallee for the Daily Mail Many of the Government's cheapest Covid test kits are unavailable to holidaymakers, probing an investigation by the British advertising watchdog. Private firms offering tests are listed on the Government's website, with some advertised at 23. But analysis of the 50 least costly options found two thirds could not be ordered or appointments for on-site tests were not available until next month. The Advertising Standards Authority is now investigating the issue following complaints over 'inconsistent pricing' of the kits that are mandatory for travel. Unvaccinated amber list holidaymakers from England must have a test before they return to the UK, and have two PCR tests when they return during their quarantine. Vaccinated travellers need a test before they arrive and another when they return. Consultancy firm Fideres, which carried out the analysis, said consumers should expect to pay around 114 for a two-test kit. The cheapest swabs for those returning from an amber list country was 78. The firm's Paul Vella said: 'The Government is reporting prices... without actually checking if these low prices are available.' He also told The Guardian that travellers are being 'misled' and steered into 'using more expensive providers'. The Department of Health said: 'We do not endorse or recommend any private Covid-19 test provider. All private providers must meet the minimum required standards.' Advertisement Today, amid a growing revolt by Tory MPs, a Whitehall source told the Mail last night that the idea for an amber watch list could be shelved, adding: 'We'll have to wait and see what the data looks like later this week. 'But there will have to be a very strong case to create another category at this stage. There is a lot of opposition to anything that causes more confusion and uncertainty right now.' Yesterday it emerged that Mr Sunak had written to Boris Johnson to warn the Government risked damaging the travel sector by imposing more 'draconian' measures than EU rivals. He said UK border policy was 'out of step with our international competitors' in a way that threatened to damage jobs. Treasury sources played down the split, insisting the Chancellor's letter was written before last week's decision to lift quarantine restrictions for double-jabbed tourists from the US and Europe, which comes into force today. But senior Tories warn against imposing measures that could wreck family holidays and damage the stricken travel sector further. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said families should be governed by the quarantine rule in place when they leave for a holiday, even if the status of their destination alters during their trip. He told the Mail: 'We cannot mess families around like this. 'If you have gone away on the basis that the country is okay and you have had your two vaccines then you should not have to self-isolate when you get back. 'I am glad the Chancellor is getting involved because we have to start thinking about the economic damage we are causing by overly restrictive and constantly changing rules. We need to be trusting our vaccines and opening up, not constantly tinkering in a way that undermines confidence.' Another senior Tory described an amber watch list as 'madness', adding: 'It is a stupid idea which will cause bookings to collapse. Who in their right mind would go on holiday having been warned they may have to quarantine at huge expense when they get back?' Heathrow rocked by exodus from its top team Heathrow's top team has taken a hit with a third of its executive committee quitting. Carol Hui, Andrew Macmillan and Chris Garton, chief of staff, chief strategy officer, and chief solutions officer respectively, have left the airport's eight-person leadership team. John Holland-Kaye said he was 'very sorry to see them leave us' but was 'confident that the new exec team will provide the leadership needed to win the recovery'. Heathrow nosedived to a 2 billion annual loss after the 'toughest' year in the airport's 75-year history as the pandemic saw passenger numbers crash by 73%. The airport's annual financial results, which were released this morning, lay bare the devastating impact the Covid crisis has had on the aviation industry. The number of people passing through the west London airport tumbled from 80.9 million in 2019 to 22.1 million last year - a level not seen since the 1970s - and more than half of those travelled before the Covid-19 crisis struck. Advertisement Henry Smith, chairman of the Future of Aviation group of MPs, also backed the idea of a 'fortnight guarantee' for holidaymakers, adding: 'I hope ministers will accept the case that if you travelled in good faith you should be allowed to come back in on the conditions on which you left.' He said the complex traffic-light system, which has five alert levels, was 'putting people off travel to places that are arguably safer than many parts of the UK'. Meanwhile, Huw Merriman, the Tory chairman of the Commons transport committee, said the proposal for an amber watch list was a 'giant red flag' that could throw the industry into chaos by sparking a wave of cancellations. He told the Times: 'The government has used the vaccine dividend to make some positive strides in the last few weeks, making it easier for those travelling in and out of the UK. 'This is not the time to be adding further complexity, uncertainty and anxiety to an already beleaguered sector.' Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, which represents the aviation industry, also told the paper: 'The EU must be looking at us in incredulity. 'We have totally squandered the vaccine dividend we had built up. No wonder passengers have no idea whether they're coming or going. 'Green is the only way forward for the industry this is the last chance saloon now for saving the summer.' The push to create an amber watch list has been prompted by concern among health officials about the rise of the Beta variant in countries such as Spain. The strain, which emerged in South Africa, is thought to be more resistant to the AstraZeneca jab than the Delta variant, which his now dominant in the UK. Ministers are keen to avoid a repeat of the fiasco in which France was placed on an 'amber plus' list of its own last month. Travellers from France still have to isolate for ten days on arrival in the UK, although this restriction is set to be lifted this week. Travellers would be warned that destinations possibly including hotspots such as Spain and Italy face being placed on the red list while they are away, forcing them to quarantine on return in a state-selected hotel at huge expense. Pictured: File image of sunbathers in Barcelona, Spain, on July 9, 2021 Fully vaccinated arrivals jabbed in the US or EU will no longer have to quarantine when arriving from amber list countries Fully vaccinated arrivals to the UK who have been double jabbed in the US or the EU will no longer have to quarantine when arriving from amber list countries after a rule change. Non-UK residents arriving from amber list countries have previously been forced to self-isolate when arriving in the UK - even if they have been double jabbed. But from 4am today, the rules will change to allow them to enter the country providing they have been double vaccinated in either the US or an EU country. The rule change will be a big boost for families abroad who have faced strict restrictions when planning visits to the UK since March last year. The UK government has said the change, which was announced last week, will help to reunite family and friends whose loved ones live abroad. Airline bosses have welcomed the move. Travellers will still need to take either a lateral flow or PCR test pre-departure and a PCR test on the second day after they arrive. Under-18s will be exempt from isolation, and some will not have to test, depending on their age. Advertisement An amber watch list would not carry quarantine restrictions of its own. But travellers would be warned their destination is on the brink of going on to the red list. If it does, they would face the choice of rushing home before the deadline or paying 1,750 a head to quarantine in a Government-approved hotel when they return. The Joint Biosecurity Centre, which analyses Covid data, is due to give ministers its latest assessment of the international threat. They will then meet on Thursday to decide which countries should go in each category, and whether a new amber watch list is needed. It comes as travel consultancy, the PC Agency, last night released research which shows that 17 countries could join the green or green watch list. The research suggests 12 destinations, including Germany, Poland, Canada, Austria and Romania could go fully green - meaning even unvaccinated holiday makers can return to the UK without having to quarantine on their return. According to the PC Agency, all 12 destinations have infection rates below 30 cases per 100,000 of the population - placing them significantly lower than the UK's 286 cases per 100,000 people - and most have also jabbed more than half of their adult populations. According to the research, reported in the Telegraph, a further five destinations, Bhutan, French Polynesia, North Macedonia, Norway and Saudi Arabia, have low enough infection rates to join the green watch list - which is the same as the green list but with the possibility of a sudden switch to the amber list looming. Meanwhile, in another boost for British families, fully vaccinated arrivals to the UK who have been double jabbed in the US or the EU will no longer have to quarantine when arriving from amber list countries after a rule change. Non-UK residents arriving from amber list countries have previously been forced to self-isolate when arriving in the UK - even if they have been double jabbed. But from 4am today, the rules will change to allow them to enter the country providing they have been double vaccinated in either the US or an EU country. The rule change will be a big boost for families abroad who have faced strict restrictions when planning visits to the UK since March last year. The UK government has said the change, which was announced last week, will help to reunite family and friends whose loved ones live abroad. Airline bosses have welcomed the move. But travellers will still need to take either a lateral flow or PCR test pre-departure and a PCR test on the second day after they arrive. Under-18s will be exempt from isolation, and some will not have to test, depending on their age. It comes as it was revealed last night how tens of millions of Britons are expected to be offered a Pfizer booster jab this autumn as the vaccine has proved to be the most effective against the Delta variant. The booster scheme, which was announced earlier this year, is set to start in September and should see 23million over-50s, vulnerable Britons and NHS and care home staff offered a third dose. Extra vaccines would be rolled out in two stages prioritising those most at risk of Covid, before the programme is extended. While patients were initially expected to be offered the jab they were originally inoculated with, it is understood all patients will be offered the Pfizer jab as it has proven to be the most effective against the Delta variant. Pictured: A woman receives the AstraZeneca Covid19 vaccine at an NHS vaccination centre in Ealing, west London Pictured: A young person receives a dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab at a vaccination centre for young people and students at the Hunter Street Health Centre in London on June 5 Which jab combinations provided the best protection? The early results from the Com-Cov trial, published today in the Lancet, looked at the efficacy of either two doses of Pfizer, two of AstraZeneca, or one of them followed by the other. All second doses were given four weeks apart and the trial recruited 830 volunteers who were aged 50 and above. All combinations worked well, priming the immune system. It found: AstraZeneca's vaccine, followed by Pfizer's, induced higher levels of antibodies and T cells than vice versa. Both antibodies and T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in defending against Covid. The mix-match approach produced more antibodies than two regular doses of AstraZeneca's, no matter which way round the jabs were given. The largest antibody levels were induced after two doses of Pfizer, and the highest T cell response was from AstraZeneca's followed by Pfizer. Advertisement The Department of Health has yet to confirm the official details of the booster scheme, plans of which were first shared by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in June. The JCVI is expected to issue its final advice in regards to the booster scheme in the coming months. A senior government source also told the Times that those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine would 'be getting an mRNA booster'. MRNA used in the Pfizer and Moderna jabs is essentially a DNA instruction to tell your cells how to produce the harmless spike proteins from the virus - allowing your body to create an immune response without being exposed to the virus itself. Oxford AstraZeneca is not an mRNA jab - instead using a weakened version of a common cold virus from chimpanzees that has been modified to contain genetic material shared by the coronavirus. Again, this technique means the person receiving the jab is not exposed to the real virus - unlike previous jab types which often relied on weakened or dead forms of the actual virus. A UK Government-backed study published earlier this year found that mixing and matching Covid vaccines may result in higher protection against the virus. People who had been vaccinated with AstraZeneca's jab initially and then received a top-up with Pfizer's had nine times more antibodies than those who stuck to the UK vaccine. Although antibodies are just one part of the immune response, the Oxford University researchers said the findings strongly suggested the approach could enhance immunity. But it is understood the mix and match approach is not going to be used in the short term more broadly because there is a 'strong supply' of each vaccine type. A senior HSE source told the Times: 'Currently there's no need for it. Currently we have plenty of vaccines. The amount of vaccine isn't an issue at all. There's no plan to do it. It's not under immediate consideration, but I wouldn't rule it out.' The Government said analysis has shown that the Pfizer vaccine is 96 per cent effective against the Delta variant while the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is 92 per cent effective against hospitalisation after two doses. Three days working at home to become the new normal The traditional working week is over with firms adopting a three-and-two approach with fewer days in the office. Having three days at home and two in the office is set to become the new normal as a result of the pandemic. Many big firms have already agreed the changes, while the Institute of Directors said two thirds of business leaders will allow remote working. Roger Barker, the institute's director of policy, said the pandemic had driven a revolution 'greater than radical reform or regulation ever could have'. And YouGov found just one in five bosses will require all staff to come in five days a week after the pandemic. NatWest expects almost nine in ten staff to work at home while Asda said its employees could work from any location suited to their job. Advertisement A study published this week also showed that a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine could offer strong protection against the Delta variant. Research showed that antibody levels increased five-fold among people ages 18 to 55 who were given the booster shot. The third dose was especially effecting for the elderly, with antibody levels spiking 11-fold among people aged 65 to 85 who had already received the standard two doses. In the slides published online, the researchers wrote there there is 'estimated potential for up to 100-fold increase in Delta neutralization post-dose three compared to pre-dose three.' The booster roll-out will coincide with the annual influenza inoculation programme, which health officials said will be vital this winter amid warnings of a difficult flu season. Immunity gained from Covid jabs last for at least six months in the 'majority' of cases, but there are fears this could fade later in the year which could trigger a spike in hospitalisations and deaths. An Oxford University trial looking at booster doses suggested a third shot six months after the second could restore peak immunity against Covid. It comes as the week-on-week rate of Covid cases fell yesterday for the tenth day in a row with 26,144 infections marking a 17.8 per cent fall while deaths also fell to 71. The latest data from Public Health England and Cambridge University suggests that about 60,000 deaths, 22 million infections and 52,600 hospitalisations have been prevented by vaccines. The Government plans to lure young people in for their vaccinations with the promise of cut-price taxis and takeaways, as Boris Johnson tries to tackle the relatively low take-up among the under-30s. Uber, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the companies in discussion with the Government about offering incentives as part of the 'Jab 18-30' drive. So far, only two-thirds of people in that age bracket in England have received a first dose since they became eligible in June, compared with 88.4 per cent across all age groups, meaning more than three million 18-to-30-year-olds remain unjabbed. Prizes for having the jab: As No. 10 plans to hand out Uber rides and takeaways, insiders reveal free coffee and cinema tickets could be new incentives to beat Covid vaccine hesitancy in youngsters ByJason Groves Political Editor For The Daily Mailand Eleanor Hayward For The Daily Mail Young people could be offered a free latte or cinema ticket in return for having the Covid jab under plans being discussed by ministers. The Government yesterday announced commercial tie-ups that will see firms like Deliveroo and Uber offer discounted takeaways and taxi rides to people who sign up for vaccination. A Government source said that further deals were expected in the coming days with cinema chains, coffee franchises and high street restaurants potentially involved. However ministers have ruled out offering cash bribes as seen in the United States where newly-vaccinated citizens are to be offered $100 in cash, equal to 72. 'There is a lot of work going on into broadening this out into other areas,' the source said. 'We will not be offering cash payments but we hope there will be a range of attractive high street incentives that will encourage more people to come forward and have the jab.' Boris Johnson is said to be frustrated that 30 per cent of people aged under 30 have still not come forward for their first jab, more than six weeks after vaccinations were opened up to all adults. A Government source said vaccinations in the age group were currently running at 40-50,000 a day, but added: 'We'd like to be doing a lot more.' Young people could be offered a free latte or cinema ticket in return for having the Covid jab under plans being discussed by ministers. Pictured: Vaccinator Hari Roberts administers the first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to an 18 year old Zuzanna Szelag at a vaccination centre in north London The Government yesterday announced commercial tie-ups that will see firms like Deliveroo and Uber offer discounted takeaways and taxi rides to people who sign up for vaccination. Coffee companies, like Costa, could also be involved Enforcing vaccine passports 'not a very British way to behave,' says Jacob Rees-Mogg Enforcing vaccine passports is 'not a British way to behave', Jacob Rees-Mogg has warned the Government. The Leader of the Commons broke ranks to say the policy should only be considered for nightclubs, and even then only temporarily. Other ministers, including Boris Johnson, have suggested the passports could be used for concerts, sports events, business conferences, busy bars and even workplaces. In a sign of Government nervousness over the issue, sources yesterday confirmed that ministers have abandoned plans to make Covid vaccines compulsory for university students. Mr Rees-Mogg said the Government had to consider the importance of preserving 'ancient freedoms', as well as controlling Covid. 'We don't want to get into a society where routinely people are expected to show their papers,' he said. 'That is not a British way to behave.' His comments came as the Tory mutiny over vaccine passports continued to gather pace. Andrew Bridgen, one of 43 Conservative MPs to sign a declaration opposing vaccine passports, yesterday said Parliament should be recalled from its summer recess if ministers are 'serious' about asking people to show proof of their vaccine status to gain entry to domestic venues and events. Fellow Tory Bob Blackman said that even introducing vaccine passports for nightclubs would be a 'slippery slope'. Mr Blackman added: 'When is a night club a pub or when is a pub a nightclub? If you start enforcing it in nightclubs, it will rapidly be enforced in pubs and restaurants.' The call means cross-party backing is emerging for the Commons to return before September. The PM has announced that he intends to change the rules in September so only those who are fully vaccinated can attend nightclubs. And last week Cabinet ministers Grant Shapps and Dominic Raab backed businesses operating so called 'no jab, no job' policies that only allow fully vaccinated people into the workforce. But speaking on BBC Radio Four's Any Questions, Mr Rees-Mogg said: 'We have an ancient right to go about our lawful business without being expected to prove who we are or what we're doing to anybody... we should protect our ancient freedoms very carefully.' And Tory grandee Sir David Lidington told Times Radio that introducing a 'Government certificate of approval' to access certain events would set a 'dangerous precedent'. Advertisement The move to offer incentives follows controversy over Government efforts to force young people to have the jab by introducing vaccine passports. Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: 'I personally don't think it would get through the House of Commons in any event and that's why the Government has moved on to this carrot inducements for young people.' Labour environment spokesman Luke Pollard said the party was 'very cautious' about domestic Covid passports with leader Sir Keir Starmer ruling out supporting them for use in 'everyday life' setting up the possibility of a Government defeat on the policy. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the first brands who will be offering incentives to encourage youngsters to get inoculated, Department for Health has announced. Taxi app firm Uber will offer discounted rides and meals on its Uber Eats platform for young adults who receive a vaccine, while Deliveroo is planning to give vouchers to young people who get jabbed. Mr Pollard, who dubbed the offer 'kebabs for jabs', said he doubted the concept 'is going to be enough to get that last 30 per cent of young people' vaccinated, and called for youngsters to be given more of a role in leading the campaign to get protected from the virus. Ministers could also face questions about whether the plan complies with the Government's anti-obesity strategy. But they are determined to drive up vaccination rates among the young before the winter. The vaccination rollout has slumped to the lowest rate since it began as demand slows to a trickle due to vaccine hesitancy in the young. Currently first doses are averaging just 40,000 a day, compared with more than half a million a day in March. Latest Government figures show that on Saturday there were just 38,851 first doses, compared with 212,159 second jabs. The fall in demand has forced doctors to send back unused vaccine doses to prevent them going out of date. Dr Rosemary Leonard, an NHS GP, said on Twitter: 'Please, please, could young people be allowed to get their vaccines earlier than eight weeks. 'Numerous colleagues telling me of 100s of doses being thrown away, yet 'early requesters' at clinics being turned down. 'I've heard of one clinic having to bin 1,000 doses of Pfizer because it had expired, yet turning people away for second dose.' Some 170,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine are at risk of expiry within the next fortnight because not enough youngsters are coming forward, it is claimed. Beccy Baird, a fellow at The King's Fund, also said the young's vaccine hesitancy is making it harder to know where to prioritise jabs. So far 88 per cent of adults have had one dose and 72.5 per cent have had both doses. In total, more than 85million doses have been administered across the UK. Last night Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'In under eight months, health services across the UK have delivered more than 85million doses this is a phenomenal achievement. A Government source said that further deals were expected in the coming days with cinema chains (pictured: Library image), coffee franchises and high street restaurants potentially involved Boris Johnson (pictured) is said to be frustrated that 30 per cent of people aged under 30 have still not come forward for their first jab, more than six weeks after vaccinations were opened up to all adults 'It has shown Britain at its best. From our NHS administering the jabs, to the Armed Forces, thousands of volunteers and civil servants, you have all played an important role in getting us to this life-saving milestone and I want to thank you all for your tireless efforts. 'Please get both of your jabs if you haven't already to protect yourself and your loved ones.' Former translators made a renewed call for help from Britain yesterday after suffering a string of revenge attacks by the Taliban. Insurgents attacked the homes of two former interpreters who are waiting to hear if they can come to the UK. Another interpreter who has been denied sanctuary claimed his son had been kidnapped and beaten. Ilyas, 11, who was kidnapped and beaten by insurgents yesterday because his father Musa worked for UK forces as a translator He was rescued, it is claimed, by the intervention of tribal elders. Villagers are said to be turning in anyone who helped western operations Musa, 35, a former supervisor of translators, said villagers in rural Paktia Province were turning in those who had worked for Western forces to Taliban fighters. He revealed how his 11-year-old son, Ilyas, was abducted on his way to take exams at school yesterday and beaten with sticks by insurgents. He was rescued, it is claimed, by the intervention of tribal elders. Musa, who has twice been rejected for relocation because he was dismissed, said: The Taliban has spies everywhere and they are rewarded for betraying those who worked for the British. We were very lucky to have my son back alive. He is a child who is a target because of my work for the UK. Other translators were targeted as intense street-to-street fighting between Taliban and Afghan forces spread through Helmands capital Lashkar Gah. One house was hit repeatedly by gunfire while fighters smashed in the door of another property before blowing down a wall. Both translators are among a dozen ex-interpreters for Special Forces waiting to hear from ministers if their pleas for sanctuary have been approved. A decision is expected in days. Former translator Musa, whose son was kidnapped and beaten. He has twice been refused sanctuary in the UK and claims t be a Taliban target Abdul, 34, a father of five who worked for three years with UK forces, said: If they find us, they will kill us. Insurgents are looking for revenge across the country. We need to be rescued before it is too late. Habib, 39, a father of two who worked with the SAS, said Taliban gunmen have already fired into his house. Everyone in my village knows I worked for the British and I am just waiting for the next time the Taliban comes, he said. I want those in London making the decisions to recognise this and show compassion to those who risked their lives for their soldiers. Their cases have been highlighted by the Daily Mails award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign which two days ago helped 21 Afghan translators at the British Embassy in Kabul win relocation to the UK after originally being rejected. The U-turn came after the Mail revealed how Farid, their senior interpreter, was shot in an ambush only to be denied sanctuary three weeks later. Last night it emerged that at least two other ex-embassy translators were also denied sanctuary. They plan to reapply. The founder of the Hay literature festival has quit after bullying allegations against him were upheld. Peter Florence, 56, was suspended last October over what one insider described as 'a particular style of management'. Yesterday, it emerged that the festival's board had unanimously endorsed the finding of an independent review that he had committed gross misconduct. It said the complaint had been backed by more than half of the Welsh festival team and the decision came after a 'thorough and extensive process'. 'The board will now be seeking new leadership for the world-renowned non-profit organisation,' it added. The case is understood to relate to a grievance lodged by a member of staff. Mr Florence hit back last night, saying: 'My role had become untenable due to the conduct of the board and its insistence on holding a disciplinary hearing in my absence whilst I was off sick following a breakdown.' He said he was incredibly proud of the festival and hoped it would continue to go from strength to strength. Caroline Michel, chairman of the event, insisted the decision was not related to an allegation that a Hay worker sent to the United Arab Emirates to launch an offshoot of the festival was sexually assaulted by a member of Abu Dhabi's ruling family. Dubbed the 'King of Hay', Peter Florence (pictured), 56, founded the festival with his parents, Norman and Rhoda, in 1988 Caroline Michel (pictured), chairman of the event, insisted the decision was not related to an allegation that a Hay worker sent to the United Arab Emirates to launch an offshoot of the festival was sexually assaulted by a member of Abu Dhabi's ruling family The Hay-on-Wye festival was dubbed 'Hay on Wi-fi' last year after moving online, with guests including author Maggie O'Farrell, actress Vanessa Redgrave and comedian Stephen Fry She said Mr Florence had failed to engage with the disciplinary process for nine months following his suspension, leaving the board with no choice but to act. She added that the fact more than half the staff backed the complaint illustrated the 'sheer number' of those behind it. Mr Florence did not head this year's festival, a digital event held in May under the leadership of finance director Tania Hudson. Dubbed the 'King of Hay', he founded the festival with his parents, Norman and Rhoda, in 1988. In 2019 he was granted the honour of being the chairman of the Booker prize jury which caused controversy by giving the award jointly to Bernardine Evaristo and Margaret Atwood. The Hay-on-Wye festival was dubbed 'Hay on Wi-fi' last year after moving online, with guests including author Maggie O'Farrell, actress Vanessa Redgrave and comedian Stephen Fry. The sheikh in the UAE allegation denies wrongdoing. The owner of an alpaca due to be put down this week after a four-year legal battle ended in the High Court last night called on the Prime Minister to intervene. Helen Macdonald has spent 100,000 in legal costs and lost her alpaca business a further 80,000 in her bid to save just one of her 75-strong herd. Geronimo, eight, was effectively put on death row in 2017 when he tested positive for bovine tuberculosis after being imported from New Zealand. Miss Macdonald, 50, argued the result was a false positive caused by Geronimo being injected with tuberculin for skin tests. Describing herself as upset and ragingly angry after the High Court ruling in favour of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs last Thursday, the registered veterinary nurse said: I am calling on Boris Johnson to personally intervene and ask [Defra Secretary of State] George Eustice to sit down with experts and make this right. In the meantime, Geronimo who won competitions for his jet black coat in New Zealand and is worth 15,000 has been kept in isolation at her farm in Wickwar, south Gloucestershire. Helen Macdonald (pictured with Geronimo) has spent 100,000 in legal costs and lost her alpaca business a further 80,000 in her bid to save just one of her 75-strong herd Geronimo, eight, was effectively put on death row in 2017 when he tested positive for bovine tuberculosis after being imported from New Zealand (Pictured left and again right with owner Helen Macdonald) The legal ups and downs have seen him receive his last supper of grass pellets seven times already. No 10 declined to comment yesterday. Miss Macdonalds nightmare began in August 2017 when she submitted Geronimo, now eight, for a voluntary blood test for TB shortly after he was imported from New Zealand. Defra said he had to be destroyed after the tests came back positive. But the 50-year-old registered veterinary nurse argued it was a false positive caused by being injected with tuberculin for skin tests just before he left for the UK. The British Alpaca Society backed her and wrote to Mr Eustice to voice concerns but the pleas fell on deaf ears. Since then, Miss Macdonald, who fell in love with Alpacas when she first saw one in Australia in the 1980s and started breeding them 19 years ago, has spent every weekend and every night reading through test results, scientific studies and speaking to lawyers. Miss Macdonald (pictured with Geronimo), who is single and has no children, has managed to scrape the money together by borrowing money from family, while online crowdfunding has also raised around 15,000 Miss Macdonald, who is single and has no children, has managed to scrape the money together by borrowing money from family. Online crowdfunding has also raised around 15,000. She said: The court has made its decision in law but that doesnt mean the people who created this farce arent accountable. There is time to put this right. The British Alpaca Society said Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency hold all the cards because it is up to them whether more tests can be carried out. It added: BAS endorse the request for a further test of Geronimo to better understand what has happened. To date, such requests have been declined by DEFRA/APHA. It appears there is a fear of finding out further information. Twelve residents at an aged care home have been rushed to hospital after testing positive to Covid-19 amid Sydney's Delta outbreak. An aged care worker at the Wyoming Nursing Home in Summer Hill in Sydney's inner-west first tested positive to the virus on July 27. The partially-vaccinated employee, who was asymptomatic, is believed to have brought the virus into the home from the community. A spokesman for the home - which is also known as Hardi Summer Hill - said 80 per cent of its 65 residents and 75 per cent of its 60 staff were fully vaccinated. The aged care outbreak came as New South Wales recorded 239 locally-acquired cases on Sunday - a joint pandemic record for new infections in the state in one day. Scroll down for video Twelve residents at the Wyoming Nursing Home in Summer Hill in Sydney's inner-west have been rushed to hospital after testing positive to Covid-19 amid the city's Delta outbreak 'Twelve residents have been identified as positive for Covid-19,' a Wyoming Nursing Home spokesman said. 'They have been transferred to hospital as a precaution and the staff member, as well as her close contacts, are now in isolation.' The home has been locked down to all visitors and residents still in the home are in self-isolation, the spokesman said. 'Expert infection prevention and control staff, infectious diseases staff as well as clinical staff are on site to ensure adherence to strict infection control processes including correct personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of residents and staff,' the home said in a statement NSW Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Jeremy McNulty on Sunday announced several cases have been identified across aged care facilities, impacting Australia's most vulnerable age groups. 'There are a number of aged care facilities across the city that have been affected, with staff and residents infected,' Dr McNulty told reporters. New South Wales recorded 239 locally-acquired cases on Sunday - a joint pandemic record for new infections in the state in one day. Pictured are Sydneysiders on Bondi Beach on Sunday 'On a regular basis we are seeing cases in hospital settings or aged care settings and we have even had some disability settings as well.' Dr McNulty said the contagion is spreading through a facility in the city's inner-west, but most of those who have so far tested positive were vaccinated. 'There is an outbreak in a Summer Hill aged care facility with I understand nine residents affected,' he said. 'Fortunately, many of those have been vaccinated. As I understand it, the ones with vaccination are doing relatively well.' Dr McNulty said he did not have information about why some of the nine elderly residents were not vaccinated. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian meanwhile said trends show transmissions are taking place in workplaces and households. Ms Berejiklian said 'pleasingly' the bulk of the cases were not outside the main eight Sydney local government areas of concern. 'We are again seeing the virus circulating in workplaces and in homes,' she said. A nurse receives the Pfizer vaccine at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Vaccination Hub in Sydney in February Ms Berejiklian said in the previous 24 hours more than 82,000 people in NSW had been vaccinated. 'At that rate we are vaccinating 500,000 of people per week,' she said. Of the 239 locally acquired cases recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday, 115 are linked to a known case or cluster - 92 are household contacts and 23 are close contacts. The source of infection for 124 cases is under investigation. There are currently 222 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital in NSW. Of these, 54 people are in intensive care, 25 of whom require ventilation. There were 87,712 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm on Saturday night. Earlier on Sunday, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said authorities would keep harsher lockdown measures in specific local government areas despite calls to expand certain rules for all of Sydney. Health workers conducted more than 87,000 tests in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday night Pictured: Two masked women walk their dogs along Bondi Beach on Sunday The Australian Medical Association President Dr Omar Khorshid called for travel limits within a 5km radius from home and outdoor mask wearing rules to be extended beyond eight local government areas. 'We're trying to strike a balance and I think the balance is appropriate,' Mr Hazzard told ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. He said when Sydney locked down the northern beaches during an outbreak last year and the eastern suburbs during this outbreak there was a 'high level of compliance'. The lockdown in Sydney's southwest had been more 'challenging', he said. NSW recorded its 14th death in this current outbreak on Saturday, a man in his 60s who died at home in southwest Sydney. When asked about his previous comments that Sydney families were turning up to hospitals with a Covid-19 infected relative who is 'not alive but dead' the minister said he would not go into the family's 'personal circumstances'. 'All I'll say is that there was broad infection in the family and there was no effort to get to health authorities, as I understand it, until it was too late,' Mr Hazzard said. He said there was a reluctance for large 'refugee family groups' where there are few income earners to come forward to health authorities. NSW Police were out in force on Saturday for a massive operation to prevent a repeat of the anti-lockdown protest in the CBD last weekend Sydney and surrounding regions are in lockdown until at least August 28, as health authorities battle to contain the virulent Delta strain outbreak. Saturday marked the return to work for the construction sector after a fortnight-long enforced break, with work allowed to resume on non-occupied sites provided Covid-safe plans are in force. But the sector cannot call on 68,000 workers - or 42 per cent of the workforce - from eight council areas worst-hit by the city's coronavirus outbreak. The state's workplace safety regulator said construction sites should expect a visit to ensure they're complying with public health orders. Meanwhile, a threatened anti-lockdown protest in central Sydney failed to eventuate on Saturday. Police set up an exclusion zone around the city between 9am and 3pm after warning taxi and rideshare companies they would face fines of up to half a million dollars for transporting passengers into the CBD. An Australian hurdler gave a brutally honest response after she missed out on the final of her event at the Tokyo Olympics in heartbreaking fashion. Liz Clay finished third in the semifinal of the women's 100m hurdles, running a personal best time of 12.71 seconds. She then watched third-placed finishers in two of the other semis go slightly faster, pushing her out of the final by an excruciating 0.08 seconds. 'It really hurts, I dont have much more to say other than that,' Clay told Channel Seven immediately after the race. 'To miss out by 0.08 or something is pretty crap.' Australian 100m hurdler missed out on the final at the Tokyo Olympics by 0.08 seconds She finished third in her heat, running a personal best time of 12.71 seconds but was beaten to the final by two faster third-place finishers in other semifinals Clay's blunt response followed a race marred by false starts. It took three attempts to get the race started after two false starts were called, despite none of the competitors in the race appearing to break early. Technology used to measure the pressure a runner puts on the starting blocks to alert of a running breaking early was believed to be the cause of the false starts. Veteran commentator Bruce McAvaney also criticised officials for the time it took between false starts to get the race re-set. 'Whatever is happening it has to be sorted out because if we have a situation like this in the final of this race or the (mens) 100m final tonight (it will be a disaster),' he said. 'And then a long delay after the break. Too long that delay of six or seven minutes. This is messy.' Clay, 26, overcame a series of setbacks including illness and a broken foot in 2018 to make her Olympic debut in Tokyo. 'It hurts a lot. I know Im good enough to be there,' she told Seven. 'I dealt with those false starts pretty well I thought. 'Im still proud of myself but I wanted it so bad. I cant believe I didnt get there to be honest.' 'Look out in three years, Im going to be in the final in Paris.' Clay had overcome illness and injury to make her Olympic debut at age 26 and said she would be back to make the final at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024 Swimmer Emma McKeon led a gold rush for Australia on Sunday at the Tokyo Olympics, winning the 50m freestyle Clay's near miss came as the Australian team won more gold medals on a single day than ever before. Emma McKeon took gold in the women's 50m freestyle before the women's relay team (including McKeon) repeated thee feat in the 4x100m medley relay. Matt Wearn then added gold by winning the men's laser sailing event, while Queenslander Logan Martin won the first-ever men's gold in the new freestyle BMX event. Australia's golden day put it fourth overall on the medal table by the end of Sunday, with 14 gold medals. Millions living in the countryside will be lifted out of the digital slow lane to enjoy lightning-fast broadband, ministers say. 5billion of taxpayers money is being spent on upgrading digital infrastructure under a Government drive to level up internet access. The plan, Project Gigabit, will see as many as 2.2million homes and offices in 26 counties across England get the fastest internet speeds on the market by 2025. It is targeted at rural areas where businesses and families have long suffered from poor connections. 5billion of taxpayers money is being spent on upgrading digital infrastructure under a Government drive to level up internet access When the upgrades are complete, residents will be able to download films in less than half a minute thanks to broadband speeds of one gigabit 1,000 megabits per second, far higher than the current nationwide average of 72 megabits per second. It will boost tech firms, make it easier to do business and put an end to families battling for bandwidth, according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Oliver Dowden, the Digital Secretary, said last night: Project Gigabit is our national mission to level up rural areas by giving them the fastest internet speeds on the market. Millions more rural homes and businesses will be lifted out of the digital slow lane thanks to our 5billion investment and one of the quickest rollouts in Europe. This broadband revolution will create jobs, power up businesses and allow everyone to access vital services at lightning-fast speed, helping us build back better from the pandemic. The plan, Project Gigabit, will see as many as 2.2million homes and offices in 26 counties across England get the fastest internet speeds on the market by 2025 Ahead of the 2019 General Election, Boris Johnson promised that gigabit-speed broadband would be rolled out to every home in Britain. But last autumn the ambitious goal was watered down to achieving a minimum of 85 per cent coverage by 2025. Ministers believe this lower target will be met and say the UK is on track for the fastest rollout in Europe, with 60 per cent of households to have access to gigabit-speed internet by the end of this year. Much of the investment is being made by the commercial installation of fibre networks under major towns and cities. However in harder-to-reach areas at risk of being left behind, the Government has set aside 5billion to subsidise the companies work. In March, the first nine areas to benefit from the funding were named, including Labours former Red Wall areas of Durham, Tyneside and Teesside as well as remote Northumberland and Cornwall. Today the next phase of the project is announced, covering almost half a million premises in Shropshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Worcestershire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Derbyshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Lancashire, Surrey, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire will be next in line to get faster internet. Commercial providers can bid to install the cables in parts of a county that currently lack fast broadband. Procurement for the lots announced today will start next year, with contracts not beginning until October 2023 at the latest. The details come at the start of an infrastructure week planned by Downing Street to show the Prime Ministers levelling-up agenda is delivering results. Banking tech guru Kandasamy Kannan was found guilty of intentionally possessing the woman as a slave between July 2007 and July 2015 The ramshackle bedroom where an Indian grandmother was held as a domestic slave and only allowed to sleep one hour a night has been revealed for the first time since her evil captors were sentenced to prison. Husband and wife Kandasamy and Kumuthini Kannan were found guilty in April of intentionally possessing and using the vulnerable Indian woman as a slave between July 2007 and July 2015. The hideous crime against humanity was only uncovered after the emancipated victim was found by emergency workers lying in a pool of her own urine weighing just 40kg and suffering from gangrene. When she was rushed to hospital the horrific extent of her long history of abuse at the hands of the cruel couple was finally revealed. The 67-year-old had been doused in boiling water on occasions, beaten and forced to prepare meals and clean the Kannans' Glen Waverley home, in Melbourne's east, for just three dollars a day. Husband and wife Kandasamy and Kumuthini Kannan (pictured) were found guilty in April of intentionally possessing and using the vulnerable Indian woman as a slave between July 2007 and July 2015 Cruel and cramped: The small bedroom where an Indian grandmother was held as a domestic slave in Melbourne Video and images show the squalid conditions in the small room where she was kept. Boxes of food and other junk completely cover the top bunk as well as the rest of the room. An ironing board can be seen in the cramped room about one metre away from the woman's bed and the backyard is scattered with litter and debris. Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling, who leads the Australian Federal Police's Victorian Human Exploitation team, called the chilling case one of the 'worst' examples of modern slavery she's come across. 'She'd been laying on the floor for quite a period of time before finally she was taken to a hospital and admitted under a false name,' she told News Corp. 'She had untreated diabetes, she had gangrene in her feet she had no teeth. There was evidence of beatings, of things being thrown at her, boiling water.' Husband and wife Kandasamy and Kumuthini Kannan held the woman in the bedroom (pictured) between July 2007 and July 2015 Ringleader Kumuthini Kannan during her last day of freedom last month. She remained a remorseless slaver up until she was sentenced Detective Superintendent Crossling said although the case may appear to be a one-off that rarely occurs in Australia, the horrific crime is far more common than most Aussies might think and can often 'hide in plain sight' in the suburbs. In fact, in the past financial year, federal police responded to over 200 reports of modern slavery on Australian shores. 'We want Australians to know that unfortunately these sorts of crimes that you imagine happen in different parts of the world are actually happening here. It's not a one off.' The victim in this case was particularly vulnerable because she was illiterate in her own language and couldn't understand English. The 67-year-old victim was forced to prepare meals and clean the Kannan's Glen Waverley home, in Melbourne's east, for just three dollars a day Sickening footage released by the AFP shows the filthy conditions the slave lived in To make things even worse, the Kannans had essentially cut off all her contact with her family back in India. The woman's expired passport was also stolen by the couple, making it impossible for her to leave. Supreme Court of Victoria Justice John Champion earlier this month in Melbourne condemned Kumuthini - the ringleader of the crime - to eight years behind bars, with a non-parole period of just four years. Her husband was sentenced to six years, with a non-parole period of three years - five years less than his slave was held captive. Kandasamy Kannan had enjoyed months of additional freedom even after being found guilty Their identities had been hidden for years after they successfully argued for a court-imposed gag order. The wicked couple had wanted to protect their young children from the shame of being the spawn of devilish slavers. Until the sentencing hearing, their father had remained free in the community after he successfully argued in June for the second time that someone needed to look after their autistic teens. Kumuthini, who was locked up then, learned her fate via a videolink from her new home at Dame Phyliss Frost Centre. Dressed in white prison garb, the 53-year old rocked back and forth in her chair as her fate was read aloud to more than 180 people via a live stream. Kumuthini had been painted as the cruel slave keeper, who dominated over her pathetic husband and their slave. In delivering a long and self-serving sentence that dragged on for more than two hours and required a rest break, Justice Champion went into graphic detail about the horrendous condition the slave had been found in. The slave had been their 'dirty secret', he told the court - a vulnerable one they exploited. Kumuthini - who Justice Champion branded a compulsive liar - had left her on the bathroom floor to take her children to a concert before finally calling triple zero on her return. Doctors described her victim as 'fading away'. Traumatised and with serious medical conditions, she spent more than two months in hospital recovering - and for much of that time nobody knew her real identity due to a 'litany of lies' told by the couple. Kumuthini Kannan was found guilty of being a slave driver. She would slash her servant with a knife if she was not satisfied with her work, a jury heard The jury heard Kumunthini had beaten her slave with a frozen chicken, tossed boiling water on her legs, splashed hot tea in her face and poured curries over her head. The couple had been accused of working their slave near to death and allowed her just an hour of sleep for years at a time. Speaking to a federal agent, the former slave later outlined her years of misery in six recorded interviews. '(Kumuthini) be drinking hot coffee and then she will just, you know, pour it on my face ... and then she will be grab the gravy and pour it on my head,' the woman said. 'She will say 'curries not nice' and then she will just throw it on me.' On Wednesday, the elderly woman did not appear in court and was not represented by anyone else - her slavers' fate left unknown to her until otherwise notified. She declined to provide a victim impact statement, declaring she had 'said all she had to say'. Had she tuned in, she would have heard no acknowledgement by Justice Champion of her claims of torture. They had been claims he accepted could not be proven by the woman. Justice Champion further accepted the pair had not initially planned to use her as a slave, but had embraced the idea for a 'substantial' amount of time. He described the couple's offending as 'repugnant, degrading and a gross breach of human rights'. Justice Champion accepted Kumunthini was more morally culpable for the offending than her husband, who is now aged 57. The Kannans had faced 25 years in jail for the heinous crime - one that is believed to be the first of its kind brought to sentence in an Australian court. Kandasamy Kannan walks into the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday Kandasamy Kannan faced his fate alone on Wednesday after his evil wife was locked up last month The Kannans had denied torturing their captive and remained remorseless and in denial right up until sentence. In sentencing, Justice Champion accepted Kumunthini suffered depression which would make her time behind bars tougher. He also accepted the couple had both suffered 'hardship' because their wicked behaviour had impacted negatively on their children. However, he condemned them for failing to accept responsibility for the crime. 'Your primary focus appears to have been on yourselves ... I am quite convinced you both believe you have done nothing wrong,' Justice Champion said. In taking into account all mitigating factors, the judge, who will now head into retirement, told the pair he would show them a 'degree of mercy'. 'You are both culpable through significant degrees, but not to the same extent ... it could have been stopped by either of you at any time,' Justice Champion said. Kumunthini had smiled broadly just minutes before learning her fate in April, still supremely confident that the jury had swallowed her lies. The jury of 12 had delivered its verdict after deliberating for just over a day. It was still summer when the husband-and-wife slavers first faced the jury on February 10. Kumunthini burst into tears upon hearing the guilty verdicts. Police believed Kumuthini Kannan (pictured) had held her captive like 'Harry Potter' She held her head in her hands and slumped her head into her husband's shoulders as he too was found guilty. Kumunthini had been a beacon of arrogance throughout the epic trial, often smiling while her victim gave harrowing evidence. Despite the guilty verdict, the couple were granted bail until their sentence, which was pushed back until July. While Kandasamy remained free to look after the kids - Kumunthini was sent to jail on June 30. The court heard the Kannans had been so confident they would walk free, they had not even discussed how their children might be cared for should they be immediately taken into custody. Upon verdict, Justice Champion noted the couple had been in denial of reality that this day would come. 'It does Mr and Mrs Kannan no credit ... they have placed a gun at the court's head and they ought be condemned for that,' he said then. The plight of their children remained a weapon against their incarceration right up until their sentence. Police believed the slaver (pictured) had held her captive like 'Harry Potter' In closing the Crown case, Richard Maidment told jurors the couple's payments to the woman amounted to just $3.39 a day in exchange for childcare, washing, cleaning and preparing meals. The experienced prosecutor would retire before the Kannans' sentence on Wednesday. He had previously told the court the pair had fudged their captive's visa documents to allow her to stay in Australia illegally. The woman had hoped to earn enough money in Australia to help support her family in India, the jury was told. 'By 6 August 2007 she had become an unlawful non citizen with the full knowledge and connivance of (the couple),' Mr Maidment said. Police believed they were dealing with a real-life Harry Potter when they rescued the woman, the jury heard. Mr Maidment told the jury there was no need to ponder the motive why the couple would risk their reputations and liberty to keep the woman illegally for so long. 'The Crown says that is crystal clear. It was crystal clear that they wanted essentially to import a true, tried and tested child carer and domestic servant, knowing that they could pay her next to nothing so that they could continue to live and maintain a five-bedroom home, that they could maintain their lifestyle, that Kumuthini could contemplate a part-time job, three days a week, and also to afford family trips overseas pretty much every year and interstate also on a regular basis,' he said. Kumuthini Kannan had been accused of throwing things when unhappy with her slave Mr Maidment said the couple made sure they had treated their slave well in front of the children she had been enslaved to raise. 'The children were very fond of her and the notion that they would always be unkind to her or that they wouldn't essentially treat her as part of the household, is ridiculous,' he said. 'Clearly, they were going to be concerned about her relationship with the children. Her willingness to work hard. It was important for them to treat her, in many respects, as a member of the household.' But Mr Maidment said it didn't alter the level of control that they had for her. 'Or the deep down, disrespect they had for her situation, or their willingness to exploit her in terms of paying her so far below the appropriate remuneration as to amount to an indicator of slavery,' he said. The jury heard the woman had been effectively stranded in her captive home, unable to even use a bus or call for help from her family back in India. 'Her world, other than that which the (couple) exposed them to by actually taking her to places like Sydney, like Phillip Island, like Cape Woolamai ... was the immediate area of the house, Gillian Road Park and that's about it. So that was her world and the backyard,' Mr Maidment said. 'They effectively controlled every aspect of her life, where she went, who she met, controlled her work and her leisure to the extent that she had any and in every practical sense.' Kumuthini maintained the woman was a rotten liar. She had had smiled and sneered from behind a medical mask for much of the trial. Barrister Dr Gideon Boas - for Kumuthini - had told the jury his client's accuser was 'not a witness of truth'. Kumunthini Kannan walks into the Supreme Court of Victoria for the last time before she was jailed last month Khandasamy (left) and Kumuthini Kannan spend their last moments together before she was sent to jail Dr Boas told the jury the federal agents who interviewed his client had believed the alleged victim had been held like the fictional wizard, whom was famously imprisoned under the stairs of his captors in the J.K. Rowling hit books and movies. 'So, no doubt the police had in their minds at this stage they were dealing with somebody like Harry Potter being, you know, held under the stairs or something, right?' he told the jury. Dr Boas dismissed the woman's claims the slave had been kept confined within the family home for years and insisted she had instead been treated like a beloved member of the family. When the trial opened in February, Dr Boas made it clear the slave had cooked-up the story to avoid being deported back to India after overstaying her temporary visa. Dr Boas told the jury his client actually considered the woman as family and referred to her affectionately as 'grandmother'. He claimed the only crime his client had committed was harbouring the woman after her one-month travel visa had expired. It was fear of prosecution over the visa violation that not only caused the woman to lie to authorities, but her to lie about her captivity, the court heard. The jury disagreed. A goggles catastrophe denied the United States a medal in the mixed medley swimming relay in a moment of incredible misfortune for 17-year-old Lydia Jacoby. Jacoby's goggles fell from her eyes just after she dived into the pool for the second leg breast stroke with her team tied in first place and the mishap proved costly as they finished in fifth, three seconds behind winners Great Britain, who set a new world record in the event. The US had got off to a good start after Ryan Murphy's backstroke leg left them tied in the lead with Italy but when Jacoby dived in, wearing only one cap rather than the usual two, her googles slipped down to her mouth. Lydia Jacoby had to swim with her goggles by her mouth after they slipped when she dived in Jacoby battled on in the relay but had trouble seeing the wall when it came to doing turns The mishap meant she struggled to see the wall, causing real trouble when it came to her turns. An impaired Jacoby valiantly battled through her two laps, but the U.S. fell to sixth. The Americans were in eighth when Tori Huske turned it over to Caeleb Dressel, the fastest swimmer in the world, for the closing freestyle leg. He had far too much of a deficit to make up, only pulling the Americans up to fifth at the finish. 'I was definitely panicking,' said Jacoby. 'My turn was where it was most rough because I couldn't see the wall.' Seventeen-year-old Jacoby said she was 'definitely panicking' after the goggles mishap Dressel, who was aiming for six gold medals in Tokyo, said his team's result was 'unacceptable'. 'We didn't execute well. Fifth-place is unacceptable for USA Swimming, and we're very aware of that. Our standard is gold,' he said. But he added: 'I think everyone swam as well as they could have in the moment.' The other countries either went with two men on the first two legs and two women on the last two or women on the opening and closing legs with two men swimming the middle legs. The British team boasted 100 breaststroke champion Adam Peaty, who moved them from sixth to fourth. Anna Hopkin swam the anchor leg, knowing that Dressel was lurking in the choppy water. 'He's so fast, it is a bit intimidating,' she said. Caeleb Dressel (in pool, right) dived in last for Team USA and had no chance of catching up Dressel, who was going for six gold medals in Tokyo, said finishing fifth was 'unacceptable' No need to worry, though. Dressel was over 8 seconds off the lead when he took over. 'The guys ahead of me got me such a good lead,' Hopkin said. 'He wasn't catching me.' The U.S. finish doomed Dressel's chance to win six golds in Tokyo. He earlier led off the winning 4x100 free relay, and won the 100 free and 100 butterfly. He goes for two more golds in the 50 free and 4x100 medley relay on Sunday, the final day of swimming. For the second time in the Olympics, the U.S. failed to earn a medal in a relay that it entered, after a fourth-place finish in the men's 4x200 free relay in Tokyo. 'Next year at worlds, we'll give it another go and put the pieces together again,' Dressel said. Securing his place as one of the biggest stars of the Tokyo Olympics, Caeleb Dressel won finished off his gold rush at the Tokyo Olympics with two more dazzling swims - picking up his fourth and fifth gold medals. The 24-year-old Floridian captured his fourth and fifth gold medals of the Tokyo Games on Sunday. Dressel cruised to a relatively easy win in the frenetic dash from one end of the pool to the other in the 50-meter freestyle Sunday, touching in an Olympic record of 21.07 seconds. He was perfect in the events he had a chance in, capping off his stunning week in the final race at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre by putting the Americans ahead to stay in the 4x100 medley relay on their way to a world record. Dressel's two golds today means he is the stuff of Olympic legend. He joins fellow Americans Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi and East Germany's Kristin Otto, as the only swimmers to win as many as five golds at a single Olympics. Caeleb Dressel, the fastest man in the world in water, stormed to gold in the 50m freestyle Team GB's Ben Proud just missed out on a medal as he finished fifth, 0.15 seconds behind third Dressel described his medal haul as 'surreal' as the swimmer from Florida clinched his fifth gold in the Olympic swimming pool. He said he was 'excited' by all the success he has enjoyed this past week and added: 'At the moment, I am trying to take it all in.' The golden guy of Team US swimming had one gold which he secured in Rio when he arrived in Japan and he leaves with five more. He said: 'It's fantastic. I wouldnt change a single thing.' But he confessed that there were more unenjoyable parts of the Olympics than enjoyable due to the fierce competition for medals. However, he added: 'But the highs are very high. The nerves are a bit different during the meet and after the meet they dont exist. 'It's a really special moment. I'm really proud of myself. It's just really fun racing. I will pat myself on the back and then go away and compete again.' Asked what his 50m victory in Tokyo meant to him, he said:' It means a lot. That was the first race that kick-started my swimming career ever since I was a kid. 'So it has come full circle. 'I remember watching Manaudou (who took silver) win that in London. So it is crazy. I remember watching it on TV. 'So it is an honour to be able to race him and be able to get my hands on the world first with a race stacked with guys who I have been watching race as a kid. So it is funny, really funny. 'It's very surreal. I am just trying to take it all in with being on the podiums, and all the Tokyo 2020. It is all over now. I am excited. Dressel also won Olympic gold in the 100 meter freestyle, the 100m butterfly, and the 4x100m freestyle. He set two world records in the butterfly and the 100m free,. A few minutes after Dressel climbed from the pool, Australia's Emma McKeon completed her own freestyle sweep. She touched in 23.81 seconds to take the women's 50 free, adding to her victory in the 100 and her sixth medal overall at these games. In keeping with the theme of the day, Bobby Finke pulled off his own sweep in the two longest freestyle races. Dressel has now won four gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics after his latest victory With another strong finishing kick, Finke became the first American man in 37 years to win the 1,500 freestyle. He added to his victory in the 800 free, a new men's event at these games. In the men's 50, France's Florent Manaudou finished behind Dressel to repeat as the Olympic silver medalist in 21.55, while Brazil's Bruno Fratus claimed the bronze in 21.57 - edging American Michael Andrew for the final spot on the podium. In the ready room shortly before the race, Dressel paced back and forth anxiously while most of the other swimmers relaxed in their chairs. Then, he was cool as can be in swimming's most furious lap. Popping up from the water with the lead, as is always the case with his impeccable underwater technique, Dressel was clearly in front all the way in a race that is often too close to call. Dressel had one more event - the 4x100 medley relay, a race the United States has never lost at the Olympics. He was swimming the butterfly leg in a race that caps nine days of swimming competition at a 15,000-seat that, sadly, was largely empty throughout the meet. If Dressel claims a fifth victory, he would join Americans Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi, as well as East Germany's Kristin Otto, as the only swimmers to win as many as five golds at a single Olympics. Phelps did it three times. McKeon also has a shot at history after winning with an Olympic-record time of 23.81. The silver went to Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom in 24.07, while defending Olympic champion Pernille Blume of Denmark settled for bronze this time in 24.21. American Abbey Weitzeil finished last in the eight-woman field. The American blew his competition away as he recorded a superb time of 21.07 seconds McKeon has a chance to earn her seventh medal in the 4x100 medley relay. No female swimmer has ever captured that many at a single games. Just as he did in winning the 800 free, Finke stayed close throughout the 30-lap race and turned on the speed at the end. He touched in 14 minutes, 39.65 seconds. Ukraine's Mykhailo Romanchuk took the silver in 14:40.66, while the bronze went to Germany's Florian Wellbrock in 14:40.91. Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri faded to fourth in 14:45.01. The top four were close nearly the entire race, often separated by less than a second. But that was right where Finke needed to be. After his closing lap in the 800, he knew he had the speed at the end to beat everyone else. Finke has been perhaps the biggest American surprise at the pool. Relatively unknown before the U.S. trials, he became the first American male to win the grueling event since Mike O'Brien at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Saginaw Grant, a prolific Native American character actor and hereditary chief of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma, has died at age 85. Grant had a prolific career featuring numerous roles on television and appearances in films including The Lone Ranger and The World's Fastest Indian. The actor died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on Wednesday at a private care facility in Hollywood, California, said Lani Carmichael, Grant's publicist and longtime friend. Prolific: Saginaw Grant, a Native American actor who appeared on Harts Of The West, Nash Bridges and Baywatch, died Wednesday at age 85 of natural causes, according to his publicist; seen in 2019 in San Diego 'He loved both Oklahoma and L.A.,' Carmichael said. 'He made his home here as an actor, but he never forgot his roots in Oklahoma. He remained a fan of the Sooner Nation.' The news of his death was also shared in a post on his Facebook page. 'Its with heavy hearts we announce a warrior has been called home,' the post began. 'Saginaw Morgan Grant, the hereditary chief and medicine man of the Sac & Fox tribe, traveled the world speaking of his traditions, his experiences, his sobriety and his faith as both a Native American and a Christian.' Grant's most significant television role was a recurring part from 199394 on Harts Of The West, which starred Beau Bridges and his father Lloyd Bridges. He also played a man who sells a truck to Bryan Cranston's Walter White on the 2013 Breaking Bad episode Ozymandias, which has gone on to become one of the most acclaimed episodes from the iconic crime series. Grant was equally at home in crowd-pleasing shows on the major networks with appearances on Baywatch, Nash Bridges, My Name Is Earl and Saving Grace and acclaimed prestige shows on cable networks, including American Horror Story, Baskets, The League, Shameless and Veep. High profile: Grant had roles in the Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer film The Lone Ranger and appeared in the pivotal Breaking Bad episode Ozymandias from 2013; seen in the TV movie Stolen Women, Captured Hearts in 1997 Peaceful: The actor died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on Wednesday at a private care facility in Hollywood, California, said Lani Carmichael, Grant's publicist and longtime friend The actor worked twice with Anthony Hopkins, first in his 2005 film The World's Fastest Indian and then again in 2007 on Slipstream, which Hopkins wrote and directed in addition to starring in. Born July 20, 1936, in Pawnee, Oklahoma, Grant was a US Marine Corps veteran. He began acting in the early 1980s in commercials, before transitioning into film and television roles later in the decade. Grant was active for years in the powwow circuit in California and traveled around the globe to speak to people about Native American culture, Carmichael added. Varied career: He was equally at ease in crowd-pleasing shows on the major networks and critically acclaimed prestige shows; seen with David Hasselhoff on Baywatch 'His motto in life was always respect one another and don't talk about one another in a negative way,' she said. Grant was also active in the Native American veterans community and participated for years in the National Gathering of American Indian Veterans, said Joseph Podlasek, the event's organizer. 'He thought it was important for Native people to get recognized as veterans,' Podlasek said. 'He was kind and gentle, and very humble.' A memorial for Grant will be held in the Los Angeles area, but details have not yet been finalized, Carmichael said. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa, as well as his grandchildren Cassandra, Vanessa and Della, his great-grandchildren Joseph, Sherry Jo, Stephen and Micah Little Crow, and his brothers Austin and Francis She is well known for showing off her impeccable form on magazine covers and runways alike. And on Saturday, Alessandra Ambrosio proved that she was still keeping her physique in peak condition as she worked on a photoshoot in her native country of Brazil. The 40-year-old supermodel appeared to be enjoying her time in the shining tropical sun as she posed for a couple of smoking shots before taking a break to adjust her outfit. Strutting her stuff: Alessandra Ambrosio was seen putting on an eye-catching display during a photoshoot in Trancoso, Brazil on Saturday Ambrosio was dressed in a low-cut floral-printed blouse that exposed a slight portion of her immaculately toned tummy while she posed for a few photos. The former Victoria's Secret Angel paired her top with a matching skirt that placed much of her toned thighs and legs on full display. The fashion industry figure also sported a set of sandals that featured white straps that added an element of contrast to her outfit. The runway regular accessorized with several bracelets and an ornate necklace, all of which brought a bit of shine to her ensemble. Dressed to impress: The supermodel sported a floral-printed and low-cut blouse that was paired with a matching skirt Luscious locks: The former Victoria's Secret Angel's beautiful brunette hair cascaded onto her shoulders and backside during the photoshoot Ambrosio also wore a stylish pair of dark sunglasses during the shoot, although she later took off her eyewear. The supermodel's beautiful brunette locks cascaded onto her backside and chest during the photoshoot. Later in the day, she shared a video of herself spending time at a picturesque beach to her Instagram account. Soaking up the sun: Ambrosio also shared a video of herself spending time at a beach to her Instagram account on Saturday afternoon The fashion industry personality was dressed in a bright green bikini top that showed off much of her tanned form while she enjoyed her day on the sand. She also sported a matching bikini bottom that placed an emphasis on her curvy thighs in the clip. The runway regular accessorized with a pair of sunglasses and several gold necklaces. The clothing designer also wrote a brief message in the post's caption that read: 'Maybe we can see the seaside' Appropriate attire: The fashion industry icon sported a revealing bright green bikini top and a matching bottom in the video Ambrosio also shared several videos that had been taken during a trip with her friends and family to her Instagram Story. In the clips, she sported a bright blue denim jacket worn on top of a long black blouse while she enjoyed her time with her loved ones. The supermodel also wore a patterned scarf and a pair of dual-tone leather sneakers on her excursion. Her typically free-flowing hair remained tied back in a tight ponytail in the videos. Taking it easy: Ambrosio was seen enjoying time with her loved ones in a series of videos that were shared to her Instagram Story on Saturday afternoon Stylish supermodel: The swimwear designer wore a light blue denim jacket and a patterned scarf during her outing Ambrosio also shared a very loved-up shot of her standing alongside her boyfriend, Richard Lee. The two were seen holding each other while posing in a mirror, and the supermodel added a graphic of a heart above their heads. The supermodel has been romantically involved with her current partner ever since February, and they are often seen in each other's social media posts. Prior to becoming linked to the model, the GAL Floripa co-founder was in a long-term relationship with Jamie Mazur, with whom she shares two children. She is used to making a statement with her cutting edge sense of fashion. And Tina Kunakey ensured all eyes were on her as she made an appearance at a star-studded Unicef fundraiser in Capri on Saturday night. The 24-year-old French model put her best fashion foot forward as she arrived at the event in a stunning sleek black dress. Stunning: Tina Kunakey flashed her toned abs and showcased her legs in a sleek cut-out black dress at a star-studded Unicef fundraiser in Capri on Saturday night She flashed her toned abs and enviable legs in the dress, which featured cut out sections and a parting down her right leg. Tina added height to her ensemble with a pair of black heels and she kept accessories to a minimum, opting for a single bracelet on her right-hand wrist. She also wore a pair of matching earrings as she flashed a smile while making her entrance to the event. Fashionista: The 24-year-old French model put her best fashion foot forward as she arrived at the event in a stunning sleek black dress which featured a number of cut out sections Accessorising: Tina added height to her ensemble with a pair of black heels and she kept accessories to a minimum, opting for a single bracelet on her right-hand wrist Luxury retailer LuisaViaRoma proudly hosts an annual gala for Unicef and in honour of the third anniversary of their partnership, the 2021 gala will focus on supporting all children in need. The swanky and star-studded event is hosted by celebrities, followed by a special appearance by a famous musical act. Her appearance at the fundraiser event came in the same month as she made a statement on the red carpet at Benedetta screening during Cannes Film Festival. Tina sported a quirky floor-length dress that featured a puffy light-purple top and a mermaid tail skirt in navy blue. Her ensemble featured a hood that she wore over her head and it also had a large red sash at the front which she had tied into a bow. Smiling: She also wore a pair of matching earrings as she flashed a smile while making her entrance to the event Benedetta tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a novice nun who embarks on an affair with another woman when she joins an Italian convent in the 17th century. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, it is based on the non-fiction book Immodest Acts: The Life of a Lesbian Nun in Renaissance Italy by Judith C. Brown. Virginie Efira takes on the lead role and she joins a star-studded cast that includes Charlotte Rampling, the film is currently in competition for the Palme d'Or. Tina and Vincent welcomed their daughter Amazonie in April 2019, less than a year after their fairytale wedding. Sydney model Indi Thew is the latest influencer to cash in on the OnlyFans gravy train. The 24-year-old, who is the best friend of Justin Hemmes' model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel, joined the adult subscription website last month following reports she'd split from her boyfriend-of-six-months Angus Onisforou. According to Emerald City, Angus, the son of millionaire property tycoon Theo Onisforou, ended their romance when he moved to Melbourne at the beginning of Sydney's recent Covid lockdowns. Cashing in! Influencer Indi Thew, 24, (pictured) has joined OnlyFans after 'splitting from her property heir boyfriend'... as she continues to 'live rent-free in Justin Hemmes' home with his girlfriend Madeleine Holtznagel' Indi has since signed up to OnlyFans, offering a monthly subscription for $25. OnlyFans is a UK-based social media platform that allows influencers to charge followers a monthly subscription fee for videos and photos. The majority of OnlyFans users make adult content ranging from topless selfies to hardcore pornography. Model pals: Indi is the best friend of Justin Hemmes' girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel, 25 (left) Split? According to Emerald City, Indi joined the adult subscription website last month following reports she'd split from her boyfriend-of-six-months Angus Onisforou (pictured together) According to Indi's account, subscribers gain access to 'exclusive pictures and videos, semi-nude content and pay-per-view content on request.' Meanwhile, Indi is also reportedly enjoying the financial benefits of living rent-free in billionaire pub baron Justin Hemmes' $2.1 million Coogee penthouse. She is said to be living there with Madeline, 25, who has been dating Justin, 48, since last year. Living the high life! Meanwhile, Indi is also reportedly enjoying the financial benefits of living rent-free in billionaire pub baron Justin Hemmes' $2.1 million Coogee penthouse Romance: She is said to be living there with Madeline who has been dating Justin (left) since last year In 2018, Justin announced his split from wife Kate Fowler, who is the older sister of Victoria's Secret model Georgia Fowler. The Merivale boss told The Sydney Morning Herald at the time: 'Kate and I have the utmost love and respect for each other.' The couple share two children. It looks like full steam ahead for Ant McPartlins wedding. According to a local source, a grand stately home-turned-hotel in Hampshire will host a star-studded reception for Ant and his fiancee Anne-Marie Corbett on August 6 and 7. Ant is paying for 100 friends to stay at 1,000 per night and has told them to send the spa bill to his 5,000 per night honeymoon suite (more expensive than The Ritz!). The wedding ceremony is expected to be in a nearby church. According to a local source, a grand stately home-turned-hotel in Hampshire will host a star-studded reception for Ant and his fiancee Anne-Marie Corbett (above) on August 6 and 7 Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly pictured on Saturday Night Takeaway in February That's awkward... Lucy Middleton, cousin of the Duchess of Cambridge and godmother to Prince Louis, could well be involved in the publication of the book William and Kate are dreading: Prince Harrys memoir. I bet Lucy, who is a senior lawyer at Harrys publisher Penguin Random House, is praying Kate never asks her about her day at work Anna Friel, 45, had just split from her boyfriend when her artist friend contacted her about painting her for a portrait Lost love Anna Friel has found a novel way to overcome heartache by posing for a portrait with only a watering can maintaining her modesty! Actress Anna, 45, had just split from her boyfriend of two years, Mark Jaworski, when her artist friend Kevin Thomas contacted her about painting her for a portrait depicting the lockdown experience and objects that helped people through it so she sent him a photo of herself clutching the can. Kevin, whose 40 lockdown portraits can be seen on his website, explained: The watering can symbolised roses she planted and watered, and she said that as the roses thrived, her romance died. She was topless because she wanted to keep the roses close to her heart and for them to grow out of the sadness. Very meaningful, Anna but do watch out for the thorns! Got a scoop? Email charlotte.griffiths@mailonsunday.co.uk They are regulars on the London nightlife scene. And Love Island stars Jess and Eve Gale commanded attention once more on Saturday in skintight outfits as they enjoyed a night out at Proud Embankment. Jess, 22, put her hourglass figure on display in a skin-tight nude dress, while her twin Eve showed off her taut abs in a pair of brown booty shorts and a white crop top. Wow! And Love Island stars Jess and Eve Gale, 22, highlighted their jaw-dropping figures once more on Saturday in skintight outfits as they headed up to Proud Embankment in London Jess's dress featured a cut-out section under her bust while she teamed the look with a taupe-coloured bag and white perspex heels. Eve also rocked transparent heeled shoes and swept her hair back with sunglasses. The duo styled their long blonde tresses in loose waves and opted for full coverage make-up as they posed for pictures at the star-studded event. Curves: Jess put her hourglass figure on display in a skin-tight nude dress, while her twin Eve showed off her taut abs in a pair of brown booty shorts and a white crop top Their night out comes after Eve slipped her curves into a barely-there sexy black dress with cut-outs across her cleavage and sides on Thursday. The Love Island star sizzled in the revealing number while joining her leggy twin Jess for dinner at Bagatelle restaurant in Mayfair, London. Eve looked sensational as she flaunted her incredible figure in the slinky number, ensuring to work all her angles for the camera. Flaunt it! Eve took things up a level the night before as she slipped her curves into a barely-there sexy black dress with cut-outs across her cleavage and sides Eve and Jess were also just two of many celebrities who jetted to Dubai throughout the pandemic, as they visited the sun-soaked city in December. They joined many other Love Islanders including Joanna Chimonides, Hayley Hughes and Francesca Allen. After Dubai joined UK's travel ban list, celebrities then began flocking to Mexico's bars and beaches as it established itself as the next COVID getaway destination.Many stars insisted their trips were for 'work purposes' after criticism from the Home Secretary Priti Patel. They have been together for nearly 10 years And Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are still keeping that spark alive. The Deadpool star, 44, and his 33-year-old wife had a date on Saturday at O Ya in Boston, a restaurant Blake said played an integral role in their romance. Special occasion: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively kept the spark alive as they enjoyed a date together at one of their beloved restaurants The happy couple has been married ever since 2012 and currently share three daughters named James, Inez and Betty, aged six, four and two, respectively. '10 years later. We still go out on our "first date". But in much more comfortable shoes,' Blake posted on Instagram. In the photo, Reynolds sported a dark blue button-up shirt worn on top of a white undershirt while spending time with his wife. The 6 Underground star also wore a pair of slim-fitting dark trousers and a stylish set of Nike sneakers. Lively wore a chic button-up polka-dot dress that remained open at its bottom portion during the date night. 'We still go out on our "first date"': Blake wrote in this sweet couples snap She rocked a pair of black sandals and accessorized with numerous earrings as she enjoyed her husband's company. Lively also shared a shot of Reynolds taking a walk outside of the eatery and wrote a brief message to let her fans know about the place's significance to the couple. She pointed out: 'If it weren't for this place. We wouldn't be together. No joke. No restaurant means more to us.' The actor also shared two selfies of himself and his wife, one of which afforded his followers a wider view of the two, and he also explained his reason for reposting the shot. 'I cut out my wife's cute earrings. She trained me better than this. Sorry if I let anyone down,' he wrote. Accidents happen: The actor reposted a wider version of a photo he previously shared in an effort to show off his wife's earrings Serious intentions: Lively wrote that she and her husband 'wouldn't be together' if it 'weren't for this place' in a graphic that was added to one of her shots The now-married couple initially met when they were both cast as the leads in the 2011 superhero feature, Green Lantern. At the time, Reynolds was married to his first wife, Scarlett Johansson, although the two eventually divorced in that year. Lively was also in a long-term relationship with her Gossip Girl co-star Penn Badgley, with whom she broke up in 2010. Going strong: Lively and Reynolds first met after they were cast as the leads in 2011's Green Lantern; they are pictured at that year's MTV Movie Awards Blake and Ryan started dating in 2011 and moved quickly with their relationship, as they tied the knot the following year. In October of 2014, the Accepted actress announced that she was pregnant with the couple's first child, to whom she gave birth that December. The two enjoyed their lives as parents for the next year before they announced that they would be bringing a second kid into their lives in April of 2016. Moving fast: The two dated for a over a year before they decided to tie the knot; they are seen at the 2011 premiere of Green Lantern Lively and Reynolds welcomed their youngest daughter into their lives in 2019, although they kept her birth under wraps for several months. During an appearance on the Smartless podcast, the actor expressed that he and his wife coordinate their work schedules in an effort to spend more time with their children. He explained that his spouse 'and I don't do movies at the same time... when Blake is ready to do some stuff, I'll step down and then we go back and forth. 'She'll do a film and I'll be with her on location hanging out with the kids,' he explained. Chris Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky are reportedly not selling their $30 million home in Byron Bay, despite rumours claiming they planned to offload the property. According to a report in Confidential on Sunday, a Byron Bay prestige realtor confirmed there is 'no mention' of the property coming on the books for sale. He also said the mega mansion is not being 'quietly shopped' to potential buyers. Staying put: Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky 'are not selling their $30million Byron Bay mega-mansion', according to a report in Confidential on Sunday 'I see every home that is either on the market or coming on the books and there has been no mention of Chris's home yet,' the unnamed agent was quote as saying. The report included a pal who said widespread reports of the move were also 'surprising' for him, given the specifications of the Hemsworth mansion. 'That home was built to his family's unique specifications so it would be surprising for him to sell up now,' the pal was quoted as saying. Confirmation: 'I see every that is either on the market or coming on the books and there has been no mention of Chris's home yet,' the agent was quote as saying The rumours emerged following reports the A-listers recently 'inspected a large landholding at nearby Lennox Head', according to The Courier Mail. That property ended up being sold to some Sydneysiders, who purchased it for about $15million to use as a holiday home. Chris and Elsa completed their mega-mansion earlier this year, and the monolithic home has skyrocketed in price since the family moved in. Originally estimated at $20million, property experts said in January the LA-style compound, located in Broken Head near Byron Bay, was now worth $30million. Surprise: 'That home was built to his family's unique specifications so it would be surprising for him to sell up now,' a pal of the couple said Lloyd Edge, founder and director of Aus Property Professionals and author of best-selling book Positively Geared, said the market value had gone-up significantly since the original dwelling was knocked down and rebuilt. He told Daily Mail Australia: 'I estimate that in the current market the property could sell for up to $30million.' Mr Edge based his price on a number of 'comparables', including what other homes in the area were selling for. He noted a five-bedroom home at nearby 35 Marine Parade, with private stairs leading down to Wategos Beach and a heated infinity pool overlooking the ocean, was worth $22million. A smaller property in the area on Lighthouse Road was valued at $9million, while a yet-to-be-built home overlooking Main Beach in Byron Bay was worth $60million. He added: 'Byron Bay and surrounding areas is now one of the hottest property markets in the country. 'Hemsworth bought the property for $9million but spent around $18million building the mansion.' Chris and his family began construction on the mansion, which was previously an eight-bedroom resort-style home known as Kooeloah, in late 2017. Angry neighbours were quick to say the rebuild reminded them of a suburban shopping centre, a refurbished RSL club or a regional airport terminal. Others compared it to a multi-storey car park. Right up his alley! Chris and Elsa installed a $110,000 two-lane bowling alley in their mansion The 50-metre rooftop infinity pool alone was estimated to have cost at least $400,000, an enormous indoor mural could be worth as much as $100,000, and the landscaping bill would have reached about $500,000. Formwork and concrete for the foundations of Fortress Hemsworth - known on architectural plans as 'Project 657 BHR' - would have set the couple back $1.5million to $2million. For Sydney builder Jason Natoli, who specialises in luxury renovations, the most striking aspect of the new Broken Head landmark was its sheer size. 'It's ginormous,' Mr Natoli said. 'You've got an infinity pool with a spa, five bedrooms with five en-suites, a large indoor-outdoor kitchen, a four-car garage. 'There's a cinema room, massage room, sauna room, steam room, games room with a bar. There's also a mud room - I've never heard of that before.' Mud rooms, made popular in America, are secondary entrances used to store coats, shoes and items such as bikes, umbrellas and surfboards which are regularly carried in and out of the house. There is also a gymnasium, butler's pantry, fire pit, change rooms, outdoor play area for the three Hemsworth children, and walk-in wardrobes attached to four of the bedrooms. On top of that, the couple added a two-lane bowling alley in the home worth $110,000. Artwork: An enormous mural by Indigenous artist Otis Carey (right) is also featured in the home Fancy: The mural took 140 hours to complete and set the Hemsworths back an estimated $100,000 Next to the alley is an enormous mural by Indigenous artist Otis Carey worth about $100,000. Because the house is surrounded by bushland it is required to have its own 20,000 litre fire-fighting water tanks and extra access for Rural Fire Service vehicles. Mr Natoli said he could not see any provision for landing a helicopter, one of Chris' favourite modes of transportation. While the average floor size of a new Sydney home is now 186.3 square metres, the Hemsworth residence covers about 900 square metres internally. The construction is technically only one-storey, but the staggered floors make it appear to be multi-levelled. Mr Natoli, whose Jcorp Construction renovated publicist Roxy Jacenko $6.5million home in Vaucluse, described the Hemsworths' home as an 'LA-style mansion'. Fitness: The mansion also features a gym, which Chris and Elsa use to keep fit 'It's a gorgeous house,' Mr Natoli said. 'Technically it's one level but it's sort of stepped to make it feel as one. 'You could say it's an LA sort of mansion-style design. It's a very contemporary LA-style, where everything is indoor-outdoor living.' The couple had planned the house so the huge glass windows and doors opened out to the rooftop entertaining area, including the pool and surrounding bushland. 'When it opens up it feels like the outdoors and indoors are all one,' Mr Natoli said. Not all locals have welcomed the size of Fortress Hemsworth. 'I thought Byron would be Noosafied but apparently it's being Hollywooded,' one wrote on Facebook last year, adding: 'Next level.' Lovely views: The property, about 12 kilometres out of Byron Bay, is on Broken Head Road and overlooks Seven Mile Beach Another woman went further: 'It's obscene, greedy, flashy, vulgar opulence at its finest and has no place in the Byron I once knew and love. 'A sad sign of things to come due to greedy, unfettered development policy.' But Mr Natoli said while the scale of the house was enormous the design was relatively simple. 'It's just a big box,' he said. 'There's nothing too flashy. The only thing is it's huge.' The property, about 12 kilometres out of Byron Bay, is on Broken Head Road and overlooks Seven Mile Beach. A development application approved by Byron Shire Council estimated the cost of construction to be $18million. Most of that money has gone back into the Northern Rivers community. The home was built by Jason Stehn whose company Stehnbuild is based in nearby Bangalow. Chris and Elsa live at the home with their children, daughter India and twin boys Tristan and Sasha. She previously addressed graduating students at New York's Barnard College in 2019. And Viola Davis was on hand again on Saturday to send off graduates at Los Angeles' Loyola Marymount University when she delivered the commencement ceremony's keynote address. The 55-year-old Oscar winner had to do double duty, as she was addressing both the 2021 graduating class and the 2020 class, which had its commencement delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Pep talk: Viola Davis, 55, delivered the keynote address at the commencement ceremony for Loyola Marymount University on Saturday, which was held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California Viola was pictured on the floor of the newly constructed SoFi Stadium in nearby Inglewood, which opened in September 2020. She was decked out in traditional black robes and wore her her shoulder-length raven hair in voluminous curls. Although the occasion called for modesty and solemnity, the How To Get Away With Murder star wore a bright orange ensemble underneath with peaked out. Her address to the students hasn't yet been shared, the Catholic university's Twitter account shared snippets of her speech. Tradition: Viola was decked out in traditional black robes and wore her her shoulder-length raven hair in voluminous curls Looking good! She also wore a vibrant orange ensemble underneath, which peaked out a bit Making up for it: She was addressing both the 2020 and 2021 classes from the Los Angeles-based Catholic University, as the ongoing pandemic scuttled last year's ceremony The highlights: Her address to the students hasn't yet been shared, the Catholic university's Twitter account shared snippets of her speech Viola encouraged students to think about the narrative of their lives as they prepared to move on to new careers or more schooling. 'What is your truth? What's your story? Or better yet, what are you willing to own? You know your truth by the way it feels,' she was quoted as saying. She seemed to use a metaphor to explain that hardships could be beneficial teaching moments. 'It is a privilege to be you, even broken you. The wound is the place where the light enters you' she continued. As an acclaimed actress, she turned her speech toward the importance of storytelling. 'Your truth is your legacy. The world anxiously awaits the addition of your beautiful, imperfect, perfect story. My hope is that your work and achievements match it,' she told the students. Their truth: Viola encouraged students to think about the narrative of their lives as they prepared to move on to new careers or more schooling Growing stronger: She seemed to use a metaphor to explain that hardships could be beneficial teaching moments Telling their story: As an acclaimed actress, she turned her speech toward the importance of storytelling The reactions from students on Twitter were largely positive. 'Viola davis is my commencement speaker and she just quoted rumi i'm crying like a baby,' wrote one social media user. Another joked that the Fences star was a major upgrade from their own commencement speaker. 'My college commencement speaker was our anthropology professor... my sister's college commencement speaker was Viola Davis,' joked another person. Moving: The reactions from students on Twitter were largely positive, with one Twitter user writing that they cried 'like a baby' They missed out: Another joked that the Fences star was a major upgrade from their own commencement speaker Viola's next major project is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically derided DC superhero film Suicide Squad, which is confusingly titled The Suicide Squad. The new film replaces director David Ayer with Guardians Of The Galaxy director James Gunn and features a mostly new cast, except for Viola and returning stars Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman and Jai Courtney. The action comedy film features a variety of imprisoned supervillains who are given the option to participate in a mission to destroy a Nazi-era laboratory that they're unlikely to return from, though they'll have some time shaved off their sentences if they're successful (and they survive). While trying to takeout the lab, the temporarily good villains are attacked by a Godzilla-sized Starfish-like alien being. Davis returns as Amanda Waller, the head of the agency in charge of using the condemned prisoners. New movie: Viola's next major project is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically derided DC superhero film Suicide Squad, which is confusingly titled The Suicide Squad; seen opposite Idris Elba She's the popular Sunrise presenter who rarely puts a foot out of line when it comes to fashion. And on Sunday, Natalie Barr revealed which clothes her stylists 'avoid' dressing her in while hosting the Channel Seven breakfast show, including anything 'shiny, bulky, with thin stripes or checks'. Revealing her fashion secrets to The Daily Telegraph, the 53-year-old said: 'Whenever I wear florals people say I look like my grandmothers couch. Who knew? On Sunday, Natalie Barr revealed which clothes her stylists 'avoid' dressing her in while hosting the Channel Seven breakfast show, including anything 'shiny, bulky, with thin stripes or checks' 'If I wear a sheer top people say I look like Ive just come from a night out. We do try to stick to plain colours, but avoid shiny, bulky, thin stripes and checks.' Natalie went on to say that her colourful style on the show is worlds away from the 'black, navy and brown' outfits she chooses in 'real life'. But she enjoys being able to showcase 'a different version' of herself on-screen. 'If I wear a sheer top people say I look like Ive just come from a night out. We do try to stick to plain colours, but avoid shiny, bulky, thin stripes and checks,' Natalie added Change: Natalie went on to say that her colourful style on the show is worlds away from the more simplistic 'black, navy and brown' outfits she chooses at home Natalie said being able to wear a range of Australian brands from brands such as Camilla and Marc, Zimmerman and Scanlan Theodore is a fun part of her job. She explained that since replacing Samantha Armytage as the host of the popular show, she's become more open-minded working with stylists who say, 'just try it on'. It comes after Natalie was forced to deal with a snarky tweet posted by her Sunrise predecessor, Samantha. Anything goes: She explained that since replacing Samantha Armytage as the host of the popular show, she's become more open-minded working with stylists who say, 'just try it on' Don't go there! Barr also explained that wearing floral prints was also off-limits, 'Whenever I wear florals people say I look like my grandmother's couch,' she laughed Sam last month shared a 'catty' tweet about her former colleague, accusing her of being 'desperate' for the top job - which Natalie was reportedly 'gutted' over. 'No one was more shocked and saddened over Sam's comments than Nat,' an insider told New Idea magazine. 'She is gutted and has no idea why the snarkiness continues, even though Sam has been gone [from Sunrise] for months.' She's one of Australia's most recognisable faces. And Schapelle Corby proved she's certainly not shying away from the limelight on Sunday, as she shared a string of bikini-clad updates from a Queensland getaway with her mother, Roseleigh Rose. Taking to Instagram, the 44-year-old first shared a photo of herself flashing sideboob in a partially unzipped swim top on the Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Getaway: Schapelle Corby, 44, flaunted sideboob in a partially unzipped swim top as she enjoyed a Queensland getaway with her mother Rosleigh Rose at the weekend She looked calm and relaxed as she smiled in the clear waters, wearing no make-up on her pretty visage as she posed for a quick selfie. 'Whitehaven Beach, Heaven. This place is a slice of heaven,' she captioned the image. 'When lockdown is over, seriously make plans to get here, you will not be disappointed.' Ready! In the private photos she shared to Instagram, Schapelle stood on the stairs in her swimwear before stepping into the water Taking a dip! Schapelle showed herself going snorkelling with her holding a yellow noodle while clutching onto the railing of the boat Schapelle earlier shared photos of her snorkelling at the reef, appearing excited as she stood on the steps of the boat. She then shared another alongside her mother, smiling as they enjoyed the raging Queensland sunshine on their faces. Schapelle first hit headlines in October 2004, when she was arrested at Bali airport with 4.2kg of cannabis wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag. Close: Schapelle shared a photo of herself alongside her mother Roseleigh Rose (R) with the pair sitting on a boat before she went snorkelling The past: Schapelle made light of her previous arrest for drug smuggling, revealing that she 'doesn't live in fear' of flying on aircraft after the experience. Pictured with her mother The world watched in May 2005 as she broke down in the Denpasar courtroom after being sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment in Kerobokan Prison. Following a series of sentence reductions, Schapelle was released on parole in February 2014, having served nine years behind bars. She lived in Bali with family until she was deported back to Australia in May 2017. The former beautician has always denied knowingly importing drugs and maintains the marijuana was planted in her luggage by corrupt baggage handlers. Schapelle has since made light of her previous arrest for drug smuggling, revealing that she 'doesn't live in fear' of flying on aircraft after the experience. Before jetting to the Whitsundays, she even joked on Friday that she no longer travels with checked baggage. Susie Yousseff headed out to do a spot of shopping on Sunday with her face mask on. And The Project host quickly discovered a surprise benefit to wearing the mouth and nose covering. When picking up a bottle of wine, the 37-year-old was asked to prove she was over 18. Benefit! Susie Yousseff (pictured) headed out to do a spot of shopping on Sunday with her face mask on. And The Project host quickly discovered a surprise benefit to wearing it 'Got asked for ID at the bottle shop,' she explained on Instagram Stories alongside a photo of her booze. 'When the guy saw my license he said, "Sorry, couldn't tell with your mask on". I replied, "Getting carded is a treat". What? I'm on old lady,' she wrote. Susie then confirmed that her 'Grenache is heaven'. Old enough? When picking up a bottle of wine, the 37-year-old was asked to prove she was over 18 Feeling young: 'Got asked for ID at the bottle shop,' she explained on Instagram Stories alongside a photo of her booze It comes after news that Susie and comedian Harley Breen will be the new hosts of Making It Australia. 'A bit of excellent news for your Friday morning,' Susie captioned a picture of her and Harley holding tools to Instagram. 'I get to hang out with old mate @harley.breen and make/watch craft by some of the most brilliant makers in the country!' Over age: 'When the guy saw my license he said, "Sorry, couldn't tell with your mask on". I replied, "Getting carded is a treat". What? I'm on old lady,' she wrote Meanwhile, Harley added he had been 'sitting on this news for 8 million years' and was 'absolutely pumped' about his new role. The series is based on Making It - the American version of the show - which is co-hosted by Parks and Rec's Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. The program is going into its third season in the United States. Courteney Cox looked chic for dinner with boyfriend Johnny McDaid and best pal Ed Sheeran in Santa Monica on Saturday. The Friends star, 57, wowed in a grey, black and orange patterned floral dress as she stepped out at Giorgio Baldi with the Snow Patrol rocker and Bad Habits hitmaker. Courteney paired her outfit with black stiletto boots and her raven tresses were styled in soft waves. Trio: Courteney Cox looked chic in patterned dress as she enjoyed a dinner in LA with beau Johnny McDaid and her BFF Ed Sheeran in Santa Monica on Saturday The actress looked smitten as she linked arms with Johnny, 45, who wore a navy jacket, black tee and jeans. Ed, 30, who recently revealed that he orders Courteney an S&M mask each time he visits her home, kept it casual in a blue tie-dyed top, blue jeans and trainers. Courtney and Ed have been close friends for years, with the singer introducing Courtney to boyfriend Johnny McDaid after they worked together on his hits Shape of You and Bad Habits. Evening out: Ed, 30, who recently revealed that he orders Courteney an S&M mask each time he visits her home, kept it casual in a blue tie-dyed top, blue jeans and trainers Discussing his friendship with Courteney on the Late Late Show last month, Ed revealed the pair often pull pranks on one another. He explained: 'She has this Alexa thing in her house, and she goes, "Yeah, this is wonderful. This is my Alexa. I can just order whatever on this".' He then revealed that he used the Alexa to order a mask to Courteney's house while she was out of the room. However, his prank backfired when one of Courteney's assistants discovered the mask in the post. Good pals: Courteney and Ed's good friendship was cemented recently when they recreated a classic dance from the show Friends Loved-up: The actress looked smitten as she linked arms with Johnny, 45, who wore a navy jacket, black tee and jeans Ed said: 'She opened the post and she finds this mask and instantly goes, 'Oh, I don't think I was meant to see that' and leaves it on Courteney's bed. And Courteney comes up, and she's like, "Where did this come from?"' Courteney eventually discovered that Ed had been behind the mask and now he continues to order one for her each time he visits her in LA. He said: 'Every time I go back there, I order her another gimp mask. And she has maybe 12, and then, I hide them in people's bedrooms. So they'll go in a drawer, and they'll just find this leather S&M mask.' Smitten: Johnny recently celebrated his 45th birthday and his girlfriend marked the occasion on Instagram Meanwhile, Courteney recently celebrated her longtime boyfriend Johnny's 45th birthday by paying tribute him on Instagram. The star shared a shot of them snuggled up on set of the iconic sitcom, specifically the setting used for her character Monica's apartment. 'Happy Birthday to my best friend and love,' Courteney began in the caption. 'He's the kindest, most patient, best listener, curious, caring, not to mention talented and gorgeous partner. I love you jmd. x.' Happy birthday: Courteney shared a shot of them snuggled up on set of the iconic sitcom, specifically the setting used for her character Monica's apartment This year's birthday proved to be a special one for the couple, being that is the first they've been able to celebrate in-person since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic last March. Courteney and Johnny have been together for nearly eight years. In the recent birthday snap, Johnny had his arms wrapped around the Scream actress, who was dressed in an all black ensemble with her legs curled up on the couch. Courteney also shared a second snap, which gave her 11.6million followers another look at her and her beau's obvious chemistry. Closer look: Courteney also shared a second snap, which gave her 11.6million followers another look at her and her beau's obvious chemistry Courteney and Johnny were separated last year when the Snow Patrol star turned 44 while quarantining in Europe. 'Its been 133 days since we were last together. Covid sucks. Happy Birthday J. I loved our lunch/dinner (LA/London time) zoom date today. I miss you madly,' Courteney wrote one year ago to the day. Johnny ended up being stuck in Europe for nine months in isolation, which turned out to be the longest time they were ever separated. 'He was supposed to go to Switzerland to write and instead had to go to England. Then all of a sudden, this all happened and they called a quarantine,' the iconic sitcom star explained during an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2020. Pandemic fallout! Courteney celebrated Johnny's 44th birthday last year with a Zoom call, due to the COVID-19 pandemic Last September, while sill quarantining separately, the pair celebrated their seventh anniversary, with Courteney paying tribute to their milestone day with a heartfelt Instagram post. '7 years ago today I had my first date with this incredible man... and my life was changed forever. I love you J,' she gushed in the caption of a video montage of photos taken throughout their relationship. The couple first met through some celebrity friends and began dating in September 2013. They got engaged six months later but called the wedding off in 2015, but remained close. By April 2016, they reunited in London and have been a solid item ever since. While Johnny, a Northern Ireland native, joined his series Snow Patrol in 2011, he has also written and worked with such artists as Ed Sheehan, Robbie Williams and Pink, among many others. Malin Andersson enjoyed a girls' night out on Sunday after revealing she is expecting a baby - two years after tragically losing her baby daughter Consy. The Love Island star, 28, looked gorgeous in a thigh-skimming khaki shirt dress when she stepped out in London alongside fellow former Islander Jessica Hayes, who wowed in a patterned mini dress. Mother-to-be Malin - who hours earlier uploaded a snap of her baby bump with her and her boyfriend Jared's hands resting on it - added height to her frame in a chic pair of studded heels and wore her glossy brunette hair in loose bouncy curls. Glowing: Malin Andersson, 28, put on a leggy display when she enjoyed a girls' night out in London on Sunday after revealing she is pregnant Good news: Malin is expecting a baby - two years after tragically losing her baby daughter Consy With her impressive collection of tattoos on display, the brunette beauty was glowing as she made her way though the capital. Malin kept her belongings safe in a stylish chain detail handbag and was sporting a luxury silver watch on her left wrist. She also accessorised with stylish rings and a delicate gold bangle. Earlier on Sunday, Malin took to Instagram to reveal the incredible news, dubbing it her 'happy ending', following a distressing two and a half years. Uploading a snap of her baby bump, with her hands and her boyfriend Jared's hands resting on it, she penned: 'My next chapter. My new beginning. My happy ending. My entire universe. All mine. Girls' night: The Love Island star looked gorgeous in a thigh-skimming khaki shirt dress when she stepped out alongside fellow former Islander Jessica Hayes Tattoos on show: With her impressive collection of tattoos on display, Malin was glowing as she made her way though the capital 'I cant describe to you all how I feel writing this. Everything Ive ever wanted, everything I visualised. A solid partner in my life, who has been there in the background - witnessed my life over the past 4 years and has stuck by me as a friend... and now a lover. 'This couldnt feel any more right - and were now bringing a beautiful soul into this world. My heart feels electric writing this, my eyes tearing up... because I can promise you all there was once upon a time I never thought I could experience this. 'I was wrong. It just wasnt the right time. All the pain Ive endured has led to this very moment... my own little family. 'Mumma - I know youre looking down with bright eyes and a big smile. Baby Consy - protect us from above. This is us now.' [sic] New chapter: The Love Island star took to Instagram on Sunday to reveal the news, dubbing it her 'happy ending', following a distressing two and a half years Uploading a snap of her baby bump, with her hands and her boyfriend Jared's hands resting on it, she penned: 'My next chapter. My new beginning. My happy ending. My entire universe. All mine' Consy was born seven weeks premature in December 2018 and was being treated at Great Ormond Street hospital, but sadly passed away aged four weeks on 22 January 2019. Since then Malin has struggled with further strife, reportedly left terrified after her violent ex recently broke his licence conditions meaning he has been sent back to prison. Tom Kemp, 28, was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court in September after admitting to actual bodily harm, which left the reality star 'black and blue' but was released three months later in January. The Sun recently reported that Tom - who was serving the remaining term on Home Detention Curfew - recently visited the area that the Love Island star lives. Gushing: Her pals flocked to the comments to wish her well amid the news Tragic: Her daughter Consy was born seven weeks premature in December 2018 and was treated at London's Great Ormond Street hospital, but sadly passed away on 22 January 2019 Scary: Malin has struggled with strife, reportedly left terrified after her violent ex Tom Kemp recently broke his licence conditions meaning he has been sent back to prison (pictured together in 2019) He was then reportedly sent back to prison after failing to comply with the rules he was set as he continued to serve part of his sentence in the community. A source told the publication: 'Malin was really shocked when she heard he had been in her area. 'She had really hoped his prison sentence would mark the end of having to think about him ever again. Awful: Tom Kemp, 28, was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court in September after admitting to actual bodily harm, which left the reality star 'black and blue' but was released three months later in January (Malin pictured with her injuries - taken at the time) 'The whole thing has been incredibly stressful, but Malin is very strong and just hopes he's learnt his lesson now.' A source also told MailOnline: 'Malin was glad to hear that Tom had been sent back to prison for breaching his license conditions, but to learn that he only returned for a week due to his sentence coming to an end concerns her. 'She feels that far too often the justice system fails survivors of domestic violence and ultimately believes that this contributes to the reason why perpetrators continue to abuse.' Tom, was jailed at last year after following an attack in which he broke her hand. TV star Malin previously accused the 'narcissist' of being abusive in Instagram posts in 2019 and shared pictures of herself with a cut cheek and bloodied nose. But Tom, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, denied the claims at the time, branding her a 'liar with mental health issues'. Injuries: Tom left Malin with broken bones and bruises in a violent tirade The former couple had an on-off romance, splitting briefly during her pregnancy, amid claims Tom had been unfaithful to her, but reconciling shortly before the birth. In March they split again, with Malin admitting it was better to end things between them as she and her partner struggled with their grief. In October, Malin told how she believes the physical abuse Tom subjected her to while she was pregnant was a factor behind her daughter's death at just one month old. Shocking: Tom, was jailed at last year after following an attack in which he broke her hand (pictured are the injuries to her face) She revealed Kemp 'slapped and punched' her while she was six months pregnant, causing her to fall on her back and her stomach to hit the side of a bed. Speaking to The Sun, Malin said she is convinced the incident contributed to Consy's death as after a few days, she noticed she wasn't moving around as much. A month later, the movements reduced again and Malin insisted Kemp drive her to the hospital where doctors discovered Consy's irregular heartbeat, leading her to have an emergency cesarean that day at Great Ormond Street Hospital. She said: 'When Tom threw me about, I'd tense my stomach so much, I could feel her pausing inside me. The doctors didn't understand what happened to her, but I know in my heart.' In June last year, Malin posted a lengthy Instagram post, captioned: 'The third and final lot, I am NOT a victim anymore.' Calling their romance 'toxic and unhealthy', she said 'it has been an ongoing battle to emotionally let go as dealing with the grief from both my mum and daughter I've had him as my comforter.' Accusing Kemp of emotional and physical abuse she said: 'Including being spat at, hit, pushed, kicked, scratched, spoken down to, controlled, manipulated, cheated and so much more I experienced the worst pain yet to come last night.' Malin claimed she had received a phone call from a woman asking why the star had been texting her 'boyfriend.' Heartbreaking: Malin previously said she believes the physical abuse her ex subjected her to while she was pregnant was a factor behind her daughter's death at just one month old She wrote: 'After a calm and collected call with her we had finally came to the confirmation they have been speaking since January (when our daughter was in intensive care).' 'While I've been focusing on my mental health I've been receiving multiple emails, calls, texts from one extreme to the other (I'm a bad mum, my mum hates me I'm going to hell to the extreme of I love you I can't be without you etc. 'This ladies is a fine example of a narcissistic man. 'I will NOT be another victim to domestic violence, I will not be beaten mentally or physically when I've fought through so much worse than this. Adding that she was 'exhausted, heartbroken and confused' she urged her followers to 'listen to your gut and learn to love yourself.' If you are a victim of domestic abuse, call Refuge's freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 Rebel Wilson has been showing off her incredible new figure on the set of her new movie Senior Year. And on Saturday, she took inspiration from Britney Spears, sharing a photo to Instagram in which she recreates the music video for the pop star's iconic 1999 hit (You Drive Me) Crazy. The 41-yer-old posed in a shiny green top and black pants, her hair done in the same waves as Britney's in the clip. Wow! Rebel Wilson (pictured) took inspiration from Britney Spears on Saturday, sharing a photo to Instagram in which she recreates the music video for the pop star's iconic 1999 hit (You Drive Me) Crazy on the set of her new movie, Senior Year Behind her, a neon sign that read 'Crazy' in pink lettering was mounted to the wall in what appeared to be a gymnasium-based dance sequence. Rebel wrote in her caption: 'My life is CRAZY right now. PS Love you Britney'. The Sydney-born star has been sharing glimpses of the final scenes for her new movie Senior Year while filming in Atlanta. Rebel wrote in her caption: 'My life is CRAZY right now. PS Love you Britney'. Britney is pictured in the music video for (You Drive Me) Crazy On Friday, Rebel shared some footage from her recreation of the same music video. She was also dressed in the pink waitress uniform with similar pigtails. Later, the star was in her trailer changing into another look - the shimmering green top. Fun: On Friday, Rebel shared some footage from her recreation of the same music video On set: Rebel also warmed up with the rest of the cast as they prepared for the scene Think pink: She was also dressed in the pink waitress uniform with similar pigtails On set she warmed up with the rest of the cast, before getting to the top of the stage with a vintage-style microphone to emulate Britney. The actress also shared a glimpse of her busy final day on the set of the film - from getting her hair and make up done to memorising her lines and catching up with the cast and crew. Rebel's upcoming comedy is about a 37-year-old woman who wakes up from a 20-year coma and returns to high school where she was once a popular cheerleader. Dusty Hill passed away last week in his sleep at the age of 72. The rocker, who was one of the founding members of the legendary 1970s rock group ZZ Top, was having health issues before he died. And according to footage obtained by TMZ, the Texas resident had to sit down during a recent performance with his band. After the set, the star was helped off stage. He was not doing well: Dusty Hill passed away last week in his sleep at the age of 72. The rocker was having health issues before he died as he had injured his hip. And according to footage obtained by TMZ, the Texas resident had to sit down during a recent performance The performance was with his bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard on July 18 at the Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville, Kentucky. Hill sat down on a large speaker the entire show and, according to the site, had to be helped off the stage. Hill had to drop out of subsequent ZZ Top shows when he was taking care of a hip injury. At that time, the band said its longtime guitar tech, Elwood Francis, would fill in on bass, slide guitar and harmonica. On stage: The performance was with his bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard on July 18 at the Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville, Kentucky; seen in 2019 It is not known if his death is related to his recovery from the injury. This video has surfaced after ZZ Top have paid tribute to Hill as they played their first concert since his passing. Dusty was acknowledged by guitarist Gibbons as the Sharp Dressed Man rockers performed in Alabama on Friday. Billy explained how Dusty would have wanted the band to continue playing and introduced his replacement Elwood Francis to the audience. A tribute: This video has surfaced after ZZ Top have paid tribute to Hill as they played their first concert since his passing. Dusty was acknowledged by guitarist Gibbons as the Sharp Dressed Man rockers performed in Alabama on Friday. Stock photo from 2015 He told the audience following the opening tune: 'We're gonna have a good time in here tonight. 'Got a new guy up here, as you know. Dusty gave me the directive. My friend, your pal, Elwood Francis is gonna hold it down behind me.' Later in the show, Gibbons added: 'How about that Elwood, tearing up that bottom there for Dusty.' Dusty had been forced to pull out a number of shows across the US just weeks ago after suffering an injury to his hip and it was confirmed earlier this week that he had died in his sleep in Texas. Hard to share: 'We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX,' the note began The three of us: Their signature was very long beards on two of the band members, Hill and Gibbons. From left: Gibbons, Beard, and Hill in 2016 Billy admits that the 'waterworks (have been) coming and going' since Dusty's passing but spoke of the musician's desire to see the group - which also features Frank Beard - continue. The 71-year-old rocker said: 'I had a couple of moments with the waterworks coming and going, and I really felt a sense of relief. I said, "Gee whiz, maybe I am human after all." This is coming from a very deep and glorious place, with respect to knowing that after 50 years with the guy, we were all joined at no pun intended joined at the hip. 'But knowing that we can take his wishes forward and give him all due respect You know, he was adamant. He said, "I'm going to go down and see what's up. In the meantime, the show must go on. Don't forget it." And he was pointing his finger and shaking it.' Hill is seen left alongside bandmate Billy Gibbons during an appearance in Paris in 2012 The news of his death was shared last week by his band mates. 'We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX,' the note began. 'We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the 'Top.' 'We will forever be connected to that Blues Shuffle in C. You will be missed greatly, amigo.' Born Joe Michael Hill in Dallas, he, Gibbons and Beard formed ZZ Top in Houston in the late 1970s. As far as Dusty stepping away from recent shows, the band shared the news on social media. The trio: The news was shared by his bandmates, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard on Wednesday. The image above shows the band in 1984. From left: Hill, Gibbons and Beard 'The members of ZZ Top, Billy, and Frank, would like to share that Dusty, their fearless Bass player, is on a short detour back to Texas, to address a hip issue,' it was noted. 'They await a speedy recovery and have him back pronto.' Dusty goes far back with the band. He was one of the founding members of ZZ Top in 1969. Hill was the lead bass player and secondary lead vocalist for he super group which has the hit song Legs. They became popular in the 1970s and did very well in the 1980s. Their signature was very long beards on two of the band members, Hill and Gibbons. Tops: ZZ Top released Tres Hombres in 1973, which reached the No. 8 position on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Their top hits from that were La Grange and Jesus Just Left Chicago. The band is seen above in this undated file photo. From left: Beard, Gibbons, and Hill Older days: Hill of ZZ Top relaxes in the dressing room after performing at the Georgia Southern College Coliseum in Statesboro, Georgia in 1973 Last week, the band announced on social media that Hill was nursing a 'hip issue' which forced them to replace him during a recent show ZZ Top released Tres Hombres in 1973, which reached the No. 8 position on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Their top hits from that were La Grange and Jesus Just Left Chicago. On their album Eliminator, they had the massive hits Gimme All Your Lovin' and Sharp Dressed Man as well as Legs. ZZ Top's discography numbers 15 albums, several of which won awards. In 2004, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Chrishell Stause turned 40-years-old recently but she looks years younger, which she proved again this weekend. The blonde beauty showed off her slender shape as she posed in a hot pink bikini while on vacation in Italy in images shared to social media. This post comes just as the real estate agent confirmed that she is dating her Selling Sunset co-star and boss Jason Oppenheim as the two kissed and cuddled while on their romantic trip with pals. Cute suit: Chrishell Stause turned 40-years-old recently but she looks years younger which she proved again this weekend. The blonde beauty showed off her slender shape as she posed in a hot pink bikini while on vacation in Italy in images shared to social media The siren was in a kitchen as she posed with an enormous bottle of vodka. 'Trust me, you can dance!' she said as she added the quote was from 'Vodka.' With her hair up and her makeup nicely done, Stause flashed a radiant smile. And on her Insta Stories, she posed in a mauve bikini dress as she enjoyed a pink glass of wine while at an al fresco lunch. Meanwhile, she has revealed her surprising new romance with her Selling Sunset costar Oppenheim. Cheers: And on her Insta Stories, she posed in a mauve bikini dress as she enjoyed a pink glass of wine while at an al fresco lunch The Netflix star unveiled her new relationship in a series of cuddled-up snaps taken from her current getaway to Capri, Italy posted on Wednesday. Chrishell looked as happy as can be packing on the PDA with her new beau, 44, as the new lovebirds explored the sights on board a boat. Days before she was seen in the Italian coastal town of Positano. The real estate expert shared her collection of photos from the vacation as she enjoyed al fresco lunches and shopping sprees. 'Italy is the most heavenly place,' gushed the single blonde beauty. Wonderful view: The star shared her collection of photos from the vacation as she enjoyed al fresco lunches and shopping sprees And she added that her luggage never showed up so she had to buy some new clothes. 'No luggage..? So I was FORCED to do some shopping,' said the reality TV favorite. 'Italy is the most heavenly place. My photos all kind of suck-lol but the memories are priceless. (Almost every single thing pictured is Missoni -again, I HAD to).' She was seen in a seafoam green dress as she stood on a balcony. The star was also pictured with some of her Selling Sunset costars - Jason and Brett Oppenheim - during an outdoor lunch. It's love! This post comes just as the real estate agent confirmed that she is dating her Selling Sunset co-star and boss Jason Oppenheim as the two kissed and cuddled while on their romantic trip with pals A kiss for his girl: The two have worked together for years but now have a romance And she also modeled a cute halter top in multi colors. There was also a look at her room service dinner before dinner as Italians eat so late. These holiday images come after news Stause is releasing her own memoir. The star will tell the story of her 'crazy life journey' and the process of 'finding [her] voice' in her upcoming book, titled 'Under Construction: Because Living My Best Life Took a Little Work'. He was generous: Jason was the one who sent her all these roses for her 40th birthday She told People magazine of the project: 'I have always loved writing and it is an honour to be able to tell my story in this way. I've had such a crazy life journey and in the process of finding my voice, I'm hopeful I can inspire others along the way as well.' Chrishell's debut book will be published by Simon & Schuster imprint Gallery Books, and will explore the star's Kentucky upbringing, which included periods of homelessness and family's addiction struggles. The beauty will also write about achieving her dream of being on a daytime soap, as well as her highly publicized love life, which has included a four-year marriage to Justin Hartley. Chrishell was married to Justin from 2017 until he filed for divorce in 2019, with the paperwork being finalized in February this year. Bellas: The star was also pictured with some of her Selling Sunset costars - Jason and Brett Oppenheim - during an outdoor lunch The 'Days of Our Lives' alum previously slammed Justin for telling her about his intent to file for divorce over text message just 45 minutes before the news was made public. She said: 'I found out because he text[ed] me that we were filed. Forty-five minutes later, the world knew.' And Chrishell also hit out at the actor for making an 'impulsive' decision about the future of their relationship. She fumed: 'Because of the crazy way in which this went down, people want answers, and I f****** want answers. I know people are saying we were only married two years, but it's like, we were together for six years. In a fight, that's his go-to, you know? Like, 'I'm out, I'm out.' I hate that kind of impulsive stuff, but I always just thought, you know, that's just an issue that we work through it. 'If that's really what you wanted, there are better ways to go about [it]. I talked to him right after because I thought that must be a joke, but that was kind of the end of the communication. What am I supposed to say? What do you say after that? It's like, now I have to find a place to live. Now I have to scramble and figure this out, you know?' In heaven: She said she her luggage never showed up so she had to buy some new clothes. 'No luggage..? So I was FORCED to do some shopping,' said the reality TV favorite Oscar-winning songwriter Lady Gaga got cheeky in a purple Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino Haute Couture poncho while heading to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan on Saturday night. The 35-year-old pop diva showcased her bronzed legs in the short hooded ensemble and matching ostrich-feathered hat by Philip Treacy. Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta) accessorized her eccentric look with Marc Jacobs FW/21 sunglasses, yellow leather gloves, and brown suede stilettos selected by styling duo Sandra Amador + Tom Eerebout. Wardrobe malfunction alert! Oscar-winning songwriter Lady Gaga got cheeky in a purple Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino Haute Couture poncho while headed to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan on Saturday night Make-up artist Sarah Tanno-Stewart applied a coral-colored pout on the 12-time Grammy winner. Fans have delighted in Gaga's high fashion attire every day she emerges from the Plaza Hotel in a new look. Mother Monster has been hard at work rehearsing for One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga happening this Tuesday and Thursday at Radio City Music Hall. Tuesday also happens to mark the 95th birthday of the legendary jazz crooner, who's been battling Alzheimer's disease for the last five years. Leggy look: The 35-year-old pop diva showcased her bronzed legs in the short hooded creation and matching ostrich-feathered hat by Philip Treacy Werrrk! Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta) accessorized her eccentric look with Marc Jacobs FW/21 sunglasses, yellow leather gloves, and brown suede stilettos selected by styling duo Sandra Amador + Tom Eerebout Ready for her close-up: Make-up artist Sarah Tanno-Stewart applied a coral-colored pout on the 12-time Grammy winner Fashion show! Fans have delighted in Gaga's high fashion attire every day she emerges from the Plaza Hotel in a new look To prepare, Tony (born Anthony Benedetto) has been singing twice a week with pianist Lee Musiker and exercising three days a week with his fitness trainer David. Tickets have not yet sold out for the talented twosome's vaccine-required concerts benefitting his Exploring The Arts organization and her Born This Way Foundation. Gaga and Bennett are also rumored to have recorded an MTV Unplugged as well as the follow-up to their album Cheek to Cheek. Last Thursday, MGM unveiled the first trailer for Ridley Scott's Patrizia Reggiani biopic House of Gucci, which hits US theaters November 24 and UK theaters November 26. Not sold out! Mother Monster has been hard at work rehearsing for One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga happening this Tuesday and Thursday at Radio City Music Hall Swan song: Tuesday also happens to mark the 95th birthday of the legendary jazz crooner (pictured last Thursday), who's been battling Alzheimer's disease for the last five years Collaborators: Gaga and Bennett are also rumored to have recorded an MTV Unplugged as well as the follow-up to their album Cheek to Cheek (pictured in 2015) The 911 songstress portrays the fellow fiery 5ft Italian socialite who was convicted of orchestrating the 1995 murder of her ex-husband, Gucci heir Maurizio Gucci. The Milan-born 72-year-old completed 18 years of her 29-year prison sentence in 2016 along with four accomplices - including the hitman who gunned down Maurizio at his office. House of Gucci also stars Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jared Leto, Salma Hayek, Jack Huston, Reeve Carney, and Jeremy Irons. First look: Last Thursday, MGM unveiled the first trailer for Ridley Scott's Patrizia Reggiani biopic House of Gucci, which hits US theaters November 24 and UK theaters November 26 Bad romance: The 911 songstress portrays the fellow fiery 5ft Italian socialite who was convicted of orchestrating the 1995 murder of her ex-husband, Gucci heir Maurizio Gucci (R, Adam Driver) She adores her children and has been spending quality time with them in Miami. And Victoria Beckham, 47, showed off the bond she has with only daughter Harper, 10, in a sweet selfie shared on her Instagram story on Sunday. The Spice Girl looked radiant in the snap, her daughter grinning as they posed using a sweet filter. Mother-and-daughter: Victoria Beckham manifested the close bond she shares with daughter Harper, 10, in a sweet snap on Instagram on Sunday The mother-and-daughter duo looked relaxed in the selfie, as Harper's face was covered in smileys from a filter. Victoria also included a pink heart sticker as she exhibited her natural holiday glow. The mother-of-four, who also shares Brooklyn, 22, Romeo, 18, and Cruz, 16 with husband David, marked a girls' night out with her daughter over the weekend. Sweet: The mother-of-four, who also shares Brooklyn, 22, Romeo, 18, and Cruz, 16, alongside Harper with husband David, marked a 'girls night out' with her daughter over the weekend Sporting her signature pout, the fashion designer penned: 'Girls night out' as her youngest child beamed into the camera. Victoria also tagged where she was making memories with Harper - Strawberry Moon at The Goodtime Hotel. It is situated in the heart of Miami where the Beckhams are thought to be holidaying. Who's who! Harper was borrowing from her mum's wardrobe during the family's recent trip to Italy as she modelled one of the star's very own designs The weekend's holiday pictures are not the first that Victoria has shared from their getaways. Harper was spotted borrowing her mum's wardrobe during the family's recent trip to Italy as she modelled one of the star's very own designs. On Friday, the Essex-born star shared an adorable snap showing her daughter cuddling David while Harper was wearing a take on the 1,682 Woven Silk Jersey Lace Cami Dress from Victoria's eponymous fashion line. Posh Spice wore the dress herself on Instagram back in May while promoting her beauty line, yet she now seems to have handed down the look to her youngest child, who wore a more modest version with a pinned chest. Sweet: She added a caption on the shot reading: 'Harper and daddy (with a major tan going on!!) x kisses @davidbeckham x' Victoria looked sensational in her own snap in the dress before Harper modelled her near-identical mirror look with just a slight tweak in the front of the gown. The stunning gown originally cost 1,682 ($2,350) on Moda Operandi before being slashed to 1,011 ($1,410) and then selling out. She added a caption on the shot reading: 'Harper and daddy (with a major tan going on!!) x kisses @davidbeckham x'. Victoria has spoken in the past about Harper's flair for fashion. Speaking to The Telegraph in 2015, Victoria revealed her kids have a say in her outfit choices - with Harper being particularly vocal. Advertisement Cover girl Alessandra Ambrosio showed off her incredible figure in a very small black and beige bikini this weekend. The siren, 40, has been in Trancoso, Brazil with her model boyfriend Richard Lee for a week and has been soaking up the sun on the shore. On Saturday the leggy wonder - who has worked for Victoria's Secret and now plugs her very own GAL Floripa swimwear line - did her best to show off her toned fame as she paraded down the beach with her female friends then hopped on a boat. Beach babe: Cover girl Alessandra Ambrosio showed off her incredible figure in a very small string bikini this weekend Hitting the high seas in style: The Harper's Bazaar favorite has on a small swimsuit as she showed off her tan on a boat Trancoso is a district in the municipality of Porto Seguro in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Once a small fishing village, the town is now known for its beaches and has increased in popularity since gaining international attention around 2000. Alessandra often vacations in this location. Alessandra is a native of Brazil and often visits her home country though she lives in Los Angeles with her two kids. The stunning model was displaying her curves in a beige and black two-piece swimsuit, surely from her own bathing suit line Gal Floripa. Cheers: On Saturday the leggy wonder - who has worked for Victoria's Secret and now plugs her very own GAL Floripa swimwear line - did her best to show off her toned fame as she paraded down the shore and hopped on a boat A girls day out: Here she was seen with three friends as they took a boat out for some fun in the sun I love Brazil! Alessandra is a native of Brazil and often visits her home country though she lives in Los Angeles with her two kids and beau All her friends are pretty too: Here the Versace and Fendi model is seen with a female pal Alessandra's halter top piece was held together with wide straps and a thin string. Her thong bottom piece consisted of a skimpy triangular panel of fabric held up on her hips by a single strand of string. The mother of two wore rounded sunglasses, and had several necklaces layered on her chest including a pendent. Her lovely brown hair hung down over her shoulders, blowing back in the ocean breeze. Later she tied it up. The star's boyfriend Richard Lee, also a model, was not seen. The suit suits her: The stunning model was displaying her curves in a beige and black two-piece swimsuit, surely from her own bathing suit line Gal Floripa He sure knows how to stand out in a crowd: One of the men had pink hair and colorful swim trunks Before beginning to date Lee, the former Victoria's Secret Angel was in a long-term relationship with Italian businessman and designer Nicolo Oddi. This comes after Ambrosio said she tries to keep her beauty routine 'as simple as possible'. The model - who has Anja, 13, and Noah, 9, with Jamie Mazur - has revealed that in spite of her hectic schedule, she always makes time each day to 'take care of [herself]'. Now from he back: The briefs had a thing design that showed off her bottom well as she talked to a male pal She shared: 'I've always tried to keep my beauty routine as simple as possible and that didn't change when I had my kids. What I've focused on since having kids is creating time to take care of myself. 'Even if it's just 15 minutes in the morning for meditation, stretching or yoga - it helps me get centered and ready to conquer whatever the day is bringing my way.' Alessandra is determined to ensure her kids learn the value of taking care of themselves, too. The model told Vogue India magazine: 'I make sure that I teach my kids the importance of taking care of themselves, so every morning we make delicious juices together and try to do some kind of outdoor activity.' Toned: This comes after Ambrosio said she tries to keep her beauty routine 'as simple as possible'. The model - who has Anja, 13, and Noah, 9, with Jamie Mazur - has revealed that in spite of her hectic schedule, she always makes time each day to 'take care of [herself]' Beauty secret: She shared: 'I've always tried to keep my beauty routine as simple as possible and that didn't change when I had my kids. What I've focused on since having kids is creating time to take care of myself. Even if it's just 15 minutes in the morning for meditation, stretching or yoga - it helps me get centered and ready to conquer whatever the day is bringing my way' Alessandra previously admitted that her children are her 'number-one priority'. The brunette beauty has therefore taken it upon herself to arrange her schedule around her kids. She said: 'My children are always going to be my number-one priority, so I work hard on arranging my schedule to spend as much time as possible with them.' Alessandra also revealed she would happily support her children if they wanted to follow in her footsteps and become models themselves. She shared: 'I want my children to do what they love, and if that's modelling, then I would be there every step of the way to support them. 'Right now they're enjoying being kids, learning about the world, and exploring.' Advertisement Jennifer Lopez looked stylish as she boarded a private jet in Saint Tropez on Sunday, after enjoying a romantic holiday with on-again boyfriend Ben Affleck. The pair had been enjoying a PDA-packed superyacht cruise around Europe, stopping in places like Italy, St. Tropez and Monte Carlo and as she prepared to head home, she was seen wearing the $4k key pendant Ben had gifted her for her birthday, which came alongside a stack of other necklaces and charms. Just days after giving her the self-designed gift, Ben, 48, was nowhere to be seen when Jennifer, 52, disembarked the $130 million vessel and made her way to the airport. Making moves: Jennifer Lopez boarded a private jet in Saint Tropez on Sunday after enjoying a romantic European getaway with Ben Affleck on a $130M superyacht Jennifer looked typically fabulous in a chic patterned jumpsuit teamed with heels as she teetered along the tarmac. The Second Act star wore the same outfit earlier in the day as she disembarked her yacht, and was seen beaming from ear to ear as she bid the crew goodbye. Wearing her hair swept up off her face and keeping the beating French sunshine at bay behind an oversized pair of tinted pink sunglasses, the megastar carried her belongings in a stylish white handbag while walking down the ship's jetty. Looking fabulous: The Second Act star wore the same outfit earlier in the day as she disembarked her yacht, and was seen beaming from ear to ear as she bid the crew goodbye Bling bling: She was seen wearing the $4k key pendant Ben had gifted her for her birthday, which came alongside a stack of other necklaces and charms Until next time: Jennifer had been enjoying a PDA-packed superyacht cruise around Europe with her boyfriend Ben, stopping in places like Italy , St. Tropez and Monte Carlo Once her feet were firmly back on land, JLo made sure to pose for photographs with a small group of waiting fans. She then hopped into a black Mercedes and was whisked away. Jen and Ben haven't been shy about showing affection in public during their holiday. Hair up: JLo wore her hair swept up off her face and kept the beating French sunshine at bay behind an oversized pair of tinted pink sunglasses Bidding the crew farewell: JLo took time saying goodbye to the large crew staff at the bottom of a spiral staircase Chatting away: Clearly at ease with the yacht's staff, Jennifer chatted away to crew members before making her final descent to land Stepping out in Capri last month, the A-list pair were seen smiling and chatting as they took in the sights together and sweetly held hands. After some time in Italy, Bennifer was recently spotted making a pit stop to luxurious Monte Carlo so the Oscar-winner could hit the tables and do some gambling. The high-roller was seen spending hours at the casino table on his one in a '007-like black suit and a sharp white shirt,' PageSix reported. It's been a non-stop good time since touching down in to the French Riviera on a luxury private jet. Non-stop: It's been a non-stop good time since touching down in Europe via luxury private jet last month Off she goes: The megastar carried her belongings in a stylish white handbag while walking down the ship's jetty The couple were quickly whisked away from the air craft to their yacht, named Valerie, where they were spotted exchanging kisses and tender embraces on the sun deck. The couple almost suffered a run-in with Jen's ex-fiance in St-Tropez on Tuesday, where Alex Rodriguez had arrived to celebrate his 46th birthday. While ARod and his pals were pictured on jet skis near Ben and Jen's vessel, it seems they managed to avoid one another. Easy does it: JLo carefully eased herself onto the jetty before strutting her stuff on the way back to land where a car was waiting for her Making time for photographs: Once her feet were firmly back on land, JLo made sure to pose for photographs with a small group of waiting fans Sad to be leaving: Saying goodbye to a small crowd of people standing next to her blacked-out car, JLo will no doubt miss her time in the sun with Ben Bennifer then sharply took their mega-yacht to Italy, continuing their pricy tour of the Mediterranean. During a romantic dinner in the country, the couple couldn't seem to keep their hands off of one another and were spotted packing on the PDA at a restaurant. When not on land, the pair have been canoodling on Jen's rented 85-metre yacht which was built by Lurssen in 2011 and underwent an extensive refit in 2019. It can accommodate 17 guests in nine well-appointed cabins with space for a 27-strong crew. All in the details: The hit-maker accessorised with a long beaded necklace and and was also sporting a luxury bracelet on her left wrist Working her best angles: The Hustlers star looked radiant while posing for snaps ahead of her journey back across the pond Bling: Jennifer was also rocking a sparkly pair of earrings that no doubt cost a pretty penny The Valerie boasts seven bedrooms across six decks on which to enjoy the voyage, and the theme of wellness runs throughout with a steam room and even a Hamman, said to be decorated with mosaics - according to Boat International. There are also massage rooms and spaces for beauty treatments. While a gym with a panoramic view of the ocean opens out onto an outdoor space with room for dining and a fountain that lights up at night. The vessel has six decks all served by an elevator and has an onboard 20 foot-long pool and a Jacuzzi which is one of five outdoor spaces. Show-stopping: JLo's show-stopping pink sunglasses were stamped with jewel detailing Not camera shy: The megastar appeared at ease with people snapping photos of her on their phones Stunning: Behind the star, the stunning St Tropez backdrop was visible Radiant: JLo looked radiant and didn't appear to be wearing so much as a drop of make-up Sweet: JLo was also dishing out hugs before being whisked away to the airport as her European holiday came to an end Kind: The star beamed from ear to ear while embracing a young woman Unreal: The Valerie boasts seven bedrooms across six decks on which to enjoy the voyage, and the theme of wellness runs throughout with a steam room and even a Hamman, said to be decorated with mosaics Is that all? Not appearing to have brought much luggage with her, a member of the yacht's crew was seen wheeling a single white suitcase to the car Fun times: JLo and Ben have been cruising around Europe on the $130million yacht for her luxury 52nd birthday trip Back together: Jennifer and Ben haven't been shy about showing their affection towards each other amid their romantic European holiday Ben and Jennifer had been set to wed in 2003 but postponed their wedding before calling off their relationship. They rekindled their romance a few months ago after her split from Alex Rodriguez in April 2021 following four years of dating. Despite dating for a bit of time privately, the pair only went public this week, making it Instagram official to Lopez's 168million followers. Loved up: Jen and Ben, who recently rekindled their romance, have had a blast together on their Europe trip Living the good life: The couple was recently spotted making a pit stop to luxurious Monte Carlo so Ben could hit the tables and do some gambling Matt Damon has sparked a furious row after the Hollywood star admitted he was using the homophobic slur f****t until 'just a few months ago' when his daughter was forced to tell him it was wrong. The U.S. actor admitted that his daughter wrote him a long essay detailing how the word is 'dangerous' and homophobic after Damon said it at the dinner table as a 'joke'. 'The word that my daughter calls the 'f-slur for a homosexual' was commonly used when I was a kid, with a different application,' the 50-year-old told The Sunday Times. 'I made a joke, months ago, and got a treatise from my daughter. She left the table. I said, "Come on, that's a joke! I say it in the movie Stuck on You!" 'She went to her room and wrote a very long, beautiful treatise on how that word is dangerous. I said, "I retire the f-slur!" I understood.' His comments have sparked a huge backlash, with social media users questioning why it has taken him until only recently to stop using the homophobic slur, while others suggested Damon could have 'canceled himself'. Done with that word: Matt Damon admitted that he used to use a homophobic slur once in a while. But when one of his daughters urged him to stop, explaining it was offensive, he decided to hang it up, the Last Duel shared this weekend. Seen July 8 in Cannes The little ones: Matt and his wife Luciana Barroso, 45, have daughters Isabella, 14, Gia, 12, and Stella, 10. She has daughter Alexia Barroso, 22, from a previous relationship with Arbello Barroso The New York City-based comic artist and illustrator Adam Ellis said: 'So Matt Damon has just been walking around his mansion casually saying faggot in front of his daughters? In 2021?' 'Has Matt Damon just canceled himself?' asked one Twitter user. American comedian, actor and writer Travon Free said: 'So Matt Damon just figured out 'months ago', by way of a 'treatise' from a child, that he's not to say the word f****t. Months ago.' Other social media users questioned why Damon felt the need to share such an anecdote. Canadian comedian Deven Green, known as her satirical name Mrs Betty Bowers, said: 'I've lost some respect for Matt Damon for two reasons: 'Being a 51-year-old (sic) Harvard-educated person who only realized using homophobic slurs was a bad thing months ago and being foolish enough to think that was a cute story he should share with the world.' Another user said: 'I'm screaming because why did Matt Damon tell us that unprovoked?' 'Matt Damon's teenage daughter going to painstaking lengths, constructing an entire essay on why he shouldn't use a slur, for his own benefit as much as anyone else's, only for him to waltz off to the nearest journalist to merrily inform them how often he used it till a week ago,' said one user. 'I want to know what word Matt Damon has replaced f****t with,' said comedian Billy Eichner, who is also gay. He also said in another tweet, 'And to think I didn't throw a retirement party!' He added: 'Imagine this headline about any other derogatory ethnic/racial/religious etc slur being used in 2021. People would be up in arms and rightfully so. But youre still allowed to be homophobic in this fake-woke industry. HAPPY PRIDE!!!' Film journalist Jordan Hoffman tweeted, 'Do celebrities not realize they are not legally required to speak to the press?' The tweet also garnered a response from actor Seth Rogen, who said, 'They actually literally are a lot of the time,' referring to actors being required to promote their projects by the studios in their contracts. Even with that being the case, many were baffled that Damon revealed that information so casually in the interview. Not required: Film journalist Jordan Hoffman tweeted, 'Do celebrities not realize they are not legally required to speak to the press?' Literally: The tweet also garnered a response from actor Seth Rogen, who said, 'They actually literally are a lot of the time,' referring to actors being required to promote their projects by the studios in their contracts TV writer Chase Mitchell stated, 'Everybody: The National news media: The trades: TMZ: Matt Damon: 'Y'know I said f****t until like last Tuesday.' Writer Charlotte Clymer, who is also a lesbian, added, 'This news bit about Matt Damon only recently deciding to stop saying "f****t" after his daughter wrote him a "treatise" on it just makes me sad. Geez.' She added in another tweet, 'I have a bad feeling that this is an incredibly clumsy attempt at marketing for a film in which Damon plays a good ole boy trying to save his queer daughter from harm, and I gotta tell ya: I know a lot of good ole boys who already get why this is wrong and don't do it.' Tuesday: TV writer Chase Mitchell stated, 'Everybody: The National news media: The trades: TMZ: Matt Damon: 'Y'know I said f****t until like last Tuesday' The Young Turks contributor Adrienne Lawrence added, 'If Matt Damons using homophobic slurs at the dinner table in 2021, you cant tell me hes not using racist slurs too. Bet.' TV writer Jaclyn Moore added, 'Remember when the joke was that Ben Affleck was the dumb one and Matt Damon was the smart one? 'Because one is dating J-Lo and the other is spending the year of our lord Dolly Parton 2021 bragging about how he just stopped saying "f*g." Adrienne: The Young Turks contributor Adrienne Lawrence added, 'If Matt Damons using homophobic slurs at the dinner table in 2021, you cant tell me hes not using racist slurs too. Bet.' Jaclyn: TV writer Jaclyn Moore added, 'Remember when the joke was that Ben Affleck was the dumb one and Matt Damon was the smart one? Because one is dating J-Lo and the other is spending the year of our lord Dolly Parton 2021 bragging about how he just stopped saying "f*g' Another entertainment journalist, Daniel Fienberg, added, 'As a member of the press, I like when celebrities talk to the press, but it's always illuminating to hear the stories that folks like Liam Neeson or Matt Damon think are humanizing and charming, but actually reveal insulation and isolation (among other unsavory stuff) instead.' Freelance writer Erin Biba tweeted, 'Matt Damon really becomes more intolerable by the second, huh? Like the hole that dude has dug himself might come out the other side of the Earth soon.' Damon has yet to publicly comment on the controversy after the interview was first published. Press: Another entertainment journalist, Daniel Fienberg, added, 'As a member of the press, I like when celebrities talk to the press, but it's always illuminating to hear the stories that folks like Liam Neeson or Matt Damon think are humanizing and charming, but actually reveal insulation and isolation (among other unsavory stuff) instead' Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso, 45, have daughters Isabella, 14, Gia, 12, and Stella, 10. She has daughter Alexia Barroso, 22, from a previous relationship with Arbello Barroso. Damon went on to complain in the newspaper interview about his words being put under a microscope, saying: 'Twenty years ago, the best way I can put it is that the journalist listened to the music more than the lyrics [of an interview].' 'Now your lyrics are getting parsed, to pull them out of context and get the best headline possible. Everyone needs clicks. Before it didn't really matter what I said, because it didn't make the news. But maybe this shift is a good thing. So I shut the f up more.' The family: Damon and Barroso enjoy a beach day with their daughters Isabella, Gia and Stella in Byron Bay, Australia This comes after he said he tries to land a role in every Steven Soderbergh movie. The actor - who has worked with the filmmaker on the likes of the 'Ocean's Trilogy', 2009 crime comedy 'The Informant' and 2013 drama 'Behind the Candelabra' - opened up on how his cameo in 'No Sudden Move' came about. He told Collider: 'I try to do every movie that Steven does, I have to try to play at least some part in it. I think we're up to 10 now. 'He called me when I was doing The Last Duel and just said he had another actor for that part, but because the movie moved and it pushed because of COVID and everything, it opened up.' Damon admitted he'd already looked over the script - which he tries to do for all of Soderbergh's projects - which made it an 'easy' decision. He added: 'I had already read the script because I usually read what he's working on out of interest so I just jumped at the chance to parachute in and play that guy.' A new movie for this vet: Damon is starring as an oil rig worker in Stillwater His cast mates: Damon, Abigail Breslin and Tom McCarthy attend the Stillwater'New York Premiere on July 26 in New York City There was also a bonus treat of getting to share the screen with two of his favourite performers. He said: 'Plus it's a scene with two of my favourite actors in the world, Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro, so that was another easy yes.' Damon also serves as a production with Project Greenlight alongside Chris Moore, Sean Bailey and Ben Affleck, while he and Affleck also created Pearl Street Films together. Discussing potential projects, he admitted: 'I don't have - there's a few that I've had in the wings, but I dunno. I guess I'm waiting for the next one to come my way.' Thea Ruth White, best known as the voice of Muriel Bagge in the Courage The Cowardly Dog, has passed away at the age of 81. On Sunday, the Cartoon Network star's nephew Brad Zitzner announced that she had died from complications from an infection after undergoing surgery to treat liver cancer. 'Sadly we lost our legendary Feefer (the voice of Muriel) on Friday morning after she fought hard with courage to try to beat her liver cancer and to resume life or to die trying,' Brad wrote in an emotional tribute that he shared on Facebook. Sad loss: Thea Ruth White, best known as the voice of Muriel Bagge in the Courage The Cowardly Dog, has passed away at the age of 81 '(She ended up with an infection after cutting out the damn cancer),' he continued. Brad went on to describe Thea as the 'greatest cheerleader to me and my family' and said 'the pain is so deep.' Zitzner continued, 'Thanks Feefer for your leadership of your family. The roll you have taken with my kids and all your family sadly can't be replaced. I can see hundreds of fan tributes already online so your love was shared far and wide. 'I've never met a person who knew you who didn't think you were the greatest person alive. That lasted even up through your stay in the hospital as I'm told the nurses and doctors also fell in love. 'You loved life and even know I know the final outcome I love your decision to go for it and to try to win. Damnit sticks!' Heartbreaking: 'Sadly we lost our legendary Feefer (the voice of Muriel) on Friday morning after she fought hard with courage to try to beat her liver cancer and to resume life or to die trying,' Brad wrote in an emotional tribute that he shared on Facebook Brad included several family photos in his post along with images of her character from the beloved animated series. Thea's brother John Zitzner also shared the sad news on Facebook. On Friday, he posted a video of White in which she was seen sitting outside on a wooden bench. In the video, Thea cheerfully asked for some photos of the 'little and big children' in her family 'frolicking in the ocean.' She joked, 'That will speed my recovery. I'll be up and at 'em in five minutes after they cut me open. Well, ish.' 'My sister recorded this prior to her surgery,' John wrote in the caption. 'She fought. She left us today at 11:05.' Her past: White, born Thea Ruth Zitzner, launched her career as an actress after studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. She met her husband Andy White when the two performed together in the play Goodbye Charlie. Thea retired from acting after marrying Andy in 1983. They remained married until his death in 2015 John shared another video of Thea recording a message for him and his family while she was undergoing treatment in the hospital. The actress was laughing and joking as she struggled to use her Muriel voice. 'It's the anesthesia,' she said. John captioned the video: 'Thanks to Susan Bookshar for recording this last Sunday, July 25 some 5 days after her first surgery. Wishing her family good times as some of us were in Chautauqua for a few days, contemplating she would join us later in the week. Her last breath was Friday July 30 at 11:05 am. 2 days after her second surgery.' White, born Thea Ruth Zitzner, launched her career as an actress after studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. She met her husband Andy White when the two performed together in the play Goodbye Charlie. Thea retired from acting after marrying Andy in 1983. They remained married until his death in 2015. The New Jersey native made her acting comeback returned to acting when she was offered the role of Muriel on Courage the Cowardly Dog. She voiced Muriel during the entire series run from 1999-2002 and reprised her role several times for other projects. Larry Emdur is proving himself to be one of Channel Seven's most valuable assets. The Morning Show host, 56, reportedly just signed a new seven-figure contract with the network after stepping in to replace Andrew O'Keefe as host of The Chase. 'Between The Morning Show and The Chase, Emdur is now on the big bucks,' an insider told New Idea on Monday. Million-dollar man: The Morning Show host Larry Emdur, 56, reportedly just signed a new seven-figure contract with Seven after stepping in to replace Andrew O'Keefe on The Chase 'After rounds of negotiations, he's sitting very pretty. He has effectively saved the network's most successful game show so he's worth every penny!' the source said. Seven execs are now reportedly even considering Emdur as a possible candidate to replace David 'Kochie' Koch when he retires as host of breakfast show Sunrise. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seven for comment. Valuable asset: 'Between The Morning Show and The Chase, Emdur is now on the big bucks,' an insider told New Idea on Monday. 'After rounds of negotiations, he's sitting very pretty. He has effectively saved the network's most successful game show so he's worth every penny!' Emdur signed on to take over O'Keefe's position in February after Seven refused to renew the latter's contract amid his legal problems. O'Keefe recently had assault charges against him dropped on mental health grounds. According to court proceedings, the former TV host allegedly had a manic episode when he struck an ex-partner who claims he brought an ice pipe to a party. Court battle: O'Keefe (pictured) recently had assault charges against him dropped due on mental health grounds. According to court proceedings, the former host allegedly had a manic episode when he struck an ex-partner who claims he brought an ice pipe to a party Emdur's first episode of The Chase went to air last Monday during Seven's coverage of the Olympics. He said ahead of his debut: 'I'm thrilled to be the host of The Chase and I can't wait to see the look on my mum's face when she hears me saying all those big words. 'I'm excited to be starting on Monday during the Olympics. Mind you, any of the Chasers will happily tell you this show is the Olympics of quizzing.' Crucial role: In an interview with The Daily Telegraph last month, Emdur explained that game shows like The Chase are 'super important' because they are lead-ins to news bulletins, which are often the highest-rated programs of the evening In an interview with The Daily Telegraph last month, Emdur explained that game shows like The Chase are 'super important' because they are lead-ins to news bulletins, which are often the highest-rated programs of the evening. He added that he didn't make the decision to host the series lightly. 'We've got a beautiful thing happening on The Morning Show, top of the ratings for 14 years and I love working with [co-host] Kylie Gillies and the team,' he said. 'I hope people continue to enjoy the show the way that they have over the years and I hope I bring something different to it as well.' Emdur is no newbie to hosting game shows, having previously hosted The Price Is Right and Wheel of Fortune. Ashley Judd is walking again nearly six months after shattering her leg in four places while traveling in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 53-year-old actress' latest update on her agonizing road to recovery revealed she was able to hike in the Swiss National Park for over an hour. 'Dear Friends, It is with reverence and quiet awe I offer this update,' she wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. 'Today, five months and three weeks after the accident in the Congolese rainforest, I walked again, and in what fashion!' Recovering: Ashley Judd is walking again nearly six months after shattering her leg in four places while traveling in the Democratic Republic of Congo Speaking of being back in nature, Judd detailed feeling at ease and 'at home in my spirit.' 'My leg and foot, worked beautifully. I walked up hill on uneven surfaces for an hour confidently and came down carefully and easily,' she raved. She added: 'I rested in a meadow on Gods fecund earth for hours. The next day, I walked again on a high Alp in #Ticino, working hard and feeling how much I stamina I have to rebuild.' 'My leg and foot, worked beautifully. I walked up hill on uneven surfaces for an hour confidently and came down carefully and easily,' she raved Incredible progress: Despite the fact that her 'leg will never be the same,' Judd told her more than 518,000 followers she looks forward to a 'fabulous' life ahead with her 'new leg' While acknowledging she still has a long 'road ahead,' the Kiss the Girls star said she is finding joy in doing 'daily tasks' as well as carrying firewood into her Alpine hut. Judd also made sure to thank the people who aided her recovery, including Dr. Phil Kregor, her trauma orthopedic surgeon. 'He, in consultation with of Dr Susan Mackinnon & Dr Scott Levin, made a very gutsy decision to decompress my deeply damaged peroneal nerve,' she noted. 'The video of my foot moving is unheard of.' Making strides: The 53-year-old actress' latest update on her agonizing road to recovery revealed she was able to hike in the Swiss National Park (seen months early when she said she 'barely walk') 'Dear Friends, It is with reverence and quiet awe I offer this update,' she wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. 'Today, five months and three weeks after the accident in the Congolese rainforest, I walked again, and in what fashion!' 'We expected my foot - if ever - to *begin* to move in one year. In four months to the day, she went blew us all away,' the political activist pointed out. Despite the fact that her 'leg will never be the same,' Judd told her more than 518,000 followers she looks forward to a 'fabulous' life ahead with her 'new leg.' She also shared footage of herself trekking through a forest with arm crutches just months prior, which she no longer needs, which she said was taken when she could 'barely walk.' 'Many of you have been praying for me, and sending me notes. Thank you. I have felt you. I have especially been held by family and my partner. Peace be with you,' she concluded. Very hard work: Pictured doing AcroYoga, before she could walk A miracle: She surpassed her doctor's expectations within months The actress shattered her leg after tripping over a tree in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while going to see the endangered bonobos monkeys, and got treatment at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, after a grueling 55-hour journey. The actress revealed on February 12 that she had been rushed to the ICU in a hospital in South Africa after she suffered a fall which left her with a 'shattered leg in four places' as well as 'nerve damage' whilst in the Congo. Ashley shared images of her lengthy 55-hour ordeal, which saw her travel across the continent in stages before reaching her final destination in South Africa. In a lengthy caption on Instagram, she wrote: 'Friends. Without my Congolese brothers and sisters, my internal bleeding would have likely killed me, and I would have lost my leg. Recovery: Judd pictured on her recovery after her accident in the Congo jungle; seen in February Once in an American hospital, Ashley said, 'I had to continue to wait for the tissue damage and swelling to reduce. Eventually I was qualified to have the 8-hour surgery to repair the bones, decompress the hemorrhaging nerve and pick the shards of bones out of the nerve. I am now recovering from surgery.' 'I wake up weeping in gratitude, deeply moved by each person who contributed something life giving and spirit salving during my grueling 55 hour odyssey. (sic)' Ashley went on to thank each of the people involved in getting her the help she needed, including a man she named 'Papa Jean', who 'manipulated and adjusted [her] broken bones' so that she could be transported safely. She said: 'Papa Jean: it took 5 hours, but eventually he found me, wretched and wild on the ground, and calmly assessed my broken leg. He told me what he had to do. I bit a stick. I held onto Maud. The actress revealed on February 12 that she had been rushed to the ICU in a hospital in South Africa after she suffered a fall which left her with a 'shattered leg in four places' as well as 'nerve damage' whilst in the Congo. She is seen in one of the photos she shared from the journey before reaching South Africa 'And Papa Jean, with certainty began to manipulate and adjust my broken bones back into something like a position I could be transported in, while I screamed and writhed. How he did that so methodically while I was like an animal is beyond me. He saved me. & he had to do this twice! 'The six men who carefully moved me into the hammock with as little jostling as possible, who then walked for 3 hours over rough terrain carrying me out. Heros. (sic)' The Double Jeopardy star sustained her injuries when she was out on an excursion and had been using a faulty head lamp, which made it difficult for her to see, and as a result she tripped over a fallen tree. When she first detailed her 55-hour ordeal, Ashley described it as 'incredibly harrowing', and said it began 'with five hours of lying on the forest floor' with one of her colleagues until she was able to be evacuated. Harrowing: Ashley endured a 55-hour rescue ordeal to get her out of the jungle in DRC and to South Africa for treatment Ordeal: Five hours after her accident someone arrived to reset her bones, before she was carried through the rainforest to a motorcycle, where she was driven for six hours to the city of Jolu She added: '[He had] his leg under my badly misshapen leg, [and I was] biting my stick. Howling like a wild animal.' Five hours after her accident someone arrived to reset her bones, before she was carried through the rainforest to a motorcycle, where she was driven for six hours to the city of Jolu. After spending the night in the city, she was then flown to the capital of Kinshasa to stay for 24 hours and then, eventually, down to South Africa to be treated in an ICU in that country. Speaking to The New York Times' Nicholas Kristof for an Instagram Live interview, she said: 'I'm in a lot of love. I'm in a lot of compassion and I'm in a lot of gratitude. I thank everyone for their thoughts and their prayers and their support.' Christine Quinn shared several new photos to Instagram on Sunday where she looked as if she was having the time of her life. The siren was in a bright peach two piece as she sat on a boat while on a boat in the Mediterranean. The Selling Sunset star has been in Italy with her husband Christian Richards for the past several weeks as the two have been seen dining al fresco and swimming along the rocky coastline. Fun in the sun: Christine Quinn shared several new photos to Instagram on Sunday where she looked as if she was having the time of her life Happy at last: The siren was in a bright peach two piece as she sat on a boat while on a boat in the Mediterranean This comes only two months after she welcomed her son Christian Georges Dumontet. The star, 31, posed in a string bikini when on vacation in Capri, Italy earlier this week. 'Born in Dallas, live in LA, Currently in Italy,' the reality TV star wrote in her caption. The suit was a light turquoise color and she added matching drop earrings. Quinn looked incredible in her swimsuit as she showed off a trim waistline and sculpted arms with her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. The siren was also nicely made up for the photo shoot with her boy who was held in her arms. Family time: The Selling Sunset star has been in Italy with her husband Christian Richards for the past several weeks as the two have been seen dining al fresco and swimming along the rocky coastline Designer dame: She had on red sunglasses and a ink fuzzy purse next to her. Her nails were a French manicure and her hair was down The real estate agent had on a skintight dress in yellow, orange and white tones that hugged her curves. She also flashed her diamond wedding rings. In one shot, the siren added mirrored sunglasses with black frames with a geometric design. And she showed off her long pink nails and diamond rings while enjoying a yellow beverage. She said she was at the La Fontelina. She loves the good life: Quinn's slides in a bright pink were made by Gucci It has been over two months since she welcomed her baby: 'It's official! I'm a mommy!' Quinn shared in May. The 5ft9in siren continued: 'Baby C made his grand entrance over the weekend. 'I am beyond grateful to my husband, and to all the wonderful doctors and nurses who helped me. It was a little scary, but we are beyond grateful. Swipe up to read the full story in my ig story.' The news was first reported by UsWeekly. 'Christian Georges Dumontet was born a healthy baby boy on Saturday, May 15, at 4:22 p.m. in Los Angeles less than two days after she appeared at the MTV Movie & TV Awards: Unscripted taping,' a rep confirmed to the publication. Cruising along: In this image, she had on a blue bikini top and white shorts with a pearl necklace She announced she was expecting her first child in February, a little more than one year after marrying the tech millionaire during an opulent Gothic Winter Wonderland wedding in LA. Her million dollar wedding was the focus of Selling Sunset's third season finale and featured black swans, falling snow and a horse drawn carriage. 'I'm going to be a mommy,' she wrote on Instagram in February. 'My heart is already bursting with love and gratitude for this little life inside me. I'm humbled, awestruck and inspired. Oh baby! This comes only two months after she welcomed her son Christian Georges Dumontet 'It's already a feeling like no other that I've ever experienced, and all I can think about is how we can be the best parents possible. We can't wait to start our family!' She largely documented her pregnancy on social media with extravagant photo shoots as she attempted to embrace her changing figure. 'I'm trying to embrace it, but with wardrobe, it's been a lot more difficult,' she explained at the time. 'It's definitely challenging to find things that look fashionable and I can still fit in at the same time because I'm definitely bigger up here and I'm bigger down there. So, it's a math equation.' Pinup! The star, 31, posed in a string bikini when on vacation in Capri, Italy earlier this week. 'Born in Dallas, live in LA , Currently in Italy,' the reality TV star wrote in her caption. The suit was a light turquoise color and she added matching drop earrings Days before giving birth, Christine was the guest of honor as she hosted a jungle-themed baby shower complete with a sloth and parrots. A few of her Selling Sunset co-stars were on hand as cameras appeared to be rolling on season four of the popular Netflix show. She said last week that during the ceremony she started going into labor. New parents! Christine and Christian were pictured together at the taping of the MTV Movie & TV Awards: Unscripted DARIEN Republican candidates came out to Grove Street Plaza Saturday morning for their first official gathering with residents. Dozens of people were on hand to see some of the partys hopefuls, including first selectman candidate Monica McNally and her Board of Selectmen running mates, Marcy Minnick and Jon Zagrodzky. I think this is a great kickoff to what I think is going to be an exciting election cycle, said McNally, noting that the beautiful weather aided the turnout. I truly hope that people will continue to reach out to us, she said. McNally said she considers herself a listener, and wants to hear various peoples opinions and how they view their town, especially the many people who have moved here recently. We are all invested in Darien, she said. I will listen to you and work to protect your investment. McNally, an eight-year veteran of the Representative Town Meeting, was recently appointed to the Board of Selectmen. I feel like my job as first selectman will be to keep our town safe, to protect it and to provide superior services, she said, noting how pleased she was to be running with other Republican candidates. Zagrodzky, who currently chairs the Board of Finance, also praised the slate. This team has got the combination of experience and dedication and connection to the voters, he said, that will add up to success. He said his skill set from serving on the finance board will fit well with a role as selectman. This is a fairly well-run town and I took great pride in my work on the Board of Finance to maintain that, Zagrodzky said, and Im going to bring that to the Board of Selectmen. Like McNally, Minnick cited safety as a key issue to address, including concerns about recent car break-ins, and traffic as it relates to pedestrian and bicycle safety. I certainly want to tackle that, said Minnick, who currently serves on the RTM. Were excited to get out there and talk to the constituents, she said, and find out what their needs and wants are for the town. State Rep. Terrie Wood, R-141, who was at the gathering, said the local elections were paramount because of concerns over maintaining local control in areas like zoning and education. Hartford every day is trying to take local control out of the hands of local (agencies) ... and its not solving the issues we need to be solving, she said. Local control is for the people, she said. Its more transparent. Transparency is one of the key words. GOP Board of Education candidate Tara Wurm also cited that issue in relation to her candidacy. Theres a lot of political ideology thats being brought into the classroom, she said, noting curriculum and mandates in other states being brought forward that reflect changes she doesnt favor. I believe we need more critical-thinking skills, she said, in the classroom. Wurm said there was great energy around the GOP ticket, and especially praised McNally. I think shes going to be really great for Darien, she said. Alex Davidson, chair of the Republican Town Committee, also praised the team and its possibilities. Today is really introducing this team to the voters of Darien, he said, and it is a team because Darien works best when we work together. The elections not about Washington. Its not about Hartford this year, he said, but about local governance in town. 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. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has spoken up in defence of actor Shilpa Shetty, who has been mercilessly trolled along with her husband Raj Kundra, after the latter was arrested in a pornography case. If you cannot stand up for her at least leave Shilpa Shetty alone and let the law decide? Allow her some dignity and privacy. It is unfortunate that people in public life ultimately are left to fend for themselves and are proclaimed guilty even before justice is meted out [sic]. Mehta tweeted on Friday. This vilification is a pattern. If the allegations are against a film person there is a rush to invade privacy, to pass sweeping judgment, to character-assassinate, to fill 'news' with trashy gossip all at the cost of individuals and their dignity [sic]. he wrote. The Hungama 2 actor had filed a defamation suit in the Bombay High Court against media publications and social media platforms for publishing defamatory content against her. When the suit was heard on Friday, the Court directed a few media platforms to take down the relevant content. However, the Court also clarified that this direction should not be constructed as a gag on media. VIJAYAWADA: As many as 2.66 lakh volunteers spread out into villages, towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday for massive distribution of social security pension. It saw 80.39 per cent out of the total 60.50 lakh beneficiaries receiving the pension. The YSRC government allotted Rs1455.87 crore for the pension and minister for panchayat raj and rural development Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy said there is no dearth of funds for the purpose. The volunteers reached the pension amounts to most of the beneficiaries on Sunday itself and the process would be continued on Monday and Tuesday to reach out to the remaining beneficiaries, who were unavailable at their homes on Sunday. The ST, SC, BC, Kapu, EBC, Minority and Brahmin Corporations are offering YSR pension Kanuka to 60,50,377 beneficiaries. Under this, 3,54,469 beneficiaries were STs, 9,88,557 SCs, 29,62,864 BCs, 24,804 Kapus, 2,39,738 EBCs, 10,81,083 minorities and 3,98,862 Brahmins. The highest number 6,60,777 pension beneficiaries were in East Godavari followed by 5,87,531 in Guntur district, 5,20,352 in Anantapur, 5,13,488 in Chittoor, 5,11,156 in Krishna, 4,87,765 in West Godavari district, 4,79,703 in Visakhapatnam, 4,45,049 in Kurnool, 4,28,621 in Prakasam, 3,78,271 in Srikakulam, 3,61,237 in Nellore, 3,44,317 in Kadapa and 3,32,110 in Vizianagaram district. The distribution of social security pensions at doorsteps came as a big relief to the beneficiaries in during the Corona crisis days. The village/ward volunteers came to the houses of the beneficiaries in the early morning hour and started disbursement of pensions to 60.50 lakh people in all the 13 districts. As many as 2.66 lakh village/ward volunteers completed the process of the state government on the first day of the month. By 11 am, about 69.88 per cent beneficiaries received the pension. By 1 pm, the percentage of beneficiaries increased to 74.18 per cent and by 4 pm it reached 76.43 per cent. By evening, some 77.03 per cent of the beneficiaries received the pension in a hassle-free manner at their doorsteps. A total of 80.39 per cent beneficiaries received pensions by 9pm. Pension beneficiaries, Malleswari and Ramu, praised the good services of the volunteers and thanked Chief Minister Jagan for continuing the pensions despite the Corona-linked financial crisis to the state exchequer. Minister for panchayat raj and rural development Ramachandra Reddy said 1,804 pensioners have opted for portability payment under which they can receive pension anywhere in AP according to their convenience. Call centres were opened in DRDA offices in all 13 districts to monitor the pension distribution in a smooth manner. The pension distribution percentage would be continued on Monday and Tuesday to cover all the beneficiaries, he said. HYDERABAD: The Telangana state government decided to implement the Centres economically weaker sections (EWS) reservations in education and employment from this year. The state Cabinet which met here at Pragathi Bhavan on Sunday approved implementation of 10 per cent EWS quota to only those families whose gross annual income is below Rs 8 lakh. The Cabinet also decided to give relaxation of five years in upper age limit for EWS quota candidates in job notifications to be issued by the state government. It asked district collectors to collect data of children district-wise orphaned by Covid-19 to extend various government benefits like free education, accommodation, food etc. The Cabinet directed women and child welfare department to take care of all needs of children orphaned by Covid till they completed their education, secured employment and settled down in life. Officials were also asked to complete implementation of free power to dhobi ghats and saloons up to 250 units usage each within a week. The Cabinet decided to extend Aasara pensions to additional 6,62 lakh beneficiaries by lowering the upper age limit from existing 65 years to 57 years. With this, the total Aasara beneficiaries in state will increase to 58 lakhs. The Cabinet also directed the health department to take all steps to control the spread of Covid. It instructed officials to increase Covid tests and vaccination besides ensuring adequate beds, oxygen and other required facilities in all hospitals. It asked officials to visit districts that are witnessing comparatively higher positive cases and lay special focus on controlling Covid. The Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar said the district collector and district in-charge minister would play a key role in the successful implementation of Dalit Bandhu scheme. (Photo:Twitter@TelanganaCMO HYDERABAD: The state governments recently announced scheme - Dalit Bandhu will be launched on August 16 in Huzurabad Assembly constituency on a pilot basis. Under the scheme, the government will transfer Rs 10 lakh to each Dalit family in the constituency to pursue self-employment of their choice to attain social and economic improvement. The state government sanctioned Rs 2,000 crore for the scheme of which Rs 500 crore was already released and kept ready for launching the scheme on August 16. The state Cabinet which met here on Sunday gave its nod for the launch of Dalit Bandhu scheme on August 16. The Cabinet felt that it would be appropriate to accord statutory status to Dalit Bandhu scheme to ensure the continuance of the scheme forever whichever party may be in power. The Cabinet decided to extend the scheme to the entire state later in a phased manner after assessing the pros and cons of the scheme in Huzurabad and rectifying anomalies, if any detected in the implementation of the scheme. It was decided to extend training to Dalit beneficiaries to make their choice of self-employment profitable. Committees will be set up from village-level to state-level comprising of officials and intellectuals to monitor the progress of beneficiaries periodically and assist them in case of any difficulties. A Centre for Dalit Enterprise will be set up in each district to promote Dalit entrepreneurs. The Chief Minister said the district collector and district in-charge minister would play a key role in the successful implementation of Dalit Bandhu scheme. An Afghan security personnel stand guard in the checkpoint of airport after a suicide attack in Jalalabad province, east of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, March 6, 2019. (AP) Kandahar: Several rockets struck Afghanistan's Kandahar airport overnight, RT reported. No casualties have been reported so far. Violence has escalated in Afghanistan in recent weeks as the Taliban have intensified their offensive against civilians, Afghan defense and security forces. This comes in wake of foreign troop's drawdown from the war-torn country. Last month, three rockets landed in areas near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers. Over the last few weeks, the Taliban captured several districts in Afghanistan including Takhar, the country's northeastern province. The Taliban seized over 193 district centres and 19 border districts, according to the Afghan foreign ministry. The Taliban have also taken control of 10 border crossing points across the country in Takhar, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Herat, and Farah provinces leading to the complete shutdown of cross-border movements and trade in these areas. The ministry further disclosed that since April 14, nearly 4,000 ANDSF personnel had been killed, over 7,000 injured, and about 1,600 captured by the Taliban. As many as 2,000 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the violence, while 2,200 were injured. A goods train carrying stone chips left for Bangladesh on Saturday through the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link which remained shut since India's war with Pakistan in 1965. The rail link between Haldibari in West Bengal and Chilahati in Bangladesh or erstwhile East Pakistan used to provide a shorter route for transporation to Assam and North Bengal from rest of India till it was shut down during the war. "This was part of the Broad Gauge main route from Kolkata to Siliguri during the partition. Trains to Assam and North Bengal continued to travel through the then East Pakistan territory even after the partition. However, the war of 1965 effectively cut off all the railway links between India and the then East Pakistan," Subhanan Chanda, the chief public relations officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), said in a statement. Railways in the entire Northeast, Bengal and part of Bihar falls under NFR headquarters at Maligaon in Guwahati. "Haldibari-Chilahati route will provide a shorter route for transit of goods into Bangladesh from Assam, West Bengal, Nepal and Bhutan. This rail link will enhance rail network accessibility to the main ports, dry ports and land borders to support the growth in regional trade and economic and social development of the region. Economic activities of these South Asian countries will also be benefitted from this rail link," Chanda further said. The train reached Chilahati in Bangladesh on Sunday afternoon, he said. The railway network of India and Bangladesh are mostly inherited from British Era Indian Railways. After partition in 1947, seven rail links were operational between India and the then East Pakistan (up to 1965). At present, there are four operational rail links between India and Bangladesh: Petrapole (India) - Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh), Radhikapur (India)Birol (Bangladesh). The Haldibari Chilahati is the fifth such rail route revived. Railway Board in 2016-17 had sanctioned the construction of a new BG line from Haldibari station (Bengal) to Bangladesh border to connect Chilahati in Bangladesh as part of the joint declaration in the Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting (IGRM) held in Delhi in May, 2015 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart, Sheikh Hasina had inaugurated the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link on December 12 last year during the PM-level virtual bilateral summit. But the regular train services could not be started in the section due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Chanda said. The recent killing of terrorist Shakir Altaf Bhat and subsequent finding that he had left the country on a valid passport for studies in Pakistan in 2018 and returned as a terrorist set alarm bells ringing in the security establishment in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said here on Sunday. Security agencies made a quick estimate of passports issued between 2015 and 2019, and found that out of the 40 youths who had gone to Bangladesh or Pakistan for studies, 28 had infiltrated back into the country as trained terrorists, the officials said. This is in addition to over 100 Kashmiri youths who travelled to Pakistan on valid visas for short durations, and have either not come back or disappeared after their return in the last three years. Also Read | 31 militants including top commanders killed in J&K in July The security agencies fear that they could be possible sleeper cells of terror groups operating from across the border. The July 24 encounter in the heights of Bandipora led to the killing of three terrorists, including Bhat, a resident of the same district. Security agencies believe that Bhat had targeted to assassinate Usman Majid, a former militant-turned-politician who has withstood at least three such bids in the past. Between April 1 to 6 of last year, some youths hailing from Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts of south Kashmir were seen as part of the infiltrating groups of terrorists and all of them had travelled to Pakistan on valid documents and never returned thereafter, they said. A massive exercise was undertaken by the security agencies along with the immigration officials at Wagah border as well as at the New Delhi airport during which it was found that at least 40 youths who had travelled to either Bangladesh or Pakistan for studies were missing with their families not knowing about their wards, they said. As a precautionary measure, even the youths from the valley who travelled on valid visas for a duration of over seven days over the last three years were questioned, the officials said. The figures have surprised the officials as in some of the cases it was found that the youths never returned and in others they disappeared after their return, raising suspicion that they could have become "sleeper cells", waiting for instructions from their masters in Pakistan's spy agency ISI or handlers in terror groups located across the border. Also Read | 89 militants killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year, over 200 still active, say security officials The youths who had travelled to Pakistan even two years back have been called for questioning and a proper analysis of their activities after their return was being carried out by the security agencies. Those questioned by the security agencies were asked for a valid reason for their travel to Pakistan, the officials said, adding that the background of all these people was checked and verified thoroughly. The Jammu and Kashmir police also issued a directive on Saturday asking its Special Branch, a unit mandated for verification, to ensure that during verification related to passport and any other government scheme, the individual's involvement in law and order, stone pelting is specifically checked. Also, the digital evidence like CCTV footage, photographs, videos and audios clips, quadcopter images available in the records of police stations should be referred to by the unit. Any subject found involved in any such cases must be denied any security clearance, the order said. The officials believe that there is a six weeks' training course for new terror recruits and intelligence inputs suggest that some of the youths were provided a quick module of fabrication of improvised explosive devices using easily available material within a week's time, they said. The recruitment of youths for various terror organisations is also being carried out discreetly and it is quite possible that these youths could also be doubling as "recruiters" for brain-washing of vulnerable men in the militancy-affected union territory. The missing youths are mainly from average middle class families and have been described as the new faces of terrorism in Kashmir. They could be waiting for delivery of arms and ammunition, which has been substantially choked due to heightened surveillance at the Line of Control, they said. In a recent interview to PTI, Director General of Police Dilbag Singh said as many as 69 youths had joined terror groups. Singh had said though the number of local youths joining terror groups has fallen from 85 to 69 this year for the first six months, there is some amount of recruitment taking place for which there should be more efforts from the society and agencies to check this "unfortunate trend". "That is an unfortunate trend as I see some amount of recruitment is taking place. It is 69 to be precise. But then if you compare it with the same period of previous year it was 85. You see a declining trend here but the fact is that certain recruitment is taking place. We are trying to address this problem by targeting the people who are responsible for such luring of the youth and radicalization of the youth, he had said. Pakistan has ensured that India's most wanted terrorist Masood Azhar, who has been charge-sheeted in several cases from the 2001 Parliament attack to the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, remains in a densely populated area so that an operation similar to the one by the US against Osama bin Laden is not possible, according to a report by a newly launched Hindi news channel. According to Times Now Navbharat channel, it has "accessed undeniable visual evidence" that confirms Pakistan's "deep state is still providing a safe haven to terror masterminds" including Masood Azhar, who heads Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group. The news channel said in a release that Masood has two houses in Pakistan's Bahawalpur with one located right next to the Osman-O-Ali Masjid and the National Orthopedic and General Hospital. See here | From Dawood Ibrahim to Chhota Rajan: India's 'Most Wanted' gangsters Pakistani army jawans have been stationed outside his house to secure their prized asset, the release said, adding the motive is simple - with a mosque and hospital next to his house "an Osama-like operation becomes virtually impossible", while the residential surroundings will give Masood and his friends an opportunity to escape in case of a strike. The second house of Masood is also located in Bahawalpur, nearly four kilometers away from the first. It also lies next to a mosque known as Jamia Mosque and the Bahawalpur bench of the Lahore High Court is just a kilometer away from Masood's second home, while the District Collector's office is just at a distance of three kilometers. Again, the channel said, Pakistani army personnel in uniform were seen guarding Masood's bungalow and added that the "global terrorist resides in a posh locality of Pakistan as a state guest." Azhar is wanted in the Parliament attack case, terror strike at Pathankot airbase and even in the 2019 case of a suicide attacker of the terror outfit killing 40 CRPF personnel in South Kashmir. He was among the three terrorists released by Indian authorities after the 1999 Kandahar hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane. He went to Pakistan and started his new terror outfit by the name of Jaish-e-Mohammed. India has been trying for sanctions against him at the United Nations but the same has been obstructed by China. After the Abbottabad incident in 2011 when the US Seals killed Al Qaeda terror mastermind Osama bin Laden, Pakistan seems to have ensured that Masood's hideout remains in a densely populated area to avoid suspicion and a possible raid. The report is aimed at showing how Pakistan continues to shelter, secure and safeguard terrorists and use terror as a state policy. India has submitted dossiers after dossiers to Islamabad to bring the terrorists to book but to no avail. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday maintained that the state will get the Centre's approval and implement the Mekedatu drinking water project over the Cauvery river, notwithstanding any opposition from neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The CM's comments came in the wake of newly-appointed Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai announcing that the state unit of the saffron party would protest against Karnataka's decision to go ahead with the Mekedatu project. "He (Annamalai) will do his job. That is not related to us. Annamalai going on a fast is not my business," Bommai told reporters here. Also Read | Mekedatu: Kumaraswamy accuses Centre of bowing to TN's pressure He said Karnataka has all the rights over the river water and prepared a detailed project report and submitted it to the Centre for approval, Bommai said. "We will get the approval for it. Let anyone fast or eat," he added. The Tamil Nadu BJP has planned to observe a day-long fast in the Cauvery delta region on August 5 to protest against the decision of the Karnataka government. (With inputs from PTI) A HERO'S FAREWELL Firefighter's last act was to push others out of way of on-coming car OPINION Offense and controversy are necessary in a free society GUEST COLUMN Nurses care for us - it's time we stand up and do more for them Where are the best places to shop? Who gives the best haircut? Who cooks the best burger? Join our readers in selecting the Best of Derry News 2021 Make your picks! Birthday girl Taapsee Pannu begins her day with a sunrise in Nainital; sister Shagun joins her on set One of the most talented and sought-after actors of the Hindi film industry, the gorgeous Taapsee Pannu recently won hearts and proved her versatility once again with her film Haseen Dillruba. Co-starring Vikrant Massey and Harshvardhan Rane, the romantic thriller left us in awe with spectacular performances and a fresh, intriguing story. Two weeks ago, the beauty jetted off to Nainital to begin shooting for her next film titled Blurr, a horror thriller which marks Taapsees first project as a producer. Well, today the actress is celebrating her 34th birthday on the sets. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee) On this special occasion, she was joined by her sister Shagun Pannu in Nainital. The actress took to her official social media handle today morning to share a glimpse of how she kick-started her day. Taapsee celebrated with cake, banana candles, worked out and also enjoyed a beautiful sunrise. Starting her day on a positive note, the star wrote: Last week has been tough, tricky, testing but with this sunrise and this new year I shall again gather the strength to look forward to what life has in store for me coz.. , , . View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shagun Pannu (@shagun_pannu) Also starring the incredibly talented Gulshan Devaiah, Blurr is the official Hindi remake of Spanish film Julia's Eyes. Other than the horror thriller, Taapsee has many other exciting projects in the pipeline including Rashmi Rocket, Looop Lapeta, Dobaaraa and Shabaash Mithu. Well, we wish Taapsee a very happy birthday as we eagerly wait to see her shine on-screen soon again! Kriti Sanon's sister Nupur lauds the actress for her phenomenal performance in Mimi; pens a soul-stirring note Kriti Sanon's younger sister Nupur Sanon shared a long and emotional post on Instagram praising her sister for her performance in the much-acclaimed movie Mimi. After watching the movie on Sunday, Nupur posted a couple of still images of Kriti who is essaying the titular role of a surrogate in the movie. In her soul-stirring post, Nupur termed her sister as "phenomenal" and revealed that she was blown away by what by Kriti's performance which also made her shed a few tears. "I always knew your true potential. I always knew the level of acting you're capable of. But I was blown away by what I saw!! You did it, Mimi!! You were phenomenal! My Words won't be able to describe what I felt. I have laughed and laughed and then cried and cried. There wasn't even a single scene when I felt you weren't 100 per cent Mimi !!" she wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nupur Sanon (@nupursanon) She further noted that she could see "a mother who fell in love with her child instantly. I could see her forgetting her own dreams in a split second for her child. I could see her world revolving around her child. I could see her being territorial for him! I saw anger, love, disgust , joy and so many subliminal emotions in you Kriti!" Heaping her sister with praise, Nupur said that Kriti has made sure with her performance that nobody after watching her movie will call her as "just a pretty face" in Bollywood. "You've forced every single person who has watched Mimi to take the ACTOR in you VERY SERIOUSY. And I'm SO proud of you! And I'm SO Happy for you! You have waited to get a film like Mimi way longer that the 9 month-wait Mimi had to for Raj Take a bow,love! @kritisanon," she concluded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nupur Sanon (@nupursanon) The release date of Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon's comedy-drama Mimi was preponed, and on July 26, Monday evening (four days before the original release date), the film was released on OTT platforms, amid reports of its online leak. This Hindi remake of Samroudhhi Porey's National award-winning, Marathi film, Mala Aai Vhhaychy! (2011), has been directed by Laxman Utekar and also features Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Pahwa, Sai Tamhankar, and Supriya Pathak. The film narrates a quirky tale of a feisty and carefree girl (Kriti) who becomes a surrogate mom to make money. Laxman Utekar has also written the movie's story and screenplay along with Rohan Shankar, who has penned the dialogues as well. Apart from Mimi, Kriti has an impressive lineup of films including Adipurush, Bachchan Pandey, Bhediya, Ganapath, Hum Do Hamaare Do along with another unannounced project. Parineeti Chopra reveals she has been shooting quietly during pandemic; Says Announcements will come soon Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra, who is vacationing in London with her elder sister Priyanka Chopra Jonas these days, conducted an 'Ask Me Anything' session on Instagram recently, where one of her fans asked her when is she announcing her next film. In the session, one of Parineeti's fans asked her, "When are you announcing the next film? We've been waiting since March when you said next week." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parineeti Chopra (@parineetichopra) Replying to her fan, the actor disclosed that she had been shooting 'quietly' during the pandemic. "There are so many factors involved in announcing a film! I'll just say this- I have been shooting during the pandemic (quietly), so trust me, a couple of announcements will come soon. Thank you for the love" In a 'Ask Me Anything' session hosted in June, Parineeti spoke about her 3 releases this year-- Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, Saina and The Girl On The Train. "2021 will remain a special year for me. It's the year I released 3 films within a single month, and all 2 gave me back all the love and critics reviews. Cannot be more grateful," she said. On the work front, Parineeti was last seen in Dibakar Banerjee's Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar co-starring Arjun Kapoor. She will be next seen in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Bobby Deol in the film. While desktop computers surely do have a large user base and still continue to rule the hearts of many users. Laptops thanks to their portability and smaller size is now being preferred over desktop PCs. This has caused the demand of laptops to largely increase and made a lot of tech companies come out and produce their own laptops. While laptops demand rose, Google was also amongst the companies that started producing laptops.Google in the year 2011 came out with their laptops named Chromebook. When released the Chrome books performed good in the market and were successful. The tech giant Google continued with producing more releases of the Chromebooks. In the past few years Google have worked on Chromebooks and have further increased its quality, speed and features. These new features have made the demand of these laptops largely increase. ChromeBooks, because of their usability and speed were also the most demanded for educational purpose during the pandemic.Recently the PC shipments results from the second quarter of 2021 was revealed by Canalys , the amount of PC shipments in the Q2 of 2021 were found to be around 121.7 million. This was a 10% up from the same quarter of 2020.Data revealed that this surge in PC shipments was largely due to increased ChromeBook sales. ChromeBooks last quarter completely outshined other devices. Almost 11.9 million of ChromeBooks were sold, which was 75% more than the amount sold in the same quarter of 2020.Apart from Chromebooks HP, Lenovo and Acer were also amongst companies that experienced an increase in laptop sales and contributed to the 10% increase. HP, Lenovo and Acer collectively sold around 8.7 million devices.HP, Lenovo and Acer all experienced two figures growth percentage. It was Samsung that sold 1 million Chromebooks.What stands out in this is that Chrome despite being the first company to produce a portable laptop has managed to stand out in the market since the beginning of time, even though it had a lot of competition.Even amongst the pandemic when a lot of companies and business faced revenue droppings and shortages, Chrome managed to outshine itself and in between all its remarkable sales ha planned out a great future for their laptop ranges with new and improved features and outlooks.Education sector is also using Chromebooks in their curriculum which proves that not only the device is remarkable in terms of its feature, it is user friendly as well.Google has managed to come with the best of devices which is great and we cannot wait to see how well it will do in the future as well.Read next: Windows 11 Reaches 1 Percent Market Share of PCs PLANO [ndash] John James Fleet II, passed away on Aug. 2, 2021, age 81, in Plano, Texas. He showed great courage and faced his final days in the loving company of his family. John was born in Houston, Texas, raised in Dallas, lived in Ada, Oklahoma, and Plano, Texas. John married Geraldine C Concerns have been raised about the welfare of Carlingfords resident bottlenose dolphin, Finn after photos show cuts along its side. Photos of the dolphin with wounds on its side first emerged on social media last week, with the public raising concern about the welfare of Finn and whether the injury was caused by the propellor of a boat. #GiveFinnSpace Huge response to this on Facebook between myself and @CarlingfordIRE Raising awareness for the harm being caused to our Loughs resident, Bottlenose Dolphin is key to ensuring its safety. I was sad to photograph this nasty new wound on Sunday evening. pic.twitter.com/LShQBgV3MT Stephen Rooney (@ArtistRooney) July 27, 2021 The photos, which appeared on the Carlingford Lough and the Cooley Peninsula Facebook page, show a cut on the side of the local dolphin. The page itself put out a warning, asking people to be careful around Finn. Since the photos emerged last week, there have been calls for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to step in with a marine officer for the Carlingford area. Liz Sandeman, co-founder of Marine Connection, an organization based in the UK which deals with sea animal welfare, told the Democrat that the public need to be careful with dolphins. Dolphins are enigmatic mammals and the excitement they cause when they appear close to shore, and peoples wish to see or get closer to them, is understandable, said Mrs Sandeman. However, it is critical the public respect that Finn is a wild dolphin and caution around him is required for the safety of both the dolphin and all water users. People should view the dolphin from a safe area on the shoreline, and if in a vessel, keep a distance of at least 100m from the animal and not change direction to follow him. Mrs Sandeman said that she has contacted the Department for a marine officer to monitor potential threats to Finn. I have been in contact with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs requesting that one of their marine officers visit the area to monitor potential threats the dolphin is now facing on a regular basis (all be it unintentionally), from boats, jet skis or swimmers, said Mrs Sandeman. Finns latest injury down one side of his body is of real concern, and although there is no evidence of how he sustained this serious gash, his future welfare is at risk. Carlingford Lough is very fortunate to have its own resident dolphin and the fate of Finns future is, to a great extent, at the mercy of people's desire to swim or be closely around him. Hopefully Greenore will have its dolphin for some time yet. Finn was first spotted in the Greenore and Carlingford areas last June, where he was officially named in a poll on Facebook. Louth County Council (LCC) are set to spend a bonus of 385,000 on housing maintenance and disability access grants, after receiving the money unexpectedly from Irish Public Bodies Insurance Chief Executive (CE) of LCC, Joan Martin, made the announcement at the July council meeting, saying that the funding boost was not accounted for in the original 2021 budget. According to Mrs Martin, the company were in a position to pay out a 2nd premium credit to LCC, speculating that this was due to a lack of claims during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mrs Martin then proposed that the funding be spent on both housing maintenance costs for council houses, as well as disability access grants. The move was warmly welcomed across the political spectrum, with councillors saying that the funding would be well spent on housing maintenance and disability access grants. 385,000 will go a long way, said Independent Councillor Maeve Yore, who then proposed the CEs motion. Sinn Feins Kevin Meenan seconded the proposal, with nobody expressing any disagreement. Fianna Fail councillor Conor Keelan said that the proposal was very sensible from the Chief Executive, and that it had his support. The Green Partys Marianne Butler questioned if some of the funding could be used to help restore some of the tricky vacant properties owned by the council. However, Paddy Donnelly, the Director of Housing and Community Services, told the meeting that funding from the 2021 Voids Programme would bring back all current vacant houses by the end of the year, with two exceptions. According to Mr Donnelly, the council are currently working towards securing additional funding to restore the two exceptions, as the money provided by the Voids Programme is not enough to cover their repairs. Currently, there are 115 houses that are being refurbished in Louth under the 2021 Voids Programme, with 49 of those currently in Louth. Fianna Fail councillor James Byrne queried the CE about whether some of the funding could be set aside to develop an app for service alerts in the Louth area, like water outages. The CE responded that she didnt know the cost or development time for an app, but that the development of an app may be possible within LCCs yearly budget rather than using the extra funding. Teenager Melissa Caffrey cut her beautiful, long flowing hair to donate it to the Princess Trust, while also raising money for the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. The kind-hearted 17-year-old, from Philipstown in Dunleer, donated her hair to the Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children who have been affected by cancer and alopecia. Melissa has also raised almost a 1,000 so far for the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. Melissa said she decided to cut her hair for the two very worthy causes as her mother Kathleen and other people in her community have been affected by cancer and she wanted to do something to help. "I've been growing my hair out to cut and donate it, while at the same time raising money for the Gary Kelly Cancer support center", Melissa said on her GoFundMe page. "The reason I chose the Gary Kelly is because it isn't funded by the government and helps many people with cancer all across Ireland. "My mother and many other people in my community have used the center and some even travel distances to use it as well. I would like to give back to this amazing organisation." Melissa had been growing her hair long for some time before getting her lovely hair cut by hairdresser Sinead in Chaplins Hair Salon in Dundalk last week. Her proud mum Kathleen, who had cancer four years ago, said that the reason Melissa did it was because she used and still uses the Gary Kelly centre . Also, her sister Jade's best friend Ava Kelly passed away just after her 20th birthday two years ago and last year the young daughter of a relative lost her hair and had to have a wig due to cancer. Melissa, who goes to Ardee community school, has also seen other students lose a parent due to cancer. "Melissa decided two years ago that she wanted to do something to raise money and started to grow her hair and then after seeing the little girl need a wig thought this was a way of helping two good causes", Kathleen said. "The Gary Kelly center is open to people with cancer and their families and all services are free. "I have seen first hand people traveling from as far as Kells to Carlingford and Monaghan to the centre. "They get little funding from the government and need all the support they get. "We are very proud of Melissa, she is such a kind hearted person. "Melissa is aware people are struggling and is amazed at peoples' generosity and is hoping for people to donate 5 and that it would add up." Anyone wishing to donate can do so on https://ie.gofundme.com/f/gary-kelly-cancer-patients-support-centre Ulster Bank has released details of changes for personal and business customers as part of its phased withdrawal from Ireland. Back in February, the company announced a phased withdrawal from the market in February. This latest announcement includes details of a number of changes to new business products over the coming months. A spokesperson said: Our customers existing products and services are not impacted by todays announcement. Personal Customers "For personal customers, Ulster Bank is commencing the process of phasing out the new products and services we offer customers, said the spokesperson. We will continue to accept new applications from new and existing personal banking customers until close of business October 29, with the main exception of mortgages, which will remain available for existing customers only after that date. Some other exceptions* apply, most notably relating to overdrafts for existing customers, and applications which are in progress prior to October 30. Ulster Bank is writing to our existing customers to give them 60 days notice of this change. Details on this change will also be available on our website and through our normal support channels. For customers who have an application underway, we will continue to support them throughout the process of their application. Business Customers The spokesperson said: For business customers, availability of all of our products and services for existing customers, including new-to-Bank customers who are in the process of being onboarded, is unchanged. Ulster Bank will no longer offer our products to non-Ulster Bank customers from July 30. The exception to this is Lombard Asset Finance, which remains open for new and existing customers. If business customers have already applied for a product, or started the onboarding process as a new customer, we will continue to process that for customers. Mortgage Customers In addition and separately, as part of its regular management of compliance with the Central Bank of Irelands macro prudential lending rules, Ulster Bank will close to mortgage customers seeking exceptions to these rules, from August 4. Ulster Bank Chief Executive Jane Howard said: Today is another significant milestone and an expected step in the progress of our phased withdrawal. Our colleagues will continue to serve our customers throughout this phase and beyond, including those customers who need more support due to the nature of the product eg self-build mortgage customers who draw down in stages according to their build. A comprehensive customer Q&A is available at www.ulsterbank.ie Additional support Anyone who needs additional support, is in financial difficulty, or is in a vulnerable situation is invited to call the Ulster Bank team on 1850 211 461. Lines are open 24 hours a day including Bank Holidays. Call costs may vary and calls from mobiles may not be free. Exceptions to the changes: Mortgages: Ulster Bank will continue to accept applications from all existing customers for new mortgage lending after close of business on October 29. Should a mortgage be fully approved and offer letter issued, it will transfer to a new provider in the future. The mortgage team can be contacted at 1890 252 270 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (except bank holidays). Overdrafts: The bank will accept existing current account customers applications for new overdrafts or increased overdraft limits, in limited circumstances to provide customers access to short term emergency funds. Credit Card limit: Ulster Bank will continue to accept applications for limit increases on Credit Cards in limited circumstances, to provide customers access to short term emergency funds. Home and Car Insurance: Existing customers policies will remain in force up until renewal date. On renewal, the bank will write to customers as normal with a renewal quotation. Financial Planning Advice: Ulster Bank will continue to provide ongoing financial planning advice to our existing customers through Irish Life. This includes supporting existing customers as their financial circumstances change and supporting existing Ulster Bank Ireland DAC customers with new financial planning advice covering the full range of needs (Mortgage Protection, Life protection, Investment and Pension). 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 CLOVIS Two ordinances in preparation for legalized recreational cannabis were introduced Tuesday at a special meeting of the Curry County Commission. One ordinance would restrict indoor areas where marijuana and cannabis products can be smoked in unincorporated areas of Curry County, and the other sets conditions for cannabis businesses in unincorporated county areas. The commission also approved a final budget totaling $49.3 million in all county funds for fiscal 2022, which began July 1 and will end on June 30. The projection for fiscal 2022 is more than $11 million, or 29%, higher than the $38.2 million budget for fiscal 2021, according to a PowerPoint slides presented by County Manager Lance Pyle and Finance Director Carol Pipes. The ordinance regulating indoor smoking of marijuana basically adds marijuana and cannabis designations to existing laws that apply to indoor consumption of tobacco products in unincorporated areas of the county, Pyle said. The other ordinance regulates the time, place and manner of manufacturing and consumption of marijuana products, according to the meeting's agenda. The clean indoor air ordinance would add marijuana and cannabis products to what is allowed to be smoked in areas that include private residences, enclosed areas of tobacco or cannabis stores, or both, in standalone buildings, designated hotel and motel rooms, and state-licensed gaming facilities, including casino or bingo parlors. As with tobacco, cannabis smoking would be prohibited on property located less than 300 feet from a school or daycare building, any county property, and any indoor workplace, indoor public place, or public transportation not exempted. The ordinance would be enforceable by fines ranging from $100 for a first offense to $200 for a second offense within a year, to $500 for third and consecutive offenses. Pyle said language for the ordinance regulating manufacturing and consumption of cannabis products is still being developed, but will be available on the county's website, currycounty.org, when it is finalized. Both of the proposed ordinances are scheduled for public hearing and final commission decisions at a special meeting on Aug. 30, Pyle said. The state of New Mexico has set a deadline of Sept. 1, the date on which the state plans to start issuing cannabis business licenses, for local laws regulating but not prohibiting recreational cannabis use to be enacted. Budget The fiscal 2022 budget projects gross receipts tax revenues to be 2% higher than the actual fiscal 2021 gross receipts tax revenue, due to increased economic activity, Pyle said. Actual numbers reported for the end of fiscal year 2021 show more than $8.2 million collected in gross receipts taxes. The additional 2% projected for fiscal 2022 would bring a total of nearly $8.4 million. Property taxes for fiscal 2022 are expected to total more than $9.1 million, Pyle said, which is $194,997 more than collected in fiscal 2021. Pyle said new construction is expected to account for the increase. Significantly increased spending on county road projects in fiscal 2022 is expected to cut nearly in half the about $1 million reserve balance left in the county's road fund at the end of fiscal 2021, Pyle said. The fiscal 2022 balance is expected to be $564,339. A reduction from $625,748 at the end of fiscal 2021 to $3,501 for fiscal 2022 in the county's environmental fund will be due mostly to the county's payment of $450,000 to participate in a land trust agreement with the Central Curry County Soil and Water Conservancy that is designed to protect water supply purchased from landowners to meet county water needs, Pyle said. Increased capital spending at the Curry County Fairgrounds will reduce the balance in the Fairground and Event Center fund from $624,748 to $489,524, Pyle said. New items in the fiscal 2022 budget include pay raises and a new pay plan, a six-month transition period for a new financial specialist who will replace a senior accounting specialist who plans to retire, as well as the increased road funding and obligation for the land trust, Pyle said. Pyle also said the closing of the county's juvenile detention facility this year saved the county $579,185. Juvenile detainees are now sent to Lea, Bernalillo and Dona Ana county facilities. In a year-end report for fiscal 2021 prepared by Pipes, the county had revenues of $20.5 million, $936,157 more than the $19.6 million budgeted, and spent $16.7 million, about $2.7 million less than the $14 million budgeted. The county had $11.6 million in reserves at the end of the year, Pipes' report stated. Pyle said county employees "all worked together and watched expenses" to produce the cash reserves available at the end of fiscal 2021. Other action In other action, the commission: Approved an appropriation to construct a building for the Curry County Cooperative Extension Service of $1.2 million in state funds through the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Approved an appropriation to demolish structures and build a parking lot on county property at West Seventh Street and Mitchell Street in Clovis. The $400,000 for the project will come from state funds through the DFA. Approved purchase of a brush truck for the Broadview Fire Department for $405,524, using New Mexico Fire Protection Fund money. Asked County Attorney Stephen Doerr to prepare a revised contract between the county and Pyle. Adam Warren speaks against mask mandates for elementary school students with protesting parents behind him at Tuesday's Clovis Municipal Schools board meeting. CLOVIS - Parents opposed to state mask mandates packed a Clovis Municipal Schools school board meeting Tuesday to protest. New Mexico's Public Education Department on Monday issued guidelines stating elementary school students, teachers, staff, volunteers and visitors be required to wear face-coverings at school. PED also stated the unvaccinated - and those not providing proof of vaccination - must wear masks in all public schools. The PED stated it based its new masking and distancing guidelines on advice from the New Mexico Department of Health and the U.S. Centers of Disease Control. Federal health officials have recommended stricter mask wearing in the face of increasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among mostly unvaccinated victims. Officials cite the Delta variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 for the increased precautions. The Delta variant is believed to be more contagious than previous varieties. Parents in Clovis on Tuesday urged the board to break away from the PED's authority and asserted that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control should not be considered an authority on the science involved with the COVID-19 epidemic. "We have to stand up for the children" in the Clovis district, former state lawmaker Brett Johnson told the board at the podium. "You should become the Clovis independent school district." Clovis schools, he said, should not require elementary children to wear masks, "just because someone in Santa Fe said so." New Mexico, he noted, has been ranked at the bottom of U.S. states for education, and that's why the district should not listen to Santa Fe. Sid Strebek, a grandfather to Clovis school students, followed that same line. "We're different from Santa Fe," he said. "We want local control." Further, he said, if the Clovis district opposed the state on the mask mandate, "there would be no consequences." "They're not going to take your insurance" or other benefits away, he said. Voters, he told the board, "will hold you accountable." Jackie Valentine, a parent, asserted that "the virus doesn't affect children" and that masks are harmful. Further, she said, "we've had 17 months of flattening the curve, and that is enough time." Adam Warren, another parent, said the science behind mask requirement is not sound. "I'm 44 and I've never worn a mask," he said, and he has not gotten COVID-19. Another parent, Josh Parkin, said, "I'd rather pull my kids out of school than make them wear masks." "They don't work," he said. "They don't stop anything. They're just a piece of cloth." He added, "We are not free if we are forced to put things on our face." The school board took no action related to mask or distancing policies after the parents spoke, but in her superintendent's report shortly after the parents spoke, Superintendent Renee Russ clarified some of the new state policies regarding masks and distancing. The mandate does not require masks for outdoor activities, but makes them mandatory for all unvaccinated students and staff in indoor settings. All are required to show proof of vaccination to be allowed to be mask-free indoors. In elementary school, children are too young for the vaccine, so the mask mandate is applied, she said, and for older students, only the unvaccinated must wear masks indoors. Napping kindergartners and pre-schoolers, she said, do not need to wear masks. She said new masks are available that allow faces to be seen beneath, which will be useful in teaching younger children in reading and speaking skills. In addition, she said, the school is maintaining requirements that 25% of volunteer students and staff will be tested for COVID-19 each week. The district will also apply COVID-19-safe travel policies, including isolated lodging for unvaccinated students and staff. In other matters: The board learned of fund balances for fiscal year 2021, which ended June 30. The largest fund, the operational fund, ended the year with a $15 million cash balance, documents attached to the agenda show. The fund had a budget of $78.4 million and spent $63.5 million, records show. The board heard from Paula Adkins, executive director of language, culture and at-risk services, that Launch Pad Summer Academy classes from June 7 to June 24 attracted 567 kindergarten through fifth grade students, who gained skills in reading, language and math in morning classes. Cost of the program was about $705 per child, covered by federal and state funds.' Adkins updated findings from her continuing effort to find out where parents would like the district to spend $16.4 million in American Recovery Act funding for schools. So far, she said, 100 parents have responded in person and by survey. So far, she said, 72% would like tutoring for students who are advanced as well as those who are behind, 75% would like to see more enrichment activities, such as music and extracurricular activities, but only 10% would favor longer school days, Saturday or evening classes. The board approved curriculum changes for Advanced Placement (AP) English and Spanish Language Arts. The board approved board policies on sending out requests for proposals or bids on Non-Discrimination/Equal Opportunity, Special Instructional Programs, open enrollment, student dress, exracurricular activity eligibility, Student Discipline and physical examination of students. From left, Richard Schwartz, Raenell Walker and Dee Anna Davis, all of Portales, acknowledge a show of support from a passing motorist. They were among protesters against state school masking policies who lined East Second Street Saturday in front of the Roosevelt County Courthouse. The number of COVID-19 patients in New Mexico hospitals increased again last week, reaching the highest peak in more than two months. Health Department officials on Friday reported 148 people were hospitalized in the state with the virus. At the end of June, that number was 64. It's the most hospitalizations in New Mexico in a single day since 155 people with the virus were in state hospitals on May 20. The numbers also are rising in Clovis, though not significantly. Plains Regional Medical Center Director Jorge Cruz said Friday there were seven virus patients in the Clovis hospital - up from four on Tuesday and two on July 22. Cruz said two COVID patients were in intensive care on Friday. In July, through Friday, Curry County has reported 137 new COVID cases, compared to 78 new cases in June. Roosevelt County has recorded 53 new cases in July, compared to 19 in June. The peak for new cases during the pandemic was in November when Curry-Roosevelt counties combined reported 2,073 new cases. The last COVID-related death among Curry-Roosevelt county residents was recorded on June 30, though Cruz said PRMC has seen two COVID-related deaths in recent weeks. Increasing cases across the nation are being blamed on the delta variant of the virus, which health officials say is more contagious than the original, which has killed more than 600,000 Americans. In response to the rising numbers, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last week signed an executive order requiring state employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face regular testing. The order covers about 17,000 state workers. "We're not safe if we're not vaccinated," the governor said in a news conference at the Capitol. "It's as simple as that." Under the order, state employees who are not fully vaccinated must be tested every two weeks and wear a mask when working indoors, with exceptions for eating and drinking. Failure to comply can result in disciplinary action, including termination. The order takes effect Monday. Lujan Grisham is also evaluating whether to mandate vaccination as a condition of employment in certain high-risk settings under her executive authority - a move that would mean some employees would not have the option to choose testing over vaccination. COVID-19 hospitalizations in New Mexico have doubled over the past three weeks. The number of daily cases has also exploded as health officials plead for more people to get vaccinated. But New Mexico Republican Party Chairman Steve Pearce accused Lujan Grisham of "overstepping her authority and having government make personal choices for its citizens." The mandate, he said, is unjustified and "a slap in the face to hardworking state employees." That too was the feeling among about 50 area residents who gathered outside the Roosevelt County Courthouse on Saturday morning to protest mask mandates. Similar protests were planned across the state this week, including Clovis Municipal Schools at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Wade Fraze, a Portales High School history teacher who helped spread the word about the protests, said mask requirements are a "power play" by the governor. Elementary school-age children, he said, are mostly immune from COVID-19, and even if they do get it, he said, the cases are mild. In fact, he said, COVID-19 overall has been blown out of proportion. He said he had the disease himself and was only sick "for a couple of days." "It's like a cold or the flu," he said. "Some people get it bad, but most people don't." Just after his first week of official practice, new transfer Jesse Miritello persuaded sever A drunken man who was threatening and abusive to gardai at Dyke Parade in Cork was ordered to do 200 hours of community service to avoid a jail sentence. Judge Olann Kelleher said 35-year-old Illja Besknovnig of Tara House, Lower Glanmire Road, Cork, could do the community service to avoid three months in jail. Sergeant John Kelleher said an incident occurred on July 25 at Dyke Parade, Cork, where the defendant was intoxicated and a danger and told gardai to f*** off several times. He had previous convictions of a similar nature. Frank Buttimer solicitor said the Lithuanian defendant apologised and is now in employment and back on track. Athens, AL (35611) Today Mostly cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 84F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Zoom is facing more consequences for its earlier privacy and security lapses. Reuters reports that Zoom has agreed to pay $85 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the video chat giant of violating privacy and enabling "zoombombing" (that is, trolls dropping into others' chats). The preliminary settlement also requires tougher security measures, such as warning about participants with third-party apps and offering special privacy-oriented training to Zoom staff. Judge Lucy Koh said the company was largely protected against zoombombing claims thanks to the Communications Decency Act's Section 230 safeguards against liability for users' actions. The settlement could also lead to payouts if the lawsuit achieves a proposed class action status, but don't expect a windfall. Subscribers would receive a refund of either 15 percent or $25, whichever was larger, while everyone else would receive as much as $15. Lawyers intended to collect up to $21.25 million in legal costs. In a statement, Zoom denied doing anything wrong and said that privacy and security were "top priorities." The company previously agreed to settle a Federal Trade Commission complaint over similar privacy issues, including the permanent web server it installed on Macs. Zoom scrambled to bolster security for its video chats after a surge in pandemic-related use drew attention to vulnerabilities in its software and services. It started rolling out end-to-end encryption in October 2020, conducted reviews and made zoombombing more difficult. The improvements were too late for some users, though, and it's safe to say the settlement is a warning to companies that only belatedly tighten security for their apps. The Pound to US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate came within spitting distance of $1.40 last week, with the pairing striking a new five-week high of $1.3981. US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rates Plummet Following Dovish Fed Decision The US Dollar (USD) came under some sustained selling pressure through last weeks session, which drove the currency to multi-week lows. This downturn in USD was driven in the first half of the week by a slump in US Treasury yields, in addition to underwhelming US durable goods orders, which offset safe-haven demand. However, the USD selloff then accelerated following the conclusion of the Federal Reserves latest policy meeting. This saw the Fed leave its monetary policy untouched, while Fed Chair Jerome Powell struck a notably dovish tone in his accompanying policy statement, in which he suggested the US economy still has some ground to cover before the US central bank can consider tapering its bond purchases. Powell said: Id say we have some ground to cover on the labor market side. I think were some way away from having had substantial further progress toward the maximum employment goal. This downside was then reinforced by the latest US GDP release, after US growth in the second quarter came in well below expectations, with the preliminary estimate printing at 6.5% versus forecasts for an 8.5% expansion. Richard Flynn, UK Director at Charles Schwab, commented: Todays US GDP data is disappointing, as it was expected to mark the peak for the growth rate. While corporate earnings look strong, concerns of a resurgence of the coronavirus have been building and are reflected in the economys performance. Amid the rapid spread of the delta variant and a significant easing in both monetary and fiscal stimulus, investors may have begun to worry about a faster-than-expected economic slowdown. Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Buoyed by Positive Coronavirus Statistics The Pound (GBP), meanwhile, enjoyed strong support through last weeks session on the back of some upbeat UK coronavirus statistics. Statistics published in the first half of the week reported that new infections had fallen for seven consecutive days, leading to a 40% drop in new cases versus the previous week. While cases began to creep higher again by the second half of the week, Sterling sentiment remained buoy be comments from a prominent UK health expert who suggested the bulk of the pandemic in the UK could be over by October. This upside in the Pound was further bolstered by some Brexit optimism, after the EU announced that it had suspended legal action against the UK for violating the Northern Ireland protocol. An EU spokesperson reportedly told Euronews: In order to provide the necessary space to reflect on these issues and find durable solutions to the implementation of the Protocol, we have decided, at this stage, not to move to the next stage of the infringement procedure. Its hoped the move will help to cool tensions between the two sides and open the possibility of a services trade deal in the future. GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: Dovish BoE to see Sterling Shed Gains? Turning to this weeks session, the main catalyst in the Pound US Dollar exchange rate looks to be the conclusion of the Bank of Englands August policy meeting. Much like the Fed, the BoE is not expected to make any alterations to its monetary policy this month, and could force Sterling to relinquish a good portion of the previous weeks gains if the bank also signals that it is still not prepared to begin discussions regarding the tapering of its stimulus programme. Meanwhile, the primary focus for USD investors this week will be the latest US non-farm payroll figures. Julys release could provide some support for the US Dollar towards the end of the session, as economists forecast the US economy will have added almost one million jobs last month. Jerry Lara / Staff photographer Former president Donald Trump's political committees raised $82 million in the first six months of the year and have $102 million on hand, according to filings made public on Saturday. The sums, which are extraordinary for an ex-president who has been booted off social media, testify to the power of Trump's online donor base and the deep financial reservoir available to him if he chooses to seek the White House a second time. Colleges and universities across San Antonio are preparing for a full return to campuses this fall and scaling up support systems for an incoming freshman class like no other. Many of those going straight from high school to college spent the vast majority of their senior year learning from a computer screen at home, in forced isolation from their classmates. College educators and administrators have revised placement standards and are revamping services such as tutoring, advising and mentoring programs. We want to meet our prospective students where they are, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Mike Flores said. We know that the last year and a half has been challenging especially for current high school students, who may not have the traditional instruction and support that they would receive in a traditional high school building. The University of Texas at San Antonio has consolidated such supports into a hub at its Student Success District on the universitys main campus. It will house all in-person resources tutoring, advising, a collaborative learning center, mentoring and more. Meeting students where they are is taking place at all levels of education, including K-12. Teachers and students spent weeks this summer back in classrooms, trying to regain the learning lost to the pandemic long expected and documented in depressing detail with the release of this years State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness scores. The STAAR showed a drastic drop in scores, especially in math, a subject for which teachers had feared students would not get enough practice and reinforcement at home to retain knowledge. On ExpressNews.com: Performance declines are noticeable - STAAR results show retreat, disparities in student scores during pandemic The declines were most evident in high school, where students were reluctant or unable to resume in-person classes in the spring, when many school districts began pushing for a return, because of jobs or home responsibilities. Keeping track of these trends, colleges and universities have added resources to help the high school class of 2021 with the transition to fall freshmen. Theyre also thinking about transferring or returning students who also will need to get readjusted to campus life. Rethinking support Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer In 2020, the Alamo Colleges District launched its Multiple Measures model to place incoming students, which moved away from using Texas Success Initiative scores, known as TSI, as the sole measure. It added a mix of STAAR or End-of-Course test scores, high school GPAs, course histories and college prep courses. After a full year of implementation, Flores said, the model showed positive results and will likely stay in place. And because the college district has not seen a decline in enrollment so far, this program and other academic support initiatives are expected to stay in place and even be expanded in the upcoming year, he said. I would say that the use of Multiple Measures enhanced the success rate, Flores said. There was a higher likelihood or propensity that students were going to be placed in college-level math, versus developmental math, and students were also successful in college-level math. Last year, when community colleges nationwide saw decreases in new student enrollment, Alamo Colleges managed to increase overall enrollment by nearly 1 percent, Flores said, driven by the arrival of the first cohort of the Alamo Promise program, which guarantees tuition to graduates of 25 participating high schools. The enrollment goal for the program this fall is 3,000. On ExpressNews.com: Pandemic, recession slowing Alamo Colleges tuition payments UTSA is expecting a freshman class of about 5,000, Vice Provost of Student Success Tammy Wyatt said, the same on average that it has seen for the past two or three years. Higher education institutions here are optimistic that students are ready to resume their studies, but they wont know until the semester starts if all those who began the process will complete their enrollment requirements and payments. Last fall, UTSA and Alamo Colleges saw an increase in enrollment despite the pandemic and virtual classes. UTSA had 34,742 students in 2020, up from 32,594 in 2019, and Alamo Colleges had 69,307 students enrolled in 2020, compared with 68,553 in 2019. Private universities saw decreases in enrollment. Our Lady of the Lake University had a drop of about 177 students, while the University of the Incarnate Word was down 258. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio's private universities say enrollment losses could have been worse But even those that managed to increase enrollment saw the effect on students of the economic recession that came with the pandemic. At Alamo Colleges, more than 2,400 registered students missed their deadline to pay tuition for the fall, owing more than $2.4 million combined. The colleges opted to extend payment deadlines and allow the students to enroll in payment plans before dropping them. This year, enrollment extensions are possible, but theres no word yet on any changes to tuition payment deadlines. Tutoring is key Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer With an incoming class that will likely be fresh off the virtual learning boat and likely to have experienced a greater learning loss than the previous freshman class, local colleges and universities are reinforcing their tutoring, advising and even mental health services as key tools for academic success. Last year, Alamo Colleges identified the need for added tutoring services, Flores said, so several campuses began piloting a new way to help students inside the classroom. We are actually embedding tutors in the course, Flores said. The tutor will be in the algebra course with the students and will provide assistance during the course, along with the faculty member, and then they will provide out-of-classroom assistance and support ... in the tutoring labs and learning centers. The new program will launch at all five colleges this fall, Flores added, with emphasis on math courses and with regular tutoring help for all other courses. The Tomas Rivera Center for Academic Excellence, which offers tutoring, and the advising hub at UTSA, called the Academic Success District, grew from a one-stop-shop approach developed in 2020, when the entire university went online. We already knew that to be more student-centric, to be more student-focused, more student-friendly, we needed to have our services more centralized and located at the heart of campus, Wyatt said. But online tutoring services will still be available and expanded this year, to give students the opportunity to reach tutors 24/7 even if they are taking in-person classes, she said. Even with added support and new programs, whats important to understand is that standards and expectations have not been lowered, said Brandy McLelland, vice president of enrollment management at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Nothing has been ideal in the last couple of years, McLelland said. We certainly felt like, at the university, it was our responsibility to try to meet those students, not by lowering our standards and not by lowering their college readiness. But we want to cheer them up in their first year, we want to make sure that we invest in them maybe a little bit more than we would historically. The overall messaging to engage current, returning or prospective students has been modified in some ways to echo the mantra of, Well meet you where you are, and give them the confidence they need, some officials said. We have to be able to empathize with these students, said Sandy McMakin, UIWs associate provost of academic support services. Its not only the activities that theyve been missing out, but some of the learning opportunities theyve been missing out on, too. Communication with high school counselors and district administrators has been constant to better understand where students are academically. But it has also been important to engage faculty in the process, as they are expected to foster an environment in which incoming students know that, Its OK not to be OK, McMakin said. Kin Man Hui /Staff photographer Recruitment efforts have also changed. Last year, these were pushed mostly online, but the pandemic also opened the door for more one-on-one conversations that could make the process feel more individualized, McLelland said. Its been a bit of a challenge in terms of staff, or workload, McLelland said. But its also been a blessing because I feel like we have much more of a relationship with the students coming in. And really, when we are in such an uncertain time, thats really helpful and important. Aiming for a similar, more personalized connection, Alamo Colleges launched a new program called Community Connections this summer. The initiative is meant to meet prospective students in their communities and places where they feel comfortable, Flores said. Its part of a broader acknowledgment that in San Antonio there are still areas that have been underserved and overlooked by higher education institutions. While its too early to predict normalcy on college campuses this fall or what a new normal might look like its already apparent that it wont match the traditional experience of the incoming class. But the important thing is to retain them and make sure theyre learning, officials said. What COVID taught us is that we needed to move quickly to ensure consistent instruction and support for our students as a college system, Flores said. It really allowed us to reexamine our practices and reexamine the way that we engage students. And I think that post-COVID, thats the most important thing. danya.perez@express-news.net A 52-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle traffic crash Saturday night on the East Side. The man, driving a gray pickup, was headed south on Bookertee Road, attempting to turn east onto F Street, when he lost control of the vehicle, around 6:30 p.m. The vehicle slid sideways into a utility pole, snapping the pole in half, according to police. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger was taken by ambulance with minor injuries to Baptist Medical Center. Shes the daughter of two talented artistes, Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar. One can say that Shriya Pilgaonkar was born to act. Like her father Sachin, who made a name for himself as a child artiste in both Hindi and Marathi cinema and then stretched that streak into adulthood, Shriya too started off when she was quite young. She appeared in the hit serial Tu Tu Main Main, playing a character named Bittu, when she was just five. She made her big screen debut with the Marathi film Ekulti Ek (2013), which was directed by Sachin. She won the Maharashtra State Film Award in the Best Debut Actress category for that. She then landed a French film called Un plus une (2015), which was much celebrated on the festival circuit. Her Hindi film debut happened with Fan (2016), where she was paired opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Its to her credit that she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him in the film and didnt give off any newbie vibes. OTT beckoned in the form of the hugely successful Mirzapur (2018), she was even part of Gurinder Chaddhas period piece Beecham House (2019). Her last release was the multilingual Kaadan (2021), whose Hindi version Haathi Mere Saathi, has been put on hold because of the spike in the COVID-19 cases and a partial lockdown in Maharashtra. Excerpts from a free-flowing interview with the actress who likes to work across genres, platforms and languages Fan recently completed five years of its release. What memories do you have of your Hindi film debut? Fan will always have a special place in my heart. To share screen space with Shah Rukh Khan feels surreal even now. It tried to tell a different story in a different way. Kudos to Shah Rukh Khan for taking that risk and playing a double role in the film. Both the characters he played were poles apart from each other. It taught me that one should never be afraid to take risks. Im proud of the film and proud of my work in the film. Did Shah Rukh Khan give you any acting tips? I loved interacting with him as hes an intelligent man. Hes insightful and we had many interesting conversations. I shared with him that I wasnt just interested in being an actor but wanted to be a filmmaker someday as well. I told him Ive already made a short film and a documentary. He was very supportive of that and recommended a book on screenplay writing called Save The Cat, which I bought later. What are the things youve learnt from your parents that make you a better professional? Ive seen the grace with which my parents have always carried themselves and thats what I aspire to be. The goodwill they have is a result of not just their contribution and talent but their demeanour as people. Theyve always told me that no work is too big or too small and that the best way to be different is to be yourself. The legacy I want to leave behind is of being a solid human being who was kind to people and good at her craft. Patience is a virtue actors need to have. Theres no way out. I dont see my career lasting just 10 years, I want it to last 50 years or even more. So the quality of the work I do is more important to me. There will be a good phase and a not-so-good phase but the point is to be consistent and keep moving ahead. When I feel like I have some free time, I take off and travel or learn something and prep myself for whats to come. Im an explorer at heart and there are so many things that interest me. The best part of being an actor is that you can use all kinds of skills and experiences to build your characters. I love the process of filmmaking as well and this past year Ive started writing a lot. When I feel ready and more prepared for it, Id love to direct. But Ill never stop acting. I love it too much. To truly cherish and live in the present moment - as simple as that. I think Ive learnt how to live a better life and not just be caught up with my desires. We spend too much time living in the past or the future. In 2020, I personally felt such a heightened sense of gratitude for existence and life in general with everything that the world was going through. I definitely got to know myself better and a lot was put into perspective. Its the little everyday things that bring me joy that I now value so much more. Everything else is fleeting. Ive come to realise that as an actor, the only thing in my control is the process of filming. The journey is what I can hold on to. In the lockdown, I got the opportunity to be part of a virtual play called Lockdown Love which we performed online. And I also shot a thriller series at home called The Gone Game which all actors self-shot, and we were directed via Zoom. People really enjoyed watching it and it was empowering in a way to do everything on your own. Its the best time to be an actor today as there are so many more mediums of storytelling. Good writing is getting its due and as a result, diverse characters are being written, especially strong female parts. The female gaze is being noted. The traditional star system is gradually changing. It doesnt matter anymore if youre not headlining parts. If you stand out in a scene, people will notice. The gravitas of the character and the story is important. I have built a solid sense of self that is not easily defeated. Its important to have a strong EQ and mental well-being is always a priority which just helps me overall as a person and makes my journey all the more enjoyable. What are your expectations from 2021? I just hope that the pandemic is under control and things dont get worse. I have work lined up and some travel which Im looking forward to. But as we all learned from the past year, just being in the present moment and making the most of it seems to be a better plan than excessively planning things. What are some new things you wish to try as an actor? I havent had a chance to do an out-and-out masala Bollywood film as we call it. I would love to do that. I recently did action for the first time which was so cool to try. I want to be able to surprise myself and the audience with the parts I play and stories I chose to be part of. I really want to work with Zoya Akhtar, Sriram Raghavan, Anurag Basu, Shoojit Sircar to name a few. Tell us a little about your upcoming projects My upcoming projects havent been officially announced yet but Im super excited for whats coming up. There are two series and a film in the pipeline. They are from genres that I havent done before so Im crazy excited. Im currently wrapping up a shoot for one of them. I want to maintain a balance of doing film work and series as both the mediums are fun and fulfilling in their own right. Name one actor whose career graph you admire? One is hard to pick. Different aspects of different actors careers have been inspiring but Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Radhika Apte come to my mind. These wonderful actors have managed to do films in different genres and have surprised the audience with their range and versatility with each character. I like that they havent allowed themselves to be stereotyped and have made strong choices. Also, Priyanka Chopra is a powerhouse and has definitely paved the way for Indian actors internationally. Kriti Sanon and Pankaj Tripathis Mimi has been winning hearts all around with its highly sensitive storyline and brilliant performances by each cast member. While people are calling this Kritis finest performance till date, another actor who stood out and won millions of hearts was the little boy who plays her son, Raj. Young Jacob Smith is Scottish and was on a world tour when he was spotted in Goa by the filmmakers. Instantly charmed by the little boy, the makers of the film got him on board and convinced his parents to let him play the part in Mimi. Apprehensive initially, Jacobs parents were reassured that he will be taken care of and this made them relocate to Mumbai where the little one took his acting workshops. He was then taken to Rajasthan where the film was shot and because of his Scottish descent, his lines were later dubbed by an artist. Jacob plays the surrogate child of an American couple, John and Summer who is later raised by Mimi in this heartwarming film. After weeks of promotions and hard work, Shilpa Shetty had to suddenly cut-off from the public eye during the release of Hungama 2 after her husband and businessman Raj Kundras arrest. Kundra was arrested for production and distribution of pornographic films on an app and this lead to a massive social media boycott campaign against Hungama 2. Following the release, a source has revealed that the film has seen way lesser viewership than was expected by the OTT platform. Speaking to a daily, the source said, It did affect the films performance. There was a campaign on social media to boycott the film. The. OTT platform didnt take it seriously. Or maybe they just ignored it in the hope that the film wont get affected. But it did. An approximate 15% drop in viewership has been reported and due to this Shilpa Shettys next film, Nikamma has been postposed indefinitely. Nikamma stars Abhimanyu Dassani opposite Shilpa Shetty. Read More - Janhvi Kapoor Has Her Wedding Plan Sorted Out DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Odoo, a leader in open source all-in-one business software, announced a US$215M investment from growth equity investor Summit Partners. The transaction represents an exit for investors Sofinnova Partners and XAnge who invested in the Company in 2010 and 2015, respectively. With 7 million users worldwide, Odoo is one of the most popular business management software solutions in the world. In the Middle East, the Company expanded at a rapid speed, reaching 160 employees in just three years, partnering with 600+ partners, and supporting 600,000+ users, including the likes of UPS, MoTeC Middle East, STRATA, Philip Morris International Inc., and Rashid Al Jabri Group of Companies. The Company's SaaS offering includes applications covering all business needs: accounting, inventory, manufacturing, project management, HR, marketing, website builder and more. Odoo's vision is to streamline operations for small and medium-sized enterprises, by offering accessible, affordable solutions. "Odoo has delivered sustained, strong and profitable growth over the course of the last several years, and this momentum has only accelerated in recent months," said Antony Clavel, a Managing Director at Summit Partners who joined the Odoo Board of Directors upon Summit's initial investment in the Company in December 2019. "We are excited to continue our partnership with the Odoo team and believe the Company is positioned to transform the landscape of business software." Odoo is more than an overnight success. From its bootstrapped founding in 2005, Odoo reached considerable scale with limited external funding; prior to Summit's initial investment in 2019. In 2018, the Odoo Middle East DMCC opened its office in Dubai, and the Managing Director accredits Odoo's success as a result of a relentless focus on building a great product and a strong community. The Company has an organizational culture for creative and forward-thinking innovation, making the Dubai office a desirable place for top tier candidates to join. "Over the course of the last 3 years, the Middle East office growth demonstrates that open source business models have matured, and business owners here are questioning the high prices and complexities that the other software giants are offering," says Pavitra Singh, Managing Director of the Middle East branch. "Odoo is a progressive company that pushes enterprises forward through our innovative and flexible software. And with the incredible digital transformation here in the Middle East and the clear support for open source tech by regional governments, this is an exciting time for us to be leaders in this space". Worldwide, Odoo has a team of 1700 employees, has delivered growth of more than 50% per year over 10 years, and the Company is profitable. With 3,850 partners and 90,000 community members working with the software, Odoo has built a strong global ecosystem. The Company also has one of the biggest business app stores in the world, with more than 30,000 apps, and operates international offices in Belgium, Luxembourg, USA, India, Mexico, Hong Kong, and Dubai. "We are thrilled to support the Odoo team for this next phase of growth," added Han Sikkens, Managing Director and Head of Europe at Summit Partners, who has joined the Company's board with this investment. "We believe the future is bright, and Odoo clearly has the potential to disrupt the market led by software giants like SAP, MS Dynamics and Oracle." About Odoo: Odoo is a leading provider of all-in-one, open source business software for small and medium sized businesses worldwide. Founded in 2005, Odoo thrives in a unique and fully open ecosystem combining the resources of its community and partners to deliver a full range of easy-to-use, integrated and scalable business applications. For more information: www.odoo.com About Summit Partners: Founded in 1984, Summit Partners is a global alternative investment firm that is currently managing more than $28 billion in capital dedicated to growth equity, fixed income and public equity opportunities. Summit invests across growth sectors of the economy and has invested in more than 500 companies in technology, healthcare and other growth industries. Notable technology and software companies financed by Summit Partners include Acturis, Avast, Darktrace, FLEETCOR, Flow Traders, Infor, Klaviyo, Ogone, RELEX Solutions, Smartsheet and Trintech. Summit maintains offices in North America and Europe, and invests in companies around the world. For more information, please see www.summitpartners.com or follow on LinkedIn. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1583316/Odoo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1490461/Odoo_Logo.jpg LONDON, Aug. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Camellia Plc (CAM.L, Camellia), the global agriculture group, announces the purchase of an 80% stake in Bardsley England for 15.7m. Camellia will also make a loan to Bardsley of 9.3m. Bardsley England is a major fruit farming business and the UK's second largest apple grower. The farming operation covers 850 hectares (2,100 acres) in Kent and includes 27 orchards growing apples, pears, cherries, plums and grapes as well as a large grading, packing and storage facility. Bardsley grows nearly 18,000 tonnes of fruit a year and at peak season it employs 550 staff. Bardsley is an innovator in the use of agritech, employing technology such as micro-climate sensors to monitor for adverse weather and wet leaf sensors to give early indication of pests and disease. It also uses a combination of trailer-mounted machine vision devices and remote satellite technology to improve yield predictions and crop management. Bardsley's customers include major supermarkets in the UK. The consideration, which is being satisfied from existing resources, is payable as to 12.7m which was paid at completion with the balance of 3m deferred and payable by July 2022. Of the total consideration, approximately 9.7m is being used to subscribe for new shares in the business with the remainder being used to purchase existing shares. In addition to strengthening Bardsley's balance sheet, the investment by Camellia will support growth and ensure the business is able to invest further in developing its packing operations and extending its orchards. The loan mentioned above will largely be used to repay Bardsley's existing borrowings. Bardsley England operates through a number of UK companies. For the year ended 31 March 2021 it had revenue of 22.4m* and recorded an unaudited loss before tax of 1.7m*. Gross assets of the business at that date were 26.2m* and net assets were 8.3m*. The effect of the acquisition on Camellia's profit before tax for 2021 is expected to be broadly neutral before deal costs of 1.2m but is expected to be significantly earnings enhancing in 2022. Benefits of the acquisition Camellia is a global agricultural group specialising in bearer plants (plants that produce regular crops, such as fruit trees). We are always looking to diversify our product and geographical portfolio. Bardsley helps do both. As part of Camellia Bardsley will have access to a wider customer base and lower cost of finance. will have access to a wider customer base and lower cost of finance. Bardsley's packhouse operations offers synergies with Camellia's avocado, macadamia and blueberry businesses and works with many of the same customers. Bardsley is a cash generative operation. The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing in 2022. Bardsley being in the UK will improve Camellia's effective tax rate. Tom Franks, CEO at Camellia, commented: "We have been looking for some time to increase our focus on agriculture where we have deep skills, and to increase our operations in the UK. Bardsley helps with both. It is located close to our HQ in Kent, which is the premier region for apple growing in the country. We look forward to partnering with the Bardsley family in the future." This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014. Note * Bardsley England operates through a number of companies which have not previously been consolidated. The figures quoted in this announcement represent an unaudited proforma aggregation of the reported results of the individual entities for the year ended 31 March 2021. The underlying results of the entities are prepared under Financial Reporting Standard 102 and are not wholly comparable with Camellia's accounting policies. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1585718/Bardsley_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1585719/Bardsley_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1585720/Bardsley_3.jpg Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 1, 2021) - Metals Creek Resources Corp. (TSXV: MEK) (OTCQB: MCREF) (FSE: M1C1) (the "Company" or Metals Creek) announces a stock option grant to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, for up to a total of 3,750,000 common shares of the Company. These stock options are exercisable at CDN $0.15 per stock option and vesting in accordance with the corporations' stock option plan. About Metals Creek Resources Corp. Metals Creek Resources Corp. is a junior exploration Corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, is a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and has its common shares listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol "MEK". Metals Creek has earned a 50% interest in the Ogden Gold Property from Newmont Corporation, including the former Naybob Gold mine, located 6 km south of Timmins, Ontario and has an 8 km strike length of the prolific Porcupine-Destor Fault (P-DF). In addition, Metals Creek has signed an agreement with Newmont Corporation, where Metals Creek can earn a 100% interest in the past producing Dona Lake Gold Project in the Pickle Lake Mining District of Ontario. Metals Creek also has multiple quality projects available for option in Ontario and Newfoundland which can be viewed on the Corporation's website. Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact the Corporation at the number below. Additional information concerning the Corporation is contained in documents filed by the Corporation with securities regulators, available under its profile at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Alexander (Sandy) Stares, President and CEO Metals Creek Resources Corp Telephone: (709)-256-6060 Fax: (709)-256-6061 Email: astares@metalscreek.com www.MetalsCreek.com Twitter.com/MetalsCreekRes https://www.facebook.com/MetalsCreek To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/91806 Oslo, 1 August 2021: Yara has signed a Share Purchase Agreement with EuroChem to sell its Salitre phosphate mining project for a cash consideration of USD 410 million. Yara's ongoing transformation has a strategic focus on food solutions, premium products and enabling the hydrogen economy. Salitre remains an attractive project, but as previously communicated the project progress has been impacted by Covid 19, and significant construction time and capital expenditure remains to reach completion. The Salitre divestment therefore supports Yara's transformation by reallocating capital and risk appetite in the coming years towards Yara's strategic focus areas. "This transaction allows us to further sharpen our strategic focus, based on our strong competitive edges. Yara Brazil will continue to play an essential role in this growth agenda, and this transaction enables that growth to be driven with a sharper downstream focus," said Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer of Yara. Yara entered into the Salitre project in 2014, and its assets comprise phosphate mining operations, including tailing dam, with an annual production capacity of approximately 1,200 kt of phosphate rock and an on-going project to construct phosphate processing operations with a projected production capacity of approximately 1,000 kt per annum at completion. The estimated capital expenditure required to reach completion is of a similar magnitude to the divestment value. Following the decision to divest, it is expected that the impacted assets will be classified as a held-for-sale disposal group in the third quarter 2021 and that an impairment charge of approximately USD 400 million will be recognized in the same quarter. The transaction is expected to be completed in approximately six months, and is conditional on obtaining necessary local regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Contact: Silje Ingeberg Nygaard, Acting Head of Investor Relations Mobile: Kristin Nordal, Media Relations Mobile: (+47) 900 15 550 E-mail: kristin.nordal@yara.com Thor Giver, CFO Mobile: This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange announcement was published by Silje Ingeberg Nygaard, Acting Head of Investor Relations at Yara International ASA, on 1 August 2021 at 21:00 CEST. About Yara Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Supporting our vision of a world without hunger and a planet respected, we pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth, promoting climate-friendly crop nutrition and zero-emission energy solutions. Yara's ambition is focused on growing a climate positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain. To achieve our ambition, we have taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming, and work closely with partners throughout the food value chain to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Through our focus on clean ammonia production, we aim to enable the hydrogen economy, driving a green transition of shipping, fertilizer production and other energy intensive industries. Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industry's only global crop nutrition company. We operate an integrated business model with around 17,000 employees and operations in over 60 countries, with a proven track record of strong returns. In 2020, Yara reported revenues of USD 11.6 billion. www.yara.com This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act reThought Insurance, a Broomfield, Colo.-based tech-enabled MGA, closed a $15.5m Series A funding. The round was led by Telstra Ventures, with participation from Hudson Structured Capital Management, doing (re)insurance business as HSCM Bermuda, and ArcTern Ventures, as welll as existing venture funds Menlo Ventures, ManchesterStory and Streamlined Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to expand sales team, technology, research and development and growth in the flood insurance market. Launched in 2017 by co-founders CEO Cory Isaacson, Chief Innovation Officer Nicholas Lamparelli, and President of reThought Specialty James Rice, reThought is a technology-centric Managing General Agent (MGA) focused on US commercial flood risk. It currently focuses on writing flood coverage for complex mid-tier commercial risks and high net worth (HNW) properties but is also developing offerings for other perils. reThoughts proprietary model convergence engine allows the company to target a broader range of complex risks, including major public transit, underground parking garages and outdoor swimming pools. The company also writes business interruption insurance and will work around the National Flood Insurance Programs (NFIP) limit cap of $500,000 by covering up to tens of millions of dollars. FinSMEs 01/08/2021 Quote: Phoenixfla Originally Posted by I think it's all BS. Many buyers don't want to wait for a vehicle to get built. They are probably saying this to quell investor concerns that dealers don't have inventory. Won't it be up to the dealers if they want to have a bunch of stock orders on the lots? If Ford wants to operate that way, they better get a lot better at connunicating with customers. I am not sure it is all BS, I do HOPE it is all BS but there is a serious political push for change towards less readily available goods and services right now. This looks like a response to those pressures.I completely agree most people do not want to wait for special order vehicles. Having lots full of different choices used to be part of the American dream. I hope Americans in general and the dealer network strive to get back to normal.Teaching a monster as big and convoluted as Ford, or any major corporation to be responsive to individual customers is a pipe dream. Could they? Should they? Yes... Will they? Not likely.I certainly think sales numbers will be down. They are obviously not producing at capacity like they were 18-24 months ago. Consumers are chomping at the bit for many goods and services. just one of many consequences of shutting down a global economy. Will the reset occur? I kind of doubt it, most people actually liked the situation 18-24 months ago and would prefer to simply to return to how things were. (Meredith) -- A mother in Oklahoma and a 24-year-old man have been arrested after police say the mother's daughter, a 12-year-old girl, allegedly gave birth to the man's child. According to KTLA, the investigation began on July 14 when the young girl went into labor and was rushed to a hospital. Police said they contacted Juan Miranda-Jara, who admitted to being the father of the newborn. He also said that he and the 12-year-old had been in a relationship since October 2020, officers stated. Miranda-Jara was arrested on suspicion of first-degree rape of a minor. The girl's mother, Desiree Castaneda, was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and enabling child sex abuse. Police said Castaneda, along with other family members, knew about the relationship. Further details have not been released. The age of consent in Oklahoma is 16. Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-352-2250 Fort Wayne, IN (46808) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 82F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies early then periods of showers late. Low near 65F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 82F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Wellness challenge The stress and emotional nature of the work also has led CARDV to look to the wellness and security of its own staffers. It is incredibly hard to take care of the team that is doing this work, said Caldwell. CARDV added a wellness center and confidential counseling and support for employees around the first of this year. We encourage self-care and good nutrition, she said. They need to take good care of themselves so we can continue this work. The challenge to employees really came to light when we were working remotely, Caldwell said. Sometimes you need to find a way to decompress from that hot line call. If you are in the office you can go down the hall and talk to someone. Working remotely you dont have that opportunity. Caldwell and Zelinka said the trauma of working with domestic violence survivors can produce challenges for CARDV employees that are similar to those of firefighters, EMTs and police officers. Unfortunate, CARDV officials said, is that the domestic violence issue is not going away. Later, after adjourning to public session, board members passed a consent agenda without comment or formal vote. The next day, Goff's contract addendum appeared as part of the consent agenda. Both agendas now can be found on the district's website. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Cordier's complaint alleges the board members reviewed the draft addendum during the June 7 meeting and made a final decision on it, in violation of executive session law. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald. On June 21, board members took a formal vote in public session to affirm it had accepted the contract addendum on June 7. Butzner, then board chair, said some concerns had been received about its approval as part of the consent agenda and recommended a separate vote "in an abundance of caution." In their staff report July 23, members of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission heard the board believed it was operating under a separate segment of the executive session law that allows discussion of records exempt from public disclosure. A superintendent's contract is public record, but the attorney for Greater Albany Public Schools argued that because the addendum was drafted by legal counsel, it falls under attorney-client privilege and is therefore exempt, commissioners were told. Gillette, WY (82718) Today Mixed clouds and sun this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 87F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. New York, July 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Proactive is pleased to announce a five-part video interview series focusing on mineral exploration and development in Bolivia, a country with a proud, centuries-long mining history that continues to this day. Produced by Proactive, in cooperation with New Pacific Metals Corp., Bolivia the Opportunity Awaits explores what it is like to explore, discover, develop and mine in todays Bolivia, particularly in light of the change in the countrys national government in the second half of 2020. Bolivia the Opportunity Awaits features New Pacific Metals Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Cruise and guests from the Bolivian legal and business communities. The first episode is available beginning Tuesday, July 20, and can be viewed here, with subsequent episodes scheduled for release on August 3, 17, 31 and September 14. Once the series is complete, all episodes will be available for on-demand viewing at https://ca.proactiveinvestors.com/TSE:NUAG/New-Pacific-Metals/. About Proactive With six offices on three continents and a team of experienced business journalists and broadcasters, Proactive works with innovative growth companies quoted on the worlds major stock exchanges, helping executives engage intelligently with investors. Proactives platform delivers the right message to the right audience, digitally and in real time, leveraging a range of media, investment research, digital investor targeting and website development services to support over 1,000 fast-growing companies globally. Proactives network reaches over 12 million engaged private, professional and institutional investors looking for opportunities. Our written and video content is published on Proactive sites that collectively attract up to 10 million views per month. We syndicate our content to hundreds of mainstream and specialist news sites that expand our reach into networks that can be difficult for press releases to penetrate. We custom build corporate websites from the ground up, empowering clients and their brands with a modern online presence and the latest insight on effective SEO strategy Our news coverage ranks high on the worlds most popular search platforms, and we can further amplify online presence and outreach with sophisticated digital investor targeting. We help the world understand what makes companies stand out from the crowd with in-depth investment research from a team of experienced analysts. For more information on how Proactive can help you make a difference, email us at action@proactiveinvestors.com BANGOR, MAINE, July 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Husson University announced today that Brien Walton, JD, EdD, director of the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business and assistant professor of entrepreneurship at Husson Universitys College of Business, was named the first African-American chair of the Maine Venture Fund Board of Directors. Governor Janet Mills of Maine appointed all of the board members. I am delighted Dr. Walton has agreed to chair the Maine Venture Fund, said Governor Janet Mills. I appointed Brien to the Board because of his vast experience managing a technology-focused venture capital fund and his reputation for creating innovative business strategies for high potential companies. The depth of his knowledge and experience makes him an excellent choice to chair the Board and spearhead our efforts to help businesses grow and stay in Maine. I want to thank Governor Mills for appointing me to the Maine Venture Fund board and for the opportunity to serve the state," said Dr. Walton. "I also want to thank my fellow directors for selecting me to chair the board. As the first African-American to serve as the chair of the Maine Venture Fund, I want to encourage entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to start and grow businesses in Maine or to pursue careers as investment professionals in ways that stimulate regional and national economic growth. Funded by the state as a revolving "evergreen" fund, the Maine Venture Fund (MVF) has invested over $25.2 million in small businesses since the funds inception in 1997 and has attracted over $200 million in outside investment to Maine, creating high-quality jobs across the state. The MVF has made 155 investments in over 80 companies, which has created over 900 jobs1 for Maine residents. MVF plans to further expand access to capital, especially for underrepresented founders. For more than twenty years, the Maine Venture Fund has helped many small businesses and entrepreneurs across our state turn dreams into reality, said U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) in a joint statement. The MVFs two decades of service have spurred economic innovation, supported good jobs, and made important contributions to local communities but there are always new chapters to be written in its story. We congratulate Dr. Brien Walton for his appointment to this important role to bolster Maines economy, and we look forward to continuing our work in the Senate to promote economic development and job creation as well. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Maine has 147,240 small businesses.2 Thats the equivalent of one small business for every nine people in our state.3 Here in Maine, 99.2% of all companies are small businesses.4 As part of his work with the Maine Venture Fund, Walton will provide testimony to the state legislature about banking and financial ventures. He and the other 10 members of the Maine Venture Fund Board of Directors appointed by the Governor will be responsible for determining how the fund invests in businesses that have the potential for significant growth here in Maine. Robert A. Clark, PhD, president of Husson University and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), one of the highest designations of distinction in the investment management profession, agrees in the importance of growth. Having a strong economy provides students with internship and job opportunities after they graduate, said Clark. Professional experience is an essential part of career success. With the largest College of Business in the state, located in a brand new $17 million facility that will open in late August, Husson University is uniquely qualified to develop the business professionals of tomorrow, said Marie Hansen, JD, PhD, SHRM-SCP, dean of Husson Universitys College of Business and New England School of Communications (NESCom). Our graduates go on to jobs with Wall Street firms and get practical experience making investment decisions while they are in college. They benefit from Dr. Waltons expertise particularly in the classes he teaches in entrepreneurship and business at Husson University. We value the real-world experience our faculty can bring to students so that they too can aspire to future leadership positions. Adding to Dean Hansens remarks, President Clark said, Thanks to generous donations from James and Carol Carlisle, and Joseph and Suzanne Cyr, students have the opportunity to manage an investment fund of over $1,000,000, with guidance from faculty, as part of their Husson education. I wouldnt be surprised at all if the next generation of Maine Venture Fund leaders were Husson University graduates. More about Dr. Brien Walton: This is not the first time Dr. Walton has been called upon to contribute his expertise to a government initiative. In 2020, the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reached out to Dr. Walton about a speaking opportunity. The two government organizations invited Walton to speak during the capstone portion of their Opportunity Zone webinar series called, Bolstering Growth in Opportunity Zones: Leveraging Public and Private Resources. We're fortunate to have a leader of Dr. Waltons caliber chairing our board of directors, said Joe Powers, the Maine Venture Fund's managing director. We have developed an excellent rapport since he joined the board, and his extensive investment and business development experience make him the ideal person to help maximize the funds assets for the benefit of all Maine citizens, especially in this era of increased collaboration between state and federal government. Waltons academic credentials are extensive. He earned his Doctorate of Education in organizational learning leadership with a concentration in leadership development from the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business. In addition, Walton has a Juris Doctorate in Law from the University of the District of Columbia, a Master of Science in education with a concentration in workforce development from the University of Pennsylvania; a Master of Arts in educational technologies from Harvard University; and a Master of Laws in taxation from Georgetown University. Dr. Walton also has extensive work experience. He is an award-winning strategic advisor on economic development and structured finance. Walton is also CEO of Acadia Capital Management, LLC, a strategic advisory firm that works directly with municipal leaders of economically distressed communities to create innovative funding pathways that eliminate poverty and facilitate sustainable growth. Walton joined the Husson team as the director of the Richard E. Dyke Center for Family Business and as an assistant professor of entrepreneurship. The Center for Family Business (CFB) at Husson University in Bangor, Maine is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the 30,000+ family-owned businesses in Maine. It serves family business owners, managers and employees through a variety of seminars and workshops. For more than 120 years, Husson University has shown its adaptability and strength in delivering educational programs that prepare future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent a superior value in higher education. The hallmarks of a Husson education include advanced knowledge delivered through quality educational programs. According to a recent analysis of tuition and fees by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is one of the most affordable private colleges in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu. # # # 1 Maine Venture Fund, Our Impact https://www.maineventurefund.com/, Accessed 7/13/2021 2 Mainebiz, From the Editor: Small businesses are Maines economic backbone, Peter Van Allen, September 7, 2020, https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/from-the-editor-small-businesses-are-maines-economic-backbone, Accessed 7/13/2021. 3 Ibid 4 Ibid Attachments English French EDMONTON, Alberta, Aug. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Flair Airlines, Canadas only independent ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), advances its rapid growth across Canada as it begins air service at Abbotsford International Airport (IATA: YXX). Abbotsford becomes the fifth community in British Columbia to benefit from Flairs highly competitive low fares. Flair Airlines is starting non-stop flights to 6 Canadian destinations with fares as low as $19. We are delighted to see travel and tourism continue to return across Canada. Bringing our low fare travel options to Abbotsford is important for the community as we deliver more choices and competition for air travel. Our low fares are a powerful tool in economic recovery and we know that healthy competition in air travel is essential to keeping travel affordable for families, says Stephen Jones, President and CEO, Flair Airlines. Throughout Canada, passengers have been paying way too much for way too long, and it is together with airports like Abbotsford that we can provide affordable options across the country and beyond. The 6 non-stop destinations served through Abbotsford are Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg. Flair will also begin daily non-stop flights to Las Vegas starting October 31. On behalf of Abbotsford City Council and Abbotsford Airport Authority, I am pleased to welcome Flair Airlines to Abbotsford International Airport, said Henry Braun, Mayor, City of Abbotsford. As the only Ultra-Low Cost Airport in Canada, we appreciate Flair Airlines low cost options making air travel more affordable and accessible to Canadians. Abbotsford is among three new destinations Flair has added to its network in August along with Grande Prairie and Charlottetown. Flair serves 20 Canadian cities and continues to grow with the addition of service to US cities this fall and more new aircraft joining the fleet. With an ambitious goal to grow to 50 aircraft in 5 years, Flair is rapidly expanding as it brings ULCC service to Canadians. About Flair Airlines Flair Airlines is Canadas only independent Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and is on a mission to liberate the lives of Canadians by providing affordable air travel that connects them to the people and experiences they love. With an expanding fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Flair is growing to serve 20 cities across Canada. For more information, please visit www.flyflair.com Media enquiries, please contact: Jamina Kotak 780.887.9209 Jamina.kotak@flyflair.com NEW YORK, Aug. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RKT) between February 25, 2021 and May 5, 2021, inclusive (the Class Period), of the important August 30, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Rocket Companies 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 Rocket Companies class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2099.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 30, 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 firms 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) Rocket Companies gain on sale margins were contracting at the highest rate in two years as a result of increased competition among mortgage lenders, an unfavorable shift toward the lower margin Partner Network operating segment, and compression in the price spread between the primary and secondary mortgage markets; (2) Rocket Companies was engaged in a price war and battle for market share with its primary competitors in the wholesale market, which was further compressing margins in Rocket Companies Partner Network operating segment; (3) the adverse trends identified above were accelerating and, as a result, Rocket Companies gain on sale margins were on track to plummet at least 140 basis points in the first six months of 2021; (4) as a result of the above, the favorable market conditions that had preceded the Class Period and allowed Rocket Companies to achieve historically high gain on sale margins had vanished as the Companys gain on sale margins had returned to levels not seen since the first quarter of 2019; (5) rather than remaining elevated due to surging demand, Rocket Companies Company-wide gain-on-sale margins had fallen materially below recent historical averages; and (6) as a result of the foregoing, defendants positive statements about Rocket Companies 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 Rocket Companies class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2099.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. 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 investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Milwaukee, WI (53187) Today Mostly cloudy early followed by heavy thunderstorms this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 63F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Goshen, IN (46526) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High around 80F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low 66F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@skagitpublishing.com for help creating one. The incident involving Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen at Silverstone will continue to have an impact during the weekend in Hungary. We have already seen that it is still talked about during the press conferences, while also fans seem to be not very happy with Hamilton's action two weeks ago. In his preview of the race on Formula1.com Chris Medland says he expects fireworks from the first lap. According to him, this actually started during the press conferences. "The question during qualifying was prefaced by the fact that it was a topic that had been raised many times before, but the press conference presenter didn't get time to finish the question before Verstappen interrupted him and said he wanted the questions to stop and that it was "ridiculous" how much he and Hamilton had been questioned about it." Week of fire at the opening round? Hungary will be the first race since the incident that both drivers will race against each other again, and it will be interesting to see how they handle each other in duels. Medland is expecting a lot from the race, at least from the first corner. "Whatever you think of the incident at the British Grand Prix, it did add a whole new level of drama in terms of how the two will deal with each other next time - and there's every chance that 'next time' will come on the long run up to Turn 1." With his new engine, will Verstappen outrun Hamilton and get his revenge, or will Hamilton catch up with his main rival with Mercedes? We'll know by the end of the afternoon. Read more Verstappen benefits from rain? Mercedes at an advantage when it comes to tyres in a dry race Alfa Romeo will make a call about its 2022 driver lineup "by September". After the Swiss based team recently secured an extended naming deal with the Ferrari-linked carmaker Alfa Romeo, attention is now turning to the drivers. Questions are being asked about the current speed and attentiveness of 41-year-old Kimi Raikkonen, while young Ferrari charger Mick Schumacher is linked with Antonio Giovinazzi's seat. "I still don't know anything," Giovinazzi, who is also backed by Ferrari, told an Italian website. "In the end, Alfa Romeo, the team and certainly Ferrari will take the decision." However, recent reports suggested team boss Frederic Vasseur had been bestowed exclusive power to make the driver call for 2022. "I don't decide it alone," Vasseur now insists to Blick newspaper. "The whole company decides. "We'll know who's driving by September." Another name to perhaps add to the mix is potential Mercedes refugee Valtteri Bottas, with Vasseur responding: "That is your interpretation. "Everyone is going to have to wait until September," he smiled. Vasseur is happy, though, that despite a lack of results so far in 2021, Alfa Romeo has been able to take a step forward compared to last year. "Right. Our project makes the team interesting for all the drivers who are on the market," the Frenchman agrees. However, he is not expecting Alfa Romeo to leap up the 2022 grid, despite the opportunity presented by the all-new technical regulations. "In the first year, the differences between the teams may even be greater than now," he warned. "But once stability takes hold, we have a better future with our infrastructure and wind tunnel. Remember, Brawn came out of nowhere in 2009 and won the title." (GMM) Max Verstappen lost his cool in Hungary with constant questioning about his high-speed Silverstone crash following highly controversial contact with title rival Lewis Hamilton. "Can we just stop this?" said the Red Bull driver, interjecting during a reporter's question after qualifying. "We've had so many f*cking questions about this. Honestly, since Thursday we've been answering this stupid sh*t all the time. "We are racers. We will race. And of course we are going to race hard but fair," Verstappen added, referring to the interviewer's original question about the prospect for a repeat incident in Hungary on Sunday. F1 veteran Fernando Alonso, however, is poised to take advantage of what he thinks is the very high risk of a Silverstone re-run. "We have Max starting with the soft tyre, Hamilton with the medium, and Checo, Gasly, and Norris and Leclerc two of the best at starts," he told Spanish media. "It's an extremely explosive situation. "So there will be some action at the first corner and we have to be intelligent enough to benefit from whatever happens. I want a clean first lap because there can be several positions coming for free," the two-time champion added. As for Verstappen's loss of patience with the reporter's question, Alonso said he understands the Dutchman's frustration. "I didn't see the press conference, but probably I have felt what he is feeling now," he said. "He is the young driver fighting against the legend now. And he is not British, so it will always be more difficult for him." (GMM) Sebastian Vettel looks to be definitely staying at Aston Martin for 2022. While it was already known that the quadruple world champion's new contract for 2021 and beyond was for multiple years, the extension into 2022 still needs to be formalised. "Seb is definitely happy with us," team boss Otmar Szafnauer said in Hungary. "He's enjoying racing again and that was his first goal too. I would say we achieved this together with him." As for when the continuing pairing of 33-year-old Vettel alongside team owner Lawrence Stroll's son Lance will be formally announced, Szafnauer flagged that it will happen "in due course". Szafnauer doesn't deny, however, that Vettel's deal was always scheduled to go beyond 2021. "I believe there is a limit in the contract, but off the top of my head I'm not even sure," he said. "And we rarely reveal these contract details anyway." German Vettel, who was ousted by Ferrari last year, told La Gazzetta dello Sport he is content to now be wearing green instead of red. "If I had had the chance to choose I would still be up against the leaders," he said in Hungary. "But I'm here now. "The team had a great season last year, not as good this year, but we are here and we move forward." The real 'moving forward', however, may need to wait until the all-new 2022 car, Szafnauer admits. "We will continue to improve the car in small steps, but more by understanding it better than by bringing major updates," he said. (GMM) F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had to convince Lewis Hamilton to give Max Verstappen a call following their highly contentious Silverstone clash. On Thursday in Hungary, the seven time world champion revealed: "I gave Max a call just to check if he's ok and let him know the respect is still there. "Obviously he's perhaps not reciprocated, but that's ok," Hamilton added. However, according to the highly respected Dutch commentator Olav Mol, Hamilton had to have his arm twisted by Domenicali before reaching out to his title nemesis. "He (Domenicali) has been involved in this since the moment of the crash," Mol told Ziggo Sport. "He kept calling Jos. He was on the phone every five or six hours. He kept asking Jos if Hamilton had called, and they kept telling him that it hadn't happened. "Then Domenicali said he would call Hamilton with the message that he should call the Verstappens." While exciting for the F1 fan, the 2021 title battle is obviously real and intense for the parties involved. "We see all these press releases coming and going from both sides - even the FIA had something to say about that. They said there were worrying messages in Red Bull's protest," said Mol. Therefore, given the intensity of the battle so far, he says it's the perfect time for Formula 1 to take a break after Hungary. "You can notice that many people are ready for a rest," said Mol. "After the summer break there is another triple header, one week of rest, and then another triple header outside of Europe. "I had hoped this would be over, but there is still a bit of a bad smell around it," he added, referring again to the Silverstone crash saga. "The team bosses are still throwing mud at each other." (GMM) Hungarian GP 2021 DRIVERS 1 Lewis HAMILTON (Mercedes) 2 Valtteri BOTTAS (Mercedes) 3 Max VERSTAPPEN (Red Bull Racing) TRACK INTERVIEWS (Conducted by Johnny Herbert) Q: Max, what was that lap like. You didnt quite have the speed you needed to get that pole position. Four tenths, did you expect it to be that much? Max VERSTAPPEN: Its always difficult to say, the gap. But clearly the whole weekend so far we have been a bit behind and it showed again in qualifying. So not what we wanted but nevertheless we are still there in P3 and we will see what we can do. But yeah, so far not what I want. Q: Happy with the strategy, going for those softer tyres for the start of the race and Mercedes being on the medium? How do you feel about that choice? Verstappen: Yeah, its of course going to be different. The grip was quite a bit higher on these tyres so of course we will find out tomorrow. Its going to be really hot. So naturally of course a softer tyre will not last as long as a medium but nevertheless it will give us a good opportunity off the line. Q: And is that really the main reason for choosing the soft? Verstappen: No, it was just because the others were also on the soft and they were improving their lap time and my lap time on the medium would have really been on the edge for the top 10 so thats why we decided to finish the lap. Q: Valtteri, second on the grid, got to be happy with that lap? Valtteri BOTTAS: Yeah, I mean it was OK. I have to say a little bit in Q2 I lost the rhythm slightly when we used the medium tyres and it wasnt easy to get back to the rhythm with the soft tyres. The grip difference was pretty big. And Lewis had a really good lap on the first run, unlike me. Its good to be two Mercedes at the front. Q: And this has been a good performance all weekend from you. Youve got those medium tyres, youve got that front row, what are you expecting from tomorrow? Bottas: Tomorrow will be exciting. The Red Bulls are on the soft tyres and we are on the mediums and its all to play for and its going to be a good battle. Im looking forward to it. First of all, its great to see so many people here supporting, so thank you. Q: Lewis, from the outside that looked like a wild lap. Lewis, brilliant lap, from the outside it looked absolutely brilliant, what was it like in the car? Lewis HAMILTON: Yeah, it was an amazing qualifying that last one. Its been amazing teamwork from everyone this weekend, Valtteri included, just trying to push the car forwards, developing constantly. The guys at the factory have not left any stone unturned. Its been amazing to see everyone come together and rallying up and pushing forward. And I appreciate the great support I have here. Honestly, Ive never actually felt so great with the booing; if anything it just fuels me. So I dont really mind it. Its alright. Q: What about the race? Youve got the pole position and youve got those medium tyres as well. That does seem to be a good thing for the race tomorrow. Are you expecting that Red Bull to challenge you down to Turn 1? Hamilton: Well, I think the soft tyres is worth something like five metres down into Turn 1. Its a long way down to Turn 1. Its surprising to see the guys behind us I think everyone in the top 10 is on the soft except for us. We will see. Its definitely great having a lock-out for our team, its the first time in a long time, so a big, big thank you to everyone back at the factory. I hope the weather is good for everyone tomorrow. Enjoy the sun and stay safe. PRESS CONFERENCE Q: Lewis, many congratulations, your eighth pole in Hungary. How please were you with your first run in Q3? Hamilton: Thank you. Yeah, the first run The lap really felt beautiful. It was a real build up. A lot of qualifying sessions you sometimes get your best lap in Q1 or Q2 or something like that. It never goes always to plan whereas today I got the best lap Q3, run one. So I was really, really happy with it. I had the song YMCA just on my mind the whole session. Im not really sure why, I havent really been listening to it but that was what was the motivator today so I guess it bodes well for the weekend. Bottas: Are you going to sing it? Hamilton: Its a great song! Q: That was a brilliant lap. Looking at your second run in Q3, that was a very slow out lap. Did that compromise your preparations in any way because we did see you lock a tyre just into Turn 14? Hamilton: So, prep laps, difficult and we were behind a lot of I think we were the last three or four cars and yeah, it definitely wasnt perfect and Id say right towards the end probably lost too much temperature on the tyres in the front, so the start of the lap wasnt great and it didnt really seem to get better later on through the lap. But Im really grateful that the team worked so hard to get the car where it is today. Valtteri did an astonishing job today, really boosting the team into the front row, which is honestly I dont remember the last time we had a front row together. So super positive and its all down to the amazing work back at the factory and the men and women here are doing a phenomenal job and with everything going on around us, in the outside world and everything, people are just staying focused and staying centred and Im really proud of everyone. Q: Did you expect to be so much faster than Red Bull here? Hamilton: Definitely, definitely not. This is a track that theyve been very strong at for a long time. And given the improvements they made earlier on this year, we thought that we obviously closed the gap a little bit in the last race but we thought they would still have a little bit of an edge. We saw today that they changed from their big wing to their smaller wing today, whether or not thats hampered them, I dont know but yeah, it was definitely a real surprise to see us have that sort of pace on them. Of course were happy with that. Q: And Lewis, youre going for your ton. If you win tomorrow, itll be win number one hundred. What would that mean? Hamilton: I dont know and I dont like really to think of it. Theres a lot of this is not even half the job, or whatever. Tomorrows a long race, we dont know what weathers around us. Its such a challenging circuit and these the whole top four will not be easy to beat, and so weve got a long run down to Turn 1, so its going to be challenging tomorrow, especially if the temperatures are like this, so it should be an exciting race. Q: Valtteri, your fourth consecutive front row here in Hungary. Youre consistently fastest. How pleased were you with your fastest lap? Bottas: To be honest, not 100 per cent pleased. Im pleased that, as a team, we could get the front row. Like Lewis said, we really havent had that form for a while, so that shows that the hard work is paying off and Lewis did an amazing lap in Q3, run 1 that I just couldnt quite match, and for me the issue was I lost a bit the rhythm in Q2 with the Medium tyre, so I didnt feel that comfortable with the rear end of the car. So then it was not easy to go back on the Soft and really attack it fully. So, it was not so clean. Definitely not my best laps of the weekend but still, you know, good enough to get to the front row, so thats good. But also, I want to add. I dont normally say about these kinds of things and what I think but I heard a lot of booing at the end of the qualifying and I don't understand it. I would like the people to question themselves, that behaviour. I dont think its fair. We are here as athletes to give every single bit we have for the sport we love. Like Lewis did an amazing lap at the end and then you get booing. So I think people just question yourself. Its not right, its not fair and we dont want to see these kind of things. Q: Thank you Valtteri. Just a final question about the performance of the car. Like Lewis, you didnt improve on your second run in Q3. Where did the pace go for you? Bottas: I dont know. It was a bit weird. I lost a bit in Sector 1, Sector 2. It just didnt feel like the same grip level towards the end. Its the same for everyone and its not the first time weve seen this season that Q3 run 1 has been better. Q: And well done to you too Max. First up, can you talk us through Q3? Were you expecting more pace from the car? Verstappen: Well, basically, I went a bit backwards compared to my Q2 lap of course. Just didnt have the same grip over the lap. I dont know if it was track related or tyre related but yeah, just didnt have the same balance in the car to push so then yeah, naturally around here the corners follow up really quickly, so if you dont feel good in one corner, the next wont be great. Just lost a bit of lap time but nevertheless, I dont think even with that we could have had pole. Not the greatest weekend so far. I think in general just always been a bit behind and yeah, we just need to analyse why that is. I think Silverstone was quite strong. Of course I know they brought new bits again to the car so yeah, we just need to of course work on ourselves and then try to improve the situation because of course we cannot be happy with this. Q: Was your final run in Q3 compromised by the slow out-lap of the two Mercedes in front of you? Verstappen: I dont know. Of course the tyres were a bit cold but I wouldnt have gained four-tenths if the tyres would have been a bit warmer. Q: And do you feel your pace is closer to Mercedes in race conditions? Verstappen: I have no clue. I didnt have a representative long run so well find out tomorrow. Q: And Max, can we just get your thoughts please on the booing towards Lewis just as he was getting out of the car there at the end of qualifying? Verstappen: I was in the garage, I didnt pay attention to what was happening outside. Q: Ive got a question to both you and Lewis now. Theres been a lot of talk about what happened on the opening lap at Silverstone. If you two end up wheel-to-wheel after the start tomorrow Verstappen: Can we just already stop about this because its weve had so many f**ing questions about this. Its just ridiculous, honestly. Honestly, the whole Thursday weve been answering this stupid s**t all the time. So can we just stop about it please? We are racers. We will race. And of course we are going to race hard but fair. Well just be pushing each other. Q: Lewis, anything from you? Hamilton: [silence] QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR Q: (Andrew Benson BBC Sport) Max, could you just run through the process of how you ended up setting a time on the soft tyre at the end of Q2 because obviously you could have gone out on the medium again if you wanted to commit to the medium? I know that its normal to go for a soft tyre guarantee lap and then back out of it and I know why you didnt do that this time. Im just more interested in why you didnt go for a second run on the medium. Verstappen: We talked about it and they told me that they wanted to go on the soft instead and then keep the medium new so we ran that and then yeah, quite a lot of people actually improved their lap time. At the end of the day it would have been safe to go through but only with two or three hundredths I dont think you want to risk it that much so thats why they told me to finish the lap. It is what it is. Well find out tomorrow how the tyres are going to behave. Q: (Alex Kalinauckas Autosport) Lewis, just about the final warm-up lap tactics; I know youve spoken about it earlier but it looked like you were going a little bit slowly down the pit lane and then at the pit exit as well so I wondered if youd just talk us through what was happening there? Hamilton: Yeah, I mean, as I said we were one of the last of the cars out. I know that ahead of those guys, ahead of Valtteri and whoever was ahead of him, would all bunch up towards the end of the lap so I tried to make as big a gap as possible and then even still with that, at the end of the lap we still had to all back off and wait for everyone to get going, so just trying to make sure that I had the best gap ahead of me but ultimately I think none of us probably had the best tyre prep for that lap because everyone was going slow. Q: (Phil Duncan PA) Lewis, obviously just going back to the booing that you got from the fans. It was obviously quite a strong reception, so I just really wanted to get your thoughts on that. There are also a few banners out there. One says: Sir Cheat. Karma is on its way, so theres obviously a bit of a negative attitude towards you against (sic) some of the fans. And Max, I know you were asked about the booing there, but when you won the sprint race at Silverstone, I dont think you received such a poor reception from the British crowd, so I just wanted to get your response to your fans booing Lewis? Hamilton: I dont really have anything to say to it. People have a right to its a sport, right, and people act wild when its sport. Its competition and take it to heart. I just I must be doing something right to be up front. Yeah. Its pretty good for me otherwise. Verstappen: Yeah, well, what do you want me to say? Its not correct of course but at the end of the day I think we are drivers. We shouldnt get disturbed by these kind of things, you know. You should anyway just focus on what you have to do and thats deliver in the car. Luckily we wear helmets actually when youre driving, of course, when it matters you dont hear anything. Thats maybe a bit different to other sports, probably we are quite lucky with that but at the end, like I said, of course its not nice but it shouldnt influence any of us. I think we are all very professional and know what we had to do on track anyway. Q: (Christian Nimmervoll) Lewis, but if any of the other drivers want to answer Im happy to get that as well. About those tactics ahead of the last lap in Q3, weve had that a couple of times already this year and Christian Horner said in the television interview that it was a bit of gamesmanship but basically it was your right to do it Lewis because you had track position. And Roman Grosjean tweeted immediately that it was not pretty if it was done on purpose so I guess the question is was it done on purpose or is it legitimate tactics to do it if it was? Hamilton: I mean its so silly, man. I mean everyone was going slow. Did you not watch everybody else? I dont understand. Do you think I could have gone quicker and then been just close to Valtteri? Everyone was doing a slow out lap so it was no different to any other lap. Of course each time were going out were trying to prepare the tyres and keep them cooler because they get so hot throughout the lap so Im not playing any tactics, I dont need to play any tactics man. I know what Im doing in the car and Im fast enough, I dont need to add tactics so Those that are making the comments clearly dont know anything about the job that were doing here, which is probably why theyre not driving here. Q: (Edd Straw - The Race) Max, given the fact that the pace of the car hasnt been as youd hoped, is it actually a positive for you to be on that alternate strategy even though probably in an ideal world the medium start is the preferred tyre, at least unless you do something a little bit different to maybe make something happen? Verstappen: Yeah. I anyway didnt have a representative long run so of course I know its going to be super-warm tomorrow so naturally a soft tyre wont last as long as medium tyre but yeah, maybe it gives a little bit of an advantage in the start. Who knows? And I had to finish my lap otherwise it would have been super close so well find out of course tomorrow, after the race if it was right or wrong and then again well learn from that and well take that into account for future races but at the moment I cant really say if it was good or bad. The UK Department for Transport has shortlisted 8 industry-led projects to receive a share of 15 million (US$21 million) in the Green Fuels, Green Skies (GFGS) competition for the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) production plants in the UK. The shortlisted proposals include plants aiming to produce jet fuel from: Combining carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere with hydrogen from water; Alcohol derived from wastes; Everyday household and commercial black bag rubbish; and Sewage. All selected projects have a clear potential to produce SAF capable of reducing emissions by more than 70% on a lifecycle basis when used in place of conventional fossil jet fuel. The competition supports large-scale SAF production projects with their early-stage development. Research indicates that by 2040 the SAF sector could generate between 0.7 billion (US$1 billion) and 1.66 billion (US$2.3 billion) a year for the UK economy, with potentially half of this coming from the export of intellectual property and the provision of engineering services. The industry could create between 5,000 and 11,000 green jobs, disproportionately in areas aligned with the leveling-up agenda. It could also increase UK fuel security. The competition builds on the work of previous Department for Transport industry competitions, including the Advanced Biofuels Demonstration Competition (ABDC) and the ongoing Future Fuels for Flight and Freight Competition (F4C) with the aim of unlocking the future environmental and economic benefits an advanced fuels industry can bring to the UK. It is being delivered with the support of Ricardo Energy and Environment and E4tech. Shortlisted organizations: 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. Two months ago, Alexis Gevanter was an engaged volunteer advocating for gun safety legislation as the Connecticut chapter leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. But now the 39-year-old Greenwich resident and attorney finds herself in an unexpected position. She is running as the Democratic candidate and positioning herself as a political outsider as she seeks to succeed Alex Kasser in the 36th Senate District, which includes Greenwich and parts of Stamford and New Canaan, in a special election set for Aug. 17. The winner of the three-way race will finish out the two-year term, which runs through the end of 2022. And in a race that is most decidedly a sprint, it is a new but exciting challenge that she says she is eager to tackle. Advocating for issues has always been a big part of my life, whether it has been as a business attorney, a gun violence prevention advocate or just as a mom in the community, Gevanter said. So when the seat opened up, I thought maybe this is a place where I can use my skills to create positive change by doing what Ive always done, listening, finding common ground, building coalitions and working together. Kasser unexpectedly resigned from the Senate in late June, and now Gevanter is running against Republican Ryan Fazio and petition candidate John Blankley, something she admits has been a whirlwind. It has been exciting and invigorating, Gevanter said. Its truly been an honor to run. Ive been blessed to meet so many volunteers and advocacy groups and voters, neighbors and members of our community. Ive learned whats important to them and whats on their minds and how we can best make that change in Hartford. Many residents want to hear how youre going to make their lives better, especially coming out of the pandemic, she said, and she wants to keep the state on the right path. Thats why I think I will win this seat, Gevanter said. I am going to be a champion for all of the people of the 36th District. Gevanter once worked as a legislative aide in the congressional office of former U.S. Rep. Steven Rothman, D-N.J. And despite an interest in policy, she said she never intended to run for office until the seat became vacant and she saw an opportunity to advocate for the district. The Senate seat was long held by Republicans. But when Kasser was first elected in 2018, she became the first Democrat to represent the district since 1930. In the race, Gevanter looks to focus on her platform, pointing to what she calls the three Ps prosperity, progress and public safety and health. Prosperity, she says, includes investment in education, which includes making college more accessible and offering debt-free community college. She said she would advocate for bipartisan state budgets without tax increases and supports eliminating the Social Security tax as well as fully repealing the estate tax in the state. Gevanter said she would push for more jobs in the state, an area she said her experience as a business attorney would help in attracting businesses to Connecticut. When it comes to progress, she said it is something we always need to keep our eye on and it includes expanding voting rights in the state, expanding and protecting womens rights, and protecting the environment. Gevanter called these all critical issues that require working across the aisle to accomplish, something she says she has the temperament to do. Public safety includes gun violence prevention because we need to make sure our kids are safe in schools, on the playgrounds and in their homes, Gevanter said. It also includes emerging from this pandemic by following the science and listening to the experts. And I also think we need to fully fund our police. These are things that are really important to me and to the people of the 36th District. Calling herself a Ned Lamont Democrat, Gevanter said she would want to be a partner to the governor in Hartford. Gevanter has lived in the district for three years. A former resident of New York, with a brief period going back and forth to San Francisco, Gevanter said this was always where she and her husband, who has worked in town since 2012, wanted to raise their family. Greenwich, she said, is where they chose to move after they had the first of their two children, who are now ages 4 and 2. This is an amazing, diverse community, Gevanter said. I think as a mom of young children in this community, as somebody who chose this community, I fully understand why people would come here and what they want out of here for their families and how we make sure our children move back here and this is a place where we can retire. I keep hearing from people, Alexis, I dont want to die in Florida. What are we going to do about these taxes? We want this to be a multigenerational community where our teachers can live, where our police can live, where our nurses can live as well as our executives and professionals and small business owners, she said. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com When the 36th District Senate seat unexpectedly became vacant, it didnt take long for Ryan Fazio to jump into the race. The Greenwich Republican lost his challenge for the seat last November to Alex Kasser, who unexpectedly resigned in late June. But Fazio said he had no doubts about running again. Nothing has changed in my mind about the need for good government and reform, Fazio said. I am a proponent for reform in this state Senate seat. This is, I think, the most important Senate seat in the state because it represents the economic engine of Connecticut in Greenwich, Stamford and New Canaan. My heart was always in this. Now Fazio is in a frantic race for the special election slated for Aug. 17, where he is running against Democrat Alexis Gevanter and petition candidate John Blankley. The winner of the three-way race will finish out the two-year term, which runs through the end of 2022. This community is my home, I love it and I want to serve it faithfully, said Fazio, a 31-year-old investment analyst for small businesses who is a member of Greenwichs Representative Town Meeting. I think with a positive change to our state government, we can create a brighter future for everyone in our community. To Fazio, a positive change would be growing the economy to work for everyone, lowering the cost of living in the state, creating a lower tax burden for the middle class, improving public safety and supporting police, pushing for high quality education, protecting civil liberties and ensuring local control over Hartford mandates. Fazio said he is getting clear messages from voters about the need to reduce taxes and the cost of living as well as concerns about crime and public safety. And he said there are also worries about the division in politics. People want to see more pragmatism and problem-solving over rhetoric, Fazio said. If elected, he said he would work with Democrats to make permanent the temporary waivers during the pandemic on certificates of need that Fazio said would make health care more affordable with less red tape and increased ability to meet patient needs. He also said he would look to act on energy and education reforms as well as better transportation policies in the district, which includes all of Greenwich and parts of Stamford and New Canaan. Fazio said he would also focus long-term on tax reforms and solving the problem of unfunded pension liabilities. As a Republican, Fazio, if elected, would be in the minority party as Democrats enjoy a solid majority in the state legislature. But a victory for him would mean the end of a veto-proof majority for Senate Democrats. If the Democrats win this election, there would simply be no incentive for any compromise, he said. I think the eyes of the state are on this race to render a verdict about whether or not the status quo and one-party rule is acceptable or whether we can do better as a state and find more common sense solutions and can improve the economy and public safety and social services. This is the second run in a year for the same office for Fazio, who is quick to note it was a close race with a gap of less than 2,000 votes between him and Kasser. She was reelected to her second term in November 2020, with 29,137 votes to Fazios 27,575 votes. Kasser improved on her 2018 performance, when she beat incumbent Republican L. Scott Frantz by fewer than 600 votes and became the first Democrat to win the seat since 1930. But this is a gap Fazio believes he can close because of the unique circumstances of the past year, with the COVID-19 pandemic and a divisive presidential election. I think that now that we have established more familiarity with voters, we are going to be poised to win this election. Fazio said. Its going to be a very close election, without a doubt. Im excited about that. Getting 49 percent of the vote is a testament to the quality of our message, and now that the worst of COVID is behind us and now that the national election we had in 2020 is in the background, voters are more focused than ever before on state and local issues, he said. They understand we need more common sense solutions and more pragmatism from our state government. Thats what our message is. The more traditional face-to-face campaigning this year is another advantage, Fazio said. He compared his political style to that of Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo, who is known for his door-knocking and tireless campaigning. Last campaign was the experience of a lifetime. I got to speak with thousands and thousands of voters and connect with people I havent spoken to in 20 years while meeting a lot of new people, too, Fazio said. Now we have a campaign in abbreviated time, and it has the chance to be even better than that. I love an old-fashioned style of politics in the same vein as Fred Camillo. I love to listen and talk and meet as many voters as I can. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com Leonard Engel spent much of his 16-year tenure as assistant ombudsman at Cheshire Correctional Institution, a building more than a century old thats known informally as The Rock. As hed interview prisoners whod filed complaints about their living conditions, hed see people getting shuttled in and out of the hole, cells used for punitive segregation located right next to the interview room. Once, he saw a man get dragged in after beating up a correction officer. Covered in blood, the man was babbling to himself. To Engel, it appeared the man was having a mental health crisis. Prison staff put the man in solitary confinement and placed him in restraints to make sure he didnt hurt himself or anyone else. Who is going to bring this to their attention? This is a problem that youre not solving by shackling them to the bed?' Engel asked, who reported what he saw to the warden. Those things would bubble up through the ombuds. For 37 years, Connecticut had a corrections ombudsman who addressed incarcerated peoples complaints and investigated allegations they had been treated unjustly by the Department of Correction, but the office was eliminated in 2010 to save money. Nine years after the ombudsman office closed, Robby Talbot was admitted to the New Haven Correctional Center. A 30-year-old man who had been diagnosed with severe bipolar disorder with schizoaffective features, Talbot had been in and out of jail for a slew of low-level crimes. On March 19, 2019, he was admitted to the jail on Whalley Avenue for the last time. He died two days later, alone, in a jail cell in an ill-fitting orange jumpsuit, his ankles and wrists shackled and tethered by a chain. There was no ombudsman to investigate the systemic problems at the New Haven jail that might have contributed to Talbots death. Although lawmakers approved a bill in 2019 requiring ombudsman services for minors in adult prisons just 39 of the 9,020 people behind bars as of July 1 were under age 18 an effort this year to expand the office to the rest of the prison system failed when Gov. Ned Lamont vetoed legislation containing the funding. That legislation, dubbed the PROTECT Act, which received final passage in the House on June 5, would have expanded the offices purview, allowing the ombudsman to receive and assess complaints from the entire incarcerated population. But Lamont vetoed the bill, instead issuing an executive order limiting the use of solitary confinement, including in-cell restraints, the type of confinement in which Talbot was placed. Lamonts order did not, however, mention the ombudsman office. I think an ombudsman would have prevented what happened to Robby because it would have given staff and incarcerated people a place to report some of the injustices and abusive practices that are policies that the Department of Correction has in place to treat people with mental health issues, said Kevnesha Boyd, who was a social worker at the New Haven Correctional Center for four years and resigned after Talbots death. She pointed to gaps in the social safety net, cracks made into crevices by the unkept promises to fund community-based mental health services following the closure decades ago of large psychiatric institutions. Essentially, the Department of Correction is the new psychiatric hospital, Boyd said. And theres no external accountability. So youve got a system thats designed to enslave people, thats designed to punish people, also in charge of the health care and the treatment and the rehabilitation of people. The governors veto means the current grievance system remains in place. To many, that system an internal procedure where prisoners can log complaints about the conditions of their confinement is insufficient. Whether its the corrections or any other agency, if youre looking to provide oversight, that oversight is best coming externally, not internally, said Sen. Gary Winfield, co-chair of the Judiciary Committee. Your perspective is skewed by the fact that youre looking at yourself. In a letter outlining his issues with the PROTECT Act, Lamont said the ombudsman program creates security and litigation risks. He said he was concerned about the investigators access to DOC records because they could disclose information that leads to security breaches at correctional facilities. He also said he worried the ombudsperson could access, and then disclose, records protected by attorney-client privilege. An ombudsman would not have investigated Talbots death. But an ombudsman might have investigated the conditions of confinement at the time of Talbots incarceration and death: namely, the use of chemical agents and in-cell restraints to immobilize people with serious mental health conditions who, because of their disabilities, had trouble complying with orders from corrections staff. The ombudsman could recommend policy changes to the DOC or send their findings to lawmakers, who could then pass legislation. Talbots mother, Colleen Lord, believes an ombudsmans work could lead to widespread changes in prisons and jails. Maybe, she hopes, they could prevent future abuse. The problem is theres absolutely no oversight or transparency, Lord said of the Department of Correction. Everything they do is behind locked doors. Much of Lords life is spent investigating what led to Talbots death. Conscripted by tragedy, she has undertaken two entwined onerous duties: seeking justice for her son and fighting to make sure other mothers dont lose their children to the same practices that occur behind locked doors in the states prisons and jails. Pepper sprayed and restrained On March 21, 2019, New Haven jail staff sent Talbot to shower after they found him smearing feces on himself and on his cell walls. Hed been two days into withdrawal from methadone a condition Lord said could trigger a manic or psychotic episode and was awaiting a psychiatric evaluation from jail. Body camera footage from that morning obtained by the CT Mirror shows a crowd of corrections staff standing outside the shower. Lt. Carlos Padro stands over Talbot and sprays him with pepper spray before kicking him in the chest. Talbot screams, I cant breathe several times, begging for help. The video then shows staff walking Talbot down the hall to a station where he can get the chemical agent washed out of his eyes. Padro walks up to the camera and explains the situation: Inmate Talbot refused to get out of the shower. He laid down. Custody staff shackle Talbots wrists and place him in a wheelchair. Five correction officers wheel him toward an elevator. My skin hurts. Its burning, Talbot says. Where are we going? Talbot asks as he is wheeled into an elevator. He screams for help and wriggles out of the chair. Padro sprays him in the face again with the chemical agent. The COs walk him a short distance to a solitary cell with a turquoise door. The nurse is going to check you out, Padro tells Talbot. Two COs fiddle with Talbots restraints as he shifts on the bed. Padro sprays Talbot again. Another corrections officer recoils, closing his eyes and scrunching his face to avoid the effects of the chemicals. Talbot coughs and stands on the bed and tries to face the barred window. Will you calm down? Padro asks. Just relax. Youre overreacting. Talbot, handcuffed, says hes on fire. Another corrections officer asks for in-cells, referring to in-cell restraints, a form of confinement the DOC uses if an incarcerated person presents an immediate harm to themselves or others. The chains rustle as the COs place the restraints on Talbots legs and ankles. His wrists and ankles are tethered as he lies on his back, his head a few feet from the barred window. The gray cuffs are connected by a black chain and locked to a black box, preventing Talbot from having a wide range of motion with his hands. According to the states attorneys investigation, DOC staff checked on Talbot every 15 minutes after that. At 8:30 a.m., Talbot appeared to be talking to himself. Jail staff went to the cell shortly before 9 a.m. to see if Talbot could have his restraints removed. By that point he wasnt breathing. Talbot died after going into cardiac arrest following his shackling. The Chief Medical Examiner later ruled Talbots death a homicide. Padro, who was charged with third-degree assault, was convicted last June and was sentenced to three years of probation. Talbot had been on Boyds case load. Shed grown close to him over the years and understood the severity of his multiple health conditions obesity, chronic drug use and mental illness. We called him Baby Huey. Robby was sweet. He was innocent, he was kind, he was gentle, and he was hilarious, said Boyd. The other jail staff also knew Talbot well, Boyd said. For them to see him in the throes of a psychotic episode and respond by pepper spraying him repeatedly, shackling him and putting him in isolated confinement, was unconscionable to Boyd. It really was like, I can no longer work for a system that is doing this to people,' said Boyd. Boyd didnt know Lord at the time of her sons death. But she knew she was an active, worried parent, the kind of mother who called the health care team at the jail to make sure they had the most up-to-date information possible. She was an advocate, someone who hoped Talbot might be rehabilitated when he was locked up because hed get the treatment he needed. If this can happen to somebody whose mother is actively involved, then imagine whats happening to the poor Black people who dont have mothers, who dont have money and who dont have the voice, Boyd said. Were talking about a high-class white woman here. Engel said he received many complaints from prisoners who were put in different forms of isolated confinement. There were always complaints about getting transferred to restrictive housing, because it was such a difficult environment, very little out of cell time, he said. People did not want to be there. But complaints from people about in-cell restraints were more complicated. The ombudsman would not have been able to resolve a complaint filed by someone shackled in a cell because the nature of that form of confinement is short term, Engel said. By the time its over, that complaint is moot because the person is no longer undergoing it, Engel said. And so our process at that point would be to review the policy itself to determine whether the policy needed to be changed. An independent fact-finder The ombudsmans office didnt just handle complaints about isolated confinement. They received an array of grievances, from questions over the legality of prison sentences, to issues with medical care, to dismay over stolen or damaged property. An informational packet created by the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union in the late 1970s explains that ombudsmen investigate complaints concerning DOC activity if those actions are against the law, are unreasonable or unjust, involve an improper exercise of discretion or are likely to add to institutional tension because of vague practices and procedures. Connecticut had a DOC ombudsman from 1973 to 2010. Support and funding waxed and waned over time. The ombudsman position was created after a riot in a Somers prison in 1972. Federal grants provided the bulk of funds until 1977. After that the state took it over, mostly as a year-to-year contract service. At the time there was a high motivation to start looking at prisons and trying to understand what their problems might be, and what inmates rights were, and how you might have a better interface between the staff, prisoners and the administration, said James R. Bookwalter, who served as ombudsman from 1973 to 2010. The mission was to basically have a dispassionate person to complain about conduct, activities, quality of life, conditions of incarceration in the Department of Correction, Engel said. The primary mission was to be an outside voice and external ear, to hear the complaints, and then a voice to develop a record of what happened. When Gov. John Rowland took office in 1995, immediately he did everything he could to basically transform DOC into a much more security-focused operation, said Michael Lawlor, who served as Judiciary Committee co-chair from 1995 to 2011. Rowland changed the departments uniforms to look more paramilitary, Lawlor said, oversaw the opening of the supermax prison, Northern Correctional Institution and, at the same time, appeared uninterested in strengthening oversight of the DOC. It was clear that their ability to do what they did was progressively undermined, Lawlor said of the ombudsman. The minute Rowland arrived, they were working, among other things, to undermine and ultimately jettison this whole approach, (such as) independent people going in and talking to prisoners. Before he was appointed DOC commissioner by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Scott Semple served as the agencys legislative liaison during the Rowland administration and was instructed to try to gather support for eliminating the ombudsman office. It really had to do with cost, said Semple. In 1999, Correction Commissioner John Armstrong tried to eliminate funding for the position. Legislators wound up appropriating about $150,000 roughly half the offices budget. Engel said Armstrong made it his mission to get rid of us, because he didnt think the ombudsman added any value to the prison system. But in the prisons themselves, Engel said, wardens and directors of regions were supportive of the office. They saw the value to the incarcerated people, they saw the value to staff, they saw the value to the atmosphere, Engel said. It was very, it was pretty low money to be able to tell those incarcerated, Listen, if youre not happy with how we responded to your complaint, youve always got the ombuds.' Legislators enshrined the ombudsmans services into statute in 2001, part of an ongoing effort to preserve the office. The statute was repealed in 2010, eliminated in a budget revision passed during that years legislative session. What made the ombudsman program so important, Engel said, was that the investigators were independent of the DOC. They served as an outlet for prisoners frustrated with the system in which they were confined. There were a lot of unsatisfied incarcerated people who wrote and didnt get the response they wanted. But what they did get was the opportunity to complain to me, to complain to my colleagues, to sit down and talk to us, Engel said. We didnt blow them off. We listened to what they had to say, and that can be a very valuable thing in an environment like this. The incarcerated werent the only ones reeling from the loss of the program. Legislators like former state Rep. William Dyson, D-New Haven, used the office as an information source for crafting policy. Having an objective fact-finder meant lawmakers didnt have to rely on the Department of Correction to police itself, Dyson said. Engel was in the prisons four days a week. He was a part of the fabric of the system. In retrospect what has happened is we have to dig for the information ourselves now, from within, to ascertain what conditions are like and whats going on, and how things are being done, and how the place is being run, said Dyson, who was chair of the Appropriations Committee from 1989 to 2005. What we had was a person who understood the system, its temperament, who had a depth and breadth of knowledge about the system. When it closed, lawmakers like Dyson wondered: Now what? That had not been something we had ever anticipated, he said, that youd have a system without an ombudsman. Grieving internally An administrative grievance system replaced the ombudsman office, but for some it felt woefully inadequate. In order to grieve someone, you have to first of all, ask a guard to give you the grievance form, so they know youre gonna grieve, said Tracie Bernardi, who was in prison from 1993 to 2015. And its such a joke to the guards they will spell their names, like dare you, because they dont care that youre writing them up because they know it goes nowhere. In 2010, a corrections officer wrote Bernardi up for disobeying a direct order and refusing to get dressed after shed showered, according to a disciplinary report. Bernardi said shed been locked out of her cell and the correction officer wouldnt let her in to change, so she remained outside her cell in her bathrobe. Bernardi planned to plead not guilty but said she ultimately decided to abandon the fight because she didnt want to lose privileges, like being able to attend college classes. That experience, and many others during the 22 years she spent in prison, didnt give her a lot of faith in the grievance process. A grievance is within their own system, Bernardi said. Theyre not going to go against their own because then they have to admit somethings wrong. Leighton Johnson didnt trust the grievance system, either. Sometime around 2011, about halfway through his decade-long sentence, Johnson filed a grievance against the grievance system. He believed it was biased against the incarcerated. I was basically saying we needed somebody that was unaffiliated with the DOC, that was unbiased in their findings, he said, outlining the need for an ombudsman office. They told me I had no merits, and they denied it. Semple defended the administrative grievance process, however. DOC management monitors the complaints, he said, looking for trends and conducting their own internal audits. If you get a bunch of grievances that are specific to a specific facility, that should be a red light that you need to pay attention to that, he said. If incarcerated people disagree with the way their grievances were handled, Semple said, they can appeal. I think some people would be disappointed if the finding wasnt in their favor, but there was many times where the process was remedied and in favor of the person who put in the complaint, Semple said. It wasnt like, OK, we got your administrative remedy, and were going to deny it no matter what. Moving forward A fiscal analysis of the PROTECT Act estimated it would have cost $677,277 this fiscal year to hire an ombudsman and six support staff. Thats roughly double the amount spent on the program in 2008. DOC Commissioner Angel Quiros, a 32-year veteran of the department, told members of the Judiciary Committee at a March public hearing that he supported reinstitution of the office, a position later clarified by his spokeswoman after the governor vetoed the PROTECT Act earlier this month. The language now does not mirror the language that the Ombudsman used to operate under, and there were concerns about access to records and things of that nature, said Karen Martucci, the DOCs director of external affairs. But, we supported the Ombudsman philosophy and practice. Winfield, whose desk often has tall stacks of mail from incarcerated people who write to him from prison, said the system needs an ombudsman. He said he will likely introduce legislation in future sessions to get the office up and running. Colleen Lord sat outside the Capitol for nine hours the day the House passed the PROTECT Act, a Saturday in the waning days of the session. Boyd was with her. The two women connected after Boyd became a board member of Stop Solitary CT, which advocated for the PROTECT Act throughout the session. Getting to know Lord helped Boyd process her feelings. Before, when she still worked at the jail, she grieved Talbots death alone. When you care about incarcerated people, they label you an inmate lover,' Boyd said. That becomes really, really isolating when your co-workers are teasing you. Youre being ostracized for caring when your role as a mental health counselor is to care. Boyd swears Lord looked lighter the night the House passed the PROTECT Act, like she was finally getting justice for her sons death. Lord had a framed picture of her son beside her as she listened to the arguments from outside the building. She felt him there with her. To me, this bill represented that no one would ever die or be killed the way that my son was, and it just felt really important to me, that I had to be there when it crossed the finish line, Lord said. When it passed, she cried tears of relief. To me it seemed like maybe Robby didnt die for nothing. The original Nord was met with doubt, the Core Edition didnt fare much better in the eyes of fans. But the OnePlus Nord 2, now that looks like a winner from the outset. Nearly half of voters in last weeks poll are interested in acquiring a Nord 2. If youre still on the fence, check out our written review or watch our video review for a detailed examination of the pros and cons of this new model. The phone became available earlier this week, so if you want, you can grab one right now. The base model is 400 in Europe, 400 in the UK and INR 30,000 in India. Alas, North America may miss out on this one like it did with the original the Nord N series is highly successful in the US, but there is no contest between the new Nord N200 and the Nord 2. Despite some wishing this one had a Snapdragon 870, the custom Dimensity 1200-AI chipset is more than fast enough for most. And the serious camera sensor backed by OIS are seen as a major plus over competing models that do have a Snapdragon 800-series chip. Not to mention that OxygenOS still has a good reputation, despite the merge with ColorOS (at least for the inner working of the OS). We were certainly quite pleased with how the software performed in our review and the familiar OnePlus apps are still in place (or Google apps where there are no OnePlus alternatives). The original Nord helped OnePlus sales grow in Europe, despite the initial hesitation at the companys first non-flagship. The Nord 2 isnt really a flagship either, but the indications so far are that it will be a strong performer in the mid-range. There are many detractors, but again much fewer than there were against the original Nord and Nord CE. It really depends on where what priority you give to different features. As for the original, barely anyone seems interested in that one anymore, even if it comes with a discount. Jemellyn Borcione enjoys many things, but two things that pique her interests are cooking and acting. She became interested in the latter in the fourth grade, and that led her to enjoy musicals and plays. While acting in school plays, she would have trouble memorizing lines, leading her to add her own lines and make up scenarios with the characters she played. She found it hard to practice for plays because she would have trouble truly expressing herself, but she stated that once they started acting, she played the character to her hearts content, and interpreted them in her own way. She is currently not acting, but uses the same skills in the National Forensics League in the Duo Interpretation category. In this club, she has acted and interpreted stories with her partner. As for her other interest, cooking has been a sort of comfort for me, Borcione said. She fell in love with cooking because of how it enables people to use a vast range of ingredients and to experiment with different cuisines. When she was younger, she helped run her familys store. While running the store, she loved helping her grandma by preparing the food and by being the cashier because she enjoyed interacting with the customers. Her grandma became one of her biggest influences for cooking. She learned traditional Filipino dishes from her grandma, and thanks her for introducing her to the culture and the cuisine. Her father is the second biggest influence on her cooking. As Jemellyn got older, her father taught her more refined dishes. Her fathers job required him to work late, and she recalls waking up in the morning and having a chocolate souffle from her dad, one of her favorite memories of her childhood. Her other biggest influence in cooking is celebrity chef David Chang. As a pioneer for fusion cooking, he inspired her to perhaps further her career in culinary arts. As of this moment, Jemellyn says that due to the COVID-19 pandemic she doesnt know if she wants to further her career in cooking, but says that she would want to do it for fun, and make it as a hobby. I dont know what I want to do right now, but I want to be able to help my family, Borcione said. Entering his senior year at Harvest Christian Academy, 18-year-old Jinwon Han is looking forward to paving his own path. Han likes meeting new people as well as listening to their stories, which is what led him to joining this years Vibe program. Han was born in South Korea and moved to Guam when he was in second grade. His family believed Guam was a better place to study and a place that would provide more opportunities for him academically. He and his family still visit Korea every summer and winter break. Comparing his homeland with his island home, he says that the academic environment of Guam provides less pressure than the intense competition surrounding him in Korea. He admires Guams ocean, and he would prefer listening to the waves crash while stargazing in the clear sky. However, he would take Koreas cold weather over Guams humidity any day. While Han enjoys the natural beauty of the outdoors, he also enjoys staying inside as well. During quarantine, he became interested in autocross and coding. Han greatly enjoys working with mechanical things, particularly with cars and computers. By disassembling things and figuring out how things work, Han expresses himself as someone who likes to work with his hands. But if you ask him his main goal in life, Hans answer is simple: to retire by 40 years old. It may sound daring, but Han wishes to sustain enough money for himself and his family for the rest of his life. His plan to achieve this goal consists of constant saving and investing. He believes he can earn a lot of money by working with stocks and cryptocurrency, which is a hobby in which he is currently spending most of his time. Hes also looking into acquiring properties and bringing up their value. His hope to retire by 40 drives his desire to major in business as an undergraduate. With his last year of high school upon him, Han looks back on his journey. He does not see the activities he enjoyed or the successes he achieved. Instead, he remembers the times where he met up with other people, like his peers or family members. Whether its talking about business or the best way to save money, Han treats every conversation as a way to learn something new. Han constantly asked for advice from people whove lived life and its experiences, and he always values the advice he is given. Talking to other people that already have lived their lives-what they did, what their choices were, what they have done to get to that place I think that helped me the most during these high school years. ALL VILLAGES Report threats to fish and wildlife such as illegal hunting, fishing, or forest fires to 864-TOKA (8652) a 24/7 hotline. Report suspicious activity to the Guam Police Department. Call your mayors office to join a neighborhood watch program in your village. If you have information that can solve a crime, call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 477-HELP (4357) or submit a tip to http://guam.crimestoppersweb.com. You can remain anonymous. Tips that lead to an arrest and conviction may earn you a cash reward. Visit your mayors office to update residential information. Call for required documents. The head of household must be present to make changes. Report burned-out streetlights, overgrown vegetation, water leaks, etc., to your mayors office. Report illegal dumping to your mayors office, gpdlitterbug@gmail.com or call 647-8923. Burning without a permit is illegal. Call your local fire station for more information. Animal Control, police and mayors are authorized to remove unleashed animals from public or private property. Owners may be held liable for injuries inflicted by pets. Report strays to your mayors office or call 300-7965. AGANA HEIGHTS Mayor Paul M. McDonald 472-6393/8285/6 mayor.mcdonald671@gmail.com AGAT Mayor Kevin James T. Susuico Vice Mayor Christopher J. Fejeran 565-2524/4330/4335 agatmayor@yahoo.com ASAN-MAINA Mayor Frankie A. Salas 472-6581/479-2726 asanmainamayor@gmail.com BARRIGADA Mayor June U. Blas Vice Mayor Jessie P. Bautista 734-3724-5/34/36 mayorbarrigada@gmail.com For residents needing verifications or essential emergency assistance, a walk-up service window is available at the front of the office, or you can contact the mayors office at (671) 734-3737/3859 from 8 a.m. 5 p.m., Monday to Friday or email barrigadaoffice@gmail.com, or fax: 734-1988. CHALAN PAGO-ORDOT Mayor Jessy C. Gogue 472-8302/03/477-1333 or fax 477-7131 ocp.mayor@gmail.com DEDEDO Mayor Melissa B. Savares Vice Mayor Peter John S. Benavente 632-5203/5019/637-9014 melissa.savares@gmail.com onedededo@gmail.com Flea Market reservations and transactions can be made at the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Charlene or Boboy at 637-9014 for more information. HAGATNA Mayor John A. Cruz 477-8045/7 hagatnamayor@hotmail.com INARAJAN Mayor Anthony P. Chargualaf 475-2509/10/11 inalahanmayor@gmail.com MANGILAO Mayor Allan G. Ungacta Vice Mayor Kevin Delgado 734-2163/5731 Fax- 734-4130 Mayorallan.ungacta@yahoo.com mangilao.vicemayor@gmail.com MERIZO Mayor Ernest T. Chargualaf 828-8312/2941/8772 mayorernest@yahoo.com MONGMONG-TOTO-MAITE Mayor Rudy A. Paco 477-6758/9090 FAX 472-6494 mtmmayorpaco17@gmail.com. Call the office to request for a mayors verification. Pick up window is open from 8 a.m. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 4 p.m. or it can be emailed or faxed. The office is offering MixxFit Classes on Mondays at 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the community center. Contact the office to sign up for the class. Limited spots available. Anyone who is caught illegally dumping will be issued a citation and fined up to $1,000. The mayors office will not be responsible for removing junk debris, cars, white goods, household trash, electronics, etc. from rental units and/or apartments. PITIMayor Jesse L.G. Alig 472-1232/3 Jesse.alig@pitiguam.com SANTA RITA Mayor Dale E. Alvarez 565-2514/4337/4302/04 daleealvarez@gmail.com SINAJANA Mayor Robert Hofmann Vice Mayor Rudy Don Iriarte 472-6707/477-3323/9229;FAX 462-5084 sinajanamayorsoffice@gmail.com TALOFOFO Mayor Vicente S. Taitague 789-1421/3262/4821 talofofomayor@gmail.com TAMUNING-TUMON-HARMON Mayor Louise C. Rivera Vice Mayor Albert M. Toves 646-5211/8646 mayorlcrivera.tatuha@gmail.com atoves.tatuha@gmail.com UMATAC Mayor Johnny A. Quinata 828-8251/52 umatacmo@gmail.com Mayors verifications must be requested 24 hours in advance and shall consist of all individuals registered under that address. Beginning August, the office will be collecting the following: refrigerators, water heaters, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves and microwaves. Call the office with your information and you will be contacted for scheduled pickup date and time. Please do not place white goods curbside. The office is now accepting loose metal drop-off to our bin. Authorized metals are as follows: Bicycle and auto parts (no tires), plumbing pipes, faucets, roofing material, bed frames, barbecue pits, and furniture. No appliances, tires, electronics, TVs, construction debris, or household hazardous waste accepted. Drop-off is weekdays 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Residents must sign in at the office and truckloads will be inspected before disposal. Reservation requests to utilize the Umatac Bay Pavilions and Playground Pavilions are accepted via email or in person and must be made two weeks prior to event date. Reservations are based upon availability and will not be honored via office phone or cell. The office will not be lending out equipment to residents due to maintenance assessment and repair other than chairs and tables until further notice. For additional information/inquiries call 828-8251/2, email umatacmo@gmail.com or visit the office Monday through Friday. For updated information, visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/umatacmo. YIGO Mayor Anthony P. Sanchez Vice Mayor Loreto V. Leones 653-5248/653-9446 ymayortony@gmail.com lloretoleones@gmail.com YONA Mayor Bill A. Quenga 789-4798/1525-6 yonamayor2020@gmail.com Equality Guam and The Venue teamed up to host a cocktail fundraiser June 26 to benefit the UOG Endowment Foundations ISA LGBTQ+ Support Scholarship. From left, Katrina Perez, executive director of the UOG Endowment Foundation; Bernie Valencia, Equality Guam board member; Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, Equality Guam board member; Phil Roberto, The Venue; Anita Borja Enriquez, senior vice president and provost of UOG; Jun Piolo, The Venue. Since the goal to hit 80% to reach herd immunity was reached, Saturdays saw 439 more adults received their vaccinations against COVID-19, according to data from the Department of Public Health and Social Services. Currently, 96,470 adults gotten their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or their single shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Restrictions The office of the governor lifted the following restrictions 12:01 a.m. July 30 as a result of reaching the immunization goal: Limits on all social gatherings, except in school settings. Reduced occupancy of businesses and establishments. Social distancing requirements, except in school settings. Requirements for operations on an appointment-only basis Vaccinations Bring a photo ID. Those due for their second dose are reminded to bring their COVID-19 immunization card. To view the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccination clinics, visit dphss.guam.gov/vaccinategu. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and provide government-issued identification to validate age. Minors birth certificate is acceptable. Parent or legal guardian must have a government-issued ID. Guardians must also present legal guardianship or power-of-attorney document. Northern Region Community Health Center 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays 1 to 4 p.m. on Fridays Southern Region Community Health Center 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Wednesdays Micronesia Mall, second floor above Center Court 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays Recurring COVID-19 testing: Northern Region Community Health Center 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays By appointment only. Appointments are for symptomatic, close contacts to positive cases, and those who need to be tested for medical reasons. Testing for travel is capped at 25. The first Korean Air flight resumed service to Guam with 82 passengers landing safely at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority Frid Haiti - FLASH : A 4th police officer arrested in direct connection with the assassination of President Moise Friday July 30, 2021, 23 days after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, during a press briefing, Marie-Michelle Verrier Spokesperson for the National Police of Haiti (PNH), announced that the investigation was progressing fast and take stock. She said that so far 44 suspects have been arrested and their role in the attack is being investigated. Of these 44 suspects, 12 police officers were arrested either for negligence or for their direct involvement. On this last point, the Spokesperson presented a 4th policeman arrested (William Moise) who joined 3 other of his arrested colleagues, who have a direct link in the assassination of the Head of State "[...] They have accompanied Colombians from their arrival on the national territory until the day of the crime. On the day of the act, these police officers were present at the scene," the spokesperson said. Summary in figures : 44 suspects arrested including 18 former Colombian soldiers; 1 Arrest of one of the alleged intellectual authors of this attack 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 46 hearings carried out; 9 police officers in isolation 4 police officers under protective measure; 14 houses searched in Haiti and many others in the United States by the FBI. Marie-Michelle Verrier indicated that the police are still looking for other suspects and specified that significant rewards will be given to anyone whose information would allow the arrest of the wanted persons, without specifying the amount of these responses... But the mystery remains about the identity of the mastermind and the sponsors of this plot ... Read also on the assassination of President Moise : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34351-haiti-flash-all-the-arrested-colombian-ex-soldiers-were-aware-of-a-plan-to-kill-president-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34339-haiti-flash-official-report-by-dimitri-herard-on-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34331-haiti-flash-arrest-of-the-presidential-security-coordinator-jean-laguel-civil.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34299-haiti-flash-7-of-the-colombians-arrested-had-received-american-military-training.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34296-haiti-flash-the-company-which-participated-in-the-financing-of-the-operation-knew-nothing-about-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34283-haiti-flash-follow-up-of-investigations-into-the-assassination-of-president-moise-video.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34278-haiti-national-funeral-note-from-the-first-lady-martine-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34265-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34250-haiti-flash-according-to-colombia-in-the-commando-only-a-few-knew-about-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34238-haiti-flash-monitoring-of-investigations-into-the-assassination-of-president-jovenel-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34225-haiti-notice-the-pnh-is-looking-for-3-dangerous-and-armed-individuals-including-a-former-senator.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34223-haiti-justice-the-dg-of-the-colombian-police-wonders-about-the-role-of-the-chief-of-security-of-president-moise.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34220-haiti-politic-creation-of-the-organizing-committee-for-the-national-funeral-of-president-moise-text-of-the-decree.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34218-haiti-flash-wanted-notice-for-a-very-dangerous-colombian-mercenary.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34217-haiti-flash-the-white-house-does-not-rule-out-sending-troops-to-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34214-haiti-assassination-of-president-a-colombian-team-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34212-haiti-politic-a-large-american-delegation-in-haiti.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-34205-haiti-flash-statements-and-testimony-from-colombia-about-the-commando.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34203-haiti-usa-no-american-military-assistance-for-the-moment.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34201-haiti-flash-authenticated-message-from-the-first-lady-martine-moise-audio.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34199-haiti-assassination-of-the-president-names-of-the-20-members-of-the-commando-arrested-5-others-still-on-the-run.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34193-haiti-flash-the-government-requests-the-sending-of-american-soldiers-to-the-country.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34188-icihaiti-flash-11-mercenaries-arrested-in-the-taiwanese-embassy.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34193-haiti-flash-the-government-requests-the-sending-of-american-soldiers-to-the-country.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34188-icihaiti-flash-11-mercenaries-arrested-in-the-taiwanese-embassy.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34183-haiti-flash-the-commando-that-killed-the-president-included-26-colombians-and-2-haitian-americans-official-video.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34182-icihaiti-assassination-of-president-moise-15-days-of-national-mourning-text-of-the-decree.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34178-haiti-politic-what-measures-contains-the-state-of-siege-text-of-the-decree.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34177-icihaiti-usa-the-pm-met-with-secretary-of-state-anthony-blinken.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34176-haiti-un-the-security-council-condemns-the-assassination-of-president-jovenel-moise.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34174-icihaiti-diplomacythe-assassins-of-moise-were-professional-mercenaries-dixit-bocchit-edmond.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34173-haiti-flash-the-police-intercepts-the-presumed-assassins-of-president-moise-official-video.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34172-haiti-flash-martine-moise-in-florida-for-treatment.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34170-haiti-flash-the-first-lady-martine-moise-would-still-be-alive-but.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-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-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Obituary : Me Claudy Gassant died, suicide or murder ? On Saturday July 31, 2021, the former Commissioner of the Government of Port-au-Prince Me Claudy Gassant was found dead in his residence in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic where he lived with his family. According to several sources Me Claudy Gassant "would have committed suicide". However, the circumstances surrounding Gassant's death do not seem clear. Agents from the National Investigation Department went to the scene to determine whether it was a suicide or a murder. At least 4 people were arrested for questioning, including the wife and a neighbor of Gassant. Recall that it was Me Claude Gassant who had investigated the case of the assassination of the former Director of Radio Haiti Inter, Jean Leopold Dominique. Gassant was Secretary of State for Justice under the Preval Government, Consul of Haiti in Santiago and former Director General of the Anti-Corruption Unit (2019-2020). First reactions : Frantz Exantus Secretary of State for Communication : "I am devastated by the news of the death of my friend Claudy Gassant in the Dominican Republic. Honest, courageous and competent, he has always proven himself in all the positions he has occupied. An independent investigation is called for." Former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe : "It is with deep sadness that I see that Claudy Gassant... is no longer with us. Peace to his soul. Goodbye Claudy." TB/ HaitiLibre Tim Wiederaenders: Since the law is the law, I have some suggestions for government Wednesdays stunning surge in COVID-19 cases across Texas was a painful reminder that we are nowhere close to seeing the pandemic from being over. South Haven Public Schools students and teachers may once again be wearing masks in indoor settings if COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise, especially in light of the spread of the delta variant of the disease. The photo above, taken this past winter during the 2020-21 school year, shows South Haven High School swim team members at a meet with masks on during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Athletes were allowed to take the masks off while competing in swimming events. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Copyright 2021 at Sun Newspapers/ APG Media of East Central Minnesota. Digital dissemination of this content without prior written consent is a violation of federal law and may be subject to legal action. 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. (Bloomberg) -- A rising number of U.S. job listings are including wage ranges as employers compete for cooks, truck operators and other scarce workers. The lack of transparency on pay has long been a scourge of job seekers, and recent data suggest that the tight labor market may be starting to force companies hands. OPPORTUNITY: Raising Cane's to add 400 jobs in Houston market expansion Around 12% of listings across all occupations offered salary information in the second quarter, up from 8% in the same period in 2019, according to analytics firm Emsi Burning Glass. The biggest gains were in hard-to-find positions such as restaurant hosts and nurse practitioners, for which almost one in five ads now disclose pay, according to Burning Glass, which analyzes millions of offers for trends. The number of offers disclosing wages remains a small minority, but the shift could embolden workers. President Joe Biden has called rising wages a feature of his economic plan, and in a recent CNN town hall event said the hospitality and tourism industries may be in a bind for a while as workers hold out for better wages and working conditions. Employers historically have been reluctant to show their cards publicly, fearing that theyll have to pay more than a job seeker is willing to accept, or that current employees will grouse about being underpaid. However, some state legislators are trying to force the issue, arguing that women and minorities are more hesitant to negotiate with employers and fall behind their White male counterparts in pay. The day when most employers are transparent about wages cant come soon enough for Kristen Ware, a 22-year-old in Rock Hill, South Carolina, seeking a marketing job. I would like to know how much a company is going to pay me, because I dont know how much a recent graduate should be getting paid, said Ware, who complained about the lack of pay disclosures on a Facebook forum. We shouldnt have to guess all the time whats the best pay for me. Colorado Law A new law in Colorado requires that companies with any presence in the state post wage information in their job ads. That holds even for positions that can be done remotely from outside of Colorado, and the states Department of Labor and Employment has been following up on tips about companies that arent compliant. Maryland and California also have laws requiring companies to provide wage ranges to job applicants upon request, and Connecticut will soon require companies to disclose wage ranges for open jobs to both applicants and existing employees. Colorado is nudging the country toward having a more informed labor market, said Scott Moss, director of the division of labor standards and statistics at the Colorado labor department. Burning Glass compared 2021 with prepandemic 2019 instead of last year to get a clearer picture of changes, and focused on employer-sponsored job sites, filtering out public job boards that sometimes include their own wage estimates. The Rocky Mountain states, including Colorado, saw more than a 300% increase in job listings that include salaries, but the numbers grew in most other regions, too, the data show. The Great Lakes region rose 29%, the Mid East rose 35% and the Southeast and Southwest rose 54% and 61%, respectively. The Far West and New England were two regions that saw small declines. Tim Dupree, president of staffing giant Kelly Services Professional and Industrial unit, chalks up some of the gains to leakage from Colorado. Forced to disclose pay in that state, some employers are probably including the information in other states as well. Other companies are being very public with their wages to signal theyre no longer a low-paying operation, he said. As he drives around his Michigan base, Dupree sees warehouses and manufacturers touting their $17-an-hour wages out front. Theyre probably using it as a way to drive messaging as an employer brand, Dupree said. Those former employers that were paying $9, $10, $11 an hour are now paying $15 or $16. Theres still a long way to go before full pay transparency in offers, and data from other sources provide mixed signals. Adzuna, an international job board with a U.S. headquarters in Indianapolis, found that only 1.5% of ads across occupations included wage information in June, actually down slightly from two years earlier. However, the company did see big gains in competitive industries, including trade and construction, where the percentage of ads with wages has quadrupled since June 2019. Unlike Burning Glass, Adzuna included ads from public job boards as well as from companies own websites. Kimberly Harris, who runs career fairs around the country from her base in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been pushing her corporate clients to disclose wages. When we include pay ranges or pay rates, the responses would triple, Harris said. We want honesty and we want transparency. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Hassan Ammar/AP GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) The Islamic militant group Hamas on Sunday said it has re-elected its supreme leader. Ismail Haniyeh, who has been living in exile for the past two years, was given a new four-year term by the Shura Council, the Islamic group's top decision-making body. He was unopposed. Hundreds of parents in the Fort Bend ISD are petitioning their school districts to bring back a virtual learning option for families who want it amid the rise in delta-variant cases. Missouri City parent Zubin Balsara nervously watched headlines of a possible fourth wave as Delta began to spread. Hospitalizations across the state have more than doubled in July, as local elected officials begged people to get vaccinated and socially distance. The delta variant is spreading rapidly among the unvaccinated, and children under 12 don't have the option to be vaccinated. The numbers are worrying me, Balsara said. If the school hasnt event started, and its this bad, I worry what is going to happen when it begins. As the school year nears, Balsara has been waiting for guidance about separate classes for students who want to be masked, or other social distancing measures, but so far it hasnt come, he said. The petition started circulating on social media Saturday and on Saturday quickly had almost 700 signatures. Houston ISD parents have followed suit with a smaller petition. At the end of legislative session, lawmakers were about to pass a bill that would have funded virtual education at Texas schools to allow districts to continue remote learning. The bill died, however, after House Democrats walked off the floor to break quorum to kill a controversial voting bill. When the bill initially died, acting Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra said it was disappointing that it would no longer be able to have virtual learning. Fort Bend ISD had anticipated serving K-12 students who are medically documented to be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, Sayavedra said. Being unable to move forward with the virtual program is a disappointing development that may create frustration and anxiety for some parents, guardians and students. Last week, both the Round Rock and Austin school districts announced that they would continue virtual learning in the fall, despite the state's decision to defund it. Austin officials said they did it, in part, to stave off the sharp enrollment declines they experienced in 2020-21. Balsara said he believes the lack of funding will likely be the biggest roadblock for parents who want virtual learning for their children. That is our biggest battle right now, Balsara said. I want to see if there is such a way we can bridge that gap. Balsara said he intends to bring his concerns to the school board on a Aug. 4 meeting. I believe this shouldn't be looked at as a fight between mask and unmask or vaccinated and unvaccinated, Balsara said. Its just a simple conversation about parents who are concerned, and us just saying let's give them a choice. Fort Bend ISD officials were not immediately available for comment. Most Houston hospitals have begun to limit visitors and consider reinstating other peak-pandemic policies amid a new wave of COVID-19 cases. And though no area hospitals have yet taken drastic steps such as restricting elective surgeries, concern is brewing that hospitals could be overwhelmed by an influx of COVID-19 patients and others seeking medical care postponed during the height of the pandemic. More than 5,600 Texans are currently hospitalized for COVID, and the state recorded an additional 10,082 confirmed cases on Wednesday the largest daily counts for both metrics since February, according to a Chronicle analysis of state health data. The rise in cases was by itself likely enough to warrant visitor rollbacks, said Vivian Ho, a health economist at Rice University. They just cannot allow visitors until the caseload in the area goes down, and it has skyrocketed in the last two days, she said. Of all places, hospitals have enough to worry enough about right now in terms of transmission of COVID. The University of Texas Medical Branch last week banned visitors for COVID patients, limited medical and surgical patients to one masked visitor, and rolled back visitation hours to between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Public areas such as lobbies or cafeteria are also closed to visitors. UTMB also opened a testing site at Primary Care Pavilion in Galveston, and said results are usually available within 24 hours. We have seen a worrying increase in the number of COVID patients across all of our hospitals, CEO Gulshan Sharma said in a statement. We as doctors and nurses have seen this before and we know how to best treat our patients but we need our community to help us as well. Memorial Hermann Hospital, HCA Houston Healthcare, Houston Methodist Hospital and Baylor St. Lukes are also currently limiting most patients to one visitor. MD Anderson Cancer Center began allowing adult patients one daily visitor or caretaker on June 28. That was welcome news to Arely Acuna, a two-time cancer survivor who has had to fly from the Chicago area to Houston three times during the pandemic for surgeries at MD Anderson. During her most recent procedure in late June, Acunas parents flew with her and stayed at Dans House of Hope, a local nonprofit that helps young adults with cancer and their families. Its been really rough, said Acuna, 28. Im a lifelong cancer survivor and Ive never had to do any treatment without my parents at my bedside. It takes a big mental toll on us to have to go through something so traumatic by ourselves. Allyson Sampey worries often that her grandmother feels similarly alone. Her family has spent the last year trying to relocate the 79-year-old from her nursing home in the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, where Sampey and other family live. Sampeys grandmother lived alone prior to the pandemic. She had a stroke last spring, and had to be transferred into a care facility in which she later contracted COVID. She survived with little residual effects, Sampey said, but still has trouble remembering why shes in a facility and why her family has yet to visit. When we do get to speak to her, she asks us to visit, she said. Its awful. Its also a feeling with which Sampey became personally acquainted earlier this year. A serious bout with Guillain-Barre syndrome had already forced the 37-year-old Houstonian to re-learn to walk last year. Then, in February, Sampey broke her ankle in three places, requiring surgery at HCA Houston Healthcare in Tomball, which at the time barred visitors at most of its Houston-area facilities. Sampey just wanted someone preferably her mom there to comfort her when she awoke from surgery. It just feels very odd when youre there alone and you cant see or hear other people nearby, she said. It feels isolated. That loneliness can have real consequences on health outcomes. Last year, researchers at Ohio State University examined the outcomes of 117 people whod recently undergone surgery at hospitals with visitor limits because of COVID. They found those who were barred visitors also reported higher levels of dissatisfaction with their hospital care, were more likely to later have later psychosocial issues such as anxiety and depression, and were less prepared for their discharge from the hospital. Dr. Charles Lehrner, a member of the states COVID-19 task force, said he would not be surprised to see more hospitals buckle down as the more contagious delta variant continues to wreak havoc across the country. When you look at the increasing numbers of cases, you have to predict what the future is going to hold, he said. And unless people start getting vaccinated at a much different rate than what is currently going on, were going to see a larger number of people in hospitals. Its just a logical conclusion. robert.downen@chron.com A Houston man has been charged in the 2018 beating death of a 3-year-old child whose previous injuries were reported to Child Protective Services in the months prior, according to court records. A murder charge against the man, Joshua Sargent, comes more than three years after the girls death. He has not been arrested, records show. Sargent was dating the childs mother at the time of the abuse, which spanned from January to June of that year, authorities said. An autopsy found that the child, Alona Williams, had numerous blunt force injuries on her body, as well as internal lacerations that were healing. Signs of sexual assault were also found. A CPS report followed the discovery of a fractured arm, marks left by a belt and abdominal bruising. The girl was taken to a hospital the next month for a head abrasion, according to court documents that outline the allegation against Sargent. More scratches and bruising were found in March of that year that the childs mother, Briaona Brown, was unable to explain. The girl, however, managed to tell officials that Sargent spanked her with a belt. At one point, the girl was removed from the mothers care, documents show. The child started complaining of stomach pain in the weeks before her death. The night of June 22, paramedics rushed her to a hospital after she vomited her dinner and fell unconscious. She died the next day. The child and her two siblings were often left in Sargents care while the mother worked, according to police. When confronted about the months-long string of injuries, Sargent told authorities that he never did anything and he would never do anything. But Sargent also told Houston police investigators that he had popped the girl with a belt and that the mother had also. He attributed the stomach pain to another child punching the girl about two weeks prior. The girls eldest brother, 7, told investigators that he had seen Sargent hit Alona before. On the night of her death, he heard a loud noise in her room a noise he associated with the girl being hit. He then heard an ambulance arrive at the home, according to court documents. Sargent has also been charged with two counts of injury to a child for allegations tied to the siblings, the youngest of whom is now 4. He was previously found guilty in 2015 and 2007 of unlawful carrying of a weapon, a misdemeanor. Prosecutors have asked that Sargent, once apprehended, be held at the Harris County jail on a $500,000 bond. Brown was charged last month with injury to a child by omission in connection to her daughters death. Authorities contend that she at one point hit the child and also witnessed Sargent abuse the girl but failed to protect and provide adequate supervision. She posted a $15,000 surety bond that same month. According to court records, Brown is living alone and without her children. nicole.hensley@chron.com Among the many crises Americans now confront is one of trust. And thanks to the polarization of our politics and the politicization of our pandemic, that crisis is about to worsen. One of the hot spots will be university campuses. As we write, the fourth wave of the pandemic is already rolling across Texas. Rather than seeking to stem its rise, Gov. Greg Abbott has instead strengthened it. This will be the inevitable result of his executive orders preventing state agencies and entities, including state universities, from requiring employees and students to show vaccination passports and wear masks. Abbott declared that these are matters of personal, not institutional, responsibility. Meanwhile, the University of Houston still holds fast to its plan, formulated earlier this year when the vaccination rate was sky-high, to deliver a normal fall 2021 semester. Given the subsequent stall in the pace of vaccinations, the scare quotes are, well, kind of scary. Last week, there were more than 4,000 COVID hospitalizations in Texas the highest number since March. Nearly every case involves an unvaccinated individual, prompting one health official to describe it as a very concerning development. Very concerning is bureaucrat-ese for The house is on fire! In time of plague, however, the refusal of individual responsibility can lead not just to failing grades, but to fatal events. This is, well, very concerning for our universities. (It also concerns one of us, who taught in-person classes during the pandemic.) Young people are getting vaccinated at much slower rates than older generations in our country. Moreover, a variety of surveys reveal that the trust level of Americans under 30 ranges from the dismal to dire. The confluence of youthful distrust in institutions and disinclination to get vaccinated could turn classrooms into turbocharged petri dishes for vaccinated and unvaccinated alike. University classes could become super-spreader events among the unvaccinated and lead to breakthrough cases among the vaccinated. And instead of in-person classes, with all the nuance, depth and trust that entails, we may see an abrupt change to online teaching a repeat, in short, of spring 2020. Remarkably, in a state where scarcely half the population is fully vaccinated, we are dousing the flames with kerosene. They threaten not just the health of countless human bodies, but also the health of our body politic. And there is no element more vital to this bodys well-being than trust. But what, exactly, do we mean when we talk about trust? In this case, we can define trust as the belief that we will be fair, predictable and respectful with those who entrust us with their expectations and vulnerabilities. Built incrementally over time, trust deepens with inter-dependence. As David Brooks writes, trust is not a virtue. Instead, its the measure of other peoples virtue. Consider the case of two people whose backgrounds did not, especially in our polarized age, predispose them to trust one another. One is a believing Catholic, the other a firm agnostic; one voted for Ronald Reagan, the other for Jimmy Carter; one is a Yankees fan, the other a Mets fan. Yet to turn Reagans famous quip on its head, they verified, then trusted. Given the time to observe one another in a variety of situations, they came to know they could trust one another. This vignette, in fact, describes the authors of this essay. What is true for successful friendships is also true for successful societies and organizations: they enjoy high levels of trust. Scientific research has repeatedly shown what most of us would intuit namely, that trust happens along with consistent ethical leadership, employee support and organizational justice. By cultivating trust, the smartest organizations also develop client loyalty and cooperation an essential bond in times of crisis. University students need to trust that their professors will not ignore their duties, just as professors need to trust that students will abide by their duties. To limit the number of trust-busting activities, however, we put certain systems in place. Students not only have the right to evaluate their professors, but they must also accept the right of professors to require them to submit their papers to plagiarism algorithms such as Turnitin. What, then, must we do? Or, in the case of Texas, what can we do? As of last count, more than 600 colleges and universities across the country, private and public, will require masks and weekly COVID testing of those students without proof of vaccination. In this regard, the hands of public university administrators in Texas, however, have been tied by our zealous governor. But this does not mean they must also sit on their hands. At UH the house, after all, that innovation built no time is better than yesterday to start innovating. At this point, the most meaningful innovation would be incentivization. Learn from and surpass the incentives offered at the University of North Texas. We are not marketing strategists, but why not a lottery of free court-side tickets at a Rockets game, for example, for students who get jabbed? (Perhaps the chair of the board of regents can help.) Or propose a Chance it with the Chancellor free burgers, beers and bowling at the student center with our president. Or, best of all, provide free and guaranteed parking for the school year. Along with providing cleaning wipes in the classrooms, this might be a way for our administration to embrace its share of responsibility in building a safe and trusting atmosphere for our normal semester. Zaretsky is a University of Houston professor and the author of the forthcoming book Victories Never Last: Reading and Caregiving in Time of Plague. Alliger is a Houston-based consulting work psychologist and author of the forthcoming book Anti-Work: Psychological Investigations into Its Truths, Problems, and Solutions. Louisiana added more than 11,000 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday, with the number of hospitalizations due to the disease statewide now appr Joann Marcus of Fort Lauderdale, left, cheers as she listens to the Broward School Board's emergency meeting, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A small but vocal group spoke vehemently against masks, saying their personal rights were being eroded and their children were suffering socially. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) Britney Spears has been supported by Sharon Stone amid fan concern over a series of topless posts. On Saturday (31 July), Spears posted a topless video in which she can be seen looking at the camera and tilting her body while covering her breasts with her hands. The brief clip follows three topless photos, two of which she went on to delete, and another brief video shared earlier this week. Spears fans have been left confused by the post, with many questioning why she is continuing to share the images. One called it bizarre while another wondered if something suspicious was going on. However, Oscar-winning actor Sharon Stone praised Spears in reply to the most recent video. U r beautiful And you are a grown up woman A beautiful Powerful Woman, she wrote. You can decide what type of power you want to have and who you get to be Be Wonderful Be brave Be your best Be how you would have liked someone to be to you. Britney Spears shared a fifth topless post on Instagram (Instagram @britneyspears) Earlier this month, a New Yorker report revealed that 10 people from Spearss team meet each week to discuss her social media posts. Spears reportedly writes her own posts before submitting them to CrowdSurf, the company that handles her social media accounts, which then uploads them on her behalf. Last month, Spears angrily criticised her sister Jamie Lynn in two separate posts in which she addressed her ongoing battle to reclaim her conservatorship. Netflix users have been left extremely frustrated by the ending of Outer Banks. The teen mystery show returned for a second season on Friday (30 July), with many subscribers swiftly racing through all 10 episodes. Its currently the services most-watched title. However, the shows fans now face an agonising wait due to the final episodes cliffhanger ending, and are demanding a third season announcement from Netflix. OH MY GOD THE ENDING OF OUTER BANKS SEASON 2 GOT ME SHOOK. I NEED SEASON 3 ASAP, one excited fan wrote. Another added: So youre telling me AFTER THAT ENDING i have to wait ANOTHER F***ING YEAR FOR SEASON 3. An equally excited fan said: Outer Banks had the best ending ever, but Im so mad that I have to wait another year to find out what happens next. Outer Banks follows a group of teenagers who attempt to find out what happened to the missing father of the groups ringleader, John B. The show was created by Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke, and stars Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline and Madison Bailey. The city at the centre of Britains long mission in Afghanistan is in danger of falling to the Taliban as Islamist fighters target key urban centres after capturing swathes of the countryside. Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, is one of three cities under sustained assault by insurgents despite American air strikes and attempted counter-attacks by Afghan government forces. Taliban fighters are said to be just a few hundred yards from the governors office and residence, a clinic has been bombed and large numbers of homes destroyed. Thousands of residents who fled to the city from surrounding villages and towns are now taking refuge in a steadily constricting number of neighbourhoods amid fierce clashes. Military reinforcements, desperately needed for days, only began to arrive on Saturday evening, say local Afghan government commanders. The problems of moving troops into combat zones have been acutely exacerbated by the withdrawal of western air support after the US president, Joe Biden, announced the pull-out of US forces. The Helmandi capital had faced repeated attacks from the insurgents over the years. But locals say the situation this time seems more dire than ever, with the Taliban seemingly determined to take control. They are in the city centre and it seems only a matter of time before they take over. They seem more organised than before and they keep going forward despite bombing by planes, said Walid Mir Mohammed, a 48 year old businessman. People want to leave, but they do not know where they can go. We are surrounded, there is fighting everywhere, everyone is very frightened, a lot of the houses have been taken over by the Taliban so they are getting damaged by all the shooting that is going on. Checking for Taliban in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand that is in danger of falling to the militants (EPA) Taliban takeover of districts has often been followed by retribution. Two men were publicly hanged in a town near Lashkar Gah. Those who had worked for the British, American and other Western forces in any capacity and still remained in Lashkar Gah were extremely worried about what may happen to them, said Mr Mir Mohammed. Meanwhile, attempts by the insurgents to capture Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban movement, have continued with firefights inside the city. More than 150,000 people have fled to the centre after widespread destruction in the surrounding countryside. Taking over Kandahar, the countrys second largest city, would be a huge symbolic as well as strategic victory for the Talibs. Gaining possession of it, along with Lashkar Gah, would provide a grip on the southern Pashtun heartland which the Afghan government is likely to find difficult to loosen. Taliban tactics since they began the current campaign, as international forces left, have not, however, focused purely on the south. There have been concerted attempts to take over territories in the north and the west, the home areas of their traditional Tajik, Uzbek and Hazara adversaries in what was the Northern Alliance. Kabul, the capital, is being increasingly locked in from all sides. The third besieged city Herat, in the west is under assault with fighting in five districts, including the area where the airport is based. Government forces have taken back some areas, but the UN compound in the city came under fire on Friday, killing a guard. An Afghan security official in Herat, Afghanistan, on Saturday, where there is intense fighting by the Taliban. (EPA) Ismail Khan, the former governor of the province and a renowned mujaheddin commander against the Russians, has mobilised hundreds of tribal militia and called on residents to arm themselves and start a popular uprising against the insurgents. What is happening in Helmand will be particularly poignant for the British military with grave disquiet among many about the hasty withdrawal by the US-led forces, including the UK contingent. Many of the towns and military bases where British and American soldiers fought, and hundreds were killed and injured, have now been taken over by the Taliban. Afghan forces are holding on in some of the others, under siege from the insurgents. Western forces, too, often found themselves on the defensive, with the Talibs dominating the surrounding areas, but they could count on much more effective military help, including much more accurate air support. In Lashkar Gah, with the insurgents advancing, Afghan government warplanes carried out a series of raids on Friday and Saturday. A privately owned hospital was hit by the strikes, killing one person and injuring three others. Officials claimed the Taliban moved into the building. But Mohammed Din Narwhal, a doctor who owned the Afghan Ariana Hospital, denied that. I was told that the military was given wrong information by the defence ministry, he said. Security officials at a roadside check point in Herat, one of three Afghan cities that could fall to the Taliban (EPA) There were claims, however, that a private clinic that Talibs had taken over was bombed. Attulah Afghan, the head of the Helmand Provincial Council, said casualties included civilians as well as Taliban fighters. Three months ago, sustained US airstrikes turned back a Taliban assault to the north and west of the city. Since then, however, western air support has been largely over the horizon, launched from bases in other countries. Captain Azim Abdul-Rahman, who left the Afghan army 14 months ago after 12 years service, including in Helmand where he had served alongside British, American and Danish forces, spoke of his disappointment at the way the western withdrawal was carried out. There was no need to leave so quickly, this just gave the Taliban the signal to attack, said Captain Abdul-Rahman, who now lives in Kabul. I feel very sorry for the families of the British and American soldiers who were killed. I can understand if they ask why this sacrifice was made. For us Afghans the war now goes on, it is very sad. Sky News Australia has been temporarily suspended by YouTube after allegedly breaching the platforms Covid misinformation policies. The broadcaster announced on Sunday its channel had been withdrawn for seven days after the US-headquartered video-sharing site reviewed its content for compliance with coronavirus guidelines. Australian media reported that the one-week suspension was issued on Thursday in relation to Sky News Australia's content that allegedly denied the existence of Covid-19 or encouraged people to use hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin to treat the coronavirus, without providing countervailing context. A Sky News Australia spokesperson said: We support broad discussion and debate on a wide range of topics and perspectives which is vital to any democracy. We take our commitment to meeting editorial and community expectations seriously. In a statement on their website, the broadcaster said it expressly rejects that any host has ever denied the existence of Covid-19 as was implied, and no such videos were ever published or removed. A subsequent article by Jack Houghton, Sky News Australias digital editor, branded the decision a disturbing attack on the ability to think freely. He said the seven-day ban was triggered by opinion content the tech giant disagrees with and claimed the videos YouTube deemed unpalatable for societal consumption were debates around whether masks were effective and whether lockdowns were justified when considering their adverse health outcomes. Mr Houghton added that most of the removed videos dated to 2020 and that the censorship was driven by political motives. The 24-hour cable and television channel, which claims to have 1.85 million YouTube subscribers, is operated by Australian News Channel Pty Ltd and is a subsidiary of News Corp Australia. A YouTube spokesperson told Australian broadcaster ABC: We have clear and established Covid-19 medical misinformation policies based on local and global health authority guidance, to prevent the spread of Covid-19 misinformation. We apply our policies equally for everyone regardless of uploader and, in accordance with these policies and our long-standing strikes system, removed videos from and issued a strike to Sky News Australia's channel. YouTubes Covid-19 policy bans content that poses a serious risk of egregious harm or which spreads medical misinformation that contradicts local health authority or World Health Organisation medical information. The Independent contacted YouTube and News Corp for further comment. A teenage girl has died after a domestic disturbance at a holiday park in north Wales, police have said. Officers were called to Ty Mawr Holiday Park in Towyn, near the town of Abergele, on Saturday afternoon. A spokesman for North Wales Police confirmed that officers attended the report of a domestic disturbance at the location where sadly a 15-year-old female has died. A 19-year-old male has been arrested and is presently in custody at St Asaph, he added. The police did not give details on how the girl died or what the man was arrested on suspicion of. The incident took place in a static caravan that is now being treated as a crime scene, a spokesman for the park had said before the girls death was made public. He also told the PA news agency in a statement: We are shocked and saddened by this tragic incident. Ty Mawr is a 100 acre family park which welcomes tens of thousands of happy holidaymakers every year. This was an isolated and unprecedented incident which took place inside a caravan which is now a crime scene. Our team are assisting police with their enquiries and as it is a police matter we cant comment further at the moment. From the age of 15, every time Sara saw a letter on the doormat, she would feel a pang of hope. Rushing to pick up the envelope, she imagined this was it; her life could now begin. But each time, for nearly 10 years, there was disappointment it wasnt her asylum decision. Along with her mother and younger brother, Sara had fled to the UK aged 14. The family claimed asylum in Britain in 2008, but this was refused three months later on the basis of inadequate evidence. They submitted a new asylum claim, this time with the help of a lawyer. Then their wait began. Sara completed her GCSEs and obtained a qualification in accountancy at college. She was ready to go to university but, as an asylum seeker, was unable to take out a student loan. She still had no decision on her protection claim. At 20, she was offered her first accountancy job despite not having a degree. But, under Home Office rules, Sarah could not work while the decision was pending. Still they waited. I was suicidal, says Sara. I dont know what I would have done if I didnt do voluntary work to take my mind off things. I cant explain it. Its like I was stuck. My life was frozen. I didnt feel my life had any meaning. Court documents show that a clinical psychologist diagnosed Sara with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of multiple traumatic events over the course of her lifetime, with one factor being the ongoing delay in reaching a resolution about her asylum case that caused her clear detriment and psychological harm. Inexplicable and unconscionable Sara, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, is among hundreds of people who have waited nearly 10 years or more for a decision on their asylum claims, left in limbo while they wait for an answer. Data obtained by The Independent shows over 1,200 asylum seekers currently in the system have waited more than five years, with 399 more than a decade. Every day I would check my emails, the post. I just wanted to know, says Sara. It felt like I was waiting for something that was never coming. I was constantly worried about what would happen to us if we got sent back. Our Supporter Programme funds special reports on the issues that matter. Click here to help fund more of our public-interest journalism The figures, provided in response to a freedom of information (FOI) request, include cases where appeals had taken place. In the notes accompanying the data, the Home Office states that the delays are caused by a number of factors including the complexity of the case, the paperwork provided by the claimant and the resources available to process the application. Separate figures, obtained by the Refugee Council through an FOI request, reveal that the number of applicants waiting for more than a year for an initial decision not including appeals increased almost tenfold between 2010 and 2020, from 3,588 to 33,016. More than 250 people had been waiting for five years or more for an initial decision on their case, with dozens of children among them. Sara, along with her mother and younger brothers her mother gave birth to another son in 2013 was living in Home Office asylum accommodation while they waited. She says the housing was disgusting. We had so many problems during those years with the accommodation, which was adding to our stress, she says. We lived on the second floor and there was a hole in the bathroom that you could see through to the lower flat. The front door was broken and even the wind would open it. 46,800 people wait more than six months for a decision In 2016, after waiting for a decision for six years, Sara contacted her MP, Labours Joan Ryan. After two years of chasing, the department responded claiming that Sara had never appealed her initial asylum refusal in 2009 something it later admitted was inaccurate. That same year, with the help of charity Women Against Rape, Sara got a new solicitor who began legal proceedings over the inexplicable and unconscionable delay and in September 2019 nine years after claiming asylum she was granted finally refugee status. Following this decision, the Home Office was ordered by the courts to pay Sara 35,000 in damages for the impact of the delay on her life. The department apologised to Sara, but provided no explanation for the delay. Now Sara works full time for a womens refugee charity and has a partner and a child, but she says that adapting to life was challenging. It was really difficult when I got granted asylum. It felt like my whole life had been about fighting the Home Office for a decision, so when I got refugee status I couldnt believe it, she says. I got a job straight away, but people my age had all started working and having this kind of life years ago, and I started at a later point. I didnt feel I could relate to people my age. It was really hard to adapt to this new life. Interminable bureaucratic process The Home Office previously had a six-month service standard on asylum decisions, but in 2019 it announced it was moving away from this to concentrate on cases with acute vulnerability. Its website still states that claims will usually be decided within six months. Waiting times on asylum claims hit a record high last year, with 46,800 people waiting more than six months for an initial decision on their claim at the end of 2020 a rise of 700 on the previous quarter and more than three-quarters of all applicants. They threaten to send you back to the torture you left behind When decisions do arrive, the majority are told they can stay in the UK. In the year ending June 2020, more than half of applications at initial decision resulted in grants of asylum, humanitarian protection or alternative forms of leave, rising to more than two-thirds after appeals. Tony Smith, former director-general of the UK Border Force, describes the asylum system as an interminable bureaucratic process that perpetuates cases indefinitely. Some cases are hugely complex, with a huge amount of documents and materials submitted. The legislation is a mess there are refugee conventions, human rights conventions, High Court judgements that have been laid down by judges over the last 20 years, he says. Read more special reports from our Supporter Programme There are manuals and manuals of guidance. Youve got a library of stuff that youre referring to for every case, every interview. The former civil servant says there is a lot of fraud in the system, but admitted that the Home Office also gets cases wrong. Of course we screw up sometimes, were a government department. The government doesnt work systematically like clockwork. A caseworker may grant someone asylum who they shouldnt have granted it to, and it could work the other way as well, he says. But in my experience the vast majority of delays in casework are due to refusals. That is because there is always the possibility that no will become yes after a period of time. It may be that all the evidence wasnt adduced at the interview stage or that the officers decision was wrong so people win their appeals. The question is: how do we balance the need for firm immigration controls with the need to grant genuine refuge to those who need it? I didnt know if I was going to survive A dearth of access to legal advice for claimants is a concern. A number of restrictions to legal aid brought in over the last 20 years have made it more difficult for asylum seekers to access free legal advice. Research by Refugee Action in 2018 found there had been a 56 per cent drop in the number of providers offering legal aid representation for immigration and asylum law since 2005. Victor Mujakachi, 60, was granted refugee status last year after an 11-year wait. The Zimbabwean national had fled political persecution in his home country, but he was initially refused asylum in 2010 on the basis that his evidence was not strong enough. Unable to afford a lawyer and not eligible for legal aid, Mujakachi appealed the decision in court with no legal representation. He subsequently made three fresh asylum claims within three years, again with no legal representation, all of which were refused. Mujakachi, who now works for an asylum support charity in Sheffield, was faced with deportation in 2019, at which point he was able to access legal advice in the immigration detention centre and had his removal cancelled. He then submitted a fresh asylum claim with the help of a lawyer and was granted refugee status in 2020. Reflecting on his first few asylum claims, he says: I didnt get any legal representation at all. I presented evidence but it wasnt put in legal language. I presented the same information that I presented to the court in 2019 when I was granted refugee status. I would have got asylum if Id had good legal advice back then. If I had explained my case better with a legal representative, I think I would have been understood better. The Home Office says the Zimbabwean nationals original claim for asylum was correctly rejected, and that it was his more recent claim made in 2019 which was accepted after his circumstances substantially changed. The 60-year-old describes his experience of the British asylum system as shocking and upsetting, saying: You leave a country where your life is under threat, you come to a country where you believe youre going to get protection, and they dont believe your story. They threaten to send you back to the torture you left behind. I was living under this cloud of uncertainty. I didnt know if I was going to survive beyond my asylum claim. I was faced with this climate of disbelief and thrown into this state of limbo. Time and again we see examples where comments have been made on decisions which just dont match up to peoples lived experiences Responding to the FOI data, a Home Office spokesperson told The Independent it was committed to ensuring asylum claims were considered without unnecessary delay, but that some cases could be more complex and take longer to process. They said that as part of the departments new plan for immigration, announced in March, it would ensure the broken asylum system was fit for purpose, by taking steps to increase capacity and focusing on process improvements to deliver decisions more efficiently, including prioritising older claims and those made by more vulnerable individuals. Immigration barrister Colin Yeo says the fact that anyone has been waiting for an initial decision after five years or 10 years is truly appalling and describes the growth in the backlog of asylum claims in recent years as a colossal failure by successive ministers. He criticised the governments new asylum plans, which Priti Patel says will see refugees who arrive in Britain via unauthorised routes denied an automatic right to asylum and instead forcibly removed to safe countries they passed through on their way to the UK. The Independent revealed earlier this year that France, Germany and Belgium have ruled out making such deals which experts say will lead to the asylum claims of vulnerable people in the UK being delayed for even longer. Yeo says: It means that genuine refugees have their lives put on hold and remain separated from their relatives while living on destitution levels of support in disused barracks, while those who do not have good cases also get to stay in the UK for prolonged periods. I was questioning my existence Jamie Bell, of Duncan Lewis Solicitors, who represented Sara, says asylum seekers routinely experience unexplained delays after submitting what are ultimately successful further submissions on their claims, leaving them unable to contribute to society and in a constant cycle of waiting and malaise. Complex fresh claims often get pushed to the bottom of a pile and will not be looked at without cajoling. There are wild discrepancies in response times; happily with some claims, you may a decision within three months, otherwise you may have to keep pushing for years, says Bell. I was living under this cloud of uncertainty. I didnt know if I was going to survive beyond my claim Unfortunately there is an impetus on legal representatives to have to chase the Home Office repeatedly. You have to be patient but also mindful of what a hopeless situation your client is in whilst they are waiting. If the legal representative sits back and does nothing, you end up with years of delays. It shouldnt be that way. Daniel Sohege, director of Stand For All human rights consultancy, says there appears to be a culture of disbelief within the Home Office, where applications are denied based on preconceptions rather than the evidence provided. It almost appears at times as though the Home Office is deliberately looking to reject claims. Time and again we see examples where comments have been made on decisions which just dont match up to peoples lived experiences, he added. The delays have a profound effect on asylum seekers mental and physical health, but very little is done. Although Sara now has refugee status, she is still traumatised by the nine-year wait. Its that psychological damage that it does to you. When the Home Office was saying I had never made an application, I was questioning my existence. Who am I? Do I really exist? Whenever I apply for something now even just to get a bank account or something if it gets delayed a bit I get into a panic. I know there are a lot of people who have waited even longer than me. It damages your whole life. Its not just those nine years but also the years to come. The impact it has on your life is forever. Yes I got refugee status and I got some damages, but this isnt over for me. Additional reporting by Bea Tridimas Thousands more elderly people died with Covid in care homes than the official figures state, care providers have claimed. A total of 39,017 people died in care homes in England in the year from 10 April 2020 to 31 March this year, according to Care Quality Commission (CQC) data that was published last month. But the figure is likely to be higher because deaths that occurred before 10 April 2020, a date almost three weeks after the UK went into lockdown, were not being counted as Covid-related care providers told The Sunday Telegraph. A care home manager, who has not been named, has said that thousands of elderly residents are likely to have died during the nine days in the time between CQC having approved a policy, to allow Covid-positive elderly patients to be discharged from hospitals into care homes, and when counting of the deaths began. The CQC approved a policy on 2 April 2020 that was drafted by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It allowed infected patients to be transferred from hospitals into care homes in an effort to free up bed spaces. Testing was also not required for asymptomatic patients being discharged into care homes. It was not until 15 April 2020 that discharged patients were being tested for the virus before going into care homes. Excess death data has been used to estimate the additional number of people who may have died with Covid. Death records in the nine days leading up to April 10 show that 7,775 deaths occurred within this period, according to correspondance between a care home manager and the CQCs information access team seen by The Sunday Telegraph. This figure is 4,190 higher than the same period the year before suggesting that the number of people that died with Covid in care homes over the year to the end of March is at least 43,000, rather than the 39,017 reported by the CQC. One care home manager said the regulator failed every one of its own standards and described the CQCs Covid policy of allowing hospital patients to be discharged to care homes without testing for the virus as a death warrant, the newspaper reported. The discharging of Covid patients into care homes is one of the biggest tragedies last year, Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary and chair of the Commons health select committee has said. Both the NHS and its regulators need to explain why we were less stringent than countries like Germany that did not allow untested patients into care homes unless they were fully quarantined, he added. A survey published by the Queens Nursing Institute (QNI) in August last year found that 21 per cent of care home staff reported receiving residents from hospital who had tested positive for Covid. Almost 10 per cent of the 163 respondents raised serious concerns over a blanket policy to not to resuscitate residents with Covid, that was implemented without consulting the residents families during March and April 2020. Meg Hillier, chair of the public accounts committee and Labour MP, had accused the government last year of allowing care homes to be effectively thrown to the wolves, adding that some of them were left to be ravaged by the virus. A former British ambassador to Uzbekistan and pro-Scottish independence blogger has handed himself in to police to start his eight-month sentence for contempt of court. Craig Murray, 62, presented himself to St Leonards police station in Edinburgh on Sunday morning. Dozens of wellwishers gathered in the street to sing Auld Lang Syne. Murray posed for photos with his wife and sons, and thanked his supporters for their presence before making his way to the police station. He was sentenced to eight months in jail over blogs and tweets he wrote about court proceedings in the trial last year of former Scottish National Party first minister Alex Salmond. Murray had alleged that the SNP leadership, the Scottish government, the Crown Office and police had worked together to convict Mr Salmond on charges of sexual harassment and attempted rape. His posts contained details which, if put together, could lead readers to identify women who made allegations against Mr Salmond now leader of the newly formed Alba Party. Mr Salmond was acquitted of all 13 charges, including sexual assault and attempted rape, in March 2020. People who allege that they have been raped or sexually assaulted are granted anonymity to protect their identities. At a virtual sentencing in May, Lady Dorrian said Murray knew there were court orders giving the women anonymity, and that he was relishing the prospect of his blog readers and Twitter audience potentially piecing together their identities. Alex Salmond was acquitted of all 13 rape and sexual assault charges (EPA) Lady Dorrian, who is one of Scotlands most senior judges, said Murray deliberately risked what is known as jigsaw identification. She said: It appears from the posts and articles that he was in fact relishing the task he set himself, which was essentially to allow the identities of complainers to be discerned which he thought was in the public interest in a way which did not attract sanction. Murray whose appeal application was rejected by the Supreme Court earlier this week described his trial, which convicted him without a jury, as Kafkaesque, and said that he genuinely does not know who he was supposed to have identified. He added that he believed his conviction was the states long-sought revenge for my whistleblowing on security service collusion. The Foreign Office suspended Murray from his diplomatic role in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 2004. He has claimed that it was due to his exposing the use by MI6 of intelligence allegedly obtained under torture by the Uzbek government. Press freedom groups and journalists have called for Murrays release. The Scottish branch of campaign group PEN International said it had grave concerns over his imprisonment. It added: The writer is the first person to be imprisoned in Scotland for media contempt for over 70 years. We fear this ruling will have a chilling effect on reporting and free expression. Rebecca Vincent, international campaigns director at Reporters Without Borders, said: While journalists must ensure they adhere to court orders with regard to witness protection, Craig Murrays prison sentence on charges related to his blogging is disproportionate and highly concerning. He should be released and alternative measures considered. SNP president Michael Russell said that Ms Vincents comment had struck the right balance over the disproportionate punishment. He tweeted: [Murray] was guilty (and wilfully so) of a damaging offence given the importance of protecting those involved and ensuring that complainants are not deterred by such actions but the sentence seems disproportionate. British writer and journalist Jonathan Cook said: The refusal to hear Craig Murrays appeal against his unprecedented conviction for jigsaw identification means the British state has now effectively been given the power to license journalists. Australian journalist and documentary filmmaker John Pilger said: First, it was Julian Assange, now another truth-teller, Craig Murray, is a political prisoner. All solidarity with Craig and his family and, remember, you have been warned again. Florida doctors say theyre angry and ashamed over governor Ron DeSantiss response to the resurgent coronavirus. The high profile Republican has repeatedly criticized federal public health guidance and vowed not to institute new lockdowns or mask mandates, even as the state becomes the national epicenter of the virus, with the Delta variant ravaging the unvaccinated segments of its population. While hospitals in our state were filling up, DeSantis was shouting about Freedom over Faucism, Bernard Ashby, a Miami cardiologist who leads the states Committee to Protect Health Care, told WLRN . If DeSantis were as concerned about stopping COVID-19 spread as he was about coming up with these clever jabs about Dr. Fauci, we might not be in this position. The governors office insists the state is in good shape under Mr DeSantiss Covid leadership, with the recent spike just a seasonal jump, but Floridas Covid data tells another, far more grim story. The governor has made countless public appearances all over the state to encourage vaccination, and he has spoken positively of the vaccines in public remarks nearly 100 times this year, Mr DeSantiss office said in a statement to The News Service of Florida. Hes proud of the successful rollout and the Seniors First strategy, which means 85 percent of our most vulnerable population is vaccinated, and thousands of lives saved. COVID cases, hospitalizations and especially deaths are down significantly compared to this time last year. Florida is now the national center of the Delta-fueled Covid resurgence. Cases are up 50 per cent week over week, with 110,000 new ones this week alone, levels not seen since January when the vaccine wasnt widely available. The state has a positivity rate of 18.1 per cent, and more people hospitalized than any other state in America. Whats more, the people caring for those in hospital are at risk too: Florida health care workers have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the nation. An AARP report found that as of last month, just 42 per cent of the states nursing home workers were fully vaccinated, well behind the national average of 56 per cent. There is no higher risk area in the United States than were seeing here, Dr. Aileen Marty, a Florida International University infectious disease expert, told the Miami CBS affiliate . The numbers that were seeing are unbelievable, just unbelievably frightening. Despite the growing threat, Mr DeSantis has held fast to a stance against lockdowns, mandates, and other measures shown to stop the spread. It is very important that we say unequivocally no to lockdowns, no to school closures, no to restrictions and no to mandates, Mr DeSantis said Wednesday night in Salt Lake City at a conservative conference. Progressive Democrats assailed both the leadership of their own party in the House and in the White House as well as the Senate working on an infrastructure package at a rally on Capitol Hill on Saturday evening to protest the end of the eviction moratorium. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent began the eviction moratorium in September 2020 under former president Donald Trump and was set to expire 31 July as the House went out for August recess, when many members return to their home districts. Rep Cori Bush, who has been leading the protest on the Hill, said she and Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez came up with the idea for the protest on Friday. Ms Bush said the two posted on social media to rally supporters. What happened? You all answered the call, she said. The least we could do was put out a freaking tweet. The least we could do was show up right here. Ms Bush, who beat an incumbent Democrat in Missouri last year, and Rep Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota slept on the steps of the Capitol on Friday to protest the end of the moratorium. I cried over and over again, even on television. Ill take that she said. You know what I wont take, is more death due to failed leadership and inactivity. House Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts criticized the White House for its failure to act on it. I wish the White House had gotten its shit together earlier, Mr McGovern said to roaring applause. But we are where we are, right? And so we have no choice but to mobilize and to get members of Congress to do the right thing. Mr McGovern, wearing shorts and a black hoodie, said he had no expectations for Republicans to vote to extend the eviction moratorium--despite the fact it began during the Trump administration--but that he expected every Democrat to do it. He added that had convened a hearing on Friday morning at 8:00 to hold a hearing to extend the moratorium. Quite frankly I thought wed be able to get this done you know quickly but then we found out we didnt have the votes and some of our own Democrats werent going to be there for us, Mr McGovern said, saying they waited and tried to figure out where they could compromise. Long story short, it didnt get done, he said, saying he would reconvene the rules committee immediately if there were enough votes. Rep Sara Jacobs of California said that being from San Diego, its harder to return to Washington than it is for members from the northeast to return to Washington. And there were hundreds of us, hundreds, who were willing to stay here and make sure that we got this done and it is shameful that our colleagues decided to go home and let millions of people get evicted from their homes, she said. Ms Ocasio-Cortez assailed Democratic leadership for sending the House out for recess with a strict 24-hour notice return in case the Senate voted on its bipartisan infrastructure package. The Senate voted 67-32 to take up the bipartisan infrastructure proposal. So we arent off the hook, we could pull that trigger and pull that 24-hour notice and bring everybody back to Washington, to extend the moratorium, she said. Rep Jamaal Bowman of New York said he had initially headed home to take care of a personal matter when he saw the eviction moratorium was on the precipice of expiring. We can put billions of dollars into bombs, we can put billions of dollars into missiles into jets, into the carceral system, into jails, into police, but we cannot keep people in their homes Mr Bowman said. What kind of shit is that? Lynese Wallace, Ms Bushs deputy chief of staff, spoke about demanding that the eviction moratorium be included in the infrastructure package. When asked whether that meant the bipartisan infrastructure package or the reconciliation package which will most likely be passed on a straight party-line vote with vice president Kamala Harris breaking the tie in the 50-50 Senate, Ms Wallace told The Independent, both. At the same time, Ms Ocasio Cortez and Mr Bowman were unclear about whether they would be a hard no vote on the bipartisan infrastructure package if the eviction moratorium werent passed. If we dont have it with reconciliation, its a no regardless, she told The Independent. Without an eviction moratorium, this already adds complications because this should have been a given and it should have already happened. Ms Ocasio-Cortez said it was unusual that the moratorium wasnt extended and it needed to be a major priority. Mr Bowman said he hoped it could be included in the reconciliation package. Oh, absolutely, he told The Independent. It needs to be extended by any means necessary. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is laying the blame for the expiration of a national eviction moratorium squarely on the shoulders of her own party. In an interview on Sunday with CNNs Jake Tapper on State of The Union, the New York Democrat accused conservative members of her own party of refusing to vote on the issue this week when it was brought up. "There was, frankly, a handful of conservative Democrats in the House that threatened to get on planes rather than hold this vote, said the congresswoman, adding: And we have to really just call a spade a spade. Turning her focus to the White House, Ms Ocasio-Cortez asserted that President Joe Bidens administration waited weeks to inform Congress that it did not believe it had the authority to unilaterally extend the moratorium, a sentiment that has been echoed by other House Democrats including Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Now, there is something to be said for the fact that this court order came down on the White House a month ago, and the White House waited until a day before the House adjourned to release a statement, she said. We asked the Biden administration about their stance and they were not being forthright about that advocacy and that request until the day before the House adjourned, she added. The House, the congresswoman added, had been placed in a needlessly difficult situation by the Biden administration. CNN's @jaketapper: Who's to blame for the eviction moratorium expiring? Rep. @AOC : "There was, frankly, a handful of conservative Democrats in the House that threatened to get on planes rather than hold this vote and we have to really just call a spade a spade." #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/FXW7o1SIOD State of the Union (@CNNSotu) August 1, 2021 The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment on her remarks. Millions of Americans are estimated to now be at risk of eviction after a nationwide moratorium linked to the Covid-19 pandemic passed under the CARES Act in December 2020 expired at midnight. Congressional progressives have fumed over the issue, with some such as Rep Ro Khanna turning their fire on members of the party they say are under pressure from special interests to let the eviction ban expire even as Covid-19 is surging in some states. The reason theyre not bringing it for a vote is because some Democrats privately have tried to kill this bill because of special interest of Realtors and other groups, said Mr Khanna. [I] is unconscionable that we don't have a vote on the House floor, that we're protecting some members to kill this behind closed doors and aren't being transparent. It's just wrong, he added. Others, such as the speaker and Rep Jim McGovern, chairman of the House Rules Committee, have added that the White House shares blame for the timing of its statement. I quite frankly wish hed asked us sooner, said Mr McGovern, according to Bloomberg. Really, we only learned about this yesterday, argued Ms Pelosi. Not really enough time to socialize it within our caucus. The White House disputed that characterization on Friday, with deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claiming that the administration had been having conversations with Congress for some time on the issue, while not naming which lawmakers were informed. As the ban expired Saturday evening, dozens of demonstrators descended on the steps of the Capitol, joined by lawmakers including Ms Ocasio-Cortez and Rep Cori Bush, the latter of whom slept on the Capitol steps Friday in protest of her colleagues decisions to leave town. The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un warned on Sunday that next months annual military drills between South Korean and US troops will undermine prospects ties between the Koreas, just days after the rivals reopened their long-dormant communication channels. Kim Yo-jongs statement carried by state media targets only South Korea, and this could add credence to a theory that North Koreas decision to restore the communication lines is aimed at pushing Seoul to convince Washington to make concessions while nuclear diplomacy remains deadlocked. For some days I have been hearing an unpleasant story that joint military exercises between the South Korean army and the US forces could go ahead as scheduled, she said. I view this as an undesirable prelude which seriously undermines the will of the top leaders of the North and the South wishing to see a step taken toward restoring mutual trust and which further beclouds the way ahead of the North-South relations, she said. She added: Our government and army will closely follow whether the South Korean side stages hostile war exercises in August or makes other bold decision. Regular drills between Seoul and Washington have been a long-running source of animosities on the Korean peninsula, with North Korea calling them an invasion rehearsal and responding with missile tests. South Korea and the US have repeatedly said their drills are defensive in nature. In the past few years, South Korea and the US have cancelled or downsized some of their exercises to support diplomatic efforts to end the North Korean nuclear crisis or because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Asked about prospects for next months summertime drills, Boo Seung-Chan, a spokesperson at South Koreas defence ministry, told a briefing Thursday that Seoul and Washington were reviewing factors like the pandemics current status, efforts to achieve denuclearisation on the Korean -peninsula and their combined military readiness. The US-led diplomacy aimed at persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear program in return for economic and political rewards hasnt made progress since a second summit between Kim Jong-un and then-president Donald Trump broke down because of disputes over sanctions in early 2019. South Korea's government led by president Moon Jae-in which wants greater reconciliations between the Koreas, had earlier shuttled between Pyongyang and Washington to arrange the first summit between Mr Trump and Mr Kim. But North Korea later resumed harsh rhetoric against South Korea, telling it not to meddle in its dealings with the United States. Some experts said Pyongyang shifted the responsibility for the collapse of the second Kim-Trump summit to Seoul and was frustrated with Seouls failure to break away from Washington and revive stalled joint economic projects held back by the sanctions. Congressman Adam Kinzinger echoed the remarks of the only other Republican on the 6 January investigative committee and called for anyone who could shed light on former President Donald Trumps activities during the Capitol riot to face subpoenas from his committee. Speaking with ABCs Jon Karl on This Week, the Illinois congressman said that he agreed with Rep Liz Cheneys assertion that subpoenas should be issued to Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Rep Jim Jordan, two Trump loyalists who are reported to have spoken with the former president as the riot unfolded. I would support subpoenas to anyone who can shed light on that. If thats the leader, then thats the leader, Mr Kinzinger said, adding: I want to know what the president was doing every moment of that day. I want to know, if the National Guard took five or six hours to get to Capitol Hill, did the president make any calls? he continued. The congressmans comments suggest that a unified committee could issue subpoenas targeting numerous allies of the former president, including some sitting lawmakers who have faced questions about their interactions with the president before and during the events of the bloody assault on the Capitol. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican member of the January 6 committee, says on ABC that he supports subpoenaing Jim Jordan and Kevin McCarthy pic.twitter.com/CjEPoO2Fx3 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 1, 2021 Mr Kinzinger and Ms Cheney are the lone Republican members of the panel after Mr McCarthy pulled all of his nominations following Speaker Nancy Pelosis rejection of Mr Jordan and Rep Jim Bankss nominations; both have been suggested as unfit for the committee due to their statements about the riot itself as well as efforts to investigate it, while Mr Jordan has also been named a potential material witness to the attack by Ms Cheney and others. The committee will go wherever we need to go to get the facts, vowed Ms Cheney last week, seeming to suggest the use of subpoena power as well. "I think it is very important that we issue and enforce subpoenas, as the chairman has said, and we do that quickly, she added in an interview with CNN on Tuesday. Congressional subpoenas can be issued by committees or subcommittees to compel the testimony of individual Americans; if enforced, a congressional subpoena could lead to a federal court ordering the person to comply with the process. The lawmakers could also be referred to the Justice Department for prosecution. Such a process would likely lead to a long, protracted legal battle as Mr McCarthy, Mr Jordan and other allies of the former president have denounced the investigation into the deadly riot as a partisan attack and not indicated that they will cooperate thus far. Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to extend the eviction moratorium as outrage among Democrats grows against the House and White House for not getting it done before lawmakers left town. In a statement released via Twitter on Sunday, Ms Pelosi asserted that the CDC had the unilateral authority to extend a nationwide moratorium on evictions, and urged it to do so as millions of Americans face the possibility of eviction due to unpaid rent resulting from financial burdens brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The CDC has the power to extend the eviction moratorium. As they double down on masks, why wouldn't they extend the moratorium in light of delta variant? the speaker tweeted. It is a moral imperative to keep people from being put out in the street which also contributes to the public health emergency, she continued. Her tweets followed two nights of protests against the Houses recess led by activists and progressive members of Congress on the steps of the Capitol; Rep Cori Bush, a freshman Black lawmaker from Missouri, even slept on the buildings steps overnight as her colleagues headed home. It is a moral imperative to keep people from being put out in the street which also contributes to the public health emergency. The virus is still a threat, the moratorium must be extended and the funds Congress allocated to assist renters and landlords must be spent. Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 1, 2021 The latest statement from the speaker is a sign that lawmakers continue to believe that the Biden administration has some authority to extend the ban without action from Congress. The lower chamber recessed at the end of last week after failing to pass an extension of the eviction ban, which failed after Republicans objected to its passage via unanimous consent. In statements last week as well as over the weekend, Ms Pelosi and others in her caucus laid the blame on the White Houses shoulders for not being clear that it did not have the authority to extend the ban until just hours before lawmakers were set to leave town. Really, we only learned about this yesterday, the speaker told reporters in one interview. The White House has disputed that lawmakers were only informed late last week that they needed to act or the ban would end; a White House deputy press secretary contended that discussions had been ongoing for some time, but did not say with who. Cases of the virus are continuing to rise around the US as a result of the spread of the Delta variant; millions of dollars allocated by Congress previously to help renters and landlords has also gone unspent due to inaction by some state governments. Some progressives have gone as far in recent days as to suggest that conservative members of their own party were equally responsible for the failure of the House to extend the moratorium. The reason theyre not bringing it for a vote is because some Democrats privately have tried to kill this bill because of special interest of realtors and other groups, said Rep Ro Khanna, a progressive from California, in an interview with MSNBC. And it is unconscionable that we don't have a vote on the House floor, that we're protecting some members to kill this behind closed doors and aren't being transparent. It's just wrong, he added. Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has hinted that she may run for a US Senate seat. If God wants me to do it, I will, Ms Palin said at a Christian conservative conference hosted by Che Ahn, leader of the New Apostolic Reformation movement. Ms Palin was governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009, when she resigned. The potential comeback she hinted at would be to run for senator of that state, which would mean campaigning against a longtime incumbent, Senator Lisa Murkowski . Ms Murkowski, a moderate Republican, represents the opposite wing of the GOP from Ms Palin, who has closely associated herself with the arch-conservative Tea Party movement and, more recently, with Donald Trump . Ms Palin rose to national fame in 2008, when John McCain chose her as his running mate in the US presidential election. But Ms Palin soon wilted under the scrutiny of that campaign, during which she was widely mocked as ignorant and unprepared. In November, she and Mr McCain were badly beaten by Barack Obama and Joe Biden . For Ms Palin, the memory of that experience clearly still stings. If I were to announce, Id say, you know what? You guys better be there for me this time, because a lot of people were not there for me last time, she told Mr Ahn. If Ms Palin does run, she will face a formidable opponent in Ms Murkowski, who has prevailed over primary challengers before. In 2010, a Tea Party candidate beat her in the Republican primary, but Ms Murkowski went on to beat him as a write-in candidate in the general election. However, the political landscape is very different now than it was when Ms Palin last ran for national office. In the shadow of Mr Trump, who Ms Palin heartily supports, a loose grasp of facts and fringe right-wing positions are not necessarily disqualifying. Among pro-Trump Republicans, they may even help. Nevertheless, Ms Palin showed some reluctance about running. You see where I live, you see what I get to wake up to every day, she told the crowd, describing the beautiful scenery of her current home in Alaska, as compared to what she called the bubble of Washington, DC. You know, it would be a sacrifice. Donald Trump may no longer be president, but his allies are still acting like he is as he plots his political comeback, saying hes been taking meetings with his cabinet officials in preparation for a potential 2024 presidential. We met with some of our cabinet members tonight, Mark Meadows, his former White House chief of staff, told Newsmax on Friday . We actually had a follow up member meeting with some of our cabinet members and as we are looking into that, we are looking into what does come next. Im not authorised to speak on behalf of the president, but I can tell you this: we wouldnt be meeting tonight if we werent making plans to move forward in a real way with president Trump at the head of that ticket. The Trump loyalist also insisted the former president is fully engaged, highly focus, and remaining on task, and that the magic is still there, even though one of Mr Trumps recent political endorsements in a Republican runoff race fell flat. Earlier this week, Texas state representative Jake Ellzey defeated Mr Trumps preferred candidate in a special runoff election for Texass 6th congressional district, following the death in February of Ron Wright, who had contracted Covid. Mr Trump had endorsed Susan Wright, the late congressmans widow, and backed her with a robocall and $100,000 ad buy from an associated political action committee . After the events of 6 January, the briefly chastened president went quiet for a few months, before blasting back onto the national stage this summer for what was dubbed his revenge tour , his first series of post-2020 campaign style rallies. The events took place in Ohio, Florida, and Georgia, and often involved the former president going after GOP lawmakers from those states who backed his impeachment and boosting their opponents. At the rallies, Mr Trump returned to his thoroughly debunked claims that the 2020 election was rigged. Well never stop fighting for the true results in this election, the former president said at one event . Im not the one trying to undermine American democracy. Im the one thats trying to save American democracy, adding, Who the hell knows what will happen in 2024? Were not going to have a country left. If we dont figure it out, we wont be in a position to win in 2022. Throughout the year, the ex-president has sought to cast himself as a kingmaker within the Republican party, and has frequently issued threats and condemnations towards fellow GOPers, to mixed success. Some party members ignored his calls to oppose the recently advanced bipartisan infrastructure package, which Mr Trump called a loser for the USA. It is a loser for the USA, a terrible deal and makes the Republicans look weak, foolish and dumb, Mr Trump said of the infrastructure plan in a statement, adding, Dont do it Republicans patriots will never forget. If this deal happens, lots of primaries will be coming your way. While the former president has stopped just short of formally announcing a 2024 run, one thing is certain: were going to be hearing from him a lot more between now and then. A 100-year-old former concentration camp guard is set to stand trial in Germany, according to reports. The man is said to have worked at the Sachsenhausen Nazi concentration camp near Berlin between 1942 to 1945. He is due to go on trial this autumn, according to a German Sunday newspaper. The district court of Neuruppin admitted the charges of accessory to murder in 3,500 cases. The defendant should be able to stand trial for two to two and a half hours a day, a court spokesperson told Welt am Sonntag. The 100-year-old has not been named for legal reasons. Around 200,000 people were imprisoned at the Sachsenhausen Nazi concentration camp between 1936 and 1945. Twenty thousand people were killed at the camp in Oranienburg, near Berlin, including by forced labour, medical experiments and systematic extermination. The Nazi regime kept Jewish people, political opponents, Roma and homosexual people, among other groups, in the camp during its time in operation. In its later years, most of Sachsenhausens prisoners were foreigners, with large numbers from the Soviet Union and Poland, according to the Brandenburg Memorials Foundation. Back in 2011, a landmark conviction found working in a concentration camp was grounds for culpability with no proof of a specific crime for the first time. Additional reporting by Reuters BERLIN Hundreds of people turned out in Berlin on Sunday to protest the German governments anti-coronavirus measures despite a ban on the gatherings, leading to arrests and clashes with police. Local authorities banned several different protests registered for this weekend, including one from the Stuttgart-based Querdenker movement, which expected 22,500 attendees. But protesters defied the ban, starting to gather Sunday morning at various points around the city. Berlins police department deployed more than 2,000 officers around the city. As the crowds grew in the afternoon, officers who sought to redirect protesters or disband larger groups were harassed and attacked, Berlins police tweeted. They tried to break through the police cordon and pull out our colleagues," it said, adding that police had to use irritants and batons. The protests, including in Berlins Charlottenburg neighborhood and the Tiergarten park, led to multiple arrests, police said. As the crowds made their way toward the Brandenburg Gate police warned via loudspeaker that they would use water cannons if protesters did not disperse. Germany eased many of its coronavirus restrictions in May, including reopening of restaurants and bars. Still, many activities, such as dining indoors at restaurants or staying in a hotel, require proof that an individual is either fully vaccinated, has recovered from the virus or can show proof of a recent negative coronavirus test. The Querdenker movement, which has become the largest and most visible anti-lockdown movement in Germany, has at times drawn thousands of supporters to its demonstrations in Berlin and elsewhere across the country. It has brought together a disparate mix of demonstrators, including people opposing vaccinations, coronavirus deniers, conspiracy theorists and right-wing extremists. Earlier this year, Germanys domestic intelligence service warned the movement was becoming increasingly radical, putting some of its adherents under surveillance. The protests follow other widescale demonstrations against coronavirus measures around Europe Thousands have turned out to protest vaccination requirements in France over the past three weekends, at times clashing with the police, and about 80,000 people protested in cities across Italy last weekend. A builder has driven a digger into a new apartment block to destroy it, claiming it was because he was owed money. The 47-year-old caused around 500,000 worth of damage to the building complex in Germany, according to police. Video footage of the incident shows a digger sweeping down on balconies and smashing through windows of the apartment block in Blumberg. Local police said large parts of the new apartment building in Blumberg in southwest Germany were destroyed. As well as tearing down balconies, the man also damaged the buildings facade and garages, police said. The 47-year-old excavator driver, who is reportedly a subcontractor for the buildings developer, claimed he went to destroy the building due to being owed money. He claimed the outstanding payments had been wrongly withheld from him, according to police. After wreaking havoc on the building with the digger, the man got into his car and drove away. He later turned himself into police. There were no people in the block at the time of the incident, which took place on Wednesday evening, police in Baden-Wurttemberg said. There were initially concerns about gas containers in garages which were damaged, with police cordoning off the area. Around 50 people gathered to watch events unfold in Vogtgasse in Blumberg, which sits near the Swiss border. Eyewitnesses said the 47-year-old only stopped destroying the building when the hydraulic hose broke, according to local media reports. He obtained the digger specifically to damage the building, Schwarzwaelder Bote reported. It is highly likely that Iran killed a British citizen in a drone attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, foreign secretary Dominic Raab has said as he promised a concerted response. The strike on the MV Mercer Street, on Thursday night, was the first known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. British maritime security firm Ambrey said the attack, which saw a hole blasted through the vessels bridge, killed one of its employees on board. A Romanian citizen was also killed. Iran denied responsibility after Israels prime minister directly blamed it for the attack, but Mr Raab said the UK government backed Naftali Bennetts claim. The UK condemns the unlawful and callous attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman, which killed a British and a Romanian national, Mr Raab said in a statement on Sunday afternoon. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those killed in the incident. We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. Mr Raab continued: UK assessments have concluded that it is highly likely that Iran attacked the MV Mercer Street in international waters off Oman on July 29 using one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. The UK is working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack. The Mercer Street is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group, and owned by Taihei Kaiun, which belongs to the Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Group. The Foreign Office said the drone assault followed similar attacks on three other Israeli-linked ships in the region since February. Officials said that in the summer of 2019, Iran was also almost certainly responsible for attacks on two vessels in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said the accusations against Iran were baseless. Its not the first time that the Zionist regime occupying Jerusalem has made such empty accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khatibzadeh said. Wherever this regime has gone, it has taken instability, terror and violence with it. He added: Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind. The Mercer Street, empty of cargo, had been on its way from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates at the time of the attack, Zodiac Maritime said. The attack targeted the tanker just northeast of the Omani island of Masirah, 185 miles southeast of Omans capital Muscat. The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher were escorting the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port, the US navys Middle East-based Fifth Fleet said in a statement on Saturday. Operation Yemen producer Subhash Kale has accused the makers of Captain India of plagiarism. In his claim, he has alleged that Hansal Mehta's plot is similar to his film Operation Yemen. What was the operation Yemen based on? BCCL The movie was based on the 2015 Operation Raahat when the Indian Armed Forces under General VK Singh evacuated Indian citizens and foreign nationals from Yemen during the Yemeni Crisis. The poster of 'Captain India' looks like it's based on Operation Raahat and producer Subhash said that the poster has 'clear giveaways that their film is based on the same incident.' In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Subhash Kale said, Captain India The idea has not leaked from our side...the city of Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, is visible on their poster, just like how its depicted in our poster as well. And that citys architecture and landscape are such that it doesnt match any other city in the world. Also, the poster shows carpet-bombing happening over the city, an airplane going over Sana'a, and the title Captain India are clear giveaways that their film is based on the same incident. He added that many from the film industry had shown interest in Operation Yemen. Subhash said Hansal Mehta is his friend but added that he hadn't approached him to discuss the matter. Hansal Mehta Kale added that they would try everything to put a stay on Captain India. He further said that even if the scripts of both films are different, the storyline would be the same, which means the film will be 'same.' Recalling the other instance where Hansal Mehta had to face similar challenges, Kale said, 'it will then become a repeat of Scam 1992 (2020) and The Big Bull (2021) episode'. Scam 1992 While Kartik Aaryan is playing the lead role in Captain India, the film is produced by Ronnie Screwvala and actor-turned-producer Harman Baweja. Emoticons are pretty much the most integral part of our lives nowadays. For any text, an attached emoticon is a must. But has anyone wondered where did these emoticons emerge from? Well, a lot of people on the internet are now saying that the inspiration for emoticons predate social media and are hailing late actor Manorama as the original emoji queen for her priceless facial expressions. Twitter She is mostly remembered for her role as a tyrant aunt in Ramesh Sippys 1972 classic Seeta Aur Geeta, Manorama rules the hearts of movie buffs even today. Now referring to a compilation of her expressions from the film, netizens are saying she was the founder of emojis and this is what emoticons looked like before the age of social media. So, a Twitter user by the name of Gentle Giant compiled a video of Manorama and her expressions and the video has become viral. Calling it effortless acting, people are saying that the video is making them nostalgic and they are ending up binge-watching her films from the '70s and '80s. Indeed the original Emoji Queen - Manorama https://t.co/L8YAbivGla Arvind Usretay (@arvindusretay) July 31, 2021 Padma Bhushan deserving for those expressions https://t.co/wrYTfUKQkH PVA (@PinkvillaAunty) July 31, 2021 No one can beat the Original https://t.co/AyqyCGdf8l Ruchi Srivasta (@British_Indiann) July 30, 2021 That's brilliant.. Amazingly original.. Mverc (@iMavvy_) July 30, 2021 She was a very entertraining actress, nobody can play a greedy mother's role as she plays Raju Bhai (@RajuBha15786569) July 31, 2021 Our legendary actress mam "Manorama".....No one could act like her....... Lopamudra Shrivastava (@LopamudraShriv1) July 31, 2021 She was awesome... Played mostly a cruel MIL and step mom roles (so well that you cannot miss to hate her) ... Agree, used to have the most cartoonish expressions Ganesh R (@greatganesh) July 30, 2021 Hahaha!! Ohhh yes!! She was beyond amazing!! Urrmi (@Urrmi_) July 30, 2021 What a rock solid character. Neeche aaja beti Upar aaja moti (@The_Nomadgirl) July 30, 2021 Born as Erin Isaac Daniels, Manorama started her acting career as a child artiste in 1936 in Lahore under the name of Baby Iris. Later, she emerged as one of the most popular actors in Bollywood for portraying comical and negative roles. Her over-the-top expressions and epic stage presence made her stand out in almost all films she was part of. 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. Artificial intelligence technology is set to support breast cancer screening in Ireland. The Mia (Mammography Intelligent Assessment) tool uses cutting-edge AI technology to support radiologists examining breast images. It assists radiologists in the process of reading mammograms, acting as an independent second reader of the images. Developed by UK-based applied science company Kheiron Medical Technologies, it has now been made available across the island of Ireland through medical supply company Hospital Services Limited (HSL). With bases in Dublin and Belfast, HSL distributes medical supplies and surgical equipment to public and private hospitals across the UK and Ireland. Alex Hamlow, Kheirons chief commercial officer, said: Our mission at Kheiron is to support breast screening professionals in the fight against breast cancer with proven and effective AI-enabled tools. Were excited that Mia is the first AI independent reader solution available for use within the breast screening community across the island of Ireland. Based on its performance in the UK and Europe, Mia represents a major breakthrough in helping radiologists to dramatically improve breast cancer detection and patient outcomes. According to Breast Cancer Ireland, 690 deaths are attributed to breast cancer annually in the Republic of Ireland and 3,700 women in Ireland are diagnosed every year with breast cancer. In our meetings with radiologists and breast screening programme leaders across Ireland, weve had the opportunity to discuss how AI and Mia can help both radiologists and the women they care for. Dominic Walsh, HSLs chief executive officer, added: We are looking forward to bringing the Mia solution to the breast screening community throughout Ireland. It has tremendous potential to transform the breast screening pathway by empowering breast screening professionals to detect potential malignancies more accurately and quickly, ultimately saving more lives in the fight against breast cancer. The percentage of Texas Covid-19 tests coming back positive is now at levels considered red flags by Gov. Greg Abbott and the Trump administration during the height of the pandemic. State officials and virologists say the highly contagious delta variant is fueling the rise in new cases and hospitalizations, especially among the unvaccinated. The delta variant also is capable of infecting the vaccinated, considered breakthrough infections, although the vaccinated experience only mild cases. Should the public return to pandemic safety measures such as mask wearing in public places? You voted: Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing or making a contribution. Subscribe or contribute This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a public charity. It can be found at missouriindependent.com. The advocacy campaign and ad, CVS: Corporate Vampires Suck targets CVS over its fierce anti-competitive behavior, specifically regarding its refusal to allow patients in its CVS Caremark PBM any choice in their pharmacy services. continue After Mr. Johnson was elected prime minister in 2019, the couple moved into Downing Street together, making them the first unmarried couple to move into this historic home. Seven months later, in February 2020, they announced their engagement and looked forward to their first child. Just over three weeks later, Mr. Johnson announced a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak in the UK and confirmed that he tested positive for the disease on March 27. It was confirmed that Mrs. Johnson also self-quarantined at the time, but it is not clear whether her test result was also positive. The Prime Minister was admitted to the hospital on April 5 and transferred to the intensive care unit one day later. He was discharged from the hospital on April 12, and the couples son Wilfred Laurie Nicholas Johnson was born on April 29. Ben Hunter from Hunger Lewis Hamilton defeated Boo in the 101st pole position of his career. The fierce dispute between the world champion and Red Bull rival Max Verstappen has spread to the stands of Hungaroring, with the Dutch orange army supporting their drivers. Banners hung in the stands; someone said: Mr. Cheat: Karam is on the way! Because they accused the British of knocking out their hero at Silverstone. But Hamilton was looking for his 100th Formula One victory tomorrow, and when Verstappen blew his top when he was grumpy, he pressed it to his chin. Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert tried to calm the boos during an interview with pole bodyguards, but Hamilton said: People have rights. This is a sport, and people behave like crazy. This is sport, this is a race, I Dont take it to heart. In the end, I must do the right thing to stand in the front! I am grateful for the great support I got here. I have never felt so beautiful because of boos. If anything, it just cheers me on. So I dont mind. San Diego-On Saturday, organizers held the first Filipino-American Friendship Festival at Broadway Pier, which included the first mayor of San Diego and the Filipino Attorney General of California. The event celebrated the historic first for the Filipino-American community. The Broadway Pier is full of Philippine music, dance, culture and food. This is the first Philippine-American Friendship Festival held in San Diego to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day. This is a huge achievement for San Diego and the country as a whole, said tourist Marc Oregano. The festival features Todd Gloria, the first Filipino mayor of San Diego, and Rob Bonta, the first Filipino Attorney General of California. Organizer JoAnn Fields said: Our first Philippine Mayor Todd Gloria, our first U.S. Attorney General, and California Attorney General Robb Rob Bonta has joined us and its really exciting. We see reporters like (Liberty Zabala) our emcee, and know that FOX 5 is supporting the community in a truly meaningful way We need to continue to demonstrate and continue to educate our children, our families, and our neighbors. We can succeed in the following occupations. There are always people who are very similar to us. Organizers say that the Filipino-American community in San Diego County has 200,000 people and is growing. This is important to me because now at least we can speak up for Filipino Americans, no matter what the event or what we have to express, we all know that there are representatives, said the visitor Maria Fontimayor. According to the organizers, about 3,500 to 4,000 people attended the festival and they expressed their expectation to hold the event next year. Hezbollah said at least two people were killed in the Calder attack because the army is being deployed to curb sectarian tensions. According to the organization, an unidentified gunman in the Lebanese town of Kaldeh killed at least two people at the funeral of the Hezbollah commander who was killed a day earlier. Lebanons most powerful armed group, Iran-backed Hezbollah, stated that two of the mourners were confirmed to have died in the planned ambush and called on security forces to restore security in coastal towns south of Beirut and hunt down the perpetrators. Local media said that as many as four people may have been killed in the ensuing conflict. The local television network showed footage of armed youth rampaging in the area. The Lebanese military said in a statement that they have deployed in Khaldeh to control the tension after the violent fire including rocket-propelled grenades, intimidate residents and bring traffic to a standstill. The gunman is still at large. The Lebanese military warned in a statement that its forces would shoot at anyone carrying guns in the streets of Harold. Lebanese media reported that the violence stemmed from a personal vendetta. A man from the Khaldeh Sunni Arab tribe shot Hezbollah fighter Ali Chebli at a club wedding on Saturday night. Cheblis murderer was arrested, and his family interpreted the attack as revenge. They accused Chebli of killing their 15-year-old relative in a shooting a year ago. The family from a Sunni Arab tribe said in a statement that the authorities never brought Chebli to justice because he was protected by the powerful Hezbollah organization. A Hezbollah official told the Associated Press that the gunman ambushed Cheblis funeral procession when it arrived home, opened fire on the mourners, killed his brother-in-law and a friend, and wounded others. The official requested anonymity because he has no right to brief reporters. The army was deployed to ease tensions and release family members who were hiding in the house with their bodies. Video of the blockbuster shooting in Hallard circulating Due to tensions in the area, the road from Khaldeh to Beirut is currently closed. pic.twitter.com/DkFLO1WQRt -Lebanon News and Updates (@LebUpdate) August 1, 2021 The prime minister-elect Najib Mikati called on the head of the army to strengthen its security presence in the town, which is located on the coastal road to the south of the country. President Michel Aoun stated that this situation does not allow any security incidents that may increase sectarian tensions. The sectarian conflict in the area was triggered last year after a controversy over the Shiite religious flag in the Sunni Arab tribal area. A group of Arab Sunni tribes in Lebanon also issued a statement saying that they did not want to be involved in armed confrontation, but blamed the violence on Hezbollah and accused Hezbollah of inciting sectarian tensions. The Lebanese army patrols a street in Khaldeh where sectarian tensions have escalated [Mohamed Azakir/Reuters] Concerns after the U.S. are increasing Suspension of eviction rents nationwide During the coronavirus pandemic that ended this weekend, millions of Americans could be homeless as early as Monday morning. Freeze expulsion Expires at midnight On Saturday, it sparked a battle for billions of dollars in rent assistance and spurred accusations in Washington, DC. After the launch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last year, renters were exempted from eviction impose Suspended keeping people at home during the COVID-19 crisis, which has caused more than 613,000 deaths across the United States Hit the economy severely. But legislators failed to expand the scope of these protections. Of the $25 billion in aid allocated to states and localities in early February, only $3 billion went to families. According to the Associated Press, as the suspension order expires, more than 3.6 million Americans are at risk of deportation, some of whom will be deported within a few days. Eric Dunn, director of litigation for the National Housing Law Project, told Al Jazeera that the situation will vary from state to state, depending on whether state and local eviction protection measures are in place. But in some areas of the country, landlords have been able to start the eviction process during the CDC suspension, Dunn explained that they have prepared an eviction order. In some jurisdictions, especially in the southern United States, such as Florida On Monday morning, the sheriffs deputy can actually start taking tenants to the street, he said. In many places, we can see tenants not only being prosecuted and evicted, but also quickly being relocated. too late With the clock ticking before the ban expires, the country is ready to welcome heartbreaking families whose belongings are not knowing where to go by the side of the road. One of the people at risk is Terriana Clark. She lived in a car with her husband and two stepchildren for most of last year, and then found a teaching job and a set in Harvey, Louisiana. apartment. The 27-year-old woman was unemployed again after she fell ill and was unable to pay her rent. She told the New Orleans Advocate that she applied for a local aid program four months ago but is still waiting for help. If it comes, it comes. If it doesnt, then it doesnt, she told the newspaper. Its too late for many people. Many people will be outside. Protesters protested at the No Deportation, No Police National Day of Action in New York City, protesting against the forcible removal of people from their homes by law enforcement agencies [File: Angela Weiss/AFP] The latest family pulse survey by the Census Bureau shows that of the 51 million renters surveyed, 7.4 million are in arrears, and nearly half of them say they At the risk of being deported In the next two months. According to a study by the Jain Family Research Institute, as of early July, nearly 80% of households in rent arrears live in coronavirus hotspots.U.S. saw it COVID-19 infections surge, Mainly due to spread Delta variant. Mary Hunt drove a medical taxi to earn the minimum wage, but due to COVID-19, she defaulted on the rent of the mobile home. She received the deportation document and was worried about what she would do with her property and her five cats and one dog. How do I choose which cat to keep? This will not happen. I will not leave any of them, Hunter told National Public Radio this week. Call for action At the same time, this situation has triggered mutual accusations and increasing calls for action in the US capital. A few hours before the expiration of the ban, US President Joe Biden called on local governments to take all possible measures to allocate funds immediately. He said in a statement: There is no excuse in any state or place not to expedite the provision of funds to landlords and tenants who have been harmed during the pandemic. But lawmakers, including some in Bidens own Democratic Party, said they were caught off guard by the presidents inaction as the midnight deadline approached on Saturday. Some people expressed anger at his call on Congress to provide a last-minute solution to protect renters. Al Jazeeras Mike Hanna reported in Washington, D.C. He said that as the suspension draws to a close, many of the slow response questions of Congress and the White House remain unanswered. The situation you encountered is that this is a well-known thing, and the deadline was known a month ago. Until the last minute, neither the White House nor Congress took action on this. The result. [is that] Millions of Americans are now facing deportation, Hannah said. As Bush camped outside the Capitol and asked the House of Representatives to reconvene a meeting to extend the deportation protection measures, the Progressive Democrats joined Congresswoman Corey Bush on Saturday night and Sunday night. I dont plan to leave before some kind of change happens, Bush said, even though the U.S. House of Representatives has already left for the August recess. Democratic Rep. Alexander Ocasio-Cortez said on Sunday that the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives had the opportunity to extend the moratorium, but failed to do so. Frankly, there are a few conservative Democrats in the House threatening to board the plane instead of holding this vote. We can really only speak out. When the House of Representatives Democrats have a majority, we cannot sincerely blame the Republicans, she said. Said in an interview with CNNs State of the Union program. However, she said that the White House will not take its stand until the day before the House of Representatives adjourns. I think the House of Representatives is in an unnecessary predicament, Ocasio-Cortez said. The fact is that the problem is here. The House of Representatives should reconvene and vote and extend the suspension order. Mexicans have started voting Referendum President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador pushed for an investigation of the former presidents alleged corruption, but experts criticized the vote as a political gimmick. Lopez Obrador, the well-known Anti-Money Laundering Organization (AMLO), once regarded the past government as extremely corrupt and made combating this practice a priority. But critics say that the Mexican president hopes to use this consultation to breathe life into his foundation and is unlikely to get enough votes to make it effective. To be binding, 37.4 million people (40% of the electoral roll) must participate. Voting starts at 8 am local time (13:00 GMT) on Sunday and will end at 6 pm (23:00 GMT). It is expected that the results will be announced within two or three days. Roy Campos, director of the polling company Mitofsky, said that although a yes vote may win up to 90% of the turnout, even a 30% turnout is difficult to achieve. Consultation has become ideological, Campos told Reuters. The presidents supporters are those who want to vote and vote yes. Critics say the vote is a political gimmick and will demonstrate President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors ability to mobilize supporters [File: Edgard Garrido/Reuters] Jose Antonio Crespo, a political analyst at the Mexican Center for Economic Research and Training, agreed. He called the referendum strictly speaking, an exercise of political and media exposure and pointed out the problem of voting. The result is beyond doubt. The question is not whether theyes option will win, we know that 90% or more people will vote yes, Crespo said. The question is, how many people will vote? Many of us dont want to be manipulated. This will show how many people still support Lopez Obrador and how much he has the ability to mobilize people. According to a recent survey by the El Financiero newspaper, 77% of respondents said they would support the proposal of the former leader of the survey, but only 31% said they would vote. Rosario Gomez is one of the people planning to vote in one of the 57,000 ballot boxes set up by the electoral agency, and to vote in more than 160,000 ballot boxes set up by the electoral agency. Legislative and local elections in June. These thieves should pay! said the 52-year-old market vendor. Lopez Obrador accused former leaders Carlos Salinas, Ernesto Zedillo, Vicente Fox, Felipe Calderon and Enrique Pena Nieto (who was in power from 1988 to 2018) exacerbated many of Mexicos plights, from poverty to insecurity. People want participatory democracy, not just representative democracy, he said last week. You must have faith in the people, you must have faith in the people and their free choice, not afraid of the people. An ad showing the image of former Mexican President Carlos Salinas calls on citizens to participate in the referendum [Christian Palma/AP Photo] The president initially wanted a referendum to ask voters whether they wanted the former president to be prosecuted, but the Supreme Court ordered a looser wording to protect due process and the presumption of innocence. The question is: Do you agree to take relevant actions in accordance with the Constitution and the legal framework to clarify the political decisions made by political actors in the past few years to ensure justice and the rights of potential victims? The government of Lopez Obrador has not specified what the process will involve. Campos said that the statute of limitations for some of the allegations that the former president may face has expired, and the referendum may result in the establishment of a truth commission instead of legal action. But the former president can be tried like any other citizen, and critics believe that the referendum is unnecessary. Waiting for the outcome of the negotiations makes justice a political circus, said Jose Miguel Vivanco, head of Human Rights Watch Americas. Other opponents said in the slogan: The law must apply, not vote. Fox, who served as president from 2000 to 2006, was an outspoken critic of Lopez Obrador, and he urged Mexicans to stay at home. Let us not indulge in this farce, he wrote on Twitter. In Transparency Internationals World Corruption Perception Index, Mexico ranks 124th out of 179 countries. Six months after seizing power from the democratically elected government, Myanmars military leader declared himself prime minister on Sunday and said he will lead the country in an extended state of emergency until elections are held about two years later. We must create conditions to hold free and fair multi-party elections, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said in a recorded televised speech. We must be prepared. I promise that there will be a multi-party election. He said that the state of emergency will achieve its goal in August 2023. In another announcement, the military government referred to itself as the caretaker government and Min Aung Lai as the prime minister. On February 1, the army declared a state of emergency when it took action against Aung San Suu Kyis democratically elected government. The generals stated that this action was permitted under the 2008 constitution formulated by the military. The military claimed that her overwhelming victory in last years national elections was obtained through large-scale voter fraud, but did not provide credible evidence. The military government officially declared the election results invalid last Tuesday and appointed a new election committee to vote. Public protest and repression The military takeover was met with large-scale public protests that led to a deadly crackdown by security forces, who often fired live ammunition into the crowd. According to statistics from the Independent Political Prisoners Aid Association, as of Sunday, 939 people have been killed by the authorities since February 1. With the intensification of armed resistance in urban and rural areas, the number of military and police casualties has also increased. On July 29, during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, protesters held up three-finger salutes. The salute has been used as a symbol of resistance. (AFP/Getty Images) After an agreement was reached at a summit meeting in Jakarta in April to appoint a special envoy for Myanmar, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has stalled its efforts to facilitate dialogue between the military government and its opponents. Min Aung Lai said that of the three nominees, Verasadi Futlakou, the former deputy foreign minister of Thailand, was selected as the special envoy. But for various reasons, new proposals were released, and we cannot move on, he said. I want to say that Myanmar is ready to carry out ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework, including dialogue with the ASEAN Special Envoy in Myanmar. The ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to discuss the Myanmar issue this week at a virtual meeting hosted by Brunei, the current chairman of the Group of Ten. Myanmar is also struggling to deal with its worst COVID-19 outbreak, which has overwhelmed its already paralyzed healthcare system. The restrictions on oxygen sales have led to widespread allegations that the military is delivering supplies to government supporters and military-run hospitals. On July 28, people wore masks to help contain the spread of COVID-19. They rode tricycles to deliver goods in Shwe Pyi Thar Town, Yangon. (Associated Press) At the same time, after launching a civil disobedience movement to urge professionals and civil servants not to cooperate with the government, medical staff became the authorities targets. Min Aung Hlaing blamed the publics distrust of the militarys control of the epidemic on fake news and misinformation on social networks and accused those behind it of using COVID-19 as a bioterrorism tool. According to Reuters, two humanitarian rescue ships rescued 394 migrants from a dangerous overcrowded wooden boat in the Mediterranean. The operation lasted about six hours. The German and French NGO ships Sea-Watch 3 and Ocean Viking rescued migrants in Tunisian waters 68 kilometers (42 miles) off the coast of North Africa, close to oil facilities and other ships, overnight on Sunday. Sea-Watch 3 assumed command of the operation and took 141 survivors, while Ocean Viking took the rest. Nadir, a yacht from the German NGO ResQ Ship, later provided support. It is not yet clear whether the immigrants on the ship have suffered casualties. The deck and interior of the wooden boat are crowded with immigrants. A Reuters witness said that the ship was entering water and the engine was not working. NGO ships have rescued people in distress at sea Earlier this week. After rescue operations earlier in the weekend, by Sunday night, the Ocean Viking alone had about 555 people on board. A spokesperson said that the ship is now full and needs to find a safe port as soon as possible, and pointed out that among the rescued was a three-month-old baby. After being rescued on a small wooden boat in the international waters off the coast of Libya, the immigrants on the Sea-Watch rigid hull inflatable boat arrived at the Sea-Watch 3 ship of the German NGO [Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters] The Berlin-based organization Sea-Watch called the current situation in the Mediterranean extremely critical. Sea-Watch 3 also carried dozens of people. The six people were taken away by the Italian Coast Guard due to poor health. On Sunday, the ship carried another 26 people, bringing the total number of people on board to approximately 250 people. As weather conditions improve, the number of migrant ships departing from Libya and Tunisia to Italy and other parts of Europe has increased in recent months. According to the International Organization for Migration under the United Nations, more than 1,100 people fled conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East this year and died in the Mediterranean. The crossing points of European Union countries via the central Mediterranean are dangerous, and overcrowded ships are often in distress at sea. Witnesses from Reuters said that in this latest rescue, many migrants were seen jumping off the boat and trying to swim to Sea-Watch 3. The immigrants are mainly men from Morocco, Bangladesh, Egypt and Syria. Private rescue organizations criticized these migrants for being repeatedly intercepted by the coast guards of various countries and taken back to Libya, for example, where they were threatened with violence. Rapper DaBaby was cut from Lollapaloozas closing lineup on Sunday after making vulgar and homophobic remarks at a music festival in the Miami area last week. The Grammy-nominated artist named Jonathan Kirk was originally scheduled for the final night of the four-day music festival in downtown Chicago as the closing performance. Lollapalooza organizers said on Twitter on Sunday that rapper Young Thug will perform instead. Lollapalooza is built on diversity, tolerance, respect and love, the organizers wrote. With this in mind, DaBaby will no longer perform in Grant Park tonight. The festival organizers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In recent days, artists including Madonna, Questlov and Elton John have condemned DaBabys remarks during his performance at the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami last Sunday. On stage, the rapper appealed to members of the LGBTQ community and people living with HIV and AIDS. He used rude language to ask non-homosexuals or people infected with HIV or AIDS to raise their mobile phone flashlights. He falsely stated that the disease would make you die within two to three weeks. A representative of DaBaby did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. An unnamed person who answered the phone at his record company South Coast Music Group on Sunday said: No comment. Songs by the North Carolina Rapper Rock star It is one of the hottest songs in 2020 and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Record of the Year. The UN peacekeeping mission stated that the 3R armed groups carried out large-scale attacks on military positions in northeastern villages, causing casualties. The United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) stated that six civilians were killed in an insurgent attack in the northeast of the country. Agence France-Presse quoted the spokesperson of the 12,000-member United Nations MINUSCA mission as saying: In the early hours of this morning, personnel from 3R (return, reclaim, recover) launched a large-scale attack on the Central African army position in Mancun. Saturday News agency. The spokesman said that several civilians were injured in the attack. Lieutenant Colonel Abdulaziz Farr later stated that the situation in Mann, about 550 kilometers (340 miles) from the capital Bangui, is now under control and patrols are ongoing. 3R is one of several armed groups that emerged in the Central African Republic. Since the brutal civil war broke out in 2013, the Central African Republic has been mired in violence. President Faustin-Archange Touadera was re-elected in the December 2020 elections. In the case of increased insecurity, the turnout rate was less than one-third of voters. Voting was hindered by the armed groups (including 3R) that controlled about two-thirds of the country at the time, and the rebels launched an offensive before polling day. Since then, with the support of United Nations peacekeepers, Rwandan special forces and Russian paramilitary organizations, the army has seized most of the territory from the control of the rebels. On Thursday, the UN Security Council extended the countrys arms embargo for 12 months, and members expressed shock at the deteriorating situation in the country. The extension aimed at preventing armed groups from acquiring weapons is almost the same as the previous embargo, but includes an exemption for mortars. Since Moscow first admitted to sending people to help train its troubled troops in 2018, Russia has been helping the Central African Republics poorly equipped national army. Russian paramilitary forces provided small arms, were exempt from the arms embargo, and were believed to help strengthen the Central African Republics forces. Last month, UN experts accused the Russians of indiscriminate killing and robbery. Moscow insisted that these personnel were unarmed and did not participate in the fighting. Russia admits that it has deployed about 500 instructors, but United Nations experts estimate that there may be as many as 2,000. San Diego-Officials said that a man who was fighting with his separated wifes boyfriend was shot and hit in the face with a pistol on Saturday night. The police are not sure whether his boyfriend will face charges. SDPD officer Darius Jamsetjee told a photographer on OnScene TV that the authorities received a 911 call at around 7:40 p.m. about the shooting at their home in Sterling Court near Altadena Avenue in Chollas Creek. A separated husband came to his wifes house, and her current boyfriend was there. They were caught in some form of verbal argument, which turned into a physical conflict, Jamsetjee spoke at the scene shortly after the shooting. Said when. During the dispute, the new boyfriend shot once and hit the victims right hip once. The official said that the man was taken to the hospital and his life was not in danger. He was also hit in the face by a pistol, commonly known aswhip with a pistol, Jamsetjee added. As of now, we are still investigating whether this is an act of self-defense or an attack with lethal weapons. The womans boyfriend was detained and can be seen talking to the police. Further details are not immediately available. This year is the first time the federal government has recognized Liberation Day, but at least one Canadian community celebrated it before the founding of the Confederation. On March 24, members of Congress Unanimous vote Designate August 1 as Canadas Liberation Day. This date marked August 1, 1834, when slavery was abolished in the British colonies, including Canada. The motion was proposed by Majid Jowhari, a Liberal MP who represents the constituency of Richmond Hill, Ontario. It was supported by Conservative MP Alex Love in Owen Sound, Ontario, and has been celebrating Liberation Day there since 1862. Owen Sound is the northernmost terminus of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses where blacks escaped slavery in the United States. According to the regions Liberation Festival website. Clap your hands from a height Liberation Day board chairman Jeffrey Smith said that after Owen Sound celebrated 159 years, it is meaningful for this day to be recognized nationwide. My parents may be applauding from a height now, he said. Smith said that he was very happy to see that the Liberation Day motion was passed unanimously, and the political parties appeared to be opening up to recognize social issues including racism and poverty. I think education and the Internet do a great job of making people aware of this. This awareness is changing things, Smith said. He said the murder of George Floyd (George Floyd) by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020 and the riots that followed have also raised awareness of racism. Watch | Liberation Day is remind what is left to do: Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard of Nova Scotia stated that Canada must respond to its role in slavery by officially recognizing Emancipation Day on August 1 each year. 9:31 Smith said that Owen Sounds festival has been developing over the yearsfrom an all-black picnic to include people of all races, and now recognizes that the indigenous people of the area helped the slaves who escaped on the underground railroad. From the 1930s to the 1960s, Liberation Day celebrations in Windsor, Ontario, Attracted thousands of participants , Including celebrities and civil rights leaders from all over the United States. Ottawa teacher Preston Chase released a documentary about his uncle Walter Perrys role in the celebration of creating Windsor. Tell CBC News In March of this year, Perry will be pleased with the motion passed by Parliament. But he might say,Its time.' Ontario officially proclaims Liberation Day Since 2008 And Vancouver Follow up in 2020 . On August 1, 2020, a young girl participated in the Liberation Day Parade in Vancouver. (Darryl Dyke/Canada Press) For years, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard of Nova Scotia has been calling for recognition of this day at the federal level.She introduced a Private member bill It was in the Senate in 2018, but it did not pass the first reading. When the Liberal MPs motion was passed in March, she said she hoped the move would lay the foundation for Canada to switch to other compensation. It is important for us to recognize how slavery is truly embedded in the current anti-black racism we are experiencing. [and] The current state of systemic racism that we are trying to address, Thomas Bernard told CBC Main street then. Green Party leader Anna Mi Paul, the first black leader of Canadas major political parties, Said Liberation Day was ignored Time is too long. Although people of African descent have been living in Canada since the transatlantic slave trade for nearly 200 years, the natives of these territories predate the colonialists, but people generally did not commemorate Liberation Day and were not educated, she said. For more stories about the experience of black Canadiansfrom anti-black racism to success stories in the black communitycheck out Black Canadians, a CBC project that Canadian blacks can be proud of. You can read more stories here. As the rescue operation continued, 110 people were still missing and 34 people were injured in the Kamdesh area of ??Nuristan Province. Officials said the death toll from the flood in Nuristan province in eastern Afghanistan this week has risen to at least 113, and dozens of people are still missing. On Wednesday, a few days after heavy rains flooded the Kamdesh district in a remote, Taliban-controlled province about 200 kilometers (120 miles) northeast of the capital Kabul, rescue operations are still ongoing. Afghan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) spokesperson Abdul Samay Zalbi told the dpa news agency that more than 170 houses were partially or completely destroyed, affecting approximately 300 families. Although his number of injuries was 34, Zabi pointed out that the numbers are preliminary and may change. Locals look for mudslide victims in Nuristan [Ubidullah Abid/AP Photo] According to the disaster relief department, the flood also destroyed a major bridge in the area. The department stated that it was unable to provide victims with basic support such as food, temporary shelter and medical support. Unfortunately [since] The area is under the control of the Taliban and we cannot send our provincial team to the area, Tamim Azimi, spokesman for the Ministry of National Disaster Management of Afghanistan, told AFP. However, an investigation team from the Afghan Red Crescent Society has traveled to the area to assess the damage and the support needed. Al Jazeeras Charlotte Baylis reported from Kabul that the United Nations is also trying to enter the area to provide assistance, including clean drinking water. Since the beginning of May when foreign troops headed by the United States began to withdraw their troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban had already occupied large areas of rural territory and occupied key border crossings. The withdrawal is now close to completion. Bayliss said that as its fighters gain greater control over these areas, the situation in Nuristan is a real test for the Taliban, and if they continue to stay there, it can be subjected to this What kind of support is provided by the people affected by the like situation. Control is there. Afghanistan is often hit by seasonal floods, destroying houses, farmland and public infrastructure. In August 2020, flash floods in 13 provinces caused more than 150 deaths. According to the United Nations, decades of conflict, coupled with environmental degradation and insufficient investment in disaster risk reduction, have made Afghans increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. On average, natural disasters affect 200,000 people in the country every year. Authors: KEVIN FREKING and LISA MASCARO Washington (Associated Press)-Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Sunday that a vote on the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill could be held within a few days as negotiators are scrambling to complete it. legislation. Schumer said at the start of the rare Sunday meeting that the text of the bill would be published immediately. Senators and staff members have been working hard behind the scenes for several days to write what will surely become a huge piece of legislation. The early draft was over 2,500 pages. In order to promote this work, Schumer kept senators involved over the weekend and encouraged the authors of the bipartisan infrastructure plan to complete the drafting of the bill so that the senators could begin to propose amendments. Two negotiators said Sunday morning that action may be taken soon. Maine Senator Susan Collins said on CNN: We are really almost over. Senator DW.Va. Joe Manchin said on CNN, There may be texts today and tonight. Hope we can start this process. . Like Schumer, both said that the bill may be completed this week. After a few days of delay, these predictions are a familiar adverb. Several senators have stated that the text of the bill will be ready for review later on Friday or early Saturday, but it is not ready for submission when Schumer closes on Saturday night. They need a little more time, Schumer said. I am going to give them. Majority leader Schumer said he understands that completing the preparation of such a huge bill is a difficult task, but he warned on Saturday that as long as the vote on the bipartisan infrastructure is completed, he is ready to let lawmakers stay in Washington. The plan and budget blueprint will enable the Senate to begin enacting a $3.5 trillion social, health, and environmental bill later this year. The longer it takes to complete, the longer we will be here, but we will get the job done, he said. The bipartisan plan-a key part of President Joe Bidens agenda-calls for an increase of $550 billion in new spending over five years, exceeding the expected federal level. Its funding sources may not be able to meet the demands of the deficit hawks, including reusing untapped COVID-19 relief aid and relying on projected future economic growth. Major investments include US$110 billion for roads and bridges, US$39 billion for public transportation, and US$66 billion for railways. There is also $55 billion for water supply and sewage treatment infrastructure, and billions of dollars for airports, ports, broadband Internet and electric vehicle charging stations. On Friday, a bipartisan group of senators helped it clear another obstacle and was ready to see if it could gain support in the debate and efforts to revise it in the next few days. Schumer hopes to end voting before the senator adjourns in August. He said that once the legislative text is finalized, he will review it and use it as a substitute for the shell bill currently before the House of Representatives. Then, the senator can start voting on the amendment. We may need the weekend, and we may vote on several amendments, but with the cooperation of our Republican colleagues, I believe we can complete the bipartisan infrastructure bill within a few days, Schumer said on Friday night. The results of the joint efforts of the two parties will lay the foundation for the next debate on Bidens ambitious $3.5 trillion spending plan, a strictly partisan pursuit of far-reaching programs and services, including childcare, tax relief, and healthcare , These plans and services have reached almost every corner of the United States. American life. Republicans strongly oppose the bill, which requires a simple majority and may try to prevent both. Senator John Corning, Republican of Texas, predicted: This will be an ordeal. Earlier this week, 17 Republican senators voted together with all Democrats to begin the debate, starting the bipartisan bill review process for several days. In another procedural vote on Friday, this support was basically supported, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voted again to advance the process. In the next few days, whether the number of Republican senators willing to pass the bill increases or decreases will determine whether the presidents signature issue can be passed smoothly. Cornyn said he hoped that Schumer would give all senators the opportunity to enact bills and allow members of both parties to make amendments. I am very disappointed. Senator Shu acquiesced that we should try to force us to vote on an incomplete bill, but I hope we can step on the brakes a little now and take time and attention to evaluate the benefits and costs of this legislation. Conin said. Virginia Democratic Senator Mark Warner said on Saturday that negotiators are finalizing the final few items, but he did not predict when the senators will be ready for amendments and debates. There is some feeling, um, infrastructure. It shouldnt be difficult to do. If its not difficult to do, why does it take 30 years to get to this moment? Warner said. ___ Associated Press writer Mary Claire Jaronick contributed to this report. San Diego Urban MOs Bar & Grill in Hillcrest is now asking customers who want to participate in indoor events to show their vaccination status. Vaccination certificates for dance floors, all performances, dances or similar events, said general manager Matt Ramon. The vaccination certificate takes effect on Saturday. Ramon said that they have not received strong opposition from customers and have received their full cooperation. They have prepared the cards, Ramon said. They are ready, and Im glad we did it, because they feel safe. Customers can show their physical vaccination card or use ID digitally. Ramon said that customers have been showing their QR codes, and they can scan these QR codes in restaurants. Ramon said that for those who come to MO to eat, they do not need to show proof of vaccination. You can still enter the restaurant without a vaccination card, but when we perform any performance, we will have a guard there to show a vaccination certificate with an ID card, he said. On the occasion of the announcement The delta variant continues to spread Between the United States and San Diego County. Cortez Hill resident Tim Williams said that vaccination verification may now be required. We need to know who is vaccinated and who is not, because I think people are saying,Oh, I am vaccinated and they are not vaccinated, Williams said. Maybe this is part of the problem that broke out again. Ramon said MO requested the vaccination certificate because of the safety of employees and customers. This is always for the safety of my employees, my business, my guests and my community, he said. And we will continue to do so. More mask mandates are coming to the metro. Thursday night in Wyandotte County, commissioners voted to bring back their mask mandate. Schools were not included. They want the school boards to make that decision. Bonner Springs and Edwardsville were also exempted. Kansas City's second mask mandate has begun, with new rules on when you should be masked up and when you can go without a face covering. Video taken by a family member shows a Kaufman County, Texas, sheriff's deputy on top of an 18-year-old woman, and then arresting her mother during a police encounter on Tuesday afternoon in Forney, Texas. In the video, the woman being held down is heard yelling, "I can't breathe." The Kaufman County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that Deputy Conner Martin was using an approved control technique to detain her after responding to a 911 call that a young woman was suicidal and walking into traffic in an attempt to get hit by a car. In a recording of a 911 call released by Kaufman County, a caller tells a dispatcher that a young woman is walking in the middle of the street and when the caller had to swerve to miss her, the woman said she wanted to be run over and wanted someone to end her life. "Three people already had to swerve out of the way, me including," the caller said in the recording. Martin's body-worn camera shows him arriving at the scene and asking a young woman what is wrong and why she is crying. The woman, who her family would later identify as Nekia Trigg, 18, was crying but said she was OK and was just going home. She denied walking in front of cars. In the body camera footage, Martin explained he can't let her leave on her own. "I don't want you to hurt me," Trigg said. Martin, holding Trigg's arm, responded, "I'm not going to hurt you, but if you keep pulling away, I have got to put you in handcuffs." Trigg can be heard saying, "You're hurting me," before the camera fell to the ground. According to the sheriff's office, the camera kept recording, but it fell underneath Trigg and Martin as they went to the ground. Trigg's sister, Jads Levels, 19, and her friend, Jermany Sims, 20, witnessed part of the incident. They told CNN that they became aware of the police encounter after a phone call from Trigg on Tuesday evening. "She's screaming and crying," Levels told CNN by phone, saying that she remembers Trigg saying, "Police got me, police got me, please come help me." Levels said her mother, Antanique Ray, then arrived at their house from work. They found Trigg's location -- just a neighborhood over -- and jumped back in the car, Levels said. She said they were able to determine the location because Trigg had shared it with a friend. When they arrived, Levels and Sims said they heard Trigg yelling and saw a Kaufman County sheriff's deputy sitting on top of her holding her hands above her head. That's when Sims began filming the incident. The video shows that the family tried to calm Trigg, telling her to "just breathe" and holding her hands. They also plead with the deputy to get off of Trigg. A brief time later, another Kaufman County sheriff's deputy is seen and Trigg is rolled onto her stomach and put into handcuffs. As deputies walk Trigg away her mother is seen approaching them. She is heard in the video asking the officers if they could loosen Trigg's cuffs. Martin can be heard telling her to get back at which point a scuffle ensues and Ray is taken into custody. The sheriff's office says Ray struck Martin, but this is unclear in the family video or from his body-worn camera. Ray was arrested for interfering with public duties and assault of a public servant, according to the sheriff's office. CNN has reached out to the Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney's Office to inquire which charges they are pursuing, if any. The Kaufman County Sheriff's office said Trigg was taken to a mental health facility for evaluation. The family tells CNN that Trigg was taken to the Terrell State Hospital. Ray has bonded out of custody but has yet to make an initial appearance and Trigg has been released from the mental health facility, according to the family's lawyer, Kim T. Cole. Cole says Trigg underwent an evaluation at the facility and that she was "promptly released because they found no reason to keep her." When asked about the 911 call recording, Cole said if that was Trigg's state of mind, the officer only made it worse. "Physical injuries from an auto accident will eventually heal, however, the psychological damage this deputy caused will be with Nekia for the rest of her life," Cole said. Cole says Trigg was not suicidal. "She was simply trying to get home. She didn't care about traffic. She wanted to get home," Cole said. Martin has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, in accordance with the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office policy, the news release said. CNN has been unable to reach Martin for comment and the sheriff's office said there is no statement from him available. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Pandemic unemployment benefits must restart in Arkansas while a lawsuit works its way through the court system, a state judge ruled in a decision filed Thursday. On the same day, an Ohio state judge denied a similar request to restore the $300 weekly pandemic supplement to jobless residents while he considers the case. The split rulings are the latest in the quest by out-of-work Americans to reverse the decisions of more than two dozen governors to terminate at least one of three historic pandemic unemployment benefits programs early in an effort to spur residents to return to work. Courts in Maryland and Indiana recently nixed governors' orders to cease the benefits early, restoring payments to hundreds of thousands of people in those states. RELATED: Maryland extends pandemic unemployment benefits after court order. Indiana does not. Also on Thursday, laid-off Floridians filed a lawsuit challenging GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis' decision to terminate the $300 weekly boost on June 26 instead of in early September, when the pandemic programs will end in the states that are continuing them. States' obligation to obtain unemployment benefits for residents In Arkansas, Circuit Judge Herbert Wright Jr. said state law requires state officials to work with the federal government to secure all available unemployment compensation. "The clear meaning of Arkansas law in this regard is that the state is to participate in these types of programs for the benefit of its citizens," Wright wrote in his order. "The court has serious doubts that the governor and the director of Workforce Services were acting within the scope of their duties, as these decisions would normally be the subject of legislation from the General Assembly." The ruling is a victory for the roughly 69,000 people who lost their benefits when Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson decided they would end on June 26, said Kevin De Liban, director of advocacy for the Legal Aid of Arkansas, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of five jobless residents. "Everyone has made their best efforts to go back to work, but it's not easy out there, and the current Covid outbreak isn't going to make it any easier," De Liban said, noting that the state requires the unemployed to search for work and accept suitable jobs as a condition of receiving unemployment benefits. The state will appeal the preliminary injunction, said Shealyn Sowers, Hutchinson's spokeswoman. RELATED: More people looking for -- but not taking -- jobs after their unemployment benefits end early In Ohio, a state judge declined to grant a temporary restraining order that would require GOP Gov. Mike DeWine to restart the $300 weekly supplement, which ended on June 26. State law references unemployment compensation available under the Social Security Act, Judge Michael Holbrook said in his decision. "The wording chosen by the Ohio General Assembly clearly does not include the CARES Act," Holbrook wrote, referring to the coronavirus relief package Congress passed in March 2020 that created the three pandemic unemployment programs. The plaintiffs will immediately appeal, said their attorney, Marc Dann. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted praised the decision, saying that ending the federal boost helps both employers and workers. "As a result of the tough decisions we have made, Ohio's recovery is strong, unemployment claims are declining, and Ohio's unemployment rate is below the national average," they said. Additional lawsuits Out-of-work residents in Oklahoma and Texas have also filed lawsuits in hopes of restoring the benefits, while an effort is underway in Missouri to challenge Republican Gov. Mike Parson's decision to terminate the programs. Some 26 governors -- all but one of them Republicans -- announced in recent months that they are dropping at least one of the three pandemic unemployment insurance programs Congress enacted in March 2020 and extended twice to support people during the virus-fueled economic downturn. (The programs were since restored in Maryland and Indiana by court order.) RELATED: Louisiana will be the first Democrat-led state to end $300-a-week pandemic unemployment benefit early In addition to the $300 weekly supplement, the federal programs provide benefits to freelancers, the self-employed, independent contractors and certain people affected by the coronavirus, and to those who have exhausted their regular state benefits. Citing workforce shortages, the governors argue the expanded benefits are keeping the unemployed from accepting job offers. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Ca. --The lightning-caused McFarland Fire is approximately 2,100 acres and 5 % contained. Fire officials at U.S. Forest Service say a Type 2 Incident Management Team will be assuming command of the fire tonight. Yesterday, firefighters and equipment worked to construct a dozer line on the west side of the fire from Highway 36 south to forest road 29N27.Another dozer line has also been tied in on the east side of the fire from the confluence of the middle fork of Cottonwood Creek to Oliphant Creek. Crews aggressively attacked a spot fire on the northwest end of the fire. Over night, the fire continued to burn actively, particularly on the south side burning towards the North Fork of Beegum Creek and on the west side backing down McFarland Ridge towards forest road 29N28. Resources today will continue to scout for areas where they can construct a direct fire line. Firefighters are also working to assess structures in the Basin Gulch area, east of the fire, and develop a structure protection plan. While the weather will be moderate today with lower winds, extreme drought conditions still exist. Forest visitors are reminded that fire restrictions remain in effect prohibiting building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. For more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf/ YES: It shows we want to be better. MAYBE: If you can find the perfect replacement. NO: We can't reject history. Vote View Results Mahone has served as president of the UW-Parkside Foundation board, as a member of the Grants Committee for the Kenosha Community Foundation, among other local boards and committees, and is a member of the Association of Black Foundation Executives. He is a native of Kenosha and a graduate of Marquette University. Gregory M. Wesley is senior vice president, of Strategic Alliances and Business Development for the Medical College of Wisconsin, responsible for creating and deepening relationships with strategic partners, enterprises and alliances to support opportunities for MCWs long-term growth in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and Wausau. Prior to joining MCW, he was a private practice lawyer from 1997-2016. He currently serves on the Board of MHS Health Wisconsin, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., the Greater Milwaukee Committee, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, Teach for America Milwaukee and Versiti, Inc. However, as of Aug. 1, masks will be optional, Racine Unified officials announced last week. Tapp said that the district would continue to review the latest guidance and data and that could change at some point. David Brownholland, who also attended Kenosha Unifieds meeting virtually, said the district should listen to the experts and require masks so that all students can go back to school in the fall. These experts are saying that our children arent safe enough unless everyone around is masked, said Brownholland, a local chemist whose children attended school through the districts virtual option last year but wants his children to be able to return to school in person. This isnt a real choice. Forcing my child into an unsafe environment with unmasked and unvaccinated children takes choice away. Wearing a mask does not adequately protect my children, he said. They need all of those around them to wear masks in order to be protected. Daniel Radcliffe says people are always surprised he hasnt been messed up by childhood fame. The 32-year-old actor shot to stardom as a child when he landed the lead role in the Harry Potter film franchise, and has said the people who meet him now that hes an adult always have very low expectations of him and expect him to have been negatively impacted by his fame. He explained: I was very aware early on people have very low expectations of what Ill be like. Which is great because hopefully you always exceed them. "Once I was having dinner with the Director of Photography on a film and I told some weird story about a thing that happened to me in a kind of light, amused way. When I got to the end, the DP looked at me and went, How are you not more messed up? Its a reaction that does happen and I dont really have a satisfying answer for people. Daniel credits his parents literary agent dad Alan Radcliffe and casting director mum Marcia Gresha with keeping him grounded, as they made sure he was comfortable with his acting roles as a child and were never pushy. Speaking to the Sunday Mirror newspaper, he said: I have parents supportive of me but who also asked me between every film: Are you still having fun? You do know you dont have to do this? And I was like: I really want to do this, I hate school so much. I was conscious of the stereotype of child actors, and they didnt want to be pushy parents. Meanwhile, Daniel recently ruled himself out of any major celebrations for the upcoming 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. There are rumours the cast including Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Tom Felton will be reuniting to mark the anniversary on November 4, but Daniel said he is busy working on bits and pieces for the rest of the year. He said earlier this month: Im in the Dominican Republic at the moment, filming, and then Im going to be busy, kind of working on bits and pieces until the end of the year. "So, yeah, I dont know. Im sure there will be some sort of celebration but I dont know if we will be getting together or anything. Im sorry if thats a bit of a disappointment to anyone. 48 Shares Share While were not there yet, we may be approaching a point where were facing a significant skills shortage among surgeons. A 2017 study by Meritt Hawkins found that 52 percent of orthopedic surgeons were 55 and older, as were 48 percent of general surgeons. As many surgeons approach retirement age, there is a pressing need to up-skill and up-level the next generation of surgeons, especially with demand for a range of surgical procedures for the Baby Boomers, from knee and hip replacements to abdominal procedures, rising quickly. Surgical robotics may be an important part of the solution for upskilling the tens of thousands of experienced and talented surgeons that will be needed in the coming decades. Surgical robotics has advanced quickly with cutting-edge developments in robotic arm movements and range of motion, along with immersive reality, giving surgeons unparalleled visibility inside the human body. Imagine the benefits of a single incision robot that has full range of motion and mimics a surgeons hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, effectively shrinking the surgeon and putting her or him inside the human body. To make this a reality, a new generation of surgeons will need to continue to embrace their hunger for knowledge and lead the charge to move surgical robotics forward. Training the next generation of surgeons There has been tremendous progress in surgery, requiring surgeons today to constantly be learning and evolving. In the 1990s, with the advent of laparoscopic surgery, the cholecystectomy and hiatal hernia surgery moved from a lengthy recovery to outpatient surgery. In the last 20 years, complex gastric surgery has also moved to a laparoscopic approach. Now we are seeing the advantages of robotic surgery in hernia repair, colon, gynecologic and urologic surgery. Todays emerging surgeons are constantly on the cusp of learning, and robotic surgery is no exception. Robotics are already a significant part of surgery training, with technology such as virtual reality providing physicians with 3D views inside the body to study relationships at work. Sitting at a robot and feeling comfortable spending time with it is something most surgeons are already exposed to, and without preconceived notions about the way things should be done, new surgeons will have fewer constraints when it comes to being early adopters for robotic procedures. Yet early exposure itself is not enough to ensure the makings of a great surgeon. The ideal physician learner is really someone who embraces all new knowledge. Science is constantly moving innovation forward, and as physicians, we must have enough humility to recognize that we dont know the future. I would advise any skeptics to gain exposure to the technology and let it show you the potential for what it can do for both you and the patient. Benefits of robotic surgery In surgery, the constraints of operating within the abdomen make existing multi-port procedures challenging. For example, in laparoscopic surgery, surgeons need to put pressure on the instrument in the opposite direction they want it to move because of the fulcrum effect of the abdominal wall. This makes learning laparoscopic surgery challenging because it is a non-intuitive motor skill, requiring many hours of dedication to master. Enter the possibility of robotics where technology can reverse the motion of the surgeons hands inside the abdomen to align with typical human motor functions, improving hand-eye coordination. This prevents miscalculations, such as making an incision in the wrong area or cutting too deeply, which have negative clinical implications and result in a longer recovery. To take things one step further, inserting the robot into the abdomen itself is the next logical step in providing minimally invasive care. Robotics can be used to transport surgeons inside the abdomen and bypass typical restrictions from the abdominal wall with a 360-degree field of vision to examine and operate in every quadrant. A robotic solution with arms that can replicate human motion offers remarkable mobility. A robot can see, reach, and work anywhere inside the abdomen, which effectively shrinks the surgeon and puts her/him inside the human body, all through an incision as small as 1.5 centimeters. This provides surgeons with the technology they need for safer, more accurate, procedures with faster patient recoveries and better outcomes. The future of robotic surgery Technology continues to evolve every day. In the near-term future, portable and easily deployable robots will allow surgeons all over the world to perform minimally invasive surgery in an increasing number of procedure types and become even more effective surgeons. To achieve our goal of having a future surgeon workforce that meets the demands of an aging population and delivers good patient outcomes, we need training and knowledge-sharing at scale. Surgical robotics is poised to be an important part of the solution. Barry Greene is a general and bariatric surgeon. Image credit: Shutterstock.com EUGENE, Ore. -- Starting August 1st, thousands of Oregonians could be waking up to an eviction notice hanging on their front door. This comes as congress did not extend the nationwide eviction moratorium this week. Although the state moratorium ended June 30, the federal one expires July 31. RELATED: OREGON'S EVICTION MORATORIUM SET TO EXPIRE SOON The eviction moratorium prevents landlords from kicking out residents who don't pay their rent-- it has been in place since March 2020. It was part of the Coronavirus aid, relief, and economic security act. An estimated 3.6 million Americans may lose a roof over their head. Although Oregon lifted most restrictions in June, many are still wondering why this expiration is so soon, considering the pandemic isn't over yet. Tim Morris, the Springfield Eugene Tenant Association executive director, said there are some additional protections you can take right now to buy some time if you're behind on paymentsit's called renters assistance. "Apply, look into it right now," Morris said. "It takes time to process your application, and it takes time to receive those funds, but there are protections for folks that have an application in their hand saying 'I have applied for rent assistance, outlined in senate bill 278.' According to Oregon Senate Bill 278, once a tenant shows their landlord that they have applied for direct rent assistance, a 60-day eviction pause will occur. In addition to renter's assistance, Morris also said to be aware of your rights as a resident. "There have been so many changes, and it can be really confusing, but knowing that information is so critical in being able to stay in your home and know what resources are available to you," Morris said. However, some community members said it's about time that this eviction moratorium is expired. "Actually, I'm kind of glad that it's expiring," said Eugene resident Carol Grove. "Go out and get a job and take care of your own because this country is in a sad state of affairs because of the laziness of the American people." Others are not in favor of it ending because they were significantly affected by job loss and other factors during the pandemic. OREGON, USA The state of Oregon and various public employers are considering COVID-19 vaccine mandates as positive cases and hospitalizations again trend upward. However, some laws and exemptions stand in the way of making such mandates as wide-reaching as health officials want. Oregon is the only state in the country with a law that prevents hospitals from requiring the vaccine. Stacy Chamberlain is executive director of Oregon AFSCME, the union that represents workers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). It also represents about 29,000 workers across public and nonprofit sectors. "We encourage folks to get vaccinated because we want to get back to normal," Chamberlain said. OHSU is one of the entities working to create some sort of vaccine mandate, despite the exemption law. Gov. Kate Brown told KGW she's considering a special session in Salem to reverse that law to allow hospitals the choice to impose a mandate. She's also thinking about a mandate for state employees, similar to a mandate rolled out in California. Chamberlain's focus, however, is on incentives for vaccine-hesitant workers, such as cash, paid time off and childcare support. She said over the course of the pandemic, government employees, medical workers and corrections staff have put in hundreds of hours of overtime, so extra time off and rest are good incentives. In addition to a possible state employee vaccine mandate, the City of Portland is also considering one. Mayor Ted Wheeler is drafting a proposal for staff to show proof of vaccination or a weekly COVID test. At the federal level, the Department of Veterans Affairs became the first national agency to impose such a mandate for staff. However, as of Friday, the White House did not have solid plans for other agencies. "So a national vaccine requirement is not under consideration at this time," deputy White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. Nationally, the more contagious delta variant of COVID-19 is spurring vaccinations, with about 3 million Americans receiving their first shot in the last seven days. However, in Oregon, hospitalizations for COVID are rising back into the hundreds. Dr. David Zonies is OHSU's associate chief medical officer overseeing critical care. He said many new patients sick with COVID are trending younger and without underlying conditions. "We know the science, we have a vaccine," Zonies said. "This is a completely preventable problem." Oregon AFSCME said 85% of its members at OHSU are vaccinated, but hesitancy among the rest of staff and the public is creating a new problem as COVID cases tick back up. "People are leaving the profession, they're exhausted," Zonies said "We already have a limited number of beds and now we can't staff the beds that we have." The union and state said vaccine mandate decisions could roll out in the next few weeks. 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. Trocaire has thanked the people of Kilkenny for their essential support, which helped the charity assist 2.7 million people in 25 of the poorest countries across the world last year. The figures were released this week in Trocaires Annual Report, which showed that the aid agency raised 73 million in 2020/21 during one of the toughest years in living memory due to the global outbreak of Covid-19. The money came from both the public and from institutional donors including Irish Aid. The report details an increase of 15% on funds raised from the previous year with the total being the highest income raised in three years. Of the 2.7 million people the organisation supported last year, 2.1 million people received humanitarian support, while over 600,000 people were supported through Trocaires long-term development work. This work includes agricultural support, womens empowerment projects and support for human rights defenders. In 2020, Irish Aid contributed 22 million to Trocaires work. As a result of this funding, Trocaire was able to reach 426,383 individuals with support to mitigate the risks of Covid-19, including secondary impacts such as food insecurity and violence against women. Among the charities key advocacy priorities in 2020/21 were investment in Irelands overseas aid budget and the advancement of the campaign for Ireland to support a binding UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights. The solidarity shown to the worlds poorest by people in Ireland during the pandemic was humbling according to Trocaires CEO, Caoimhe de Barra. I am immensely grateful for and humbled by the response of our staff, partners, supporters, governing body members and donors. All of these individuals and organisations worked extremely hard to help Trocaire respond in support of those most affected by this global pandemic. In 2020/21, despite all of the challenges presented by the pandemic, we supported 2.7million people in 25 countries. This level of impact would not be possible without the commitment of our teams, partners and supporters in County Kilkenny. People here at home should be very proud of the positive and lasting change they have created. You can see Trocaires Annual Report here: www.trocaire.org. NEW YORK (AP) Police say 10 people were wounded when two men opened fire on a large crowd in the New York City borough of Queens. The NYPD says the shooting took place outside a barbershop in the borough's Corona neighborhood just before 11 p.m. Saturday. Police say the eight men and two women shot were all hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The NYPD says the two gunmen arrived at the scene on foot and opened fire before fleeing on two mopeds driven by two other men. Police say the gunmen's three intended targets are known members of the Trinitario street gang. No one was in custody as of Sunday morning. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Joplin (Mo.) Globe. Director Ryan White talks to journalists via video chat during a media conference for the documentary, "Assassins," in Gwangjin-gu, eastern Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of THE COOP The film traces two-year trial of two female "assassins" By Lee Gyu-lee Poster for the documentary, "Assassins," directed by Ryan White / Courtesy of THE COOP The murder of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, in Malaysia, shocked the world in February 2017, especially with the crime occurring in broad daylight inside a crowded Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Two women Siti Aisyah from Indonesia and Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam were arrested shortly after they smeared the lethal chemical agent, VX, on Kim's face, which killed him within an hour. As the case made headlines around the world, many people became aware of Kim's death and the arrests of the two young women who carried out the assassination. But director Ryan White's latest documentary, "Assassins," brings to light what really happened to these women and what prompted the two economic migrants to get involved in the murder, facing possible execution following their two-year trial. "They were admitting that they assassinated Kim Jong-nam, but were saying they didn't know they were about to assassinate someone. The story seemed too strange to be true," White said via video chat during a media conference for the documentary in Gwangjin-gu, eastern Seoul, Wednesday. "And that's what drew us to make this film and to follow the women's trial. It was the mystery of who the women are and delving into their past to figure out what form their lives led them up to this moment. CCTV footage showing Kim Jong-nam at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb. 13, 2017, on the day of his murder / Courtesy of THE COOP The film starts by highlighting the day of the murder, Feb. 13, 2017, showing CCTV footage of 29-year-old Huong and 25-year-old Aisyah in action. The footage also showed them running off to wash their hands, making their claim that they thought they were on a prank show unconvincing. But, as the story develops, tracing the evidence and interviewing their defense attorneys, undercover sources, and journalists who covered the case, the documentary questions whether the women were really trained assassins working for North Korea or unwitting pawns of a political murder plot. "We were very much more interested (in the women's story) than the political parts of this film At the beginning of the media aftermath, these women looked guilty. They were portrayed as guilty," White said, adding that he also was not sure of their innocence when he first got his hands on the case. With the suggestion of a journalist covering the aftermath of the assassination, White first flew over to Malaysia to learn the background himself and interviewed a related source before deciding to make the film. "It was while I was there, when I met both legal defense teams and they were opening up to me. And I met a lot of undercover sources. And I just knew it would be a compelling story," he said. "I didn't know whether I believed the women at that time when I began. But I knew either way, whether they were telling the truth or lying, that this would be an interesting trial to follow and an interesting hook for a documentary." Footage showing Doan Thi Huong walking away after rubbing deadly chemical agent on Kim's face / Courtesy of THE COOP The director spent a substantial amount of his time over the two years of the trial and in going through hours of the airport's CCTV footage, from the day of the murder and from the days leading up to it. The more White went through the sizeable amount of evidence, the more he started to believe that the two women merely thought they had been recruited to make a hidden camera show and prank strangers. "At the beginning of making the film, I assumed that the women were guilty. The longer I made the film, the more my eyes started to open that maybe these women are telling the truth," he said. "It was less about a moment that (evidence) proves that they are innocent, but was more about the lack of evidence, absence of anything that showed they were aware of what they were doing and that they were about to harm someone. The only piece of evidence that was ever used by the prosecution and the judge pointed to was that the women washed their hands after the assassination and that Doan looked aggressive the way she touched his face." Huong, front center, and Aisyah, in maroon, walk out of the court after their trial. Courtesy of THE COOP An image of Chernobyl was shown as the Ukrainian players enter the stadium during MBC's broadcast of the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, July 23. Screenshot from MBC By Kwon Mee-yoo The Embassy of Ukraine in Korea expressed discomfort after MBC used an image of Chernobyl to introduce the country during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Olympics, and urged Korean media to instead respect the country's history and achievements. "We feel very uncomfortable that our country, with its long years of history, incredible achievements in many spheres, great, talented people,and rich culture might be associated mainly with this tragic event," the Embassy of Ukraine in Korea told The Korea Times via email, Friday On July 23, when Ukrainian athletes were shown on the screen, during the parade of nations, MBC used an image of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster considered the worst nuclear accident in modern history to introduce the country. After mounting criticism over the use of inappropriate images and captions, MBC President Park Sung-jae officially apologized July 26, and sent individual official letters of apology to the embassies of Ukraine and Romania. Park said that he could not send an apology to Haiti, as it has withdrawn its diplomatic mission from Seoul. The Ukrainian Embassy said it had received an official letter from the company as well as many messages of support from the Korean people, with warm words, over the opening weekend. "We are very grateful for all Korean friends of Ukraine. ... We understand that Ukraine is quite far by distance from the Republic of Korea and some people may not know much about our country, but we do believe that with the assistance of the mass media, Korean audiences will receive more reliable and positive information about our country," the embassy said. "Ukraine will celebrate its 30th anniversary of Independence on Aug. 24, and next year will mark 30 years since Ukraine and the Republic of Korea established a diplomatic relationship, on Feb. 10, 1992. In this regard, we do hope that the Korean media will pay special attention to these historic dates." Other offensive descriptions of countries during the opening ceremony include a photo and caption referring to the assassination of Haiti's President Jovenel Moise in July, upon the arrival of Haiti's athletes into the stadium; a bitcoin symbol to represent El Salvador, where the cryptocurrency is legal tender; and a caption of the Marshall Islands stating they were "once a nuclear test site for the United States." The broadcaster also used stereotypical images to introduce some countries: pizza for Italy, salmon for Norway, sushi for Japan and Dracula for Romania. Angola, IN (46703) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low 64F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Partly cloudy early followed by scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 79F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, overcast overnight with occasional rain likely. Low 64F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Democrats increase pressure on party leadership to act on eviction moratorium as White House shifts focus to federal aid LODGE GRASS, Mont. - An individual has been charged with arson for intentionally setting a fire that burned a shed and threatened multiple structures and homes. The Exit 530 Fire burned a shed in an open field Saturday evening just east of Lodge Grass the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management Crow Agency reported. The fire moved through 24 acres of grass and brush into coulees, where it reportedly jumped the Little Big Horn River. BIA crews worked the Exit 530 fire until midnight Saturday and returned Sunday morning to do heavy mop up in cottonwoods by the Little Bighorn River. As of Sunday morning, the fire is 20% contained. An initial attack included help from the Forty Mile Hutterite colony, Lodge Grass Volunteer Fire Department, and PF Fire resources as well as two BIA engines and our helicopter and helitack. Overnight, the area was watched over by Lodge Grass Volunteer Fire Department. It really worked out that BIA Police were right there, said fire investigator Will Wiggins, visiting from BIA Michigan Agency. According to the report, the fire was intentionally set, and charges are being filed. The BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management Crow Agency noted that since July 27, BIA Crow firefighters have responded to eight smaller new human-caused fires. High temps in Crow revisit 96 degrees Sunday and 99 Monday, the update reads. Even with a 40% chance of locally heavy showers Tuesday night, temperatures return to 96 degrees by Thursday. Our grass and Wolf Mountains are still extremely dry. BAKER CITY Officials from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife shot and killed two wolf pups Sunday, Aug. 1, days after approving a permit for ranchers to kill up to four wolves in Baker County. The Lake Geneva and Linn Fire Departments recently hosted a flashover training for area firefighters. The simulation training was presented by instructors from Sauk Valley Community College and spanned two days. Participants included eight instructors with 84 students from 11 departments in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. A flashover occurs during a phase of a fire when heat has built up to a point where there is a simultaneous ignition of combustible material. Ceiling temperatures can reach up to 1500 degrees in a matter of seconds. The training involved a semi-tractor trailer that was converted into a simulated room. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Firefighters were seated on the floor while a controlled fire was started in the front of the trailer. When the fire built up enough heat, doors could be opened or closed to allow for oxygen to enter which caused rapid acceleration and the ignition of gasses. The floor temperature was over 200 degrees, with fire spreading over students heads in excess of 1000 degrees. Firefighters learned to observe smoke patterns, recognize building heat, identify signs of an imminent flashover and to know when to leave. Shannon Coey, who started the page, said he has been a Caledonia resident for 32 years and lives on 3 Mile Road near the airport property. Many years ago, he said, he walked his dog on the proposed property, before there was a fence there. You look at the fact that if the City of Racine didnt want this building in that location, what would make them think in any state of mind that Caledonia would want it? Coey said. Moving it out of the city doesnt seem like a very good idea. This is a quiet, residential area, it always has been. Why, in their right mind, would they want to put it here? Why do they need that much land? He said hed rather have the facility placed in the area where the juvenile detention youths come from, or perhaps closer to Interstate 94 to help with transportation for those coming from other counties. The best spot is where they originally were going to put it at, Coey said. Someone should ask them to explain how a Walmart was going to blight the community but a youth prison is just dandy! a Facebook user posted in the Caledonia Residents Against Youth Prison group, referring to vocal opposition in the early 2000s to a proposed Walmart in the village. So many things Caledonia said no to, why would they say yes to this? Nitrogen management is one of the most challenging parts of agronomy because there are so many different loss pathways for the nutrient, and these loss pathways are all affected by the weather. Johannesburg/Durban, Aug 1 (The Conversation) South Africa's COVID-19 vaccine rollout programme, outlined by the Ministry of Health, had three phases, starting with the most vulnerable population. Phase one included all the frontline healthcare workers. They received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Phase 2 vaccinated people over 60 years old and those in congregate settings. The third and final phase, now under way, covers the remaining South African population. The programme got off to a shaky start in February 2021. It encountered a number of setbacks such as supply, logistics and governance issues, but has gained momentum in recent weeks. As many as 200,000 doses are being administered daily. By the end of July 2021, almost 2.9% of the South African population had been fully vaccinated and 7.5% had their first of the two Pfizer doses. Despite this uptake, many South Africans are still hesitant to take the vaccine. The circulation of misinformation about it poses the danger of hampering efforts to control the pandemic. In this article, we aim to dispel some of the myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines. Myth 1: The COVID-19 vaccine will affect a woman's fertility This myth was sparked when a social media post was shared in December 2020 by Dr Wolfgang Wodarg, a physician and former chief scientist for allergy and respiratory therapy at Pfizer, and Dr Michael Yeadon, a pulmonologist. They claimed that the spike protein on the coronavirus was the same as the spike protein that is responsible for the growth and attachment of the placenta during pregnancy. The fear was that, as a result of the vaccine, the immune system would not be able to differentiate between the two spike proteins and would attack the placental protein. This is untrue. The overall makeup of the placental protein is very different from the coronavirus spike protein. Additionally, during the Pfizer vaccine tests, 23 women volunteers became pregnant after taking the vaccine. Furthermore, the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh the risks of infection for pregnant women. Myth 2: I've had COVID-19, so I don't need a vaccine Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can occur even in individuals who have previously contracted the virus. But receiving the vaccine can provide protection against severe COVID-19 complications. The level of protection that is achieved from natural immunity after being infected by the virus is unknown. But scientists believe that the vaccine provides better protection than natural infection. Myth 3: COVID-19 vaccine side-effects are dangerous Several studies have been conducted since the start of the pandemic that have measured South Africans' perceptions of vaccine issues. A recent study by the University of Johannesburg and the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa found that of the respondents who did not want to be vaccinated, 25% were concerned about side-effects. Most of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild. They include low grade fever, sore arm and fatigue, and these usually subside after one to three days. Rare side effects such as blood clots have been reported from the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The chances of experiencing this side effect are low. The risks of blood clots as a result of COVID-19 infection are 8-10 times higher than risks associated with the vaccine. Doctors are aware of this concern and are trained to identify and treat the condition quickly. A recent article by Healthline a medically reviewed and fact checked website compared the benefits and risks of being vaccinated with those of contracting COVID-19. Lung damage is a complication of COVID-19 while muscle fatigue can be a side effect of the vaccine. This risk-benefit decision is left to the individual to make, but vaccinations have been proven to be safe. Myth 4: Vaccines have a microchip that will track and control an individual This conspiracy theory has been propagated by anti-vaxxers who believe that the American business magnate, investor and philanthropist Bill Gates will implant microchips to track people's movement, using the vaccine as the method of delivery. This is untrue and has been clarified by Gates in the media. This myth gained traction when a video was shared on Facebook making false claims about the optional microchip on the syringe's label of the COVID-19 vaccine. This microchip's purpose is to confirm that the injectable and the vaccine are not counterfeit and haven't expired. It will also confirm if the injection has been used. People commenting on the video appeared to have misinterpreted the technology as an injectable. But the microchip is part of the syringe label and not the injectable substance itself. Myth 5: The COVID-19 vaccine development was rushed, so it may not be effective The vaccine was developed very quickly. This was possible because the vaccine technology had been in development for many years. When the genetic information of SARS-CoV-2 was identified, the process could begin quickly. There were sufficient resources to fund the research and social media made it easier to recruit participants for the clinical trials. Because SARS-CoV-2 is contagious, it was easy to tell whether the vaccine worked or not. Myth 6: The COVID-19 vaccine can alter my DNA The messenger RNA vaccine (Pfizer) and the viral vector vaccine (Johnson and Johnson) cause your body to develop protection, so that when you are infected by SARS-CoV-2, your body is prepared to fight the virus. DNA is located in the nucleus of your cells and the vaccine material does not enter the nucleus. So it does not alter the DNA. Social media plays a huge role in propagating myths and conspiracy theories. Before you share any information, you should ensure that it is from a scientific and reputable source. (The Conversation) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) May 2008--William Balfour, the husband of Jennifer Hudsons sister Julia, moves out of Hudson family home in the 7900 block of South Yale Avenue. June 2008--Balfour, on parole for a 1999 attempted murder conviction, is arrested on a charge of possession of cocaine. Balfour was stopped after he got out of a vehicle that had turned a corner at high speed in an area where police were investigating calls of shots fired. Police said they found drugs in the car Balfour was driving. The Illinois Department of Corrections is contacted about the new drug charges because Balfour was on parole, but the agency decides not to return him to prison. July 16--The drug case against Balfour is dropped after Cook County Circuit Judge David Skryd found police had no probable cause to arrest Balfour. Undetermined date--Jason Hudson, Jennifers brother, is shot in the leg in Gary, but refuses to seek medical attention, according to friends and family members. The wound limits his mobility and forces him to use a cane to walk. FRIDAY, Oct. 24 7 a.m.--Balfour drives his teal Chrysler to the Hudsons block, arriving about 7 a.m., according to witnesses. 9 a.m.--Neighbors hear gunshots, but do not notify police. Undetermined time--An early report said there were no signs of forced entry to the home, but law enforcement sources later said the shootings began with the gunman firing through a door and striking Hudsons brother, Jason, 29. The shooter then entered the house and continued to fire, hitting Hudsons mother when she entered the room. 12:30 p.m.--The teal Chrysler is parked near Robeson High School, about a mile from the Hudson home. Security video from the school showed someone parking the Chrysler, but investigators have not been able to determine the persons identity, sources said. A time stamp on the video showed the car was left there at 12:30 p.m., but it was unclear whether the stamp was accurate. Cell phone records placed Balfour on the West Side at that hour, sources said. If the time stamp at the school is accurate, it would suggest another person may have driven the Chrysler from the Hudson home to Robeson. In any event, Balfour did not use his own car to travel from the Hudsons Englewood house to his girlfriends home near 19th Street and Spaulding Avenue on the West Side, police said. Unknown time--Balfour misses a meeting with his parole officer, the Associated Press reported. 3 p.m.--A relative finds the body of Jennifer Hudsons mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, shot to death in her living room. The relative notifies authorities, who then find the body of Jennifers brother, Jason Hudson, 29, shot to death in a bedroom. There is no sign of Julian King, the 7-year-old son of Jennifers sister, Julia. Unknown time--Reached by phone by his parole agent, Balfour says he is baby-sitting on the West Side. The agent thinks he hears a child in the background, the Associated Press reported. About 6 p.m.--Authorities issue an Amber Alert for both Julian and Balfour, his stepfather. About 6 p.m.--Police arrest Balfour at his pregnant girlfriends West Side apartment, but the boy is not with him. Later--Balfours girlfriend tells police that he was at her West Side home not long after the slayings. Evening--Officers question Balfour, but he stops talking when police suggest he take a polygraph, law-enforcement sources said. Balfours girlfriend contradicts his alibi and tells police he was involved in the killings of the two adults, but not that of the boy, law-enforcement sources said. SATURDAY, Oct. 25 1:30 a.m.--Jennifer Hudson identifies the bodies of her brother and mother at the Cook County medical examiners office. Morning--The FBI is called in to help. Police say the teal vehicle has been located but continue to search for the white Suburban. Afternoon--Police searched the house again Saturday afternoon in case Julian is hiding inside. Shell casings are recovered from the scene. 5 p.m.--Relatives of the missing boy make a public plea for his return. SUNDAY, Oct. 26 Officials transfer Balfour to Stateville Correctional Center. MONDAY, Oct. 27 Julians body is discovered in the back of Jason Hudsons Chevrolet Suburban, parked in the 1300 block of South Kolin Avenue on the West Side. A tiny Chihuahua named Lil Man had howled and barked at the unfamiliar white SUV parked there. The dogs reaction drew the attention of its owner, John Louden, who realized it matched the SUV police had been looking for since Friday. It remains unclear if police had canvassed the block, but some neighbors say they had seen the SUV since Friday. No one called police before Monday. Julians body was slumped over in the back seat of the Suburban. He had been shot in the head. A bullet found lodged in the vehicle, along with other evidence, led detectives to believe he had been shot in the vehicle. Police dont know precisely when he was killed. TUESDAY, Oct. 28 As detectives continued searching for answers, the Cook County medical examiners office releases autopsy results showing Julian King died of multiple gunshot wounds. WEDNESDAY, Oct. 29 Police find a handgun matching the caliber of weapon used in the slayings, providing a potential break in the case. The type and make of ammunition also matched shell casings recovered at the scene. The gun was found in an alley just a block from the spot in North Lawndale where Julians body had been found. A few other small bits of evidence, are also recovered next to the gun, which was nestled in thick shrubs in a vacant lot in the 1400 block of South Kolin Avenue. FRIDAY, Oct. 31 Forensic testing shows that the chrome-and-black .45-caliber Sig Sauer semiautomatic pistol recovered by Chicago police was the weapon used to kill all three victims. Police are investigating whether the weapon had once belonged to Hudsons slain brother, Jason. He once owned an identical gun that he thought had been stolen from the familys Englewood home a few months earlier, according to law-enforcement sources and several neighbors. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives had traced the recovered gun to its original owner in Michigan, who had reported it stolen, sources said. While police have investigated the slayings as possible domestic violence, they have not ruled out other motives. Neither Balfour nor anyone else has been charged, but Balfour remains in custody. Monday, Nov. 10 The Illinois Prisoner Review Board rules that there is reason to believe that Balfour, 27, violated his parole in another matter for several reasons, including being in places where drugs were sold. In addition, the board cited a statement from his girlfriend that she saw him with a gun that matched the murder weapon. Dec. 1, 2008 William Baflour is arrested and charged with three homicides. A sweeping historical drama has been penned by an author with Kildare ancestors. The Dunnes of Brittas: An Irish Familys Saga of Endurance by Kevin Lee Akers could be the story of so many Famine-ravaged families who left Ireland for the shores of America. Author Mr Akers, who lives in California, is descended from his great, great grandfather Patrick Lawler from Blackford, Athy and his wife Bridget Dunne from nearby Stradbally over the Laois border. The novel is a fictionalised account of his familys fascinating history using letters handed down from great, grand aunt Lucy Lawler Rogers who was Patrick and Bridgets daughter. Patrick and Bridget left Ireland in the autumn of 1853 while the effects of the Great Family still ravaged the country, and arrived in San Francisco on New Years Day 1854. The epic story features over 50 characters including 17 members of the Dunne family led by General Edward Dunne, the clan chieftain. A two-page genealogical chart in the introduction to the book helps the reader navigate through the clan. In the book, the family lived in the manor house known as Brittas. His estate agent and cousin Peter Dunne raised his brood in the servants wing. As Ireland is crumbling under the ravages of the Great Famine and besieged by emigration, the American West is being rejuvenated by millions of people chasing the Californian gold rush. The novel follows the Dunnes to Antebellum New Orleans, South America and finally to San Francisco where they struggle to create their own family dynasties. Author Kevin Lee Akers pictured in front of the ruins of Brittas Castle in Co Laois Rich with historical detail and memorable characters, the novel is loosely narrated by Aunt Lucy. Author Mr Akers has thoroughly researched his material and has also meticulously re-imagined the lives his ancestors would have led both in Ireland and in the prosperous American West. He paints vivid pictures with his prose and effortlessly transports the reader through the lives of characters through different times and places. This book deserves as big a readership as possible in order to understand the struggles and occasional good fortune of the families of our forefathers. It is also a universal story about family and emigration and making a new life in a strange land. Mr Akers multi-faceted story, with its fascinating cast of characters and multiple locations in Ireland and in the US would surely make a great Hollywood epic or even an enduring series on Netflix. Reflection Fittingly, the book ends with the final handwritten letter from a reflective Lucy Rogers to Sarafrances Welsh which says: My life has been spent rearing my children and caring for my home and never much out of it. Someone said we are all actors on the stage of life. We must play our part as it is given us and make the final bow. The Dunnes of Brittas is available through Amazon and select bookstores or from www.dunnesofbrittas.com. Demolition of a number of derelict buildings in the Magee Barracks complex in Kildare town has taken place in recent days. Heavy machinery moved onto the site last week and has been working away at dismantling concrete walls and transporting the rubble. Two separate developments which require demolition have been granted planning permission for the ex-military site. Planning permission was granted in 2019 to Ballymount Properties Ltd for 375 new homes and a creche. This includes the demolition of 17 buildings including a range of former barracks buildings, the Officers Mess building and a water tower structure. A state-of-the-art 100 million cancer treatment clinic has also been approved for the site and is being promoted by Londsale Ltd. According to the planning conditions, the developer must pay a special contribution for traffic calming works in the vicinity. Londsale was also given permission to demolish six buildings on the site in order to build the cancer treatment facility within a 2.5 hectare area. Magee Barracks was the site of a British Army barracks since the early 1900s and subsequently was a depot for Garda Siochana in the 1920s. A new barracks was built on the site in 1938 and was named after gunner James Magee who switched sides and raised the Irish flag at the Battle of Ballinamuck in September 1798. Magee was later captured and executed by British forces. In 1996, there were approximately 165 army personnel and 30 civilians employed at the barracks but the facility closed in 1998. The barracks was later used as a reception centre for Kosovar refugees and asylum seekers. A Dublin father-of-three who hid over 870,000 in cash at a rural property in Co Cavan has been jailed for four years. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Jonathon OConnor (38) could not reveal to gardai who owned the money because his life would be in danger. OConnor, of Elm Road, Donnycarney, Dublin, pleaded guilty to a single charge of money laundering at an address in Dromore, Bailieboro, Co Cavan, on July 28, 2020. He has no previous convictions. Detective Garda Mark Buckley told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that on the morning of July 28, gardai carried out of surveillance operation at the address in Cavan. The court heard that gardai entered the property and made themselves know to OConnor. The accused man immediately informed gardai that there was 80,000 in cash in his car, which he had driven to the property that morning, along with his children. Gardai proceeded to search a number of sheds and outhouses on the property, and ultimately discovered 21 separate cash exhibits, amounting to 870,620, plus an additional 14,890. Satisfied that the money was procured through criminal activity, gardai arrested the defendant and travelled to Navan Garda Station. OConnor was interviewed and admitted to transporting the money and holding it at the address in Bailieboro. When probed by gardai, he said he could not reveal who owed the money, as his life would be in danger, the court heard. OConnor told gardai that he had had a disagreement with an individual a few months ago and as a result he was forced to hold the money. Asked by Judge Martin Nolan where the money might have come from, Det Gda Buckley answered, the drug trade. Dean Kelly SC, defending, outlined OConnors mitigation, noting that he made full admissions to gardai and was co-operative throughout the investigation. Mr Kelly asked the court to be as lenient as possible in sentencing, saying that OConnor would be a grievous and substantial loss to his family. Judge Nolan, handing down sentencing, accepted OConnors excellent mitigation a long work history, clean record, relationship with his children but said that a custodial sentence was deserved. Money laundering is a serious offence, Judge Nolan said. He noted that OConnor knew what he was getting into, and for reasons unknown to the court, felt some obligation to the third party connected to the money. Judge Nolan sentenced OConnor to four years imprisonment. The possibility of Peace Plus funding could be a lifeline to restore Manorhamilton Courthouse. The building has become an eyesore after being derelict for over 20 years. Cllr Frank Dolan asked Leitrim County Council what communication there has been recently in relation to the courthouse. He said, It is a shame to see this building standing idle and going into dereliction. Now that there is a possibility of funding under Peace Plus coming on stream, pressure should be brought to bear on the court service to do something with this building. Leitrim County Council stated it has had no correspondence with the Court Service in this regard. However, through the work of the Manorhamilton Town Team some communications have taken place and there is an aspiration indeed to see the building come into productive use in the future depending on identification of resources and appropriate project. Cllr Dolan said he wants to see the Courts Service hand over the building to the community. He asked Why hold on to it if it is not in use? He said it could be a huge asset to the town. Cllr Felim Gurn said when Back of Ireland closes in October there will be four vacant buildings on the main street of Manorhamilton. It was suggested that the building could be used in conjunction to the SLNCR Greenway or with the arts community. Cllr Mary Bohan said there is a precedent there as the Court Service did hand over the courthouse in Drumkeerin to the youth group, who got a grant to restore and renovate it. Cllr Sean McDermott said the courthouse is currently an eyesore in the town and said something must be done soon as every year the building lies idyl, the more it will cost to repair and restore it. Some councillors also queried the progress on Ballinamore Courthouse but the Council informed the members there has also been no progress with Ballinamore Courthouse. The Court Service had previously indicated it would hand over the building to Leitrim County Council. Manorhamilton Courthouse is a listed building, it is understood to have been built round 1835 and was in use as a courthouse over 20 years ago. It is a major concern that this building on Main Street would fall into such disrepair it would be lost to the community. Arigna Mining Experience re-opens it's doors today, Sunday August 1. Manager of the popular tourism attraction in thie region Valarie Stenson said they held off re-openeing sooner this Summer as they received no concrete guidelines from Failte Ireland. She said some museums and galleries re-opened in June his year with self guided tours, but due to Health and Safetry issues involved with going down into the mines this was not possible at Arigna Mines. Valerie told the Leitrim Observer the phone has not stopped over the past six weeks. The tourist site opened its website and booking system in anticpipation fo opening in July but all we have done is refund people and apologise. She noted the massive loss of revenue as the centre has been closed since December 23, 2020. She said the tourist season in Ireland is so short and the re-opening of tourism has been a mess with much of the guidelines open to interpretation. August is traditionally Arigna Mines busiest month but bookings have been capped at 50% due to guidelines and social distancing rules. Valerie said they hope the tourist season will stretch into September and October this year to help recoup lost revenue. Booking is essential on www.arignaminingexperience.ie The Arigna Mining team are delighted to welcome everyone back. The onsite cafe is expected to re-open for takeaways and outdoor dining only. VETERAN Fianna Fail TD Willie ODea has refused to rule out signing a motion of No Confidence in party leader, Taoiseach Micheal Martin. There has been disquiet in the party after its Dublin Bay South by-election candidate Deirdre Conroy slumped to just 4.6% of the vote. Only one TD, Marc MacSharry has actually called for the Taoiseach to step down, but a number have privately also expressed that view and there were reports earlier this month of a motion of No Confidence. Mr O'Dea said hes not been asked to sign any motion as it stands. He added: I wouldnt sign it at the moment, but of course that can change. We have to just watch the performance of the party in the various polls which will be ran presumably from August onwards. If there isnt a perceptible improvement in the Fianna Fail situation, we might have to look at it. Current opinion polling has the party in third place, behind both Sinn Fein and Fine Gael. Mr ODea, who is the joint-longest serving TD in the current Dail, having been elected in 1982, said its up to younger members of his party to take on the mantle, however. I didnt get into the leadership thing [in the wake of the by-election defeat] and I dont intend to. Im a veteran TD, Im there 40 years. Ive fought battles against Charlie Haughey down through the years. Its up to the younger people when Im long dead and gone. Its up to them to deal with these matters, he told the Limerick Leader. Two names have been in contention to replace Mr Martin: fellow Cork TD Michael McGrath and Dublin Bay Souths Jim OCallaghan. Theyd both have their strengths and weaknesses. Each of them would certainly have a certain amount of support, but I really havent focused much on it. I know they are both prominent and would appeal to different people in the party. Id rate them pretty highly. Im not going to make a choice between them until Im asked. Ultimately, I might have to make a choice soon. Who knows? asked the former Defence Minister. As for his own plans, Mr ODea who lost his polltopper crown to Sinn Fein rival Maurice Quinlivan in February 2020 said he will run again in Limerick City. At the moment, Ive not said no. At the moment, I am, he added. For more stories from across Limerick, please visit www.limerickleader.ie ALMOST exactly 100 years ago, Fr Jimmy Coyle was murdered in Birmingham, Alabama by a member of the Ku Klux Klan. The Mungret-educated priest was shot dead while reading his breviary on the porch of the parish house where his young sister Marcella also lived. Now that long-ago family tragedy has become the basis for a novel, Bigger Things, written by Fr Jimmys grand-niece, Sheila Killian. It is a dramatic tale and a dramatic debut for Sheila who has lived and worked for the past 40 years in Limerick and is Associate Professor at the Kemmy Business School in the University of Limerick. Sheila first heard the story from her grand-aunt Marcella, known in the family as Siss, who returned to live with Sheilas family in Roscommon in her old age. I heard the story as a kid from her, Sheila says but adds: Growing up I wouldnt have known the full story. It was only after she died I started to get curious. I had always written a bit, short stories and poetry and when it came to writing a novel, it was an obvious place to start. Because it is based on history, I did a lot of research. The research was very fascinating. I really enjoyed that. As part of her research, Sheila visited Birmingham in Alabama. It was really a boom city in the 1910s and 1920s, she says and she found, to her surprise that a lot of the geography, a lot of the places there are still the same. The church of St Pauls where her grand-uncle was priest was still standing, a brick replica of the wooden one Fr Jim and Siss lived in. And she found all his sermons still there, handwritten in black, hardback notebooks. They were very eloquent, she says now. The trip allowed her to get a sense of the place, its people and its voices. And she found that people still remembered her grand-uncles story. Jimmy was an amazing man, in many ways far ahead of his time, with a real focus on human rights. He had been very outspoken on social issues, writing letters to the press, while both black and white people attended his church which was unusual at that time However, at that time, too, 1921, Sheila explains, the Ku Klux Klan were very anti-Catholic as well as being anti-black. And Fr Jim was shot by a KKK member just hours after he had married the mans daughter, who had converted to Catholicism, to a Puerto Rican. But, Sheila is quick to point out, her novel really tells the story from Marcella or Sisss point-of-view while telling Fr Jims story indirectly. The novel is completely fiction, even though its based, closely at times, on real events, she says. I did a huge amount of research, but there comes a time when you move past that, and the characters take on their own lives. Thats what makes it work as a story, not just as history. It also needs to entertain, to make people feel something as well as make them think. Bigger Things has already won stirring reviews. Donal Ryan said it was a stunning, intensely engaging novel by a consummate storyteller. It's tense and gripping and beautifully written in restrained, elegant, crystalline prose. This is a book that I would eagerly recommend to any reader, anywhere, he said. Liz Nugent called it compelling, intriguing and skilful while Dan Mooney called it a stunning reach into the past to explore moments were living through in the present. Sheila is now well advanced in writing her second novel, which she says, is completely different. Meanwhile, Something Bigger, published by Caritas, is now available at OMahonys Bookshop or go online to www.sheilakillian.com /order for a list of other bookshops and suppliers. Special Masses will be said in Roscommon and in Birmingham, Alabama to remember Fr Jims murder which took place on August 21, 1921. NITROGEN levels in the Deel and Maigue rivers have almost doubled over the past 12 years, figures published by the Environmental Protection Agency reveal. And they are included in the group of rivers where the EPA wants action to be taken to reduce the levels. As estimated 90% of the nitrogen load came from pasture and agriculture with sewage accounting for about 8%. The Deel Estuary and the Maigue Estuary are also classed as unsatisfactory when it comes to phosphates, the only two in the country to receive that grade. Agriculture is a significant pressure in both these estuaries and they receive water from rivers with elevated phosphorus concentrations, the EPAs 2020 water report, released earlier this month, stated. The main threat to water quality is high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus arising from agriculture and waste water discharges, the report finds. These nutrients affect a water bodys ecosystem, causing algal blooms that displace other flora and fauna. High nitrate levels in drinking water supplies pose a risk to human health. Overall, just 5% of Limericks rivers were considered to be of high quality with a further 35% ranked as good, 22% as moderate and 17% as poor. Limerick has really been disgraced, says Dr Pat OConnor of Castleconnell Fishery Association. The quality of the environment on which we all depend in one way or another has been shown to be seriously compromised, and getting demonstrably worse. The implications of all this in the future are going to be extremely serious for health, agriculture, industry, tourism and the environment. In particular, the main identified causes, agricultural pollution and waste water treatment, appear to be completely out of control and evidently have been for some time, he said. Meanwhile, at the other end of the county, angling enthusiast, Brendan Danaher of the Mountcollins Brosna Anglers is also renewing his concerns about the Feale catchment area. In 2019, he highlighted the fact that drinking water in the Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West area contained pesticides, including herbicides such as MCPA, and pointed out that the level of pesticide detected had, on several occasions, breached EU guidelines. Now, Brendan wants to highlight the findings of a new, and as yet unpublished, study which serves up some uncomfortable facts affecting water quality in the Feale catchment area. which provides water to some 25,000 people. According to Mr Danaher, the study, which has been seen by the Limerick Leader, clearly outlines serious problems with the waste water treatment plants at Mountcollins, Brosna, Abbeyfeale and Listowel. All of these plants are now in the control of Irish Water, he points out, but says the study paints a shocking picture of overflowing sewage going into the Feale and its tributaries. It also has multiple photographs of foul discharge, oil, runoff, excessive siltation and the effects of enrichment. The discharge from the Brosna sewage treatment plant, the study found, had adversely affected water quality in the Clydagh River, a tributary of the Feale. At the sewage treatment plant in Abbeyfeale, the study reports, there were seven reportable incidents in 2019 ranging from spillage caused by pump failure to adverse weather. Further downstream, at Listowel, Mr Danaher says, water from the same river is abstracted and treated for Listowel householders. How many chemicals are then used to disinfect this water to make it safe for human consumption? he asks. Anglers are no longer talking about salmon and sea trout being the focus of our attention, he continues. Its the quality of our drinking water which is a serious matter of public health. The study, Mr Danaher says, confirms what he has been arguing for years, that there is a water quality issue on the river Feale. I take little comfort in knowing the recent study proved me right. What has been allowed to happen on the River Feale makes a mockery out of Irish and European law and is a shocking indictment of all those whose responsibility is to adhere to all the directives laid down in law to protect our natural resources, he declares. The most recent EPA report on water showed that half of Irelands rivers have unsatisfactory water quality levels due to high concentrations of polluting nitrogen. But the report found that overall water quality improved for 345 rivers nationally across 2019 and 2020, although there was a decline across 230 other rivers. A VITAL service which supports children with autism may be forced to close at the end of August without an urgent cash injection. Autism Supporting Diversity (ASD) Ireland, formerly known as the Limerick Autism Group is run entirely by volunteers, but still has bills of up to 3,000 a month when taking into account electricity, water, venue hire, and insurance costs. But after missing out on a stability grant from government, its co-founder Keith Enright says the service might be forced to wind up. We are literally running on thin air at the moment, and only for a few parents who have made a few donations that will get us to the end of August, wed be closed already, Keith explained. Based at the Eastlink Business Park in the Ballysimon Road, ASD Ireland provides around 430 hours a month of socially inclusive activities for people with autism and their families. Founded by Keith and another parent, Caroline Hogan, both of whom have teenagers with autism, ASD Ireland was developed due to the lack of socially inclusive activities available for their children. Due to the demand from outside Limerick, it changed its name just before the onset of Covid-19, as Keith said he did not want the impression to go out that they only catered for local children. Among the activities the group provides are camps, music therapy, and psychotherapy counselling, while they have also worked to raise awareness of autism. Stability funding from government got them through last year but the fact this has not been forthcoming this year, coupled with the fact Covid-19 has not allowed any fundraisers has left the group in trouble. The Limerick public are being urged to step in and hold fundraisers around their social bubble to raise money for ASD Ireland. People can organise fundraisers between family members and different smaller events. They can go for walks and fundraise for walks if they are in their family unit. There are also birthday fundraisers on Facebook, online donations and a text-to-donate option, Keith explained. For more information, please visit www.asdireland.ie, or call 1800 71 88 65. WHEN Ballycarrane, Patrickswell was first advertised, GVMs Tom Crosse described it as the finest dairy farm that has come on the market in Limerick in quite some time. His words have proven to be prophetic. The 95 acres have changed hands for a figure between 1.3m and 1.4m, according to local sources. It works out at somewhere between 13,700 and 14,700 an acre. When contacted about the sale, Mr Crosse, GVM Group Property Director, declined to comment. The 95 acres was for sale by private treaty in three lots - the 85 acres on one side of the bypass; 10 acres on the other side and the entire. The well-informed local said the sale has been the talk of the farming community in the area. This was a hot sale. There was interest from Kerry, Cork and Limerick. I heard there were over five interested parties all seriously bidding. The word is that two locals won the day with one buying the 85 acres and the other the 10 acres, they said. When Ballycarrane was put on the market back in March / April time, Mr Crosse said the mood is good and the market is strong. Its in a fine location close to Patrickswell and Adare. Its really top class land with extensive road frontage. The Hayes brothers - Michael and Edward - are retiring from farming after many successful years in the dairy industry. There is a fine eight unit milking parlour with a capacity for a further two units, said Mr Crosse back then. As well as the 95 acres and Dairymaster parlour, the sheds, farm yard and extensive facilities made it a ready to go dairy farm. After the price achieved for Ballycarrane it will be interesting to see if more Limerick dairy farmers thinking of selling up, but anxious due to Covid, will dip their toes in the water. It appears there are plenty willing to bite and bid. ADARE has been named as one of 20 Poetry Towns across the country which will host free poetry events next month. Adare is also to have a specially commissioned poem about the village and its people as part of the Poetry Towns scheme. The scheme is an initiative from Poetry Ireland and is being organised locally in partnership with Limerick City and County Council Arts Office. It will take place between September 10 and 18. As part of the initiative, each town will have a nominated Poet Laureate, to be announced next month. The chosen Poet Laureate will be either from Adare or have close connections with it and will be commissioned to write a poem honouring Adare and its people. The Poet Laureates for each town will be announced next month. The Adare poem will be presented to the people of Adare in an online event which will also feature contributions from local poets, artists and musicians. There will also be a wide variety of additional activities in each Poetry Town: poetry workshops; public poetry displays, including Poetry Underfoot; and a range of physical activities called Poems that Move You, which will vary from town to town. Local businesses, including cafes and chemists, will also be asked to get involved by distributing pocket poems to customers. The full programme for each town will be made available on the Poetry Town website during the last week of August. THE HSE has warned of disruption to the provision of mental health services in Limerick over industrial action taken by nursing area directors. However, the health service moved to reassure users of its mental health facilities that these remain operational and accessible with mitigating actions in place to minimise the impact and ensure patient safety. In a statement, it confirmed that of Wednesday last, July 28, area directors of mental health nursing have taken a decision to work-to-rule. Nationally the HSE is working with parties to resolve this matter as soon as possible and will continue to put in place mitigating actions to minimise the impact on mental health services and to ensure patient safety. For those already engaging with Mental Health Services we encourage you to remain in contact with your mental health team, a spokesperson added. Trusted information about mental health and available supports and services can be found on www.yourmentalhealth.ie or by calling the YourMentalHealth Information Line on 1800 111 888. The HSE also encouraged anyone who needs support to reach out to a support organisations like the Samaritans on 116-123, or text Hello to 50808 to talk with a trained volunteer over text message. Kolkata: Many Kolkata residents, who are above 80 years, and those over 60 years and have a serious illness, could not travel to COVID vaccination centres, will soon be able to avail the doorstep vaccination facility. According to a report in PTI, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will soon start visiting old and ailing residents of the city to vaccinate them. "This is an initiative to vaccinate those who are old and cannot move out of their homes. We have spoken to the state health secretary and arranged for the same," KMC chief Firhad Hakim said According to rules devised by the KMC health department, the family of a citizen will be required to approach the nearest KMC vaccination centre and book a 'vaccination slot at home' after furnishing an age proof. After examining the certificate, the medical officer will book a slot and fix a date for the recipient, depending on the availability of vaccines. A photocopy of the Aadhaar, PAN, voter card can be submitted while booking the slot. So, any family member can go to the nearest vaccination centre and get the names of such old and ailing persons registered for the vaccination. Hakim said civic health workers would visit the residences of such persons only if all other family members are vaccinated. Meanwhile, the cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 47 crore with 60,15,842 doses being given in the last 24 hours, the Union health ministry said on Sunday. More than three crore balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and union territories and private hospitals to be administered. 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!! KABUL : A mortar shell struck a taxi in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province on Sunday, killing at least five civilians including two children, an Afghan official said. Provincial police spokesman Jamal Naser Barekzai blamed the Taliban for the attack, although the militants denied responsibility. Both the Taliban and the government routinely blame each other for attacks on civilians in the capital Kabul and elsewhere. The perpetrators are rarely identified, and the public is seldom informed of the results of investigations into the violence. The war between the Taliban and Afghanistan's national security and defense forces has intensified over the past few months, as U.S. and NATO troops complete their pullout from the war-torn country. The Taliban are now trying to seize provincial capitals, after already taking smaller administrative districts in the past months. The spokesperson for the Afghan armed forces, Gen. Ajmal Omar Shinwari, said Sunday in a press conference that three provinces in southern and western Afghanistan face critical security situations. The army is trying to interdict Taliban movement in Helmand province, he added. Southern Kandahar the birthplace of the Taliban as well as Helmand and Herat provinces have witnessed several attacks. Helmand provincial council chief Attaullah Afghan said that the Taliban increased its forces in the provincial capital of Lashar Gah on Sunday, confirming that the insurgents now have control of the city's seventh district. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has urged an easing of the U.K.s travel restrictions, which he said are damaging the countrys tourism industry and overall economy. Sunak wrote of his concerns to Prime Minister Boris Johnson before ministers are due to discuss August travel guidelines this week, the Sunday Times reported. In the letter, Sunak said U.K. border policy was out of step with international competitors, and didnt take advantage of the U.K.s vaccine rollout, the newspaper wrote. About 72% of U.K. adults are fully vaccinated and 88% have had at least a first dose, according to government figures. That helped limit severe outcomes including hospitalizations and deaths as cases rose sharply into mid-July. Daily positive tests have receded since then. Sunak is concerned that the restrictions in place are harming U.K. companies competing with European counterparts in conducting business with the U.S., the Times reported. Ministers wont have access to data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre until early this week and will discuss travel restrictions on Thursday. Under the U.K.s traffic light" system, as many as a dozen countries are expected to be moved from the amber to the green list, the Times reported. France will probably revert to amber from amber plus," in which fully vaccinated travelers have to go into quarantine on their return. The new designation was created in response to reports of growing cases there of the beta variant first discovered in South Africa. The recent jump in U.K. cases was mostly of the delta variant. Transit hubs Ministers are also considering plans to allow passengers who travel through red-list destinations such as the United Arab Emirates to avoid having to quarantine in a hotel on arrival in the U.K. if they dont leave the airport or plane in transit. The Sunday Telegraph reported that an announcement is expected in the next week or so. The U.K. Department of Health and Social Care is also considering ways to encourage vaccinations among 18- to 29-year-olds by offering vouchers and discounts for taxi and delivery brands including Uber and Deliveroo. The Telegraph reported that Cabinet ministers had said if takeup was sufficient among young people, it could head off the need for contentious vaccine passports" at venues such as nightclubs. Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden called on states and local governments to offer Americans $100 for being inoculated, using federal aid funds, saying: Please, please get vaccinated. We just need to finish the job." Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Millions of Americans could find themselves homeless starting Sunday as a nationwide ban on evictions expires, against a backdrop of surging coronavirus cases and political fingerpointing. With billions in government funds meant to help renters still untapped, President Joe Biden this week urged Congress to extend the 11-month-old moratorium after a recent Supreme Court ruling meant the White House could not do so. But Republicans balked at Democratic efforts to extend the eviction ban through mid-October, and the House of Representatives adjourned for its summer vacation Friday without renewing it. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said blocking the measure was "an act of pure cruelty... leaving children and families out on the streets," in a tweet late Saturday. Several left-wing Democrats had spent the night outside the Capitol in protest -- calling out their colleagues over the failure to act. "We slept at the Capitol last night to ask them to come back and do their jobs. Today's their last chance," tweeted Congresswoman Cori Bush, who has herself experienced homelessness and was joined by fellow progressives Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley. With the clock ticking down to Sunday, the country was braced for a heartbreaking spectacle -- families with their belongings at the curbside wondering where to go. One of those at risk is Terriana Clark, who was living out of a car with her husband and two stepchildren for much of last year, before finding a teaching job and an apartment in Harvey, Louisiana. Jobless again and struggling to pay rent after a bout of illness, the 27-year-old told The New Orleans Advocate she applied to a local assistance program four months ago, but is still waiting for help. "If it comes, it comes. If it don't, it don't," she told the paper. "It's going to be too late for a lot of people. A lot of people are going to be outside." Up north in Michigan, Mary Hunt, who makes minimum wage driving a medical taxi, likewise fell behind on her rent on a mobile home because she got sick with Covid-19. She was served with eviction papers, and frets over what she will do with her stuff and her five cats and one dog. "How do I choose which cats to keep? It's not going to happen. I'm not going to leave any of them behind," Hunt told National Public Radio this week. "If I lose this house, then they go in the car with me. And people can think I'm a crackpot, but I'm not giving up my family," Hunt said. - Covid hot spots - Unlike other pandemic-related aid that was distributed from Washington, such as stimulus checks, it was states, counties, and cities that were responsible for building programs from the ground up to dole out assistance earmarked for renters. The Treasury Department said that as of June, only $3 billion in aid had reached households out of the $25 billion sent to states and localities in early February, less than three weeks after Biden took office. Pelosi in another tweet Saturday urged "state and local governments to immediately disburse the $46.5 billion in emergency rental assistance approved by the Democratic Congress so that many families can avoid eviction." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ordered the eviction moratorium in September 2020, as the world's largest economy lost over 20 million jobs amid the pandemic shutdowns. The CDC feared homelessness would boost coronavirus infections. Although more than half of those jobs were since recovered, many families still have not caught up on missed rent payments. The Census Bureau's latest Household Pulse survey showed that of 51 million renters surveyed, 7.4 million were behind on rent and nearly half of those said they risked being evicted in the next two months. Nearly 80 percent of households that are behind on their rent as of early July lived in Covid hot spots, according to a study by the Jain Family Institute. "Putting people out on the street is probably not going to have good effects on community transmission rates," the institute's housing policy researcher Paul Williams told CBS MoneyWatch. - 'No excuse' - Immediately after taking over, the Biden administration had eased paperwork and eligibility requirements for an emergency rental assistance program, but it has stressed that management remains in the hands of state and local officials. "There can be no excuse for any state or locality not accelerating funds to landlords and tenants that have been hurt during this pandemic," Biden warned Friday. The CDC eviction moratorium and other protections prevented an estimated 2.2 million eviction filings since March 2020, said Peter Hepburn, a research fellow at the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. 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. Click here to read the full article. The white fiberglass elephant statues at the Hollywood & Highland shopping center are being removed in a rejection of filmmaker D.W. Griffiths racist legacy. According to the Los Angeles Times, the new owners of the famous center where the Academy Awards are typically held are removing the elephant statues and all of the faux Mesopotamian elements as part of a $100 million makeover. Crews began dismantling the statues on Thursday night, which were used on the set of filmmaker D.W. Griffiths 1916 film Intolerance, as the Times reported. The movie was a follow-up to Griffiths 1915 film The Birth of a Nation, which glorified the Ku Klux Klan and was condemned by the NAACP. Intolerance was considered Griffiths response to the criticism he received for The Birth of a Nation. This is a real opportunity to move away from the cliches of Hollywood, red velvet ropes and big studios, Chad Cress, chief creative officer for center co-owners DJM, told the Times. The Hollywood of the future really needs to stand for something that is more inclusive of what our culture looks like today. The renovation, which is on track to be completed by next summer, will rename the center Ovation Hollywood and replace the remnants of Griffiths film with modern, art deco features. In 2019, DJM and Gaw Capital Partners purchased the Hollywood & Highland property for $325 million. The new owners are hoping that the centers redesign will make the notorious tourist attraction more popular with L.A. locals by creating more space for restaurants and coffee shops. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. August is traditionally a weird month, both for film and television. Its when studios usually release blockbusters that seem a little too odd for the first stretch of summer and the last moment before networks premiere their shows in the fall. But Covid-19 to say nothing of viewers changing habits has thrown a lot of those traditions out the window, at least up to a point. The months biggest multiplex movies, for instance, include a video game-themed comedy that looks more like The Truman Show than Mortal Kombat and second stab at one of the DC Universes strangest superteams. Lets start our look at August there. The Suicide Squad (Theaters, HBO Max, August 6) Writer/director James Gunn more or less wiped the slate clean when he took over DCs second Suicide Squad movie, which might be just as well. The first was a mess with a few bright spots, like Margot Robbies performance as Harley Quinn. Harleys back for this sequel, alongside Viola Davis Amanda Waller as the ruthless commander of the eponymous team of villains forced conscripted to take down even worse villains. (Think The Dirty Dozen, but with superpowers and spandex.) Idris Elba and John Cena are among the more notable newcomers and the trailers suggest Gunn will bring some of the lightness and rude humor that made his Guardians of the Galaxy films so fun. Watch on HBO Max here. Annette (Theaters, Prime Video, August 20) Cannes festival-goers were alternately wowed and baffled by this new musical directed by Leos Carax (Holy Motors) featuring songs and taken from a story by Sparks (the long-running brother group who recently served as the subject of an Edgar Wright documentary). That was probably inevitable. Both band and director have proven divisive but those who love the movie in which Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard play first-time parents seem likely to be over the moon for it. Watch with a 30-day free trial to Amazon Prime here. Vivo (Netflix, August 6) This year will see the premiere of not one but two Lin-Manuel Miranda musicals. Its release kicked back a year, In the Heights hit theaters and HBO Max in June. August brings the premiere of this animated film for which Miranda wrote the songs and provides the voice of Vivo, a music-loving kinkajou who has to beat the odds and travel from Havana to Miami to deliver a love song. Watch on Netflix here. Val (Prime Video, August 6) Drawing on hours of footage he shot over the course of his life, Val Kilmer looks back on his career, and forward to a future in spite of being sidelined by his battle with throat cancer. The film promises a candid look at a Hollywood leading man who never seemed that comfortable with his stardom. Watch with a 30-day free trial to Amazon Prime here. Reservation Dogs (Hulu, August 9) Its a welcome development that 2021 has seen not one but two comedies led by Native American creators, though any resemblance between the new series and Peacocks Rutherford Falls probably ends there. Co-created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, Reservation Dogs follows the misadventures of a quartet of indigenous teens in Oklahoma doing everything they can inside and outside the law to save money for a move to California. Watch with a free trial to Hulu here. What If ? (Disney+, August 11) Always one of the most reliably weird comics put out by Marvel, What If? explored what might have happened if key moments in Marvel history went another way. What the comic book did for Marvel zombies who knew every twist and turn in the Marvel Universe, this new animated anthology series looks to do the same for viewers steeped in Marvel Cinematic Universe lore. Creator A.C. Bradley has promised episodes will vary from the comedic to the tragic, starting with an episode that ponders what might have happened if Peggy Carter had taken the Captain America Super Soldier serum. Watch on Disney+ here. Homeroom (Hulu, August 12) Director Peter Nicks had already begun making a documentary about the 2020 class of an Oakland high school before the Covid-19 pandemic took the year in an unexpected director. Homeroom completes a trilogy of films about public institutions in Oakland and, based on the reaction out of Sundance, Nicks rose to the challenge of the unprecedented moment, following a handful of students as they prepare to face a changing world. Watch with a free trial to Hulu here. Dont Breathe 2 (Theaters, August 13) A blind man living by himself in a virtually abandoned Detroit neighborhood, Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang) looked like an easy mark in the 2016 horror thriller, Dont Breathe. His would-be robbers found out otherwise, however, in a film that made it hard to figure out who to root for, especially after Norman was revealed to have some pretty dark secrets. This sequel unfolds years after the original, when Norman has become an adoptive father, which sounds like a nice set-up for a sequel, albeit one probably destined to take a turn for the bloody. Free Guy (Theaters, August 13) Pity the poor non-player character, destined to play their small, often sad, rolls in video games before being forgotten. But what would happen if one such character became such aware? Thats the premise of this comedy starring Ryan Reynolds as Guy, an NPC in a Grand Theft Auto-like game who becomes capable of taking his fate in his own hands. Jodi Comer co-stars as one of Guys creators who becomes part of a race against time when the game becomes scheduled to be shut down. Respect (Theaters, August 13) Aretha Franklins life didnt lack drama, from the early death of her mother to Franklins struggles to be noticed to her abusive first marriage. Franklin, who was involved in this biopic prior to her death, didnt really like to talk all that openly about her past, however, so it remains to be seen how frank this new biopic will be. Its certainly cast well, no matter what, however: Jennifer Hudson, a performer with both the acting and singing chops to take on the role, plays Franklin. Forest Whitaker and Marlon Wayans co-star as, respectively, Franklins celebrity preacher father and her first husband/manager. Beckett (Netflix, August 13) When American tourists Beckett (John David Washington) and April (Alicia Vikander) become involved in a car accident in Greece, Beckett finds himself a fugitive and maybe the pawn in some larger game. Ferdinando Cito Filomarino, a longtime collaborator of Luca Guadagnino (who serves as producer) directs from his own screenplay. Watch on Netflix here. CODA (Theaters and Apple TV+, August 13) The toast of this years Sundance, this moving drama from Sian Heder stars Emilia Jones as the only hearing member of a Massachusetts fishing family. (The title stands for Child of Deaf Adults.) Her already difficult task of juggling her high school studies and attempts to have her own life with her familial obligations gets upended when she develops a desire to sing, encouraged by the arrival of a new music teacher (Eugenio Derbez). Watch on Apple TV+ here. Heels (Starz, August 15) In a small Georgia town, two brothers (Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig) have different visions for the future of their late fathers wrestling promotion in a series set to explore the gritty reality of the sometimes less-than-glamorous world of pro wrestling. This is the first major role for Amell, a longtime wrestling fan (and occasional wrestler), since Arrow drew to a close. Watch with a free trial to Starz here. Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu, August 18) Nine visitors to a wellness retreat (played by an all-star cast that includes everyone from Melissa McCarthy to Michael Shannon to Regina Hall) discover not everything is as serene as it first appears in the latest attempt from David E. Kelley (The Undoing, Big Little Lies) to turn a best-selling novel into a must-watch miniseries. Nicole Kidman presides over the gathering as Masha, the resident wellness expert who probably knows more about her guests than they suspect. Watch with a free trial to Hulu here. Reminiscence (Theaters, HBO Max, August 20) Westworld co-creator Lisa Joy makes her feature debut with a noir-inspired near-future thriller starring Hugh Jackman as Nick Bannister, a specialist in allowing residents of a devastated Miami to relive happier times. Rebecca Ferguson co-stars as a client whose allure might prove his undoing. Watch on HBO Max here. Cryptozoo (Theaters, August 20) Cartoonist Dash Shaw has been winning over readers of off-the-beaten track comics since he was a teenager via books like Bottomless Belly Button and Cosplayers. With the well-received 2016 film, My Entire High School is Sinking Into the Sea, Shaw branched out into animation, a development fathered by this even more ambitious second feature starring the voice of Lake Bell as Lauren, a fearless protectors of the creatures found at her refuge for strange, mythical, and freakish animals. The Night House (Theaters, August 20) One of the wonderful things about horror is the way the genre can keep offering up new variations on familiar premises. There have been countless haunted house movies but if a new haunted house movie is good, who cares? This second feature from David Bruckner stars Rebecca Hall as a widow living alone in the lake house built by her late husband a place that becomes host to terrifying visions. Chapelwaite (Epix, August 22) Before the events of Stephen Kings 1975 novel Salems Lot made Jerusalems Lot a bloody mess, the town already had a dark history. King chronicled that earlier chapter in the 1978 short story Jerusalems Lot, the inspiration for this new series set in the 1850s and starring Adrien Brody as a widowed father who relocates his family to his ancestral home, a place with dark secrets. Schitts Creeks Emily Hampshire co-stars as a writer working for The Atlantic who gets drawn into his troubles. Watch on Epix here. The Chair (Netflix, August 27) When Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim (Sandra Oh) becomes the first woman to serve as Chair of her colleges English department she discovers the promotion comes with a set of problems, some of them tied to a coworker (Jay Duplass) involved in a mounting scandal. The first project produced as part of David Benioff and Dan Weisss Netflix deal, the six-part miniseries is written by Amanda Peet. Watch on Netflix here. Candyman (Theaters, August 27) Not a remake but a follow-up to the original Candyman, this new film directed by Nia DaCosta makes the gentrification thats come to the former site of Chicagos Cabrini Green housing projects central to its plot. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II stars as a childhood Cabrini Green resident who returns to his old neighborhood as a successful artist only to find that the ghosts of the past havent quite been laid to rest. Vacation Friends (Hulu, August 27) What happens on vacation stays on vacation, except when it doesnt, in this new comedy starring John Cena and Meredith Hagner (Search Party) as a hard-partying couple who unexpectedly show up at the wedding of a pair of vacation acquaintances (Lil Rel Howery and Yvonne Orji). Directed by Clay Tarver, a veteran of Silicon Valley, this looks like the sort of broad, amiable comedy that doesnt make it to theaters that much but seems to be finding new homes on streaming services. Watch with a free trial to Hulu here. Only Murders in the Building (Hulu, August 31) Steve Martin hasnt really done much in the way of acting lately, not that he hasnt stayed busy playing music, writing plays, and touring with his pal Martin Short. Apart from a cameo in Billy Lynns Long Halftime Walk, Martin hasnt had an on-screen role of any significance since The Big Year in 2011. That changes with this new series, co-created by Martin, in which he plays a true crime fan who finds himself drawn into a real-life mystery (maybe). Short and Selena Gomez co-star as fellow crime obsessives. Watch with a free trial to Hulu here. Sign up for Rolling Stone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Maybe it's the Texas in us that would assume everyone outside of statelines would be excited to have a Whataburger. That wasn't entirely the case in Colorado Springs, where Whataburger announced it is planning on opening a location. News broke Wednesday and to say not everyone was enthusiastic would be an undercooked statement. RELATED: Simone Biles' Houston home is swamped with sausage pizza One person threatened to call the police, another called it "crap." We are equally confused and maybe just a little hurt. Whataburger confirmed the news to Colorado Springs news outlets in a statement on Tuesday saying the company is "excited" to expand. MORE FOOD: Houston's most in-demand dessert is hidden behind riddles While some of the reception was met with negativity, there were some fans who reciprocated the energy, especially from transplants who can't wait to get a taste of home in Colorado. Whataburger did not release an opening date for the Colorado Springs location. The Texas favorite also recently announced a four-restaurant expansion into Kansas City. Those locations are expected to open by this fall. If you want to feel like you're in an alternate universe where Whataburger does not reign supreme, keep scrolling. Arturo Campos, the former NASA electrical engineer and champion of the recent NASA moonikin contest whose mannequin will be sent to the moon, is set to receive another recognition as the City of Laredo passed a resolution in his honor. Through a city resolution passed by the city council, the day of the Artemis I mission will be recognized as Commander Moonikin Campos Day, which is slated to take place in November according to NASA. The family of the late NASA engineer is excited about the recognition. Were elated that Laredo has bestowed this honor in my dads name, Yvette Campos Brewer said. We found out about this from a relative in Laredo. A city hall employee found out that they were doing something on behalf of dad and called a relative of ours and told her. She in turn told her father Alberto Campos who shared this with another relative. She posted it in a message on Messenger and the rest is history. All three Campos sisters said they were excited about the recognition and look forward to what the city does in November as the mannequin of their father is sent to the moon by NASA. Im very happy they will name a day after dad, Leticia Campos Maddix said. More Information See More Collapse According to Campos Maddix, at first they thought the city was going to make a presentation in honor of Campos, then they found out there would be a whole day recognizing him. Kristine Campos Villarreal let us know in advance that there was going to be a presentation for my dad before the council meeting, Campos Maddix said. My sister Deanna Campos Ranck, who works as a pharmacy technician, called the city of Laredo. She was told it wasnt a presentation but a resolution for dad, and nobody needed to be there. Campos Maddixs sister said she wished she would have made the trip to Laredo, but they did not know about it in advance. I am very, very happy that there will be a special day, Artemis launch date, named after Moonikin Commander Campos Day, Campos Ranck said. I am disappointed that we were not there for the presentation and that the city council didnt contact us about this. I am happy to know that some of our family members were able to be there to receive the plaque. Another of the sisters said they were not thrilled about not being able to attend but are glad the resolution passed. We were really disappointed that nobody thought to call us and let us know personally, Campos Brewer said. Then, when my sister Deanna called to ask if we should plan a trip there, she was told no, that nobody needed to attend. She was told they were simply going to work on a resolution and that nothing would be presented on behalf of dad. According to Campos Brewer, as of this date none of the three sisters have spoken to the mayor. I called and spoke to the mayor's assistant Jose Rodriguez the next day to discuss the certificate that was awarded, Campos Brewer said. He was very kind. According to Campos Maddix, she wanted to make it to Laredo for the passage of the resolution but could not due to work. She also said she is waiting to go to Laredo as a documentary is being produced on Campos work in NASA and his overall legacy. Dads sisters and cousins went, Campos Maddix said. They handed an award to my Tia Diana. I was pleased that dads family was there. I work full time and was saving my time off for when the men making the documentary will be here in Houston in a week. Campos Maddix said the documentary is still in the early stages but that it will finally offer a look into who their father was and what he did for NASA and Hispanics. She said the documentary will also film the launch. We are working on a documentary about dad, Campos Maddix said. Its very exciting. We are in the beginning stages. We may be there when they launch Artemis I. Though the sisters will try to be as close as possible to the launch in Houston when it happens, they plan to come to Laredo and see how their father is recognized. I believe the celebration in Laredo will be great because Laredoans know how to celebrate, Campos Ranck said. The sisters also reminisced about the time the family spent in Laredo and how they loved being in the Gateway City, especially their father who enjoyed travelling to his ranch. My father loved to visit family in Laredo, Campos Maddix said. Dad had a ranch 30 miles from Laredo. He loved to go there. He had some cattle there also. Campos Brewer also remembered her fathers ranch and how he used to love spending time with their local family. My father had a ranch outside of Laredo that we called ABC Ranch. He had built a house there with our husbands many years ago and had cattle as well, Campos Brewer said. He loved going to the ranch any time he had a chance to. It was his home away from home so to speak. He loved the peacefulness out there. He was also very much a family man and would visit family members every time he went. I firmly believe that is what he missed the most, his ranch and family. As the family awaits their fathers city recognition and the launch in November, they are extremely grateful to their friends and family for helping win the NASA contest. We are very grateful to friends and family that have supported and loved our father, Campos Brewer said. I believe that my dad and mom, my brother, my niece and my son are all watching the things going on here on Earth and are excited at all the attention that my father has received for his part in Apollo 13 and work with LULAC. There isnt a day that goes by where their presence isnt missed. My sisters and I were all daddys girls. Dad has been gone now for almost 20 years and we just lost my mom at the end of 2019, and my son who was my only child in early 2020. Weve had quite a bit of the downside of life and the pain associated with it, so to have these unexpected happy occasions come up this year has been a blessing and has helped us in remembering that you really do reap what you sow. jorge.vela@lmtonline.com One native Laredoan is about to hit the big screen this week as The Suicide Squad by director James Gunn is released in theatres and on HBO Max starting Friday, Aug. 6. Julio Cesar Ruiz will play the character Milton as he helps the other villains attempt to finish their mission in South America. Ruiz shared some insight into how he became an actor, how he landed a role in The Suicide Squad and what is next in his career. I grew up in Laredo, Texas, born and raised, and I always wanted to be an actor since I was a young boy growing up here, Ruiz said. I dont know what it was, as I would usually go to the movie theaters and not just go out and say, Lets go out to have fun. Even at a young age, I did enjoy the process. I enjoyed watching movie magic, and once I learned that you could do this as a profession, I said to myself that I have to figure out how to do that. Ruiz said he is glad opportunities for actors seem to be improving in Laredo. More Information See More Collapse When I was growing up in Laredo, there was not a lot of opportunities. However, now its changing as I see acting classes, I see programs and I see my old high school just did a program where they are teaching film and even photography, which is important to me, Ruiz said. So, I do see that it is growing as far as the interest and the opportunities, but I knew at the time I had to leave Laredo to pursue this as a professional just because to get to the auditions, to get to the representation and things like that was easier elsewhere than in Laredo. Ruiz called his audition and eventual casting into the Suicide Squad sequel a wild story. It included getting the news while visiting the iconic Hollywood sign. I have been doing this for a long time as a professional, and just like any actor, in efforts to get those offers on the daily you start to audition. I auditioned for this project and it took some time to hear anything back, so I thought it is not going to happen, Ruiz said. I had some friends visiting me in California and we were at the Hollywood sign, and at that moment I get a phone call like, Hey, they want you for this, and it was like a Cinderella story as we were at the Hollywood sign, just taking some pictures as we are childhood friends and having a good time and then that happens. You couldnt write it any better than that. Even though Ruiz auditioned for the part of Milton from the beginning, he said the character was not going to be as significant at first. He is going to do what he is able to do to help the squad out, good or bad, Ruiz said. He is part of the team, and in this particular film he is a little bit more of a comedic relief as there is a lot of action, a lot of things going. There are a lot of explosions and obviously a lot of heartfelt moments. Its good to have that balance. The actor praised the work of director James Gunn as he helped craft a well-rounded story and gather the perfect team to play the roles. Ruiz said The Suicide Squad could be the directors best film of all time. You know, you grow up watching certain films and you hear how other actors feel about their director, and it was just as advertised, Ruiz said. He is a genius. What goes through his head is wild, how he can put everything together all at once and get into what it is. I dont think people are expecting it, and Im not exaggerating when I say this could possibly be his best film yet. Along with working with a director he admires, being cast in the blockbuster also afforded Ruiz the opportunity to work alongside a cast loaded with stars. They include Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, John Cena, Pete Davidson, Idris Elba, Nathan Fillion, Michael Rooker, Sylvester Stallone and many more. You try to remember they are just people and colleagues, and we are trying to do the same job, but obviously you have seen some of these actors on TV for years and in movies, Ruiz said. It is all about respecting. You show up to work and make sure that you do your part to make sure the storytelling is being done correctly. We are trying to put the vision of James Gunn on screen. Everybody was amazing, and everybody was really nice. It is one of those experiences that I hope I get to get back to and relive even when I am old and grey. With the movie on the verge of its release, Ruiz said he is most excited about the opportunity to continue his acting career. I am living the dream because I get to wake up every day and pursue my passion, Ruiz said. Every day I get an audition and an opportunity to be in front of the camera and read scripts and breakdowns. Ruiz loves his job, but he said the downside is he now analyzes movies more than before. Rather than getting swept up in the moment, he analyzes the performances. Sometimes I am not just enjoying watching the movie whether it is a comedy or a drama. Now I am thinking about how they do that or what were his intentions behind this, Ruiz said. All in all, it is fun for me. Its love. You couldnt do this or any profession without having some kind of passion. Ruiz said his acting days are far from over as he is already working on several potential projects. We have some projects that are in the works. Nothing is official yet as there are a lot of things that have to align, Ruiz said. Unfortunately, with the pandemic things did get pushed back. People are trying to catch up, and we are trying to make sure everybody is safe. But all in due time. Ruiz hopes everybody goes out to see and enjoys The Suicide Squad this week. He has already seen it and plans to go again. I hope for the most part that people get to enjoy it in theaters, because it is really worth watching it, and I think it was made for IMAX to be honest with you, Ruiz said. I think that we all have been waiting for an event or something to go out and say that it is worth it. Obviously, I want everybody to remain safe and make sure that you take the proper precautions to make sure you are okay, but if you get the opportunity, go watch it. Its worth it, I promise you. The Suicide Squad featuring Ruiz will be in theaters Aug. 6 and will be available on HBO Max for 31 days. jorge.vela@lmtonline.com Uncertainty has gripped schools across Texas once again as the rising number of COVID cases brings back 2020 questions regarding the return to school, mask mandates and vaccinations. Regardless, preparations continue as school districts edge closer to the 2021-22 school year and see campuses full of students once again. According to UISD, the schools will continue to maintain the same level of sanitation and general cleaning throughout this new school year. Hand sanitizers will be placed throughout the campuses and buses, social distancing is a priority and masks and vaccinations are still highly recommended and encouraged, especially for unvaccinated students. More Information See More Collapse According to Irene Rosales, UISD Health Services Director, the Texas Education Agency has still not disclosed any new guidelines in regard to any mask mandates, vaccinations or remote learning. To mitigate the risks and compound the safety efforts of the sanitization, Rosales said the district is implementing a number of safety protocols. This includes staff self-screenings, parents conducting self-screenings on their children, visitors continuing to be required to adhere to safety protocols, multiple entry points, signage for less traffic congestion in schools, dismissal utilizing multiple exits and rapid testing being available on a voluntary basis for all K-12 students. For unvaccinated students, it will be offered for students 12 years and older and continue to provide them through vaccine clinics moving forward. The most important message to the district community is the safety and well-being of all students, staff members, parents and visitors. The United Independent School District would like for all individuals that have not been vaccinated to please do so as soon as possible, Rosales said. The district will do their part in making it as safe as possible, but we need our district community to also do their part and have all 12 years and above vaccinated against coronavirus. We need to bring our students back to class to ensure their learning opportunities. One way to control the spread of this disease is to get vaccinated, follow all safety procedures: frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer when water is not available, social distancing and wearing a mask. Despite the Delta variants heightened aggression and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions recommendation, Texas Governor Greg Abbott will continue to ban any local pandemic mandates such as mask mandates at schools. [Gov. Greg Abbott] has been clear that the time for government mandating of masks is over, Abbotts press secretary Renae Eze told The Texas Tribune. Now is the time for personal responsibility. Every Texan has the right to choose whether they will wear a mask or have their children wear masks. Rosales said the district is following CDC guidelines, and any change made by them will be implemented district-wide. She said the situation is constantly changing with this Delta variant. As a doctor, I commend the CDCs most recent mask guidelines for k-12 on what we have always known to be a commonsense defense against the transmission of COVID-19, Laredo Health Authority Dr. Victor Trevino said. Because children under 12 are not eligible for the vaccine, by not having a mask requirement children are susceptible to getting infected in our schools. To discuss the issue further, the UISD board of trustees will meet with Trevino on Wednesday to discuss the return to school and the COVID-19 situation in Laredo. Earlier this year, the Texas Department of Health Services began an awareness campaign over the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in an effort to encourage more people to get vaccinated. cocampo@lmtonline.com A week-long push to vaccinate as many people as possible proved fruitful for the sister city of Nuevo Laredo as approximately 70,000 were vaccinated from Tuesday to Saturday according to reports from the local municipal government. Thousands of Pfizer vaccines were administered as the United States recently sent a large shipment to the country. Since last week, vaccination drives had been announced for the area, and people came out in full force to receive their dose. The drive is the biggest the city has held since it began vaccinating the elderly earlier this year. The high numbers of vaccinations were applauded by the people of Nuevo Laredo and local leaders along with Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz. More Information See More Collapse I am very pleased to hear of the significant number of vaccinations applied in our sister city of Nuevo Laredo, Saenz said. Our South Texas-Northern Mexico region, like all other regions, must ensure that our people have access to and availability of vaccines. It is our principal duty as government officials to provide for the health, safety and overall welfare of our people. Many individuals who got their first dose of the vaccine were thrilled to be forming part of the effort to help control the virus. It feels good to finally be protected and feel we can now be safe out in public, Rogelio Norton said. By having the vaccine, we can now feel that we are going back to normal to some extent. Over the past months we have seen businesses close, people lose their jobs and people not get together, which hopefully this shot in the arm is a shot against the virus as well. Norton said he waited in line for about three hours to get vaccinated. He took his mother with him on Tuesday, and they both got vaccinated and now are waiting for the second dose. Locations for the vaccinations included the fairgrounds where the annual Expomex is typically held but was canceled for the second straight year. Other locations were the civic center, the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas and the Polyforum Stadium. All sites began operating with a schedule of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. but quickly extended the hours to 8 p.m. as the lines continued throughout the day. By Wednesday, the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas location began operating around the clock. The only problem with the 24-hour location was there were so many people attending that the site did not have enough nurses and doctors to attend to the needs of all the people. However, volunteers stepped up to help with the vaccination efforts. One of these volunteers was Erika Salinas, who took a shift in the night in efforts to help vaccinate people. I just saw that they were looking for people and just went ahead and did it as we only had a week to get this done, Salinas said. We want to do it as soon as possible without worrying that we did not do our part. People were grateful for the efforts of volunteers like Salinas. Its just amazing seeing how these individuals volunteered without truly not getting anything in return, Silvia De La Cruz said. I do hope that the government to some extent recognizes the efforts of these volunteers and others in efforts to continue providing this valuable service to all the people in Nuevo Laredo. They are our real heroes. De La Cruz hopes a better registration system is implemented for the second dose to prevent the long lines. The vaccination drives began on Tuesday vaccinating people between the ages of 18 and 21 years old and progressively grew to vaccinating individuals 30 and above by Saturday. They saw longer lines in the first two days as younger people turned up in large numbers. The fact that many people say that we young ones are not conscious is not true, Adalberto Villegas said. The young people are more than conscious that they must get vaccinated in efforts to be safe, take care of their older loved ones at home and to eventually go to work and even to the United States when the bridges are opened freely. Villegas said he was glad he saw some young people with Pikachu and Sailor Moon costumes attend the vaccination drives and provide some comic relief to all the people waiting for hours. It just goes to show that everybody is in this together whether it is several Pokemon or anime characters. We will beat this virus, Villegas said. A request for comment from the Nuevo Laredo municipal government for comment was not returned in time for this article. jorge.vela@lmtonline.com In what UISD states is the first of its kind, high school freshman and sophomore students from the district will have the opportunity to work towards the Congressional Award Medal this Monday through Thursday. The UISD Congressional Award Youth and Leadership Summit will be hosted at Lyndon B. Johnson 9th grade campus between Monday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students participating will be training throughout the summit for a chance to win the highest award bestowed by the United States Congress to students between 13 and 23 years of age. Starting on Wednesday, students will be tasked with preparing an Issues to Action Student Lead Proposal where they will take action on a current issue. The issue set by the summit will be revolving around how to help students reengage and reconnect back to school. Participants will be working in groups and have two days to prepare their proposal before presenting their idea to a panel of judges. Winners will receive a $500 to $1,000 grant, while second and third place winners receive $250 and $150, respectively. On the final day, students will have lunch and a roundtable session with local community hero role models from around the district, city and county. These include UISD Superintendent David Gonzalez, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, Mayor Pete Saenz, Laredo Fire Department Chief Guillermo Heard, District Attorney Chilo Alaniz and County Attorney Marco Montemayor. According to the district, the event was a collaboration led by the Federal and State Programs department, IDQ group and sponsored by Texas A&M University, Purdue University, Microsoft and the Congressional Award Partner Kristine Schwope. The Congressional Award is the United States Congress award for young Americans, and the foundation remains Congress only charity states the organization. The program is non-partisan, voluntary and non-competitive and is explained by stating that it has no minimum GPA requirement and accommodates students with special needs or disabilities as long as they are willing to take on the challenge. Students can win gold, silver and bronze award certificates and/or medals, and there are four distinct program areas including voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration. The areas are further explained, stating that voluntary public service is sharing time and talents for benefits of others, personal development is pursuing a new interest or advancing in an ongoing one, physical fitness is improving ones quality of life, and expedition/exploration is immersing oneself in an unfamiliar environment or culture. According to their 2017-18 review, over a million service hours were completed, 43,654 participants got involved, 375,944 fitness hours were logged and 4,663 awards were earned throughout the country. cocampo@lmtonline.com The U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector announced on Friday that it arrested a convicted murderer and two Paisa gang members in three separate incidents. Luis Adalberto Vicente-Hernandez, Roberto Jesus Rodarte-Leon and Angel Rodriguez-Martinez were each arrested while trying to enter the country illegally among groups of migrants. The hard work of our agents led to the arrest of these dangerous criminals ensuring the safety to the citizens of our community and throughout the country, said USBP in a statement. U.S. Border Patrol agents remain vigilant and alert, regardless of the area they are patrolling. Vicente-Hernandez is a 40-year-old Guatemalan national. USBP said he was apprehended Friday morning by agents patrolling the south Laredo border. Vicente-Hernandez was allegedly one of 16 migrants apprehended in the brush after illegally crossing the Rio Grande. The USBP said he had an extensive criminal history including an arrest and felony conviction for homicide by vehicle from the Philadelphia Police Department. Rodarte-Leon is a 27-year-old Mexican national. The USBP stated he was part of a group of six migrants apprehended in central Laredo after illegally crossing the Rio Grande. Rodarte-Leon said in questioning that he was a member of the Paisa gang, USBP states. Agents added that he had an extensive criminal history involving multiple arrests and convictions for theft and narcotics possession. Rodriguez-Martinez is a 31-year-old Mexican national. The USBP stated he was in a group of 21 migrants apprehended in the brush near Rio Bravo. Rodriguez-Martinez said in questioning that he was a member of the Paisa gang, USBP states. Agents added that he had multiple immigration violations and prior orders of removal. There was great excitement at Nallys Hyundai garage, Ballymahon last Saturday night as the Longford GAA, supported by Club Longford (the Longford GAA Official Supporters Club) win a Hyundai Tucson and a Center Parcs Holiday fundraising main draw took place. The draw was broadcast live via the Club Longford Facebook page and thanking the public for their incredible support, Club Longford Chairperson Mark Connellan explained how Co Board Chairperson Albert Cooney, in the absence of the Longford GAA Race Day for the past two years and a big hit to local gate receipts owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, came to the group a few months ago with a view to holding a draw and he set them a target of 100,000. Mr Connellan admitted, We were sceptical about that target and but Im glad to report weve generated a profit of some place between 115,000 and 120,000 , a successful outcome to our first attempt at a car draw. He thanked the 3,750 people that bought tickets in the draw, and he said this highlights the goodwill and loyalty that exists for Gaelic Games in Longford. Mr Connellan also thanked the draw sponsors led by Nally Brothers, who contributed over 10,000 to the draw ; the early bird draws were sponsored by Sherpack Limited (4 Green Fees in K Club), the Hanley Group (one night stay and dinner for 2 in Kilronan Castle or Lough Rynn Castle), Cooney Precision Engineering (overnight stay and dinner for 2 at Wineport Lodge), and prizes in the main draw were sponsored by Elite Energies.ie (James Gorahm), Peter Hanley Motors (David & Peter), M & N Nolan Motors (Micheal and Niall Nolan) and Nallys Hyundai garage, Ballymahon (Nally brothers). He thanked social media director Lyndsay Considine, John Hyland of Club Spot, the clubs of Longford and County Board Executive and he described Co Board Chairperson Albert Cooney as the driving force behind the draw. Mr Connellan added, The purpose of Club Longford is to provide the funds to allow our players to be as good as they possibly can be and no doubt there will be further draws in the future as we aim to build on the success of this one. Co Board Chairperson Albert Cooney expressed his deep appreciation to Nally brothers and he said the draw was a true example of teamwork between the Co Board and Club Longford. He also expressed thanks to Peter OReilly, Lorraine McDonnell and John Finn (Club Longford treasurer). The draw was conducted under the supervision of Gerry Sheehan of OBrien & Co, with the prizes being drawn by Kevin Diffley, Liam Connerton, Iarla OSullivan, Darren Gallagher and Marie OReilly Keenan. Draw Prizes and winners 1st Prize - 2021 Hyundai Tucson (sponsored by Nally Brothers) & Center Parcs Holiday Worth 2000; Paddy McDonnell c/o Phoenix, Leader House, Longford 2nd 2000 (sponsored by M & N Nolan Motors); Richie Fleming, Naas 3rd 2 VIP Tickets to a major concert in Croke Park & Overnight stay for 2 in the Croke Park Hotel; BD Flood, Oldcastle, Meath 4th 1000 (sponsored by Peter Hanley Motors); Jim Tighe, New Rooskey, Rooskey, Roscommon 5th 500 (sponsored by Elite Energies.ie); Teresa O'Hanlon, Ballymulvey, Ballymahon The Ombudsman for Children Dr. Niall Muldoon has called on children and young people in County Longford to take part in Child Talks 2021. Now in its fourth year, Child Talks is an annual event held by the Ombudsman for Childrens Office where children and young people up to age 18 are given a platform to talk about the issues that matter most to them. This years theme is 'My Hopes for the Future'. Child Talks is an opportunity for children to tell their own stories, to share their views and to have their say. Taking place on November 19 to mark World Childrens Day, Child Talks 2021 will be a hybrid online-physical event streaming live from the RDS in Co. Dublin. Since Child Talks began in 2018 young have people have talked about lots of different issues school, disability, period poverty, culture, sexuality, family and lots more. It is completely up to the speakers. "The past 18 months has highlighted the importance of hearing childrens voices and their concerns," explains Muldoon. "Child Talks gives us a real insight into the problems and issues children are facing and helps us to get a better understanding of their world. At a time where childrens voices have often been forgotten, Child Talks gives young people a unique platform to share their story, vision, and hopes for the future." There is no need to worry if you have never spoken in public, Child Talks will help you and work with you. Child Talks has changed over the past 4 years, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the message and value has remained the same. It gives speakers the confidence and courage to speak up about the issues that matter to them and find the value in their voice. Katherine Amusan (16) from Co. Dublin took part in Child Talks 2020 and has encouraged children and young people to take part. "My story last year was about my hair and coming to terms with my identity," she explained. "My culture is something to be proud of and I spoke last year about how I dont need to separate my African culture from being born and raised in Ireland. "Participating in Child Talks and getting to tell my story was a very liberating experience and it really grew my confidence." To take part or find out more email 'communications@oco.ie', send a voice note to 0871029039 or visit here to fill in the online application form. Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday, August 11. GOAL is encouraging Longford people to take part in its innovative new public campaign to motivate people to act to achieve a more equal, fairer and sustainable world. The #Connected2 Campaign aims to encourage better awareness and understanding of how people all over the globe are interconnected through Climate Change and Food Systems, and to highlight how events in one part of the world can have an impact, whether positive or negative, on other parts. The #Connected2 campaign comes ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) due later this year. The high-level conferences will see global leaders discuss how they can work to fight the impacts of food insecurity and climate change, two of the biggest crises facing humanity today. The UN has warned that more than 811 million people approximately one in ten of the worlds population are suffering from malnutrition and hunger, 118 million more people than last year. Climate change is also resulting in more frequent and intense drought, storms, heat waves, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers wreaking havoc on people's livelihoods and communities. The #Connected2 campaign is being launched with promotional videos showcasing people from around the world telling us how they are connected. People are being encouraged to get involved and to post their own videos and statements on Twitter and Instagram, and to start a conversation about how Climate Change and Food Systems connected them to other people and places. The online campaign will feature inputs from young people and leaders from across the world and will include: Photo essays from GOALs Global Youth Programme participantsfrom six different countries, each themed around a statement incorporating Climate Change or Food Systems. A video series connecting activists and leaders across different backgrounds and countries. In each video, two guest speakers will discuss how they and their worlds are #Connected2. According to GOAL Deputy CEO and Director of Public Engagement, Mary Van Lieshout, the aim of #Connected2 is to encourage members of the public to take notice of the connections they see between people, geographical areas, and global issues like Climate Change and Food Systems. These issues are each connected to one another, and so we must be connected in our response. We encourage everyone to get involved in the #Connected2 campaign, to tell us how they are connected to others, places and passions around the world, she said. Climate change poses a considerable threat to global food security, and as it worsens there will be further stress on an already hungry world. World leaders, including Ireland, need to double down on efforts at home and internationally to promote climate-smart agriculture and elevate the issue of climate change and food insecurity. Find all details here. Arising from a number of separate operations carried out over the course of this week, Revenue officers at Dublin Airport seized almost 187,000 cigarettes and 38.5kgs of tobacco. All seizures were made as a result of routine profiling and are detailed below: Almost 97,000 cigarettes, branded Winston and Minsk, were discovered concealed in steel cases described as air filters. The air cargo consignments had arrived into the State from Italy and were destined for consignees in Navan, Laois, and Carlow. 31kgs of raw tobacco concealed inside emptied and resealed tins of cat food and dog food. The smuggled tobacco arrived into the State from Poland and Spain and were destined for consignees in counties Dublin and Monaghan. 7.5kgs of Amber Leaf roll your own tobacco, discovered in the luggage of a passenger arriving from Alicante, Spain. 90,000 cigarettes, branded Benson & Hedges and L&M, discovered in the luggage of passengers arriving from Poland and Nigeria. "The illegal cigarettes and tobacco had a combined retail value of over 151,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost 122,000," said a statement. Revenue added that investigations are ongoing. Revenue says the seizures were part of ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products. "If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling they can contact Revenue in confidence on the confidential free phone number 1800 295 295." (Alliance News) - The UK chancellor of the Exchequer has warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the UK's travel restrictions are "out of step" with its international rivals as he pushes for holiday rules to be relaxed, according to reports. The Sunday Times reported that Rishi Sunak has written to Johnson about the damage that the current border rules are doing to the country's economy, particularly its tourism and hospitality sector. He is said to be calling for Britain to take advantage of its successful vaccination programme by opening up further. The No 11 Downing Street incumbent has reportedly told the Conservative Party leader that the UK's entry and exit rules are "out of step with our international competitors". The newspaper quotes a source, who it claims is familiar with the letter, as saying: "Rishi has called time on the travel restrictions." The report comes before ministers are due to meet next week to set the travel rules that will be in place for most of August. Treasury sources did not deny Sunak had written to his Downing Street neighbour but said the communication was not related to next week's review. The UK government has faced criticism over changes to its border policy during the coronavirus pandemic, with France the latest to be irked after it was placed on a newly-created "amber-plus" list as part of the so-called traffic light system. The fresh designation, in response to suggestions of growing cases of the Beta variant that was first discovered in South Africa, saw the quarantine exemption for the fully vaccinated scrapped, meaning those returning from France had to quarantine for 10 days. Analysts have predicted that Spain could be the next country to go on the amber-plus list, in what would be a blow to British tourists given Spain is the UK's most popular tourist destination. There is speculation that France might be promoted back to amber when the government updates the travel lists on August 5, restoring the ability for the double jabbed to skip self-isolation. No 10 sources said it was too early to speculate on what changes might be made next week, with ministers yet to see the latest data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre, which assesses the risks presented by international travel. They pointed to the decision to open up travel to those who are fully vaccinated coming from the US and EU as an example of Johnson's own desire to see more open borders in Britain. Sunak's push for travel restrictions to be softened comes only days after scientists advising the government on coronavirus warned, in papers published on Friday, that any increase in foreign travel this summer is concerning. The daily average of coronavirus-related deaths, those dying within 28 days of a positive test, has increased by 9% over the past week, with hospital admissions up by almost a fifth. Government data showed a further 71 people died as of Saturday, bringing the UK total to 129,654, and a further 26,144 lab-confirmed cases were also recorded. With more than 900 people reported to have been admitted to hospital on Saturday, meaning 5,900 Covid patients are currently being treated in wards, fresh incentives are being rolled out to entice young people into getting vaccinated. The Department of Health & Social Care said around 67% of people aged 18 to 29 in England have received a first dose, and it is hoping to boost those figures with offers of vouchers and discounts for popular takeaways and taxi for those who get a jab. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the brands who will be offering incentives to encourage youngsters to get inoculated. Taxi app firm Uber Technologies Inc will be sending reminders to all users in August encouraging them to get jabbed, DHSC said. The company will offer discounted Uber rides and meals on its Uber Eats platform for young adults who receive a vaccine. Bolt, another ride-hailing app, will offer "free ride credit" to vaccination centres following a similar scheme earlier this year when it offered GBP250,000 worth of free rides to London vaccination facilities. Deliveroo PLC is planning to give vouchers to young people who get jabbed. The DHSC said further details on partnerships will be released "in due course" and other incentives "could include vouchers or discount codes", along with competitions and promotional offers for restaurants. By Patrick Daly, PA Political Correspondent source: PA Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Spain's High Court has dropped a formal investigation into the chairman of oil company Repsol Antonio Brufau after it found no evidence of his alleged participation in a decade-old spying case, a court document showed on Thursday. The investigating judge Manuel Garcia Castellon also dismissed an investigation against former Caixabank chairman Isidro Faine and the companies Repsol and Caixabank. The High Court had put all of them under investigation as part of a probe into the case of alleged spying. Both companies said they welcomed the decision by the court to close the probe and pledged in any case to fully cooperate with judicial authorities. Castellon was investigating whether Repsol and Caixabank hired Grupo Cenyt, a security firm belonging to former police chief Jose Manuel Villarejo, to spy on the then chairman of construction company Sacyr, Luis del Rivero, in 2011 and 2012. The alleged aim was to block a takeover bid for Repsol by Sacyr and Mexican state oil firm Pemex. Repsol was then partly owned by Caixabank. On Thursday, the court said "without evidence that the chairmen of the companies were directly involved in the events under investigation, it is not possible to put them under corporate supervision and oversight." The court also said in its ruling that both companies had adequate measures in place to prevent the commission of the offences under investigation. Castellon was investigating Brufau and Faine for any possible links to bribery, in connection with both companies' alleged dealings with Villarejo. No formal charges had been brought as the probe was in its first phase. The investigation is part of a wider inquiry, centered on Villarejo's activities, that has roiled Spain's corporate sector, causing some reputational damage, but with no clear impact on companies' businesses so far. Spanish bank BBVA and Iberdrola Renovables Energia, a unit of power company Iberdrola in Spain, remain under investigation in relation to Villarejo's activities. Mankato, MN (56001) Today Sunny. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High 83F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 69F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Mankato, MN (56001) Today Sunny. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High 84F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 69F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Mankato, MN (56001) Today Mainly sunny. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High 84F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Historian Jim McKee, who still writes with a fountain pen, invites comments or questions. Write to him in care of the Journal Star or at jim@leebooksellers.com. 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. 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 Delta variant was found to produce similar amounts of virus in vaccinated and unvaccinated people if they get infected, said a new study of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study, published by the CDC on Friday, focused on 469 Covid-19 cases identified among Massachusetts residents who had travelled to Barnstable County, a summer vacation destination, during July 3 to 17, the Xinhua news agency reported. High viral loads suggest an increased risk of transmission and raised concern that, unlike with other variants, vaccinated people infected with Delta can transmit the virus. Cycle threshold values were similar among specimens from patients who were fully vaccinated and those who were not, according to the study. The study demonstrated that Delta infection resulted in similarly high SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in vaccinated and unvaccinated people, said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. Walensky said that this finding is concerning and was a pivotal discovery leading to CDC's updated mask recommendation. The CDC updated its masking recommendation on Tuesday, urging vaccinated Americans to resume wearing masks in schools and in public indoor spaces in Covid-19 hot spots across the country. "The masking recommendation was updated to ensure the vaccinated public would not unknowingly transmit virus to others, including their unvaccinated or immunocompromised loved ones," she said. The CDC suggested jurisdictions to consider expanded prevention strategies, including universal masking in indoor public settings, particularly for large public gatherings that include travellers from many areas with differing levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Source: IANS Testing identified the Delta variant in 90 per cent of specimens from 133 patients.Cycle threshold values were similar among specimens from patients who were fully vaccinated and those who were not, according to the study.The study demonstrated that Delta infection resulted in similarly high SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in vaccinated and unvaccinated people, said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.Walensky said that this finding is concerning and was a pivotal discovery leading to CDC's updated mask recommendation.The CDC updated its masking recommendation on Tuesday, urging vaccinated Americans to resume wearing masks in schools and in public indoor spaces in Covid-19 hot spots across the country."The masking recommendation was updated to ensure the vaccinated public would not unknowingly transmit virus to others, including their unvaccinated or immunocompromised loved ones," she said.The CDC suggested jurisdictions to consider expanded prevention strategies, including universal masking in indoor public settings, particularly for large public gatherings that include travellers from many areas with differing levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.Source: IANS A total of 346 cases, about 74 per cent, occurred in fully vaccinated people, according to the study. Bollywood has been rather ruthless when it comes to recognizing talent and it has taken years for the Hindi cinema to finally give due credit to actors who genuinely deserve it. It will perhaps take many more years to make certain amends and start casting actors only based on their talent. Actors like Adil Hussain who have been in the industry deserve way more credit for his talent as he is an actor who brings calmness to the masala Bollywood movies through his characters. He belongs from Assam and is proving all the haters who looked down upon north-easterners wrong by doing some great films. A versatile actor, Hussain is clearly a gem of the cinema industry not only for his contribution to regional cinema but also for his work in international ventures. He has been a part of acclaimed indie films like Parched, Angry Indian Goddesses, Umrika and the list goes on. I got a chance to talk to Adil Hussain about his journey and we also discussed how Bollywood didnt help in protecting the plight of the northeasterners. Here are the excerpts from my interview: Adil sir, you are an actor who is not bound by any language barrier. You have done Hindi movies, Assamese movies, even Bengali movies, and much more. How do you see your journey? I would say that I am one of the luckiest actors on this planet who has been offered so many roles and thankfully by the design of nature, I have a very pan-Indian face. When I travel to Tamil Nadu, people think I am a Tamilian, when I am in Assam, of course, I am an Assamese, when I am in Bengal, they think I am Bengali and when I am in Bihar, they think I belong to their land and I am a Bihari. When I am in Kerala, people start talking to me in Malayalam. I think its a gift from the universe. I also have a knack for picking up languages and I wish I had known more. I am not very good at the southern language because it belongs to a completely different branch of linguistics. I can speak four languages easily. I can probably do a decent job with a British, Scottish, and American accent. I am very lucky to pursue acting and to be recognized as an actor whos dependable and directors think that they can give me such diverse roles. And that credibility has been taught to me by my teacher. I put my heart and soul into my characters and probably my hard work is paying off. In one of your interviews, you said that people thought you are not a bankable actor and Bollywood had to fit you in and somewhere even I also feel that your talent hasnt been truly recognized here and you are given very stereotypical roles. What do you have to say about it? Its a difficult one because Bollywood has a different style of storytelling that I havent been particularly interested in. I am cast in films like Good Newwz and Bell Bottom. English Vinglish is not a typical film as it wasnt a Masala movie. I feel Bollywood produces more masala movies but that's slowly changing now. This is why you are now seeing actors like Jaideep Ahlawat, Pankaj Tripathi, or Rajkummar Rao. They all are now doing well in the industry. There is a middle ground as well. You have actors like Ayushmann Khurrana who are doing well. People who are the in-charge of this market need to be a little more imaginative about it. Thanks to the OTT platforms, actors like us who are not interested in this masala sort of narrative are getting a lot of roles which is great. Bollywood can surely do better (laughs). While I was surfing Netflix, I got a chance to watch your movie What Will People Say in the Hidden Gems Category. After seeing your character in the movie, I was scared because if I had a father like you, I would have probably run away like your daughter in the movie. How do you see your character in the 2017 film? Its a Norwegian film. Its a true story of the director. I can understand the father as he comes from an overprotective space. Its normal to get beaten up by parents and even I have been beaten up. Its not normal now but I used to be okay back then. When I look at it, I see a father who is almost cruel but had love for his daughter and you see the transition happening in him at the end. If that transition wouldnt have been there, I wouldnt have done the role because there should be a way to redemption. I think its an important movie of my career. It was also an Oscars submission from Norway in 2018. Its a great role to play without any judgments. You said in one of your interviews that you were earlier very insecure about how you looked and in the same interview, you had also said Why cant people with dark skin play lead roles? Bollywood has looked down upon a certain colour or race over the years. Cut to 2021, things have slightly improved. Of course, it will take many more years to overcome the fair skin bias. What do you have to say about it? There have been many biases for that matter. Bollywood too has stemmed from a society that has many taboos. Every society has its own biases against people of a certain race, colour, or poor economical background. Women have faced many biases across the globe and definitely in India. I have always been asked about Priyanka Chopra playing Mary Kom and I reply to them that I am very fond of her and she is an accomplished actor but Bollywood lost an opportunity to cast a North Eastern face and introduce it to the audience. In fact, the kind of treatment north-eastern people are given is terrible as they were looked down upon as Chinese in Hindi films. I feel only a few filmmakers take this responsibility. To elaborate what I am trying to say here, I would like to give an example: just imagine, if Milkha Singh is played by a north-eastern person, how would people feel about it so why wasnt a north-eastern actor cast for Mary Kom. I feel Bollywood can redeem itself by casting someone from the north-east. They must be aware of the political segregation and the neglected part of the country. So, I did my graduation from Delhi University where people use racial slurs to address people from the North-East, and sadly, it hasnt changed much. What do you have to say to such people? Its a social responsibility of people who are in powerful positions, not just political ones. I feel filmmakers have the power. As I said earlier, they need to inculcate it in their narratives. Politicians should also find ways to tell people that we are very much part of the country so that we are introduced to the mainstream part of the country. I feel the education system that we have is also not wisdom-oriented. People use education as a money-minting business. We need to tell children that we need to learn how to include people and not exclude them. Here's hoping Hussain keeps doing a blend of commercial cinema and the movies that matter for a long time. What do you have to say about Bollywood's biases? Let us know in the comments below. HUNTSVILLE [ndash] Dennis Spence was born in Decatur, Alabama. He moved to Meridian, MS when he was 14 years old. He lived and worked there and drove a long distance truck to and from there for many years. He is survived by one sister, Sandra Christian from Huntsville, AL (husband David), A 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 MANISTEE COUNTY The following includes reports made to the Manistee County Sheriffs Office from July 1-11. All calls may not be reported. This is part of a lengthy report and is compiled by assistant editor Arielle Breen. July 1 Criminal sexual conduct was reported at 12:45 p.m. in Eastlake. A custody dispute was reported at 4:05 p.m. in Kaleva. Larceny was reported at 6:30 p.m. in Bear Lake Township. A dog bite was reported at 9:15 p.m. in Filer Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 10:05 p.m. in Stronach Township. A dog was found at 2:29 a.m. in Filer Township. A crash was reported at 12:55 p.m. but deputies were unable to locate an incident in Cleon Township. A barking dog was reported at 1:29 p.m. in Kaleva. July 2 Family trouble was reported at 6 a.m. in Manistee Township. A person was driving without a license at 12:42 p.m. in Maple Grove Township. Larceny was reported at 3 p.m. in Cleon Township. A fireworks complaint was reported at 3:16 p.m. in Onekama Township. Family trouble was reported at 1:12 p.m. in Bear Lake Township. Use of force was reported in a resisting obstructing police incident at midnight in Manistee Township. A domestic incident was reported in Stronach Township. Harassment was reported at 7:32 p.m. in Pleasanton Township. A noise disturbance was reported in Brethren. RELATED: SHERIFF'S OFFICE BLOTTER Report shows donkeys loose in Copemish July 3 Deputies assisted a citizen at 9 p.m. in Dickson Township. An ORV issue was reported at 8:47 a.m. in Stronach Township. A personal injury crash was reported at 2:30 p.m. in Cleon Township. A person was reported as driving while license suspended and possession of heroin in Maple Grove Township. A person was reported as trespassing while recreating at 9:27 a.m. in Cleon Township. A verbal domestic incident was reported at 5:07 p.m. in Manistee Township. An operating while intoxicated third offense was reported as well as having open intoxicants and driving while license suspended in Bear Lake Township. A person was reported as operating while intoxicated to the super drunk category and being involved in a personal injury crash at midnight in Brown Township. A person was reported as driving while intoxicated to the super drunk category and also having no driver's license or insurance at 8:54 p.m. in Maple Grove Township. A 911 call was reported as being abandoned at 10:41 p.m. in Maple Grove Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 11:01 p.m. in Bear Lake Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 10:18 p.m. in Manistee Township. Larceny was reported at 7:14 p.m. in Filer Township. July 4 A property damage crash and no insurance was reported at 6:07 a.m. in Manistee Township. Trespassing was reported at 11:02 a.m. in Onekama Township. A trespassing issue was reported at 11:45 a.m. in Manistee Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported in Stronach Township. A domestic incident was reported at 11:07 p.m. in Dickson Township. A domestic incident was reported at 11:43 p.m. in Manistee Township. Deputies assisted Michigan State Police with a domestic incident at 7:33 p.m. in Manistee Township. July 5 A dog bite was reported in Filer Township at 2:28 a.m. A property damage crash was reported with a person leaving the scene at 4:16 a.m. in Dickson Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 1:38 p.m. in Norman Township. A person was reported as driving without insurance at 3:02 p.m. in Maple Grove Township. A cell phone was reported as found and retail fraud was reported at midnight in Filer Township. A person was reported as missing at 9:31 a.m. in Maple Grove Township. Animal control was called to Cleon Township at 3:06 p.m. A person was reported as being unwanted at a location at 6:11 p.m. in Norman Township. Breaking and entering was reported at 8:35 p.m. in Cleon Township. Deputies conducted a well-being check at 6:57 p.m. in Springdale Township. Fraud was reported at 6:16 p.m. in the city of Manistee. July 6 A child protective services referral was reported at 12:33 p.m. in Marilla Township. Threats were reported at 4 p.m. in Manistee Township. A person was reported as carrying a concealed weapon and in possession of methamphetamine. A domestic incident was reported at 4 p.m. in Kaleva. Animal control was called to Bear Lake Township at 11:36 a.m. Animal control was called to Springdale Township at 1:01 p.m. Animal control was called to Stronach Township at 1:05 p.m. Deputies assisted with an arrest in Mason County at 9:46 p.m. Animal control was called to Springdale Township at 5:34 p.m. A boat was reported as being in a swimming area at 3:01 p.m. in the city of Manistee. A boat was reported as being in a swimming area in the city of Manistee. Trespassing was reported at 2:13 p.m. in Norman Township. Deputies assisted a citizen at 3 p.m. in Norman Township. A fatal personal injury crash was reported at 10:04 p.m. in Norman Township. Deputies assisted the Manistee City Police Department in the city of Manistee at 8:30 a.m. A person was reported as being unwanted at a location at 11:03 p.m. in Bear Lake Township. A personal injury crash was reported at 5:40 p.m. in Dickson Township. A neighbor dispute was reported at 7 p.m. in Wellston. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 10:23 p.m. in Stronach Township. A person was reported as being suicidal at 7:22 p.m. in Marilla Township. RELATED: Manistee sheriff's office reports fatal crash in Norman Township July 9 A dog bite was reported at 1:40 a.m. in Filer. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 7:40 a.m. in Filer Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 11:45 a.m. in Stronach Township. A domestic incident was reported at 1:49 p.m. in Manistee Township. A person was reported as driving while license suspended, an improper plate and not having insurance at 8:29 p.m. in Stronach Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 10:46 p.m. in Filer Township. A 911 call was reported as being abandoned at 9:20 p.m. in Bear Lake Township. A civil matter and a person was reported as being unwanted at a location at 7:05 p.m. in the county. Deputies assisted child protective services with a warrant arrest at 10:40 a.m. in Norman Township. Animal control was called to Stronach Township at 2:20 p.m. An assault and personal protection order violation was reported at 4:38 p.m. in Springdale Township. Assault was reported at 5:02 p.m. in Brown Township. Deputies assisted child protective services with an incident at 2:53 p.m. in Cleon Township. Deputies assisted a citizen and responded to a malicious destruction of property incident at 12:28 a.m. in Manistee Township. Animal control was called to Cleon Township at 2:19 p.m. Animal control was called to Marilla Township for a report of a dog running at large at 12:59 p.m. July 10 A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 10:30 a.m. in Onekama. A person was reported as driving without a license at 11:26 a.m. in Maple Grove Township. Deputies assisted another agency at 10:50 a.m. in Brethren. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 12:44 p.m. in Pleasanton Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 2 p.m. in Marilla Township. Threats were reported at 2:30 p.m. in Norman Township. A domestic incident was reported at 5:50 p.m. in Filer Township. A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 7:51 p.m. in Filer Township. July 11 A personal protection order violation was reported at 12:06 a.m. in Bear Lake Township. Deputies assisted EMS at 12:35 a.m. in Onekama Township. A noise disturbance was reported at 3:41 a.m. in Maple Grove Township. Animal control was called to a suspicious situation at 6:34 a.m. in Manistee Township. A person was reported as being unwanted at a location at 2:35 p.m. in Maple Grove Township. Deputies assisted EMS at 9:26 a.m. in Norman Township. Animal control was called to Wellston at 10:11 a.m. A malicious destruction of property report was considered unfounded at 12:18 p.m. in Springdale Township. BANGKOK (AP) Six months after seizing power from the elected government, Myanmars military leader on Sunday declared himself prime minister and said he would lead the country under the extended state of emergency until elections are held in about two years. We must create conditions to hold a free and fair multiparty general election," Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said during a recorded televised address. "We have to make preparations. I pledge to hold the multiparty general election without fail. He said the state of emergency will achieve its objectives by August 2023. In a separate announcement, the military government named itself the caretaker government and Min Aung Hlaing the prime minister. The state of emergency was declared when troops moved against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, an action the generals said was permitted under the military-authored 2008 constitution. The military claimed her landslide victory in last years national elections was achieved through massive voter fraud but offered no credible evidence. The military government officially annulled the election results last Tuesday and appointed a new election commission to take charge of the polls. The military takeover was met with massive public protests that has resulted in a lethal crackdown by security forces who routinely fire live ammunition into crowds. As of Sunday, 939 people have been killed by the authorities since Feb. 1, according to a tally kept by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Casualties are also rising among the military and police as armed resistance grows in both urban and rural areas. Moves by The Association of Southeast Asian Nations to broker a dialogue between the military government and its opponents have stalled after an agreement at an April summit in Jakarta to appoint a special envoy for Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing said that among the three nominees, Thailand's former Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi Futrakul was selected as the envoy. "But for various reasons, new proposals were released and we could not keep moving onwards. I would like to say that Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework, including the dialogue with the ASEAN special envoy in Myanmar, he said. ASEAN foreign ministers were expected to discuss Myanmar in virtual meetings this week hosted by Brunei, the current chair of the 10-nation bloc. Myanmar is also struggling with its worst COVID-19 outbreak that has overwhelmed its already crippled health care system. Limitations on oxygen sales have led to widespread allegations that the military is directing supplies to government supporters and military-run hospitals. At the same time, medical workers have been targeted by authorities after spearheading a civil disobedience movement that urged professionals and civil servants not to cooperate with the government. Min Aung Hlaing blamed the publics mistrust in the militarys efforts to control the outbreak on fake news and misinformation via social networks, and accused those behind it of using COVID-19 as a tool of bioterrorism. TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) Tunisian authorities jailed an opposition lawmaker Friday and briefly detained four members of the powerful Islamist movement Ennahdha in the wake of the president's decision to seize exceptional powers, according to Tunisian media reports. The Ennahdha members were brought before investigating magistrates and accused of trying to incite violence outside the parliament building after President Kais Saied's announcement Sunday, according to party official Riadh Chaidi. The four were questioned but later released for lack of proof of violence, Chaidi told The Associated Press. The president suspended parliament, lifted the immunity of parliament members, fired the prime minister and took control of the executive branch. He said the move was necessary to save the country amid public anger at the government over joblessness, rising prices and one of Africas worst coronavirus outbreaks. But Saieds decision raised concerns about Tunisias young democracy. Critics most notably Ennahdha accused him of a coup. Ennahdha has been a major player in Tunisian legislative elections since the countrys 2011 revolution, which unleashed the Arab Spring uprisings across the region. The next day, Ennahdha supporters skirmished with backers of the president outside parliament, but the crowd was eventually dispersed by police. Among those detained Friday were the bodyguard of Ennahdha leader and parliament speaker Rachid Ghannouchi, his protocol officer and a member of the partys advisory council. The four were accused of inciting people from a working-class neighborhood close to parliament to bring sticks to carry out acts of violence during the rally, according to the official TAP news agency. There was no link with violence, said Chaidi, a member of the party's executive bureau. Violence is not a choice of Ennahdha. He sought to minimize the detentions, and played down concerns that they were a sign of a government crackdown singling out his party. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke Saturday with Tunisia's president and conveyed President Joe Bidens strong support for the people of Tunisia and for Tunisian democracy, National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said in a White House press release. In this spirit, the call focused on the critical need for Tunisian leaders to outline a swift return to Tunisias democratic path, the press release said. National Security Advisor Sullivan underscored that this will require rapidly forming a new government, led by a capable prime minister to stabilize Tunisias economy and confront the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ensuring the timely return of the elected parliament. Also Friday, outspoken legislator Yassine Ayari was arrested outside his home, according to a Facebook post by his party, the Hope and Action Movement. His lawyer Mokhtar Jemai said Ayari was apparently arrested in connection with a June 30 court conviction, but was not informed of the reason for conviction. Ayari has spoken out against the military and the government and faced legal problems in the past, but no longer enjoys parliamentary immunity because of the president's decisions. On Thursday, the president named a new interior minister, his first major appointment since the shakeup. Ridha Gharsallaoui, a former national security adviser to the presidency, will now head the Interior Ministry, which oversees domestic security, including policing. LONDON (AP) Restaurants, ride-hailing apps and food delivery services are backing Britains COVID-19 vaccination drive, offering discounts and even free slices of pizza to persuade young people to roll up their sleeves and get the shot. The program, announced Sunday by the Department of Health and Social Care, is designed to boost the vaccination rate among adults under 30 as Britain races to inoculate as many people as possible before colder weather arrives. While more than 90% of adults in Britain have received at least one dose of vaccine, the rate for people between the ages of 18 and 30 is about 60%, according to government statistics. As he thanked businesses for helping out, Health Secretary Sajid Javid urged people to take advantage of the discounts. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the brands to offer incentives. The lifesaving vaccines not only protect you, your loved ones and your community, but they are helping to bring us back together by allowing you to get back to doing the things youve missed, he said. Britain is not the only nation to try more carrot and less stick to persuade the reluctant to roll up their sleeves. U.S. President Joe Biden this week called on states and local governments to join New York and Minnesota in offering $100 rewards, hoping a financial incentive will spur the hesitant to be vaccinated as the highly contagious delta variant sweeps through parts of the country. Britain is keen to increase vaccination rates amid a surge in new infections as the government seeks to fully re-open society. Meanwhile, politicians are anxious to bolster the economy as the national furlough program, which guaranteed the wages of millions of people who were unable to work due to government restrictions, comes to an end. Treasury chief Rishi Sunak is urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ease international travel restrictions, arguing that Britains draconian rules are unnecessary given the success of the vaccination program. The Sunday Times reported that Sunak wrote to Johnson to encourage him to let people enjoy their summer holidays, while expressing concern about the impact the restrictions are having on tourism and the hospitality industry. Johnson's Cabinet will meet later this week to review the current travel rules, which require expensive COVID-19 testing for people arriving from most popular holiday destinations in Europe and force anyone coming from France to self-isolate for up to 10 days. ___ More AP stories on the coronavirus pandemic: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic The Defense Department waited five years to take action after being warned of the dangers of chemicals used in firefighting foams and elsewhere on military installations, possibly exposing "people and the environment" to preventable risks, a Pentagon audit has found. The DoD's Emerging Chemical Program issued an alert to Pentagon leadership in 2011 on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively known as PFAS, highlighting the risks of exposure to DoD personnel, including firefighters and other employees. As a result of a bureaucratic glitch, however, the DoD was not required to take any actions to address the risks until 2016, allowing years to pass while troops continued to be exposed to PFAS-containing aqueous film forming foams, or AFFF, used in firefighting, and other industrial compounds, according to a DoD Inspector General's report released July 22. That delay -- and a subsequent focus on firefighting foams while largely ignoring other sources -- have continued to expose personnel to the dangerous substances, the report found. Read Next: Families of 9 Troops Killed in Amphibious Vehicle to Sue The IG also determined that, while the DoD is required by the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act to test military firefighters for exposure to PFAS, it doesn't have plans to effectively track or analyze the data, leaving an extensive gap in knowledge that could help reduce risks in the future, the IG noted. "The DoD is missing an opportunity to capture comprehensive PFAS exposure data for DoD firefighters to be used for risk management, including future studies to assess longterm health effects relating to PFAS exposure," the report says. Concern has grown in the past decade over PFAS, which have been linked to cancer and birth defects. They are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment and can build up in the human body. The compounds are used not only in firefighting foam but in industrial lubricants, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, stain repellents and food wrappers. Firefighting foams containing PFAS have been used on military installations since the early 1970s, with thousands of people exposed during training and emergencies and an unknown number possibly exposed as the result of runoff. The DoD has identified at least 650 active or former military bases where perfluorooctane sulfonate or perfluorooctanoic acid may have been used or released into the environment. The Pentagon established a task force in July 2019 to study the health effects of PFAS and find a safer alternative to firefighting foams containing the chemicals. It has banned their use for training on military installations, although foam containing the chemicals is still used on ships and during emergencies. The IG began reviewing the use of PFAS products on military installations following a request from 31 members of Congress in July 2019. Following the paper's release, Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., who led the congressional request, said it proves that the Pentagon must "do more to protect service members and their families." "Due to the Defense Department's use of firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals, many service members, military firefighters and their families are still at risk of exposure," Kildee said in a statement released by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization that tracks PFAS contamination in the U.S. "This report should alarm our service members and their families," said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs for the Environmental Working Group. "DoD understood the health risks posed by toxic PFAS for decades but failed to act to protect service members. Both the Senate and the House this year have included provisions in their defense policy and spending bills to fund PFAS cleanup. The Senate Armed Services Committee's draft of the fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act would require the DoD to test all installations for suspected PFAS contamination by 2023 and develop a schedule for cleaning it up, while the House has passed legislation that would provide funds for cleanup and health care for affected veterans. The DoD IG made three recommendations to the department to improve PFAS monitoring, oversight and cleanup. They include formulating directions for the DoD's Emerging Chemical Program to start risk management efforts; assessing the risk of exposure from products other than firefighting foams; and improving data collection from firefighters. In response to the report, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment Paul Cramer said risk management efforts will be developed next year, and Thomas Constable, assistant secretary of defense for readiness, said the results of blood testing for firefighters will be shared with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The DoD also plans to analyze the results to set exposure limits -- research that could take more than four years, according to Constable. In a statement, Kildee said the changes can't come fast enough. "It's long past time for the Defense Department to stop using dangerous PFAS chemicals," he said. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: Dozens More Military Bases Have Suspected 'Forever Chemical' Contamination KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) The owner of a private hospital in Afghanistan said the Afghan air force bombed the facility on Saturday, killing one person and injuring three others. He said the hospital was targeted because the military erroneously believed Taliban fighters were being treated there. Dr Mohammad Din Narewal, the owner of the 20-bed Afghan Ariana Specialty Hospital, told The Associated Press that provincial government officials informed him his hospital in Lashkar Gah was targeted based on the information from the defense ministry. But there were no Taliban in the hospital, said Narewal. The defense ministry did not immediately respond to multiple attempts by the AP to contact them. I was told there had been a mistake because they had been given the wrong information that Taliban were inside the hospital, he said, explaining that the Taliban were in fact receiving treatment in another hospital in the city. Provincial council chief Attaullah Afghan confirmed that the hospital was struck by the Afghan air force, and that one person was killed. The air strike came as the Taliban made a push for the southwestern city, waging fierce battles with the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces. Residents reported see-saw battles in several neighborhoods. Narewal said doctors had performed two surgeries a day earlier, but as fighting intensified the hospital had reduced their staff to a minimum. Currently two patients are still in the hospital along with several nurses and attendants for the patients. Late on Saturday, Afghan security forces reportedly pushed the Taliban out of the city, with reports of heavy air attacks on their positions. In recent weeks the Taliban have stepped up their pressure on several cities, including Herat in western Afghanistan, where a United Nations office was attacked as battles raged nearby. One guard was killed and the United Nations is investigating who was responsible for his death. The Taliban onslaught went into high gear following the announcement in mid-April that the last U.S. and NATO forces would withdraw from Afghanistan, ending America's longest war. The Taliban have overrun dozens of districts and now control roughly half of all 421 districts and district centers in Afghanistan. They also have control of key border crossings with Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan. Even as the withdrawal of U. S. and NATO troops is all but done, America. is providing air support to Afghanistan's beleaguered ground troops, who have been struggling to hold on to territory. The U.S. has launched air strikes in support of Afghan forces in Herat, and in southern Kandahar province. The withdrawal has put increased burden on Afghanistan's air force. All of the Afghan Air Forces (AAF) aircraft platforms are overtaxed due to increased requests for close air support, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions, the U.S. watchdog on American spending in Afghanistan reported this week. The Afghan air force is flying its aircraft at least 25% over their recommended scheduled-maintenance intervals., Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko said in his report. As a result troops are not getting reinforced and resupplied, as aircraft are being used to aid ground forces overwhelmed in relentless battles with the Taliban. Meanwhile calls are being issued from Beijing to Washington for both sides in the conflict to sit and negotiate an agreement that would see a reduction in violence and an interim administration that would negotiate an all out cease fire. Until now the prospects for peace seem distant. ____ Gannon reported from Islamabad. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Israel's prime minister Sunday directly blamed Iran for a drone attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman that killed two people, making a veiled threat to retaliate as Tehran denied being involved in the assault. The comments by Premier Naftali Bennett and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh come after the strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street. The attack marked the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran and its militia allies have used so-called suicide drones in attacks previously. The Iranians who attacked with unmanned aircraft the Mercer Street intended to harm an Israeli target, Bennett said at the start of Israel's weekly Cabinet meeting. "Instead, their piratical act caused the deaths of a British citizen and a Romanian citizen. He warned: "We know, at any rate, know how to convey the message to Iran in our own way. On Sunday, Khatibzadeh described the allegation Iran carried out the attack as baseless during his last news conference as the Foreign Ministry's spokesman. It's not the first time that the Zionist regime occupying Jerusalem has made such empty accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khatibzadeh said. Wherever this regime has gone, it has taken instability, terror and violence with it. He added: Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind." Khatibzadeh spoke around an hour after Irans outgoing president acknowledged that his government at times did not tell part of the truth to the public during his term. The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher were escorting the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port, the U.S. Navys Mideast-based 5th Fleet said in a statement early Saturday. It said Navy explosive experts believe a drone attacked the vessel. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The Mercer Street is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. The firm said the attack killed two crew members, one from the United Kingdom and the other from Romania. It did not name them, nor did it describe what happened in the assault. It said it believed no other crew members on board were harmed. British maritime security firm Ambrey said the attack on the Mercer Street had killed one of its team members on board the vessel. From Jerusalem, Bennett offered condolences to both the United Kingdom and Romania for the killing of their citizens. He said Israeli intelligence had evidence linking Iran to the attack, but did not offer it. Iran is the one who carried out the attack against the ship," he said. "Irans aggressive behavior is dangerous not only for Israel, but harms global interests in the freedom of navigation and international trade. Bennett took over as premier in June after a coalition deal unseated Israel's long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is suspected of launching a series of attacks targeting Iran, including explosions at the country's main enrichment site and the killing of a prominent military nuclear scientist. However, Bennett as well has made hawkish comments in the past about needing to attack the head of the octopus in Tehran as opposed to Iran's regional militias like Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack on the Mercer Street marks the first during his time as prime minister and analysts suggest he could seek a major attack in retaliation. Israel may wish to deliver a resounding blow; thats the spirit of political sources comments in Jerusalem, wrote Amos Harel, a longtime military analyst for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. This blow will be aimed at ending things without a tit-for-tat that could escalate. But as usual, events also depend on the other side. ___ Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Ilan Ben Zion in Jerusalem contributed to this report. The Angels have added another entry to an already wild relief market, as MLB Networks Jon Heyman reports that Los Angeles has made closer Raisel Iglesias available in trade negotiations. It would be the second trade in eight months for Iglesias, who was somewhat surprisingly acquired by the Angels last December as Cincinnati was looking to unload the $9.15MM salary owed to the closer in the final year of his contract. In terms of both 2021 success and overall track record, Iglesias is quite possibly the best closer on the market now that Craig Kimbrel has been dealt, so teams who missed out on Kimbrel could now turn Anaheims way. It isnt yet clear that Iglesias will actually be moved, of course, and the Angels might just be doing their due diligence in seeing if they can score a big offer for the veteran right-hander. But just the fact that the Halos are listening on Iglesias represents some change of direction for the 51-51 Angels, who are six games out of a wild card spot and 11.5 games back of the AL West lead. With Jared Walsh now on the injured list and some continued uncertainty about when Mike Trout will be able to return from the IL, it could be that Los Angeles is already looking ahead to 2022. If the Angels were indeed still planning to make a big push this year, it can be argued that with their overall shaky bullpen, Iglesias might be one of the last players theyd look to trade. Iglesias has enjoyed an outstanding season, with a 3.23 ERA and only a 1.95 SIERA over 47 1/3 innings, and his 38.6% strikeout rate and 4.3% walk rate are both among the leagues best. The 31-year-old is making a strong case for himself in free agency this winter, and he can add to that platform by perhaps helping a contender achieve some playoff success. The Marlins announced four roster moves prior to their game with the Yankees, most notably the activation of tonights scheduled starting pitcher. Trevor Rogers has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list, and newly-acquired catcher Alex Jackson has also officially been added to the roster. In corresponding moves, right-hander Preston Guilmet was designated for assignment and righty Jordan Holloway was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville. Rogers returns after just a minimal absence due to back spasms. The left-handers second MLB season has seen him break out with a 2.37 ERA over 106 1/3 innings, with Statcast delivering good reviews of his work apart from a below-average walk rate. Rogers performance earned him an All-Star nod, and the 23-year-old looks to be establishing himself as yet another building block of a young arm in the Miami rotation. Guilmet has tossed one inning for the Marlins this season, with that lone appearance marking the rightys first Major League game since the 2018 season. Guilmet has now appeared in five different seasons since 2013, accumulating 34 innings in the Show and posting a 9.00 ERA. Originally a ninth-round draft pick for Cleveland back in 2009, Guilmet has been a member of 11 different MLB organizations, not to mention a stint in Japan with the Yakult Swallows. Because the Marlins have already outrighted Guilmet off the 40-man roster earlier this season, he has the right to decline another outright assignment and elect to become a free agent once again. Weather Alert THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. MISSOULA POLICE DEPT IS REQUESTING A MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY FOR KAYLEE JANE BARBER SHE IS A 14 YEAR OLD FEMALE, WHO IS 5 FEET, 7 INCHES TALL, WEIGHS 140 POUNDS AND HAS GREEN EYES AND RED HAIR. SHE WAS LAST SEEN YESTERDAY AT HELLGATE HIGH SCHOOL IN MISSOULA, MONTANA. KAYLEE WAS LAST SEEN WEARING BLACK TANK TOP AND BLACK RIPPED JEANS. SHE IS MISSING HER MEDICINE AND IS SUICIDAL. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON KAYLEE BARBER PLEASE CONTACT MISSOULA POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 406-552-6300 OR 911. Lansdale, PA (19446) Today Sunny to partly cloudy. High near 90F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Marbled Murrelets dive rapidly, appearing to fly underwater using both feet and wings as rudders. The larger small fish are fed to the young, while the adults consume the tiniest of fish, zooplankton, and shrimp. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, or activate your access, to continue reading. Molly Mary Elizabeth Jackson was crowned queen of the Art Association of Jacksonvilles 2021 Beaux Arts Ball, Run for the Roses, on Saturday evening at Annie Merner Chapel on the former MacMurray College campus. She is the daughter of Edward and Amy Jackson of Jacksonville and the granddaughter of Mary Jackson of Jacksonville and the late Ned Jackson and Jerry and Sharon Symons. Molly is a 2017 graduate of Jacksonville High School and a 2021 graduate of Saint Louis University, having received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with a concentration in journalism and media studies, graduating cum laude and with an award for academic excellence. While at SLU, Molly was a member of the Diversity and Global Citizenship Learning Community, the aim of which is to create an open-minded environment that celebrates diversity and promotes cultural education. Molly also was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity focused on service, leadership and friendship. During her sophomore year at SLU, Molly spent a semester abroad, studying in Madrid, Spain, and traveling in Europe. During her senior year, Molly was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, a national communication honor society. She also hosted her own radio show on KSLU, the campus radio station, during which she featured the music of Broadway. Molly is a lifelong member of Central Christian Church in Jacksonville, where she enjoys serving as worship leader during breaks from school. She also has been active through the years with the Art Association of Jacksonville, volunteering her time to work gallery hours and help with Art in the Yard, and participating in pottery class and Phoebes House art classes as a young child. Molly has participated in three previous Beaux Arts Balls. She was a flower girl in 2005s Spring Beauties, a junior attendant in 2013s Hollywood Nights and a senior maid in Pop Revolution: Revive the Movement in 2017. Mollys parents are sustaining members of The Art Association of Jacksonville. Her mother was co-chairman of the 2016 Beaux Arts Ball, Glitz, Glamour, Gatsby and co-chairman of the 2019 Lawn Party, Viva la Vida. Molly plans to live in St. Louis and will be working as a digital marketing intern for Novashine. The queens escort for the evening was Eric Adamany, the son of Michael and Jaime Adamany of Naperville. Eric is a 2021 graduate of Saint Louis University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering. He has been accepted into the masters program for electrical and systems engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. Overnight reports from Jacksonville police: Ashley N. McFadden, 36, of Granville was arrested at 2:10 a.m. Saturday in the 200 block of West College Avenue on a possession of a controlled substance charge. Police were called to the 600 block of North Prairie Street at 12:06 a.m. Saturday after a report of a man yelling for help. Officers determined the man had been yelling because he stubbed his toe. A girl was arrested on a battery charge at 11:49 a.m. Saturday after being accused of hitting two employees at Walmart, 1941 W. Morton Ave. NEW YORK (AP) More than half a century since they were modernized, hate crime laws in the U.S. are inconsistent and provide incomplete methods for addressing bias-motivated violence, according to a new report by advocates for better protections. The report, first shared with The Associated Press ahead of its Wednesday release, is a comprehensive national review of hate crime laws that shows gaps and variances in the laws. Due to the complexity of hate violence, certain statutes meant to protect racial minorities and marginalized groups are less effective, as a consequence of bias in the criminal justice system, the report says. The existing laws can even discourage hate crime victims from coming forward, advocates say in the report, which also cites widespread flaws in the collection and reporting of data. "We really think this is the first report to bring together a state-by-state analysis along so many dimensions with a focus on racial justice and criminal justice reform," said Naomi Goldberg, LGBTQ program director for the Movement Advancement Project, which authored the report in partnership with over 15 national civil rights groups. The coalition of civil rights organizations includes Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC, the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Goldberg described it as an unprecedented collaboration in the advocacy space. The report includes a foreword by Judy Shepard, president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, named for her son whose murder in 1998 led to LGBTQ protection in the federal legislation. Although we know that hate crime laws are important and have been successful in holding offenders accountable, we also know that they can and should be more impactful, Shepard wrote in the foreword. The report's release comes after a more-than-yearlong focus on COVID-era hate violence directed at Asian Americans and Asian immigrants, and ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, which saw an uptick in anti-Muslim and anti-Sikh attacks. On Tuesday, a man accused of killing eight people, mostly women of Asian descent, at Atlanta-area massage businesses pleaded guilty to murder in four of the killings. The man received a sentence of life imprisonment. A prosecutor on the case has not linked a hate motivation to the killings. The FBI said the U.S. reached a 10-year high in reported hate crimes in 2019. Earlier this year, the SPLC said the number of active hate groups in the U.S. declined as far-right extremists migrated further to online networks that are harder to track. The majority of all U.S. hate crimes are committed by white people, according to available data, and the majority of all hate crimes are motivated by racial or ethnic bias. But data also show that hate crimes reported by state law enforcement to the FBI disproportionately list Black Americans as the perpetrators. According to the report, in at least 13 states, law enforcement-recorded hate crimes listed Black offenders at a rate roughly 1.6 to 3.6 times greater than the size of the states Black population. "These repeated disparities show that despite the fact that people of color are far more likely to be the victims of hate violence the instances of hate violence that are actually documented by police are disproportionately those alleged to have been committed by Black people," the report states. As racist attacks on Asian Americans and Asian immigrants gained widespread attention in recent months, so did a false perception that Black Americans were the main culprits of such attacks. We don't have a true and accurate understanding of what anti-Asian hate during the pandemic has looked like," said Marita Etcubanez, senior director for strategic initiatives at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC in Washington D.C. But we do know that these commonly discussed perceptions that the perpetrators of anti-Asian hate are mainly Black or African American are not accurate," she said. Etcubanez added that a lack of accurate hate crime statistics is what inspired passage of the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act, as part of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. Named for Khalid Jabara and Heather Heyer, whose hate-motivated killings were prosecuted as hate crimes but not counted in hate statistics, the legislation aims to improve hate crime data collection by law enforcement. The report on hate crime laws also highlights a growing politicization of such legislation. Following the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and street confrontations between protesters and police in the last several years, conservative lawmakers in a handful of states have either changed or attempted to change hate crime laws by adding police officers as a protected category. I think that's a terrible, terrible approach, said SPLC president and CEO Margaret Huang. Those laws that are trying to include law enforcement in the category of hate crimes are actually taking away from the definition of hate crimes and the focus on how we prevent these things," she said. The nation's earliest protections against hate-motivated violence were passed after the Civil War, amid a rise in white supremacist violence against formerly enslaved Africans. Modernization of federal hate crime legislation happened in 1968, and has since expanded to 46 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Arkansas, South Carolina and Wyoming are the only states without hate crime statutes. In the report, advocates say current hate crime laws can be improved by shifting the focus away from strictly criminal punishment for violation of the statutes to allowing for remedies in civil court. They also call for investment in the social safety net to help reduce poverty and vulnerability caused by systemic racism. ___ Morrison is a member of AP's Race and Ethnicity team. Follow him on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aaronlmorrison. Skeptical of the four-year college degree? Its still your best bet to make money. Backlash against college as a common stop on the road to adulthood has mounted over the past decade. Critics say four-year degree programs saddle most students with five-digit debt without a clear path from classroom to career. Nearly half (46%) of all families surveyed in November and December by Gallup for the Carnegie Corp. of New York said they would prefer their children attend alternatives to four-year institutions even when there were no financial barriers. But when you compare the value of a four-year degree with other credentials a high school diploma, certificate programs and associate degrees it still puts workers at an advantage in the labor market and leads to higher lifetime earnings, on average. If a college degree is an investment, its a good one, according to the New York Federal Reserve. The annual return on a typical four-year degree is around 14%, it calculates, well above the threshold of good returns for stocks (around 7%) and bonds (3%). In dollar terms, graduates with a bachelors degree will earn on average about $78,000 annually, compared with a high school diploma earner who receives around $45,000 annually, according to 2019 data from the New York Federal Reserve. However, on average doesnt mean that the return on your education, or college earnings premium, will always be a gain. Where you attend school, how much debt you take on, what you study and where you live after school all help determine your return. Many of those factors are influenced by your race, ethnicity and gender. Student loan debt is difficult to avoid and even more challenging to repay. College costs rose 117% from 1985-86 to 2018-19, according to federal data. Wages, meanwhile, didnt keep pace, growing only 19% during the same period, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. However, loans are still the primary vehicle for families without wealth to obtain college degrees. In order to make your degree worth it, you have to earn enough to justify it. That means carrying debt that wont put you underwater a manageable student loan payment is around 10% of your discretionary after-tax income. To get the best return and be able to repay debt, graduation is crucial many borrowers who default will have debt but no degree. Thats the worst-case scenario youre incurring some of those costs but with very, very little benefit, says Jonathan Rothwell, principal economist at Gallup. What you study in school will affect the type of job you can get, your earnings and your ability to repay debt. Average earnings at mid-career are highest among those who hold a bachelors degree in fields like science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM ($76,000), business ($67,000) and health ($65,000), according to a 2015 data report from Georgetown Universitys Center for Education and the Workforce. The same report found the lowest median mid-career earnings among those whose bachelors degrees were in field s like arts, humanities and liberal arts ($51,000), as well as teaching and serving roles such as social work ($46,000). To estimate earnings, graduation rates, typical student debt loads and other factors at individual schools, use the Education Departments College Scorecard tool. You can search and compare earnings as well as debt by fields of study. Where you live after attaining your degree also affects its value, according to the results of a May 2020 study for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute , a conservative nonprofit think tank. In general, college degrees are a good investment, but the return in terms of cosmopolitan areas is phenomenal, says John Winters, associate professor of economics at Iowa State University, who conducted the study. In cities, bachelors degree holders earn $95,229 on average, an 86.2% premium compared to a worker with a high school diploma and a 55.7% premium compared to an associate degree holder. Winters says thats primarily because cities have a higher concentration of jobs in fields that often demand workers have four-year degrees, such as tech, finance and marketing. Workers in these fields earn higher wages, which leads to a greater return on investment for degrees. However, Winters findings also mean its less critical to have a four-year degree if you want to live in a smaller metro or rural area. Bachelors degree holders in nonurban areas have mean earnings of $67,893, which puts their wages at a 46.4% premium compared to high school diploma holders and a 29.6% premium compared to associate degree holders. In some ways a college degree can exacerbate income and racial inequalities, such as student debt and ability to repay that debt, says Marshall Anthony Jr., a senior policy analyst at Center for American Progress, a public policy research organization. A college degree doesnt usually work the same for everybody, Anthony says Black borrowers tend to take on greater amounts of debt about $25,000 more, on average, than white borrowers, according to federal data. In 2016, among those with a bachelors or higher degree, Asian full-time, year-round workers ages 25-34 had higher median annual earnings ($69,100) than their white peers ($54,700), and median earnings for both racial/ethnic groups were higher than those of their Black ($49,400) and Hispanic ($49,300) peers, according to the most recent available data by the National Center for Education Statistics. Higher debt and lower wages also means Black borrowers will accrue more interest over time: Four years after graduating from college, Black graduates have $52,726 in student loan debt compared to White graduates at $28,006, according to a 2016 Brookings Institution study. Burkina Faso sees more child soldiers as jihadi attacks rise View Photo DORI, Burkina Faso (AP) Awoken by gunshots in the middle of the night, Fatima Amadou was shocked by what she saw among the attackers: children. Guns slung over their small frames, the children chanted Allahu akbar, as they surrounded her home in Solhan town in Burkina Fasos Sahel region. Some were so young they couldnt even pronounce the words, Arabic for God is great, said the 43-year-old mother. When I saw the kids, what came to my mind was that (the adults) trained these kids to be assassins, and they came to kill my children, Amadou told The Associated Press by phone from Sebba town, where she now lives. She and her family are among the lucky ones who survived the June attack, in which about 160 people were killed the deadliest such assault since the once-peaceful West African nation was overrun by fighters linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State about five years ago. As that violence increases, so too does the recruitment of child soldiers. The number of children recruited by armed groups in Burkina Faso rose at least five-fold so far this year, up from four documented cases in all of last year, according to information seen by the AP in an unpublished report by international aid and conflict experts. At least 14 boys are being held in the capital, Ouagadougou, for alleged association with militant armed groups, some there since 2018, said Idrissa Sako, assistant to Burkina Fasos public prosecutor at the high court in the city. Amadou said she saw about seven children with the fighters who surrounded her home during the Solhan attack. She did not see them kill anyone, but they helped burn down houses. We are alarmed by the presence of children with armed groups, said Sandra Lattouf, the representative for the United Nations Childrens Fund, or UNICEF, in the country. The effects of the conflict on children including their recruitment as soldiers but also attacks on schools and kids themselves have become so concerning that this year Burkina Faso was added for the first time to the U.N.s annual report on Children and Armed Conflict. Aid groups say they are seeing more children with jihadi fighters at roadside checkpoints in the Sahel an arid region that passes through Burkina Faso but stretches straight across the African continent just south of the Sahara. In recent years, the western Sahel has become an epicenter of jihadi violence. During a recent trip to Dori, a town in the region where nearly 1,200 people fled after the attack on Solhan, the AP spoke with eight survivors, five of whom said they either heard or saw children partake in the violence. We heard them say, we good children have come to change Solhan in a better way, said Hama Amadou, a resident, who hid in his shop during the fighting. He said he also heard women directing the children, saying kill him, kill him. Burkina Fasos ill-equipped and undertrained army is struggling to stem the violence, which has killed thousands and displaced 1.3 million people since the jihadi attacks began. Experts on child recruitment say that poverty pushes some kids toward armed groups. Sako, who works with the public prosecutor, said some children who wanted money to enroll in school joined because they were promised approximately $18 if they killed someone. Others were promised gifts like motorbikes. But civil society organizations also accuse army troops of contributing to the problem by committing abuses against civilians suspected of being jihadis. There are more security operations (so) there are more military abuses, said Maimouna Ba, head of operations for Women for the Dignity of the Sahel, a Dori-based advocacy group. It is hard for a child to get up in the morning and see that their father was killed. As they get older, children may become angry and start asking why the state isnt helping them, she said. The army denied these allegations, along with accusations that it was slow in responding to the attack in Solhan, but would not provide a detailed comment. The deteriorating security is sparking unrest, with protests across the country demanding the government take stronger action. In response, President Roch Marc Christian Kabore fired his security and defense ministers, appointing himself minister of defense. Amid this raft of problems, Burkina Faso must now also figure out what to do with the children accused of being affiliated with armed groups. None of the boys being held in Ouagadougou has been put on trial, according to Sako. The government has not yet signed an agreement with the United Nations that would help it to treat such children as victims, not perpetrators, for instance, by moving them from prison to centers where they could receive psychological care. It is a real concern for us to find a permanent solution for children, said Sako. Preventing further recruitment, meanwhile, means tackling economic hardship and all that comes with it, including helping kids who have left school to catch up on their lessons. Neglecting to act now will only lead to a more intractable crisis and greater instability in the months and years ahead, giving these armed groups the heartbreaking advantage they are so violently seeking, said Dr. Samantha Nutt, founder and president of War Child Canada and War Child USA. For now, many parents, already struggling to feed, clothe and educate their kids, feel powerless to protect them. Im really afraid for my child to be recruited by jihadis, said Isma Heella, a Dori resident and father to a 4-year-old boy. We fear for our children and for ourselves as parents because we are not stronger than them. By SAM MEDNICK Associated Press Groveland, CA A US Army sharpshooter who grew up in Groveland had a very successful appearance at the Tokoyo Olympics. 27-year-old Sagen Maddalena finished fifth overall earlier today in the womens 50m rifle 3 positions competition. It was her first time competing in the Olympics. Switzerlands Nina Cristen took home the Gold medal in the event after topping the leaderboard after each of the elimination rounds. A video recap of the competition, from NBC Sports, can be viewed here. The USA shooting team reports that Maddalena started shooting with her local 4H club, and her grandfather was also influential in teaching her patience. She was a member of the Mother Lode Gun Club. She walked on in 2013 and made one of the top NCAA rifle teams in the country, the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She later enlisted on active duty in March of 2019 and was assigned to the US Army Marksmanship Unit at Ft. Benning as a shooter/instructor. For more information on her background, click here. US, UK and Israel blame Iran for ship attack; Tehran denies View Photo DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The United States and the United Kingdom joined Israel on Sunday in alleging Iran carried out a fatal drone strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, putting further pressure on Tehran as it denied being involved in the assault. Calling it a unlawful and callous attack, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his country and its allies planned a coordinated response over the strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken soon followed, saying there was no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior. The strike on the Mercer Street marked the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran and its militia allies have used so-called suicide drones in attacks previously, which crash into targets and detonate their explosive payloads. However, Israel, the U.K. and the responding U.S. Navy have yet to show physical evidence from the strike or offer intelligence information on why they blame Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett went further than Blinken and Raab in his remarks Sunday at a Cabinet meeting, making a point to stare directly into the camera and slowly warn: We know, at any rate, know how to convey the message to Iran in our own way. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The blast killed two crew members from the United Kingdom and Romania. The Navy said the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher had escorted the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port. On Sunday, satellite-tracking information from MarineTraffic.com showed the tanker stopped off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. In his statement, Raab said it was highly likely Iran attacked the tanker with one or more drones. We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted and a clear violation of international law by Iran, he said. Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. Blinken similarly described the U.S. as confident Iran carried out the attack, using multiple drones. These actions threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of those on the vessels involved, he said in a statement. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh described the allegation Iran carried out the attack as baseless. Its not the first time that the Zionist regime occupying Jerusalem has made such empty accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khatibzadeh said. Wherever this regime has gone, it has taken instability, terror and violence with it. He added: Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind. Khatibzadeh spoke around an hour after Irans outgoing president acknowledged that his government at times did not tell part of the truth to the public during his term. From Jerusalem, Bennett offered condolences to both the United Kingdom and Romania for the killing of their citizens. He said Israeli intelligence had evidence linking Iran to the attack, but did not offer it. Iran is the one who carried out the attack against the ship, he said. Irans aggressive behavior is dangerous not only for Israel, but harms global interests in the freedom of navigation and international trade. Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults. Shipping in the region began being targeted in the summer of 2019, about a year after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Irans nuclear deal with world powers. Israel meanwhile has been suspected of conducting a series of major attacks in Iran and on Iranian shipping. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman. The Mercer Street, owned by Japans Taihei Kaiun Co., is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern Indian Ocean, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The attack marks the first major confrontation with Iran for Bennett, who took over as premier in June after a coalition deal unseated Israels long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is suspected of launching a series of attacks targeting Iran, including explosions at the countrys main enrichment site and the killing of a prominent military nuclear scientist. However, Bennett as well has made hawkish comments in the past about needing to attack the head of the octopus in Tehran as opposed to Irans regional militias like Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack on the Mercer Street marks the first during his time as prime minister and analysts suggest he could seek a major attack in retaliation. Israel may wish to deliver a resounding blow; thats the spirit of political sources comments in Jerusalem, wrote Amos Harel, a longtime military analyst for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. This blow will be aimed at ending things without a tit-for-tat that could escalate. But as usual, events also depend on the other side. ___ Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Ilan Ben Zion and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. By JON GAMBRELL Associated Press States race to use COVID-19 vaccines before they expire View Photo Hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses have been saved from the trash after U.S. regulators extended their expiration date for a second time, part of a nationwide effort to salvage expiring shots to battle the nations summer surge in infections. The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday sent a letter to shot maker Johnson & Johnson declaring that the doses remain safe and effective for at least six months when properly stored. The FDAs move gives the shots an extra six weeks as public officials press more Americans to get inoculated. Similar efforts are happening in multiple states as public health officials try to ensure that soon-to-expire shots are put into arms before they must be discarded. The surge in infections is largely due to the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus, which has spread rapidly, particularly among unvaccinated people. Inoculation rates have climbed only slightly after a steep fall from their April peak. Its a critically important time we have children headed back to school in just a few weeks time, said Juliann Van Liew, director of the public health department in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Federal health officials have shipped an additional 8 million doses of the J&J shot to states that have not yet been used, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions vaccine-tracking website. The company did not share specific expiration dates. The J&J vaccine is not the only one facing expiration. States also report that many Pfizer and Moderna doses are approaching expiration, which is set at six months from the manufacturing date. In Louisiana, about 100,000 Pfizer doses are set to expire in about a week, for example. Governors are pleading with the public to get vaccinated, and some are offering cash incentives $100 payments in New Mexico and New York City, among other places. Some states have set up marketplaces for shot providers or dedicated staff to redistributing about-to-expire vaccines to places that need them. Such efforts are underway in New Jersey, Washington and Wisconsin. In Iowa and North Dakota, officials say they send vaccines approaching expiration to locations where they are most likely to be used. We have a lot of interest from the public in receiving J&J, so if we find doses that may go unused, we will transfer them to providers in need, said Molly Howell, North Dakotas immunization director. Lacy Fehrenbach, deputy director for COVID-19 response for the Washington state Department of Health, said officials want the doses used as efficiently as possible. Otherwise, were working with our providers to move them around, or, of course, the federal government to get them to other places that need it, she said. Dr. Clarence Lam, interim executive medical director of occupational health services at Johns Hopkins University, was encouraged by the extension for the J&J shots. We hate to see this supply go to waste, especially when there are areas of the world where this is needed, Lam said. But now I think well be able to better utilize the supply thats already been distributed here in the U.S. The J&J vaccine was eagerly anticipated because it involves just one shot and has easy refrigeration requirements. But use of the vaccine has been hurt by several rare possible side effects. This month, U.S. health regulators added a warning about links to a potentially dangerous neurological reaction. That followed a break in its use in April after the shot was linked to a rare blood clot disorder. Government health advisers said the overall benefits of the shot still greatly outweigh the risks. Also in April, a Baltimore vaccine factory was shut down by the FDA due to contamination problems, forcing the company to trash the equivalent of tens of millions of doses being made under contract for Johnson & Johnson. Pfizer and Moderna have already supplied more than enough doses to vaccinate all eligible Americans. More than 150 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with the companies two-dose shots. By comparison, just 13 million, or 9%, have been vaccinated with the J&J shot. All told, nearly 164 million people have been vaccinated, according to the CDC, or just over 49% of the U.S. population. ___ Associated Press writers Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin; Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Roxana Hegeman in Belle Plaine, Kansas; Rachel La Corte in Olympia, Washington; James MacPherson in Bismark, North Dakota; and Matthew Perrone in Washington contributed to this report. By MIKE CATALINI Associated Press Education leaders throughout the area are preparing to resume in-person learning for all students this fall. But the new academic year does not mean returning to a full normal in school buildings just yet. Students, staff members and visitors to area schools will likely be required to continue wearing masks. COVID-19 vaccination rates, though relatively strong in Connecticut, have slowed and are especially lagging nationwide. A vaccine has yet to be approved for inoculating children younger than 12 years old. All the while, the more contagious Delta variant of the novel coronavirus has emerged in Connecticut. It has become the viruss dominant strain in other states. That development is joined by another trend: the number of COVID-19 cases reported in Meriden and in surrounding communities has risen in recent weeks. State data show the number of reported cases throughout the city alone has nearly doubled during a two-week period from July 11 to July 24. Health officials reported 16 new cases during the first week, followed by 31 new cases in that second week. As conditions continue to evolve, state and local school and health leaders maintained they are committed to providing 100% in-person learning when September arrives. Officials cited the need to provide students with continuous in-person learning and the ability to interact with their peers and teachers in a safe environment. State officials goals include a full return as well, according to revised state Department of Education recommendations issued on July 25. Other state-issued guidance calls for a limited use of remote learning when unvaccinated students must be quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19, for example. Max Reiss, spokesman for Gov. Ned Lamont, said in a written statement that state officials are reviewing the latest CDC guidance and will have additional updates in the coming days. Full in-person learning with masks Those updates would come with a growing number of counties statewide having neared the threshold for universal mask-wearing indoors that had been set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Friday, the state Department of Public Health recommended indoor mask wearing across six counties including New Haven County statewide. Interim state recommendations issued on July 25 call for the return of all in-person learning, which Reiss said, is a priority for the Lamont administration. In Meriden, the districts current draft reopening plans would require anyone entering a school building to wear a mask. Students desks will be spaced three feet apart. Elementary and middle school students will remain cohorted by class. Platt and Maloney high schools will reopen to five days a week of in-person learning, after a full academic year that saw students attending school on rotating in-person and remote schedules. Masks will be required on school buses. Hand sanitizer stations will continue to be present throughout school buildings. The district will continue to employ extra staff to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces throughout the school day. The district will require students and staff members experiencing COVID-19 symptoms to provide proof of testing that is negative for COVID-19. The districts draft plan states it will be reviewed every six months through Sept. 30, 2023. The next scheduled review date is Dec. 23 of this year. In Wallingford, the school districts draft reopening plan spells out similar requirements for face coverings as well as continued distancing and frequent cleaning protocols. In March 2020, when school buildings across all districts were shut down abruptly in an effort to limit the coronavirus spread, educators and students had to quickly adjust to what was then a new remote learning model. Last fall saw the majority of students and teachers return to classrooms, albeit with COVID-19 safety measures in place, including mask wearing, distancing and frequent cleaning of surfaces enforced. High school students who attended in-person did so every other day. On their non-in-person days, those students logged into class remotely. Avoiding disruption, maintaining safety Last Tuesday, national news outlets reported the CDC had issued updated recommendations that would reinstate universal mask wearing in schools for staff, students and visitors, vaccine status notwithstanding. That same day, Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Educators Association, issued a written statement, in which she described the CDCs recommendation as the best precaution we have for our safety especially for our most vulnerable students and the most responsible way to ensure students stay in school. The consequences of not wearing masks means a return to a revolving door of hybrid and remote learning, causing more disruptions for our students and their education. Lauren Mancini-Averitt, president of the Meriden Federation of Teachers, had similar thoughts. We have to take it day-by-day, Mancini said. I dont think were totally out of this pandemic. So we kind of have to go with the flow with whats happening. But we have to keep our students safe, our teachers safe, and do the best we can. In Southington, School Superintendent Steve Madancy said the district has most of its reopening strategies in place for the upcoming school year. I think the only strategy or two were up in the air on is masking and quarantining, Madancy said, adding teachers in his district prefer a full return to in-person learning. He described masks as the elephant in the room ... We really have to see what the state and local health officials recommend. One of those officials would be Shane Lockwood, director of the Plainville-Southington Regional Health District, which includes the Southington Public Schools. Lockwood described the previous school year as having been tough. But school and health officials were able to maintain in-person learning throughout most of the year. Last fall, there was an exception. Southington High School did close for two weeks because of staffing shortages, when more than 20 teachers were required to self-quarantine because they had been exposed to the coronavirus. Learning otherwise continued uninterrupted. Weve been through this before, Lockwood said, adding the district had established a track record of being able to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. We can handle this. Well look at the guidance and make changes as necessary, Lockwood said. In Cheshire, close to 90% of students had returned to in-person learning by the end of the last school year, said School Superintendent Jeffrey Solan. Solan, like his peers in other districts, indicated that local officials will follow state directives regarding mask mandates. As of last week the state had not provided any. Allowing time to readjust Mask wearing is briefly addressed in the reopening plan that had been prepared by Cheshires school reopening committee. But the overall plan doesnt just seek to provide a safe learning environment. It lays out another objective: addressing students social and emotional needs, especially those of students who had spent significant stretches of time outside of traditional learning environments. Solan said about 20% of Cheshire students had been away from classrooms for at least a year. Educators do not want to put families and students into the difficult positions of quickly reverting to in-person learning. Its hard to pick right up and come in, Solan said. So last years remote students will have an opportunity to get reacquainted with their schools and with staff during a five day period just before the school year. Mancini-Averitt, who teaches at Maloney High School in Meriden, described an academic year that was as disjointed for teachers as it was for students. I dont think we got to know our students as well in the high school as we would have, because we were seeing them every other day, she said. When youre seeing them every day you do get to know them a lot more, Mancini-Averitt said. She added that she is looking forward to when everyone is able to unmask. Im looking forward to seeing everyones entire face eventually. It was a little odd seeing only one-third of our students faces, Mancini-Averitt said. After nearly a full year of remote learning with her three children the last school year, one parent in Meriden said she is ready for them to return to traditional classrooms. I will tell you, my kids will be in school, said Deb Martinez, who has two students returning to class in September. Distance learning was a nightmare. The struggles during what Martinez described as a fluid situation prompted her family to switch their children back to in-person learning before the end of the past school year. That helped close out the year on a positive note. It was great, Martinez said. The school did a great job. This fall, Martinezs oldest son is starting college. Her younger children will be in high school. The year will start with many unknowns, she said. There are so many variables to it. That masks are highly likely is one less variable. They know they will probably have to wear masks, Martinez said. And they are OK with it. Martinezs children are old enough to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. However, she and her husband are hesitant to do so just yet. The vaccines, she noted, are only authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The agency has not yet given the vaccines full approval. Martinez said she is not anti-vaccine. Still, her family has weathered experiences with other vaccines that have caused long-lasting and negative side effects. I just wish we had really hardcore facts and some more data, Martinez said of the COVID-19 vaccines, adding the fact none of them are fully authorized does nothing to instill confidence in them. That goes to show that you still have doubt. Pushback against masks Another Meriden schools parent, Brian Candelora, is steadfastly opposed to continued mask mandates. Candelora is the administrator for a statewide organization called Unmask Our Kids CT. The group has what Candelora described as very active local affiliates in Wallingford and Southington. Like Martinezs family, Candeloras children were enrolled in distance learning last year. He said that option worked out well for his children, especially his oldest daughter. Every single child is different. And we cannot make one blanket rule, Candelora said. So Unmask Our Kids is calling to make mask wearing and distance learning choices for families. Reiss, Lamonts spokesman, said, The best action all of our students over the age of 12 and educators could do to support a safe return to school is to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines. He explained both the state Department of Public Health and Department of Education are coordinating with local districts and health providers to offer school-based vaccine clinics in all districts. Connecticut has been a national leader when it comes to testing, mitigation strategies, and vaccine uptake, and we want to continue that progress to the benefit of our entire state, Reiss said. For teachers like Mancini-Averitt, it may not be a bad thing to see mask wearing continue a little bit longer. It is difficult for some people, children, adults, as well, to be masked that long, she said, adding there still need to be opportunities for children and adults alike to take breaks from wearing masks. Mancini-Averitt said she feels with the ongoing updates and changing guidance, the communication between staff, health officials and district administrators has been very open. The fluid situation makes it difficult to obtain definitive answers. Im very appreciative of the communication from the health department, and from central office. But I think people want definitive answers. And the problem is, its an ever changing directive. Thats difficult on everyone, Mancini-Averitt said. mgagne@record-journal.com203-317-2231Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ In a catalogue that runs deep with hits, "I Will Always Love You" stands as one of Dolly Parton's most successful songwriting credits, a tune that became a global phenomenon when it was covered by Whitney Houston for the 1992 film "The Bodyguard." Parton, who is estimated to have earned millions of dollars in royalties for writing the song in 1973, revealed this week how she spent her money from the songwriting credit for Houston, who died in 2012: She invested in a building located in a historically Black Nashville neighborhood. "I bought my big office complex down in Nashville, and so I thought, 'Well, this is a wonderful place to be,' " Parton said Thursday during a wide-ranging interview on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen." Cohen had peppered Parton with lighthearted questions about her wig collection - Parton's estimated inventory is 365 hairpieces - and the secret to her positive outlook on life. When Cohen tossed off a query about what was the best purchase she made using the royalties from the hit song, she spoke of a Nashville neighborhood then called Sevier Park, home to predominantly Black families and businesses. "It was a whole strip mall, and I thought this is the perfect place for me to be, considering it was Whitney, so I just thought, 'This is great, I'm just going to be down here with her people, who are my people as well,' " Parton said. She added, "I love the fact that I spent that money on a complex and I think, 'This is the house that Whitney built.' " Representatives for Parton did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday. Fueling Parton's investment was the significant payday she earned from the success of Houston's cover. Parton earned at least $10 million from it in the 1990s, Forbes estimated last year. The song had already been a hit - albeit a more modest one - when Parton wrote it in 1973 as a B side to the album "Jolene." Parton's version was a country music success, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's country charts twice - the first in 1974 and again in 1982 when she rerecorded a version for the soundtrack to "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." But it wasn't until 1992, when Houston recorded her version of the song as the main musical set piece for "The Bodyguard" that the song reached new heights. Houston's version became Billboard's chart-topper for 14 weeks and helped "The Bodyguard" soundtrack win Album of the Year at the 1993 Grammy Awards. The album was the best-selling film soundtrack of all time as of 2019, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Despite the song's massive success, it almost wasn't a part of the film. Kevin Costner, Houston's co-star and a producer on "The Bodyguard," wanted to use the '60s Motown soul hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," according to a 2017 BuzzFeed News profile of the album on its 25th anniversary. When a cover of the Jimmy Ruffin song ended up on the 1991 soundtrack for "Fried Green Tomatoes," music supervisor Maureen Crowe instead suggested Linda Ronstadt's cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." "It had 'Whitney' all over it," music producer David Foster told BuzzFeed. Parton agreed. The first time she heard Houston's version of her song, she had to pull over to avoid crashing her car because she was so overwhelmed. "I was shot so full of adrenaline and energy, I had to pull off, because I was afraid that I would wreck, so I pulled over quick as I could to listen to that whole song," Parton told Oprah Winfrey in a 2020 interview. "I could not believe how she did that. I mean, how beautiful it was that my little song had turned into that, so that was a major, major thing." Parton purchased the 6,317-square-foot Mission-style complex in Nashville in February 1997, according to property records. David Ewing, a longtime Nashville historian, told The Washington Post that Parton's investment came when many recording artists did not look toward the Sevier Park neighborhood, now known as 12 South, to set up their businesses. "We're just hearing now, because of the Black Lives Matter movement, how down for the cause Dolly has always been - even when others in the music industry weren't," Ewing said. "Dolly Parton could have built and bought any piece of property in Nashville. But you would have to have gone out of your way to buy in the 12 South neighborhood, because no Realtor would have shown Dolly that lot to buy." At the time, the neighborhood was "African American funeral homes, businesses and churches," Ewing said. Now, 12 South is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Nashville, he said. "But it really kind of all began to be put on the map when Dolly quietly invested in the area," Ewing said. Ewing noted that Parton's investment in a Black neighborhood is consistent with the beloved star's track record. In the past year, Parton has made headlines for investing $1 million to develop Moderna's coronavirus vaccine and coming out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. "She's never cared about race or gender or the other things people in the South have judged or restricted others about," Ewing said. "The fact that Dolly would buy in what was a Black neighborhood was a very Dolly thing to do." I wish I had better news for you, but this one is a doozy for Houston. An analysis on the number of homes with Federal Housing Authority loans shows that the Houston/The Woodlands/Sugar Land housing market is the second worst in the country for homes in danger of foreclosure. MEANWHILE: Houstons only Frank Lloyd Wright house is on the market The American Enterprise Institute analyzed Federal Housing Authority data and claims that 40,147 Houston families are delinquent on their mortgages as of May. Of those, nearly 30,000 are 90 days past due. The rate of delinquent mortgages in Houston fell from 19.3 to 18.8 percent from 2019 to 2020, a positive sign among the fray. The only metro area with a higher number of delinquent mortgages is the Atlanta/Sandy Springs/Alpharetta area in Georgia, with 42,268 families delinquent. However, Houston's rate of delinquency is higher including the rate of those 90 days past due. Borrowers in delinquency are at risk of wracking up fees and penalties, or even worse: Foreclosure. But there are ways to avoid it if you're struggling to make payments. Sometimes, lenders will work out a short refinancing period and then throw the rest of the mortgage into a new loan, according to Investopedia. If there's an emergency that causes you to miss a payment, lenders can also work out a forbearance period for homeowners. Across the country, 1.13 million families are behind on payments, or about 14.7 percent. SINTON A green harvester plows through a sorghum field at Charles Rings farm near Corpus Christi as Ring tries to assess the quality of his grain crop after a recent bout of heavy rain. Its a familiar scene at the 8,000-acre family farm in South Texas, but something is different this year. Texas farmers are on pace to export a near record-amount of sorghum and other crops this year, and much of it is once again bound for China. Its a far cry from the recent rocky years for trade in 2018 and 2019, when China and the U.S. slapped tariffs on one anothers goods and upended global markets and supply chains in the process. Two years ago, Texas farmers were hard-pressed to find international buyers for their crops. On ExpressNews.com: Trade war weighs on Texas farmers as exports plummet But about 16 months since the U.S. and China agreed to the Phase 1 trade deal, Chinese buyers have returned to purchasing virtually all of the sorghum Texas farmers grow for export even if its a little moisture-damaged. Whats going on right now is just purely a huge demand for our products, especially sorghum, said Ring, 67, at his farm outside Sinton. Demand is high because the Chinese are in the market. The trade agreement called for China in 2020 and 2021 to purchase $200 billion more in U.S. goods mostly agricultural and energy products than it did in 2017. It also secured loose commitments on access to Chinas vast market, as well as intellectual property protections. Cash crops Last year, China imported just shy of $2 billion of agricultural goods from Texas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This year, the states farmers are on pace to ship well beyond $2 billion worth of crops to China. In the first five months of 2021, Texas producers already had exported more than $1.4 billion in farm goods to China. The COVID-19 pandemic has probably helped fuel the explosion of exports, economists said. The U.S. relatively speedy recovery from the virus has allowed it to export more products; other major ag producers, such as Brazil, have been reeling from the pandemic. But Texas sorghum farmers say the trade deal the U.S. signed with China in late 2019 is the main reason for the export surge. Sorghum is a red-hued grain thats used mostly to make animal feed as well as the popular, colorless Chinese liquor called Baiju. Texas grows nearly a third of the nations sorghum, mostly near the Gulf Coast. Cotton is the only agricultural product Texas farmers export more of than sorghum. From 2010 through 2018, China had imported more than $1 billion of ag products from Texas annually. And then the trade war intensified in 2019, and China sought more farm goods from Brazil and other nations. Buyers in China bought 91 percent of Texas sorghum exports on average, or about $770 million worth each year, from 2104 through 2017, just before the trade dispute. Chinese buyers bought just $85 million worth of sorghum from Texas in 2019. Through just the first five months of this year, China bought $692 million of Texas grain sorghum, according to the USDA. Texas and the U.S. as a whole have been seeing a really fantastic 2020-2021 marketing year, said Patrick Wade, policy director for the trade group Texas Grain Sorghum Producers. The gates have opened back up, and what weve seen is a return to normal of the free, demand-fueled flow of U.S. sorghum into China. Chinese demand for sorghum has surged as the country has sought to rebuild its hog population after African Swine Fever decimated the nations herd in 2018. As the country re-establishes a hog herd, Chinese producers have broadly switched to using sorghum for animal feed, Wade said. And about a third of U.S. sorghum exports to China go toward making fiery liquor Baiju, Wade said. China has been a big trading partner, and during some of the tariff deal, they backed off, said Scott Frazier, a crop and cattle farmer in Nueces County. But they seem to have gotten into a situation where they have more need than willingness to fight over trade and tariffs. So the last year theyve come back into the market really strong, and for Texas products, thats been really good. Missed target, despite increase Last year, China missed the target of U.S. goods it agreed to purchase in the trade deal, and China is behind again this year, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, which has tracked the progress of the agreement. Still, even as China has lagged in its purchases of U.S. goods, the nation imported a record $27.3 billion of U.S. agricultural goods in 2020 after committing to buy $33 billion worth. Even though we didnt reach the levels of Phase 1 for 2020, it was still the largest value of agricultural products that weve sent to China ever, said Luis Ribera, an agricultural economist and professor at Texas A&M University at College Station. China covered 83 percent of (purchase targets), including with issues of COVID. So it wouldve been better if they got to $33 billion, but $27 billion is still pretty good, and we saw that on the impact on commodity prices, he said. Cotton and sorghum prices have spiked as China has entered the market and driven up demand. On ExpressNews.com: Texas farmers seeing exports rebound in wake of U.S.-China trade deal With the Chinese buying the grain, sorghum has been at a premium to corn, said Ring, who also planted more cotton this year when he saw market prices rising. When it starts affecting the market price, thats going to direct acreage. When China slashed imports of U.S. products in 2018 and 2019, Texas producers sought to build markets in other nations such as India, Vietnam and South Korea. After the trade war, youd be hard-pressed to find any farmer or farm group who isnt wary of putting all your eggs in one basket, said Wade of the sorghum trade group. But Chinese demand for sorghum is so great that importers there are driving the price up to a premium that, for many of our other trading partners who have demonstrated a reliable need and use for U.S. sorghum for years, they just cant pay that, Wade said. Agricultural producers largely supported then-President Donald Trump as he waged a tariff tit-for-tat with China. Trumps aim was to even the trade balance between the two countries and punish what he deemed unfair trade practices and theft of U.S. intellectual property by Chinese firms. It was something we needed to do, and it hurt farmers and agriculture for a while there, Frazier said. But what China was doing with intellectual property and taking advantage of other businesses, kind of jerking their chain and getting their attention overall was good. It left a bad taste in your mouth while it was happening, but (Trump) stood behind us, and we survived that, he said. Chinas massive population and food demand far outmatches any other markets Texas farmers sell their goods to, so trading with China is essential, said Bert Ring, Charles son. Bert also works on the family farm. Theres no other way to make it, because China is the largest importer of agricultural commodities they are the market, Bert said. Everything else is off to the side in comparison, especially when it comes to grains. Wade said hed like to see President Joe Bidens administration develop new trade deals with other countries such as Kenya. The administration may also pursue a Phase 2 trade deal with China that would more aggressively address other U.S. complaints, such as Chinese industrial subsidies, though a second deal probably would be harder to hammer out than the first and more contentious. For Texas farmers, the sting of the trade war has mostly worn off as growers now grapple with weather and higher fuel and material costs this year. In a perfect year for farmers, good weather aligns with strong commodity prices for crops and wide-open international trade. That muddy fields are Charles Rings biggest problem this year is a welcome sign after the trade dispute. I think (the trade war) was the right thing to do, and it was hurtful when prices went down, Ring said. But see where were at now? Its opened up, they want our products and were willing to sell it. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net Says Israel will respond to Iranian attack in its own way Israels Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday blamed Iran for a deadly drone attack on an Israeli-operated oil tanker off the coast of Oman, saying Tehran has made a serious mistake and Tel Aviv will convey this message in its own way. Bennetts veiled threat to retaliate comes hours after Iran denied its involvement in bombing off the coast of Oman on Thursday night. Two crewmen, a British and a Romanian national, died in the attack off the coast of Oman on the oil tanker Mercer Street, a ship operated by Zodiac Maritime, a London-based company belonging to Israeli shipping tycoon, Eyal Ofer. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Israel has alleged that the attack was carried out by suicide drones that hit the ship. I just heard that Iran, in a cowardly manner, is trying to evade responsibility for the event. They are denying this. Then, I determine, with absolute certainty Iran carried out the attack against the ship, Prime Minister Bennett said at the start of a weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday. The intelligence evidence for this (Irans involvement) exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake. In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way, he said, hinting at a possible retaliatory move. Irans thuggishness endangers not only Israel, but also harms global interests, namely freedom of navigation and international trade, he claimed. Iran on Sunday denied the allegations, calling them Israels blame games. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh described the claims of Tehrans involvement as baseless. Such blame games are nothing new, Khatibzadeh said. Those who are responsible for this (attack) are the ones who made it possible for the Israeli regime to set its foot in this region. The incident is the first known fatal attack even though several attacks on commercial shipping lines have been reported in the international media over Israel-Iran nuclear tensions. Israel calls Irans nuclear programme an existential threat which it has vowed to stop by all measures possible. Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is meant for peaceful purposes. Iran blames Israel for a series of attacks targeting its nuclear program. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken as well as his British and Romanian counterparts over the last three days to coordinate an international response to the attack. Blinken and Lapid agreed to work with other allies to investigate the facts, provide support, and consider the appropriate next steps. Israel believes that Iran carried out the deadly attack on the oil tanker in response to a recent cyber attack Tehran believes was carried out by the Jewish state, local media reported on Saturday. The cyber attack in early July is said to have caused chaos in the Islamic Republics train system as hackers posted fake messages about alleged train delays or cancellations on display boards at stations across the country. They also reportedly urged passengers to call for information, listing the phone number of the office of the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A Channel 13 news report, without citing its sources, claimed that in Israels assessment Tehran was directly responding to those alleged attacks. The report further claimed that Iran was hoping to raise insurance costs for ships with ties to Israel in attempts to hurt its economic interests. State-owned Iranian news network, Al-Alam, on Friday reported citing well-informed sources that the attack was in response to a reported Israeli strike in Syria that killed two resistance men last week. Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz called for an urgent discussion on Friday with IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi and other defence officials. Lapid on the other hand said that he had instructed Israeli diplomats to push for UN action against Iranian terrorism. Ive instructed the embassies in Washington, London and the UN to work with their interlocutors in government and the relevant delegations in the UN headquarters in New York, the foreign minister said on Twitter. By Jay Hancock, Senior Correspondent for Kaiser Health News. Originally published at Kaiser Health News. Three years ago, pharma giant Pfizer paid $24 million to settle federal allegations that it was paying kickbacks and inflating sales by reimbursing Medicare patients for out-of-pocket medication costs. By making prohibitively expensive medicine essentially free for patients, the company induced them to use Pfizer drugs even as the price of one of those medicines, covered by Medicare and Medicaid, soared 44% to $225,000 a year, the Justice Department alleged. Now Pfizer is suing Uncle Sam to legalize essentially the same practice it was accused of three years ago a fighting response to a federal crackdown that has resulted in a dozen drug companies being accused of similar practices. A Pfizer win could cost taxpayers billions of dollars and erase an important control on pharma marketing after decades of regulatory erosion and soaring drug prices, say health policy analysts. A federal judges ruling is expected any day. If this is legal for Pfizer, Pfizer will not be the only pharmaceutical company to use this, and there will effectively be a gold rush, government lawyer Jacob Lillywhite said in oral arguments last month. Pfizers legal argument is aggressive, said Chris Robertson, a professor of health law at Boston University. But I think theyve got such a political tailwind behind them because of pocketbook pain over prescription medicine even though its caused by pharma manufacturers. Pfizers message, Were just trying to help people afford their drugs, is pretty attractive, he said. Thats not all thats working in Pfizers favor. Courts and regulations have been moving pharmas way since the Food and Drug Administration allowed limited TV drug ads in the 1980s. Other companies of all kinds also have gained free speech rights allowing aggressive marketing and political influence that would have been unthinkable decades ago, legal scholars say. Among other court arguments, Pfizer initially claimed that current regulation violates its speech protections under the First Amendment, essentially saying it should be allowed to communicate freely with third-party charities to direct patient assistance. Its infuriating to realize that, as outlandish as they seem, these types of claims are finding a good deal of traction before many courts, said Michelle Mello, a professor of law and medicine at Stanford University. Drug companies are surely aware that the judicial trend has been toward more expansive recognition of commercial speech rights. Pfizers lawsuit, in the Southern District of New York, seeks a judges permission to directly reimburse patient expenses for two of its heart-failure drugs each costing $225,000 a year. An outside administrator would use Pfizer contributions to cover Medicare copays, deductibles and coinsurance for those drugs, which otherwise would cost patients about $13,000 a year. Letting pharma companies put money directly into patients pockets to pay for their own expensive medicines does induce people to get a specific product instead of shopping for a cheaper or more effective alternative, said Stacie Dusetzina, an associate professor of health policy at Vanderbilt University. Its kind of the definition of a kickback. Government rule-makers have warned against such payments since the launch of Medicares Part D drug benefit in 2006. Drug companies routinely help privately insured patients with cost sharing through coupons and other means, but private carriers can negotiate the overall price. Because Congress gave Medicare no control over prescription drug prices, having patients share at least part of the cost is the only economic force guarding against unlimited price hikes and industry profits at taxpayer expense. At the same time, however, regulators have allowed the industry to help patients with copays by routing money through outside charities but only as long as the charities are bona fide, independent organizations that dont match drugmaker money with specific drugs. Several charities have blatantly violated that rule in recent years by colluding with pharma companies to subsidize particular drugs, the Justice Department has alleged. A dozen companies have paid more than $1 billion to settle allegations of kickback violations. Pfizer set up an internal fund at one of the charities, the Patient Access Network Foundation, to cover patient costs for a heart arrhythmia drug at exactly the same time it was raising the wholesale cost from $220 to $317 for a package of 40 capsules, the Justice Department said. Pfizer referred Medicare patients who needed the drug to the PAN Foundation, the government said. Under such arrangements, every $1 million channeled through a charity has the potential to generate up to $21 m[illion] for the sponsor company, funded by the U.S. government, Andrew Baum, a Citi pharma stock analyst, wrote in 2017. Pfizer settled the case, saying it was not an admission of wrongdoing but resulted from its desire to put this legal matter behind us. The PAN Foundation and three other charities also made deals to resolve allegations that they functioned as disallowed conduits for patient assistance for multiple pharma companies. One organization, the Virginia-based Caring Voice Coalition, shut down after government scrutiny. PANs settlement did not mention the alleged Pfizer transactions. Those were described in the separate government deal with Pfizer. The 2019 PAN agreement related to legacy matters and did not involve any of PANs current operations or disease funds, organization CEO Dan Klein said via a spokesperson. Nonprofit patient assistance programs like PAN are necessary to help people access the critical medications they need to stay healthy. But legal troubles have hardly slowed the pharma-funded patient assistance business. Four penalized nonprofits agreed to stop directing money to specific drugs, but they continue to accept hundreds of millions of dollars in pharma donations to indirectly cover copays and other patient drug costs, organization reports and IRS filings show. HHS regulators allow the practice because the drug companies are not involved in deciding which patients and which drugs are subsidized. Donations to six pharma-funded patient assistance charities reached $1.8 billion in 2019, only slightly less than the year before, a KHN analysis of their IRS filings shows. That was nearly 50% higher than the amount from five years previously, before the Justice Department started cracking down. Last year Pfizer donated $39.7 million to PAN and five other charities helping patients with out-of-pocket drug costs, company disclosures show. If Pfizers lawsuit seeking to earmark such donations for its tafamidis heart-failure drugs opens the way for similar practices industrywide, it would drive up Medicare costs through rising prices and numbers of prescriptions, said Gerard Anderson, an economist and health policy professor at Johns Hopkins Universitys Bloomberg School of Public Health. Such a program for tafamidis alone would increase Medicare costs by $30 billion, the Health and Human Services Departments inspector general estimated. Pharma companies can learn which patients are using the drug, and they can market [and offer financial assistance] directly to that patient, Anderson said. You get a huge return. Pfizer argues that its proposal, which the HHS inspector general called highly suspect in an advisory opinion before the company filed its lawsuit, is legal and sensible. Providing copay assistance to middle-income patients who have been prescribed tafamidis is an efficient and equitable way to lower their out-of-pocket costs, company spokesperson Steven Danehy said. But the real affordability problem for patients is that tafamidis is too expensive, federal attorney Lillywhite said in court arguments last month. (HHS Office of Inspector General declined to comment.) Pfizer has priced itself out of the market, he said. The company is seeking to do something thats unprecedented, to upend decades of settled law and agency guidance to boost sales of what is the most expensive cardiovascular drug ever launched in the United States. After the oral arguments, Pfizer dropped claims that HHS rules violate its free speech rights. Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil is considering only the companys contention that a dedicated fund for tafamidis would not violate kickback prohibitions because, among other arguments, it is the doctor who decides to prescribe the drug and create revenue for Pfizer, not the patient getting the financial assistance. But legal analysts still see the case as part of a broad movement toward deregulation and corporate rights. A 1970s Supreme Court case, viewed as paving the way for an explosion of drug, lawyer and liquor ads as well as corporate campaign donations, was about speech rights for prescription drug sellers in Virginia. In 2011 the court found that the First Amendment allows data miners to buy and sell prescription records from pharmacies, provided the patients arent identified. A year later, a federal appeals court cited speech protections when it overturned the conviction of a pharma sales rep who had been promoting a drug for uses not approved by the FDA. Even if Pfizer loses its case, the climate may be ripe for similar challenges by other drugmakers, especially after the appointment of more than 200 federal judges by business-friendly President Donald Trump, legal scholars said. The federal kickback law doesnt mention copay assistance charities and wasnt designed with these programs in mind, said Mello, of Stanford. Pfizers lawsuit should be a loud, clanging call to Congress to explicitly define drug assistance subsidies as illegal kickbacks, she said. (Natural News) If youre wondering why corrupt, criminal governments of the world seem to be in such a hurry to mass vaccinate everybody with a deadly, experimental, non-approved gene therapy injection, one of the most shocking answers may be simpler than you think. According to analyst and radio hose John Moore (The Liberty Man), who has many contacts with high level U.S. Navy officers and scientists, a global extinction level event is approaching and the globalists are desperately trying to cull the human population before people figure out whats about to happen. If 7+ billion people were told the truth about the coming cosmic event that may devastate human civilization, they would all stop working, causing a near-instant collapse of the entire global infrastructure of manufacturing, transportation, food production, government, military and so on. The globalists are still buying up loads of supplies such as food, electronics, firearms, ammunition, communications gear, etc., and they need the masses to keep on working until the very end. Otherwise, they cant acquire more supplies for themselves, even as these globalists are now hiding out on remote islands, moving into underground tunnel systems and cities, or planning to be off-planet when it all comes down. The event that John Moore refers to is a tenth planet fly-by where a, dark large planetary mass (that can only be seen with infra-red telescopes) passes near Earths orbital plane around the sun. The gravitational effects alone, warned former top Navy scientists, will cause cataclysmic Earth changes consisting of unprecedented earthquakes, volcanoes and even a pole shift that will reportedly reorient the physical polar axis of the planet (not just the magnetic poles), thereby shifting the equator and unleashing unimaginable ocean slosh that will inundate coastal areas on every continent. The coming events have been known since at least 1979, Moore explains, and the governments of the world have kept this secret from the public in order to keep society running until the very last day before the cataclysm arrives. On that day, global winds will be sustained at 200 mph for a full day, Moore explains, destroying nearly all human-built structures which are above ground. Only below-ground structures and concrete-and-steel reinforced above-ground structures stand a chance of surviving the winds. Once you survive the winds, your next challenge will be surviving the complete collapse of human civilization, as there will be no functioning farms, power grids, internet, transportation infrastructure, fuel refineries, etc. There may not even be enough people to decommission the hundreds of nuclear power plants that are scattered across the planet, raising huge questions about what happens if they lose cooling capability and plunge into criticality. Watch the full interview here, which also includes a map of the water inundation thats predicted to occur in the continental United States: Brighteon.com/04b12580-e267-4282-9bb6-0f2c2a13daa1 Attorney Thomas Renz predicts a tidal wave of lawsuits challenging illegal vaccine mandates Attorney Thomas Renz from Renz-Law.com is the attorney behind the recent whistleblower lawsuit alleging the U.S. government has proof of at least 45,000 deaths from covid vaccines (so far) and rising. Starting out as a non-red-pilled normie who believed in vaccines and official narratives, Renz dove into the real story about covid vaccines and unearthed an astonishing quagmire of criminality, corruption and horrific crimes against humanity. In this interview, Renz says that vaccine mandates are illegal violations of fundamental human rights and that a wave of lawsuits will be coming from thousands of plaintiffs across America, challenging the vaccine mandates now being pushed by government and private corporations such as Google, Facebook, Disney and even Wal-Mart. Watch the full interview here: Brighteon.com/5abe8b87-53bf-4483-96ca-0e76d8868a4a See more astonishing interviews and daily podcasts at: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport (Natural News) Rochelle Walensky of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has decided that all Americans should once again cover their faces with t-shirt cloth or Chinese plastic in order to help flatten the curve of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) delta variant. The private corporation posing as a federal agency has determined that Fauci Flu shots are not effective at preventing Chinese Virus infection and spread, which means that everyone should resume blocking their breathing holes in order to stay safe. According to reports, the CDC is recommending that some vaccinated people wear masks indoors, particularly in areas of the country that are allegedly seeing a surge in new cases of Chinese Germs. As vaccinated people continue to spread the delta variant to others, the CDC is insistent that everyone, including healthy people with natural immunity, restrict the flow of oxygen into their lungs because this, Walensky says, is the only way to cure the Wuhan Flu. I think thats great, proudly stated Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York. This is a move in the right direction, she added about the CDC flip-flopping once again concerning the face mask issue. Keep in mind that the CDC promised just days ago to not alter its mask guidance unless there was some kind of significant chance in the science. There was no significant change, of course, which means the CDC lied. Just ignore the CDC and coronavirus will be cured Walensky is still claiming, despite scientific proof to the contrary, that Trump Vaccines are perfectly safe and very effective. There have been very few breakthrough infections, she claims, again defying actual scientific data that exposes her as a liar. Getting injected for Chinese Germs is the only way to keep everyone safe against floating viruses, Walensky alleges well, that and always covering your mouth and nose with a coronavirus veil. Hilariously, Walensky contradicted herself during the announcement by admitting that the level of delta variant virus in infected vaccinated people is indistinguishable from the amount in unvaccinated people. In other words, the injections do nothing to stop the spread. It is concerning enough that we feel like we have to act, Walensky further stated, referring to data the CDC supposedly compiled from 100 samples showing that vaccinated people have the potential to spread that virus to others. Walenskys dream is for all Americans to cover their faces whenever they are out in public. Not seeing other peoples faces, she claims and not being able to breathe is the best way to stop the Chinese Virus from ever again showing up as positive in a faulty PCR test, which apparently keeps her up at night. White House press secretary Jen Psaki, another pretend scientist and doctor, concurs with the CDC new recommendation which most Americans will continue to ignore, by the way. That is their job, Psaki blabbed about how she feels the CDC is an important part of American life that Americans should listen to for medical guidance. Their job is to look at evolving information, evolving data, an evolving historic pandemic and provide guidance to the American public. That sure is a whole lot of evolution, and chances are some Americans will fall for it. Most, hopefully, will not, recognizing that these so-called public health authorities could not care less about peoples health. This is all about control and has absolutely nothing to do with health. Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) tyranny will not end until We the People make it end. To learn more, visit Tyranny.news. Sources for this article include: Archive.ph ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com Archive.ph NaturalNews.com Archive.ph NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Brazils corn market cant seem to catch a break as yet another cold wave has swept the countrys center-south area, subjecting the crops to more unexpected frost and prompting serious doubts about export volumes. Last Monday, corn crops in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Parana were hit by frost in a cold wave that Agrurals Daniele Siquiera said was going to be a historic crop loss. The corn crop known as safrinha was hit by dry and warm weather during its key development stages thanks to a drought, and now its suffering its second frost after being hit with freezing temperatures at the end of June as well. The President of Soybean and Corn Advisor Inc., Dr. Michael Cordonnier, said that Brazil has not been this cold in decades. It was the coldest air in 20 years, and it was pretty bad. Depending on where youre at, it either really hurt the corn bad or killed it completely, he said. To illustrate how bad the situation is, he describes cornfields in northern Parana that were completely brown because they had been killed by frost. And the crop was about five feet tall, short and stunted, because they had a drought, and the ears were short and stubby, and the kernels were like milk stage, or early dough stage. The second-corn crop had already been planted later than ever thanks to a historic drought, and the two frosts have sealed its fate. He said it would be like having three nights of frost in mid-July in the U.S. followed by three more nights of frost in early August. He said it was devastating for the crop, and they still dont know how bad the situation will ultimately prove to be because the worst fields have yet to be harvested. He illustrated the extent of the damage with figures, explaining that Brazil was supposed to export somewhere between 30 and 35 million tons of corn to the U.S. Now, however, theyll be lucky to reach 20 million tons; he thinks it could be even less than that. Exporters will need to pay a penalty to break their contracts so they can sell their corn on the domestic market, where they can expect a better profit. In fact, with Brazil shifting from exporting corn to importing it, there will be a lot of opportunity for American farmers. Coffee crops also impacted by frost in Brazil Its not just corn that is suffering devastating losses in Brazil. The cold snap has also damaged coffee crops in Brazil, with the below-freezing temperatures seen on the morning of July 20 in the countrys biggest coffee-growing regions leaving farmers in a bind. The freeze is also jeopardizing next years crops as coffee trees are on a two-year cycle and many of the trees hit by frost had been expected to continue producing next season as well. Coffee trees are very sensitive to frost. Even slight amounts of frost are enough to kill their leaves; severe frost can kill the plants completely. Some farmers now have to take out tens of thousands of trees. As a result of the frost and slashed bean production estimates, coffee prices surged by 13 percent. Some commodities experts believe that next years harvest may drop by more than 2 million bags. Farmers arent the only ones who dont welcome this freak cold snap; its also poking holes in the claims of climate change alarmists that manmade global warming is causing temperatures to be unusually high. The mainstream media is quick to make a big deal out of record-breaking hot weather, but when the opposite happens, despite the major impact it can have on the prices of coffee and corn, you dont hear too much about it. Sources for this article include: StrangeSounds.org SFNToday.com (Natural News) Facebook on Wednesday, July 28, announced that it will require workers returning to its offices to be vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19). As our offices reopen, we will be requiring anyone coming to work at any of our U.S. campuses to be vaccinated, Facebooks VP of People Lori Goler said in a statement. How we implement this policy will depend on local conditions and regulations. According to Goller, Facebook will create processes for those who cant be vaccinated for medical or other reasons. The company will continue to evaluate its approach outside the U.S. Facebook had already told full-time employees that most of them could continue working from home beyond the pandemic if their jobs could be done remotely. The social media giant hasnt delayed its reopening plans for this fall, and a spokesman said that data would guide the social-media giants decisions. Facebook has previously said it would likely open most of its U.S. offices at half capacity in September, and then fully in October. Expert guidelines state that vaccines are highly effective at preventing variants of COVID-19, including the delta variant, a Facebook spokesman said. Our timelines to reopen our offices havent changed. (Related: Facebook to force intellectual submission to coronavirus vaccines, promoting vaccine worship, not critical thinking or individual choice.) Big Tech requires employees to get COVID-19 vaccine Also on Wednesday, Google CEO Sundar Pichai told employees that the company would delay its return to office plans by one month, citing the fast-spreading delta variant. Pichai also said returning workers would have to be vaccinated. Amazon also encouraged employees and contractors to be vaccinated. The companys current guidelines dont appear to require vaccination in order to return to its offices, though unvaccinated employees are required to wear masks. Face coverings are optional for those who have verification of being fully vaccinated. Though employer-mandated vaccine requirements seemed rare just a few weeks ago, the rise of the delta variant and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seem to have played a role in shifting some executives thinking. On Tuesday, July 27, the CDC walked back its earlier mask guidance for fully vaccinated people, saying that they should again wear masks indoors in places with high transmission rates. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the change was due to new information on the delta variant, showing that some vaccinated people infected by the strain could still spread it to others. The surge in COVID-19 cases is giving some companies and workers pause over looming return-to-office plans, even as a number of employers push ahead and reopen workplaces. Delta variant looms over return-to-office-plans of corporate bosses Many corporate bosses have been moving toward a significant return to corporate campuses after Labor Day. Others say they are feeling pressure to delay from employees who are voicing fresh concern about the spread of the highly transmissible delta variant and swaths of unvaccinated people. Apple earlier told its workers that its back-to-the-office timeline would be delayed at least until October, according to a person familiar with the notice. The company also promised to give employees at least one months notice before recalling them to an office. The delta variant is the most contagious version of the virus to be identified. In weeks, it has become the most common strain in the U.S., accounting for 83 percent of analyzed infections. Many companies remain cautious. In late June, food-services and facilities-management company Sodexo updated its mask guidance, recommending that all staffers continue to wear a mask, even if vaccinated. Sodexo has kept many of its pandemic safeguards in place, such as physical barriers between tables in restaurants and the cafeterias it runs in corporate offices and on college campuses. Salad bars and self-serve buffets mostly remain closed. With variants spreading, Sodexo is taking count of how many gloves, N95 masks, gowns and personal protective equipment it has in stock for workers. What I really worry about most is our ability to be agile and nimble, said Brigette Philpot, vice president of health, safety and environment for Sodexo North America. Is delta the beginning of our never-ending journey to try to be effective with dealing with variants? Executives at Citigroup Inc. have said the company is letting data determine the banks return-to-work plans. The company hasnt set an office return date, but said it expects to come back in September, although it will consider conditions at that time. Some companies cant wait to have employees back at office Even if companies arent adjusting plans, some are talking with workers about the delta variant, aiming to address concerns. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, a medical device company that plans to bring 1,000 workers back to its office near Denver in August, said it would hold an all-hands session featuring some of the companys doctors to explain the variant and answer questions. Many of Terumos workers are vaccinated, and the company expects people to adopt hybrid work schedules where they are in the office two to three days a week, said Bon Lopez, senior vice president of human resources. If Colorado health officials or others add new restrictions that would affect in-office work, the company will comply and adjust its approach, he said. Netflix Inc. Chairman and co-CEO Reed Hastings has made no secret about wanting to get the streaming giants 9,000 employees back in the office. Not being able to get together in person, particularly internationally, is a pure negative, Hastings said. Netflix is encouraging its workers to return to the office at least part time after Labor Day, but keeping it voluntary, people familiar with the companys plans said. Workers remain worried Many workers remain worried. Miranda Doerfler, a 30-year-old poker dealer, was furloughed from her job at a casino near Boston early in the pandemic and her unemployment benefits run out in September. Though shes fully vaccinated and has been applying for other casino jobs, Doerfler said she has a weak immune system and is anxious about returning to a crowded indoor workplace. Im still very nervous about the delta variant, she said. Even being vaccinated, Im very nervous about getting something that seems very aggressive, like the variant. I already have breathing troubles. I think I would do very poorly if I got sick. Follow Pandemic.news for more news related to the coronavirus pandemic. Sources include: TechCrunch.com CNBC.com WSJ.com (Natural News) The city of Los Angeles said it will require its employees to either get the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine or undergo COVID-19 testing every week. LA Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Council President Nury Martinez made the announcement on July 27, with a mayoral order formally issued the next day. Garcetti cited an alarming spike in cases among the citys workforce for his decision to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory. A report by the Los Angeles Times said additional details about the mandatory vaccination plan will need to be worked out following a meeting of a city committee on employee relations. It added that the committee will discuss how the new requirements will be implemented. Alex Comisar, the spokesman for Garcettis office, meanwhile said city departments will be directed to confirm their employees vaccination status by Aug. 13. The mandatory vaccination plan outlined that heads of LA city departments must verify if their employees are vaccinated. Those who do not provide proof of vaccination must show negative COVID-19 test results on a weekly basis, it added. In a statement, Garcetti said LA could eventually mandate COVID-19 vaccination for city employees without offering testing as an alternative. The mayor added that he and the city council will pursue a vaccine mandate once the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants full approval for the vaccines. Currently, the three COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. are only approved for emergency use. Martinez meanwhile expressed deep frustration with the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases. He added that LA residents who stayed at home to protect themselves and others were getting tired of protecting people who dont want to protect themselves. Martinez said: We need unvaccinated [residents] to stop dragging their feet. As the largest employer in the city of Los Angeles, this is us doing our part. (Related: LA County admits covid vaccines are a hoax, tries to reinstate mask mandate, even for the fully vaccinated.) LA Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas said vaccinations are the only way out of this pandemic. He said in a July 26 statement: If we want our economy to fully recover, our children to be able to go to school without masks on and the most vulnerable members of our community to not end up in the hospital, we must all do our part. Ridley-Thomas added that he would soon introduce a motion to mandate all city employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. LA is crippling its own workforce with the COVID-19 vaccines Aside from LA, other cities in California announced similar mandatory vaccination measures. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia earlier said city employees will either need to be inoculated or show a negative COVID-19 test weekly. San Francisco and Pasadena also announced that they will require city employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Both cities remarked that their requirements will depend on the FDA fully approving at least one vaccine. New York City also declared similar plans to require COVID-19 vaccination for employees. According to a report by the New York Post, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on July 26 that he will expand the citys vaccination-or-testing rule to cover the entire NYC workforce of more than 300,000 employees. A week prior, de Blasio ordered healthcare workers in public hospitals and community clinics to get vaccinated by Aug. 2 or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. (Related: Bill de Blasio says all NYC government workers must get vaccinated with experimental covid jabs or lose their jobs.) De Blasio told reporters during a July 26 briefing: We all know the delta variant has thrown us a curveball. This is about our recovery, this is what we need to do to bring back New York City [and] this is about keeping people safe. The mayor also announced that unvaccinated employees will be required to wear face masks indoors at all times. Employees who refuse to mask up would be sent home and not paid for the day, de Blasio continued. However, mandating COVID-19 vaccines for employees only put their health at risk. COVID-19 vaccines were recently linked to various adverse reactions such as blood clots, cardiac inflammation and facial paralysis. True enough, some NYC employee unions did not take too kindly to de Blasios vaccine mandates. FDNY EMS Local 2057 representing NYC fire inspectors, emergency medical technicians and paramedics was one such union that opposed the new mandates. Oren Barzilay, the unions president, said it strongly opposed these new workplace mandates being forced upon all 4,300 of our members. He argued: The city and the mayor cannot simply disregard the civil liberties of the workforce. MedicalTyranny.com has more articles about mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in different U.S. cities. Sources include: LATimes.com NYPost.com (Natural News) Human rights abuses are accelerating worldwide, as governments claim dominion over peoples bodies and minds. In the Philippine city of Lapu-Lapu, Mayor Junard Ahong Chan signed a terror-inspired executive order that bans the unvaccinated from department stores, convenience stores, supermarkets and grocery stores. Individuals who do not submit their body to the experimental covid-19 protocol will be excommunicated from society, starved out, segregated into perpetuity. This divide-and-conquer strategy uses terror and humiliation to achieve absolute compliance. Food and basic resources are now being used as weapons against humanity. A new wave of Nuremberg trials are warranted, as governments repeatedly violate and mock informed consent and basic medical ethics. Terror, humiliation, starvation being used to force vaccine compliance Mayor Chans executive order (No. 2021-040) lists numerous restrictions on the population until August 25. After that date, the general restrictions end for those who submitted to the initial vaccine requirements. The abuse will continue against the unvaccinated and will increase against the vaccinated, who will soon be required to obey again by getting booster shots. Anyone who doesnt comply with the governments vaccine threats will be segregated, socially ostracized, starved, restricted from living their lives. This abuse could go on into the foreseeable future because too many people are complying and too few are standing up to these tyrants. Section 4 of Mayor Chans executive order states: Effective August 25, 2021, only vaccinated persons, upon presentation of their vaccination cards, shall be allowed to enter public and private markets including department stores, supermarkets, grocery stores and convenience stores. Who needs gas chambers when governments can belligerently starve people and threaten their life at every turn? Mayor Chan said the citys half million population is not vaccinating fast enough to reach the 70 percent vaccination threshold that governments are enforcing worldwide. After making the executive order, Mayor Chan went on Facebook to brag about the sudden uptake in vaccinations, which went from the daily average of 2,000 shots in arms to 5,600 vaccinations per day. It turns out that terror and intimidation are the new standard for medical ethics, as governments threaten citizens with heinous crimes to claim ownership over their body and beliefs. Mayor Chan was blasted online by citizens who literally have nothing left to lose. In response, Chan wrote that Section 4 might eventually be removed from the Executive Order, as long as enough people submitted to the injections. At this point, he is literally mocking anyone who challenges his authority. God bless us and I love you all, he wrote in salutation. Individuals should be able to exercise free power of choice, without any intervention of force or duress As more people are intimidated to comply, the number of adverse events and deaths post vaccination rise. Even though natural immunity is proving to be comprehensive and durable, public health authorities are censoring the strategies and treatments that can help people recover from the infection. In the push for vaccine compliance, public health authorities around the world holding back information on nutrition and the immune-modulating protocols that impart robust natural immunity. By threatening to starve people, public health authorities prove that they dont care about anyones health, and only seek to dominate and destroy peoples lives through pharmaceutical brainwashing and abuse. These crimes against humanity have never been so pervasive in world history, and are setting fire to the 1947 Nuremberg Code and its principles. But voluntary informed consent of the human subject is absolutely essential and must be enforced. An individual should be able to exercise free power of choice, without the intervention of any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, overreaching, or other ulterior form of constraint or coercion; and should have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the elements of the subject matter involved as to enable him to make an understanding and enlightened decision. In America, we need aggressive impeachment trials IMMEDIATELY for every politician who is still violating the Nuremberg Code. This should be promptly followed up with criminal trials, as the conspiracy to deprive individuals of their basic human rights continues to be laid bare for all the world to see. The Nuremberg Code also needs to be enforced at the employer level and school level, to stop the terror and abuse, the divide-and-conquer targeting of people based on their medical choices. Human rights supersede these illegal, discriminatory, segregation-based employer policies that are being rolled out across various industries. Stop giving away your body autonomy and stand for medical ethics and informed consent. If youve made a decision for you and your family, dont roll over to coercion, intimidation and abuse, lest you become a slave. Once the evil is held to account in this country, we as free Americans must reassemble medical ethics and enforce the Nuremberg Code around the world. (Related: NUREMBERG 2.0: Bidens corrupt DOJ just declared experimental vaccine mandates LEGAL forced experimental injections will now commence.) Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com Media.org [PDF] NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) While Robert W Malone, MD is definitely not a household name, he should be. (Article by Stefan Stanford republished from AllNewsPipeLine.com) The actual inventor of the mRNA injection that big pharma is now mass producing in their attempts to fight Covid according to Wikipedia, Dr. Malone is now blowing up the twitter-verse with one tweet after another ripping the globalists vaccines are the answer to Covid agenda into little bits and pieces. Warning in one viral tweet that They (the FDA) needed to measure duration, distribution, and amount for the spike protein. The FDA never did this; one of our researchers did. They found spike protein is still circulating 5 months from vaccination in 100% of patients tested (6 people; random pick), were not surprised that Malones life is being threatened for going totally against the globalists narrative. Yet as Dr. Malone also recently tweeted of those still ongoing threats and online attacks against him, And for all of the Trolls and those newbies working for newly funded factchecking companies this is not a game, my friends. This is peoples lives you are messing with. Your attempts to discredit me are irrelevant. I will continue to speak truth to power, no matter what. As Dr. Malone had warned previously in a youtube video arguing against the use of the experimental injections, a video which YouTube deleted, the government is not being transparent about the risks of the injections, and now we see why with more and more of the fully vaxxed falling ill, and some even dying. And Dr. Malone isnt holding back on who he blames for the threats against him, warning in another tweet: Well, I just received my first threat phone call. No caller ID. Hi your getting people killed by giving false information I hung up. Thanks, POTUS! So with the left continuing to push for mandatory vaccinations, and at a time when the actual inventor of the mRNA vax theyre pushing Americans to take has come out strongly against it, even far left The Daily Beast recently put out this story titled Experts Slam Joe Bidens Unconvincing Push For Coronavirus Vaccine Mandates, reporting Bidens White House isnt even enforcing their own mandates. With that a perfect par for the course for a group of people pushing rules for thee but not for me, the pure smugness, arrogance and hypocrisy from the left continues to be hammered home by those whod love to lord over the American people but will never be able to do so over people with 450 million guns. Wonder why the left wants to disarm Americans? Wannabe-tyrants clearly hate the 2nd Amendment and free people. Yet when you read that Daily Beast story that is highly criticizing Bidens unconvincing push for a coronavirus mandate you see that they are criticizing him because he HASNT been more strong in his push for such draconian mandates that would be proof to the American people that the government has control of OUR bodies, the very hallmark of tyranny. With the left long pushing the phrase my body my choice as the reason why they continue to murder millions of unborn babies every year, what is freedom if we dont have control over whats put inside of our own bodies? As former Congressman Dr. Ron Paul has pointed out, The rise of mandatory and forced vaccination legislation should send a chill up every single American spine. That government can force you to accept any kind of medicine and inject you against your will IS TOTALITARIANISM at its worst! And as we see in this new story over at Fox News, the left is trying to dish out such medical totalitarianism in spades in 2021. Reporting within that story that Washington Post columnist Max Boot was recently ripped into little bits and pieces for tweeting Saudi Arabia is more progressive than the US for their vaccine mandate, Boot later deleted his tweet after a massive backlash, but then lectured his critics. So fully-totalitarian Saudi Arabia is progressive in the liberals eyes? Now we see everything! From that Fox News story.: Washington Post opinion columnist Max Boot was ripped for a now-deleted tweet in which he lamented that Saudi Arabia is being more progressive than the United States because of their plans to impose new COVID-19 vaccine mandates. People in Saudi Arabia will need to show proof on a mobile app that they have received at least one vaccine dose to enter public and private institutions beginning Sunday, including schools, shops, malls, markets, restaurants, cafes, concert venues and public transportation. From Aug. 9, Saudi citizens will need two doses to travel abroad, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. The countrys decision comes as coronavirus cases are on the rise again with the spread of the Delta variant. The COVID-19 vaccines, which have proven to be highly effective against the virus, have shown varying levels of impact against the new variant, studies show. The Pfizer vaccine was shown to be 88% effective against the new threat, while the Johnson & Johnson jab was shown to be slightly less impactful with a 67% effective rate. Boots tweet: Words I never thought Id write: Saudi Arabia is being more progressive than America, Boot tweeted on Wednesday. Saudis will need to show proof of vaxx to enter schools, shops, malls, restaurants, concerts, public transport. (Yet) Considering Saudi Arabias history of repressing rights, critics wondered whether instead of progressive Boot meant to type authoritarian. So progressivism IS authoritarianism, tweeted Relatable podcast host Allie Beth Stuckey. So glad weve cleared that up! With the left continuing to push for tyranny in America as well explore in the final section of this story below, thank GOD for the 2nd Amendment and the United States Constitution even though they are ripping it apart. While weve written a number of different stories on ANP about the lefts plans for Americans who dont go along with their satanic agenda, including their desire to re-educate Americans who dont go along with their plans, we can see very clearly in the series of comments above made by one dumbed-down leftist what is on their minds; and it once again reminds us to be thankful for the Wisdom of Americas Founding Fathers. While commie-propaganda-outlet NPR recently put out this story titled Historian Uncovers The Racist Roots Of The 2nd Amendment, the truth of the matter is the Second Amendment was never written to make sure Americans could go deer hunting but to prevent tyranny in Americas government. So while the left would love to disarm law-abiding Americans across the country, as a people with no way to protect themselves against a tyrannical government would be easy pickings, as long as Americans have 450 million+ weapons to defend themselves from corrupt government, those pickings wont be so easy. So if the left decided to follow the insane advice seen in the series of comments above, and start treating Republicans like the Nazis treated the Jews or were going to be as cruel to you savages as possible, why is the far-left so intent upon murding law-abiding Americans all across the country? So while we here at ANP will continue working towards and praying for peace and a return of sanity to America in the days ahead, with the insane left screaming about treating Conservatives like Hitler and Nazis did the Jews, does anybody think they wouldnt try to? Those comments above are sadly quite typical of many of those on the far-left in 2021. In the first video below, a must-watch, one Maryland nurse reports on the still unfolding vaccination catastrophe, with this nurse warning she has never seen anything like the adverse effects and deaths from what the globalists love to call a vaccine. And in the 2nd/final video below titled Dont Take The Poison Death Shot & Hang Those Who Started This Plague, Dr. Zelenko warns us that the real weapon is the global fear that has been unleashed upon our planet by those committing Holocaust level crimes upon the masses. Read more at: AllNewsPipeLine.com (Natural News) The Democrat Party is becoming more desperate by the day, as ongoing election audits are soon going to reveal, plainly, the fact that they, along with their deep state allies, stole the 2020 election from President Donald Trump. And they know once that election theft is revealed, they may lose power for a generation. So theyre taking every opportunity to tighten their grip on society and force their way into every aspect of our lives, including when it comes to our health, and like they did last election cycle, theyre using the COVID pandemic as justification for their tyranny. The group of Texas Democrats who fled their state like cowards to deny majority Republicans a quorum so they could pass a voter integrity law that would prevent future election theft are now demanding that all Americans be made to take a COVID vaccine as the Delta variant sickens people (but isnt killing them). Breitbart News has more: Democrat lawmakers in Texas are promoting the idea of vaccine mandates as public health officials continue to beg Americans to get vaccinated, seemingly dismissing the concerns of millions of Americans who have chosen not to receive the jab for personal reasons and concerns. On Monday, Rep. Donna Howard (D), one of the Texas state lawmakers who fled to D.C. with dozens of her Democrat colleagues to protest Republican efforts to pursue election integrity legislation, quoted part of a lengthy thread from Bob Wachter, chair of the UCSF Department of Medicine. Last tweet of thread, Howard wrote before quoting Wachter. Along w/ renewed restrictions its clear gentle persuasion did not achieve vax rate we need to defeat Covid. Yes the politics are hard but dying is worse as is re-tanking the economy. Its time for vaccine mandatesnothing else gets us where we need to go, she quoted. State Rep. Vikki Goodwin also retweeted the authoritarian demand. Lost in all of this craziness, of course, are sane arguments that used to apply with other viruses namely, that vaccinated people are supposed to have an immunity to said virus so it doesnt matter if theyre around unvaccinated people; and people who have had the virus have also built up a natural immunity and therefore are not in any pressing need for a jab. Democrats politicized the pandemic to implement ballot-stealing changes to voting rules ahead of the November election, and now theyre politicizing the virus again for political control. Notably, Howard is one of the fully vaccinated Texas fleebaggers who tested positive for the Chinese coronavirus after fleeing the Lone Star State alongside her maskless colleagues, Breitbart adds. While she claims the irony is not lost on her, she is now calling for a universal mask mandate. And on and on and on. She tweeted: We need to follow the science here. Texas needs to change course and allow for universal mask-wearing to prevent spread of the highly contagious delta variant, esp as children under 12 cannot get vaccinated yet. We need to follow the science here. Texas needs to change course and allow for universal mask-wearing to prevent spread of the highly contagious delta variant, esp as children under 12 cannot get vaccinated yet. #txlege @AmerAcadPeds https://t.co/szexnJ4yl3 Donna Howard (@DonnaHowardTX) July 21, 2021 Shes a liar; the science indicates has always indicated that masks have done little-to-nothing to stop the spread of this virus. Whats more, there is genuine concern among tens of millions of Americans who have been told that the COVID vaccines are the end-all, be-all of protection and yet vaccinated people are continuing to test positive for the disease. The Texas Democrats arent the only ones calling for more vaccine mandates. On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom put a target squarely on the back of unvaccinated Americans by comparing them to drunk drivers. Its clear that Newsom and his Democrat colleagues want to make life as hard as possible for the unvaccinated, and this harsh rhetoric is winning over their most radical supporters, Trending Politics reported. And that came after another Democrat tyrant, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is accused of killing hundreds if not thousands of New York seniors with his idiotic order for nursing homes to accept COVID patients, said, We have to knock on those doors, and we have to convince people, put them in cars & drive them and get that vaccine in their arm. That is the mission. Democrats are tyrants. They are continuing to use the COVID scare as a means of exerting complete control over our country. Sources include: Breitbart.com TrendingPolitics.com Vaccines.news (Natural News) There is good news to report out of Thailand after the government there officially approved the use of Fah Talai Jone (Andrographis paniculate), also known as chiretta herb, to treat the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19). The National News Bureau of Thailand says that Thailands Cabinet gave the green light to green chiretta to treat asymptomatic cases of the Fauci Flu following a successful trial of the herbal remedy in the countrys prison system. Deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced that adding the herbal remedy to the arsenal of treatment options for the Chinese Virus will help to greatly relieve pressure on the public health system amid reports about 14,000 new cases of the virus daily. Infected prison inmates have responded exceptionally well to green chiretta, she says, as the herb prevents symptoms from forming while blocking the virus from entering the cells, thus preventing viral replication. The Corrections Department reportedly administered green chiretta to 11,800 inmates throughout the country who demonstrated mild symptoms. A whopping 99.02 percent of them fully recovered after taking it. Thanadirek further stated that Thailands Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is now recommending that Wuhan Flu patients with mild symptoms take 180mg of Fah Talai Jone, divided into three 60mg doses per day, with every meal. Thai governments says other traditional herbal medicine should be used to keep people healthy Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed authorities to set up a new committee to further study the use of green chiretta in treating Chinese Germs. The announcement was made at a cabinet meeting, which was reportedly convened to discuss new ways to handle the latest outbreak of Chinese Virus variants all around the world. Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has been appointed as head of the committee, which will coordinate new studies on the safety and efficacy of green chiretta extract in the treatment of patients who test positive for the Fauci Flu. The decision was made following a proposal from Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who is urging the government of Thailand to scale up the use of other traditional herbal medicines in the treatment of Chinese Germs, rather than continue to hawk vaccines. As it turns out, Gods creation is much more effective at boosting immunity and warding off disease than genetically modified (GMO) RNA and other chemicals dispensed from a Big Pharma syringe into peoples arms. The same research that was used to determine the safety and effectiveness of green chiretta in treating Wuhan Flu patients also found that about one-third of an acre of land is enough to produce 600kg of green chiretta. This is enough to produce about 375,000 capsules of the herbal extract. The Thai government says that about 3.1 billion such capsules are needed to cover the entire country, requiring about 3,321 acres of land to grow and produce it. The Department of Corrections is planning to produce about 50 million capsules of green chiretta within the next four months, which is enough supply for about 50 percent of the prison population. Meanwhile, here in the United States, the government and health officials have never once mentioned any type of natural extract or remedy for the Chinese Virus. The only solutions our overlords have are Chinese-made face masks, never-ending lockdowns, and injection after injection of DNA-modifying poison. This herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for 2,000 years, wrote one commenter at the Bangkok Post. There are already many studies about its use and effectiveness for treating influenza-like symptoms. Pinocchio (Fauci) and his scientists could start from there to save themselves a lot of time and trouble. To learn more about how to naturally protect yourself against disease using herbs, visit Natural.news. Sources for this article include: ThaiNews.prd.go.th BangkokPost.com NaturalNews.com Thousands of dead fishes had floated in coastal beaches near Tampa Bay, Florida as massive algae bloom turned the water toxic. "This is an absolute nightmare," says Tyler Capella, who runs a fishing charter business in Tampa Bay. Marine scientists say that the organism brought by the red tide, worsened by pollution, had 'ravaged' several kinds of marine life in Florida so far this year, and have been happening more frequently than usual, although red tides are natural in Florida coasts. "Dead fish as far as you could see in every direction, big ones, small ones. Looked like a bomb had gone off," said Capella after documenting the dead fishes to pressure elected officials to make some actions. Fishermen like Capella have grown worried that their livelihood will be greatly affected. "My fear is that this entire region has the potential to become a dead zone," he noted. Pollution may lead to more red tides In the past weeks of April, former Piney Point phosphate mining facility sprung a major leak, or 'intentionally discharged' gallons of water from the reservoir, flowing into the ground and local waterways directly into Port Manatee, an entrance to Tampa Bay on Florida's west coast - a situation officials described as a potential 'catastrophe'. Although the drainage was an effort to prevent the reservoir from collapsing, experts say that "threat to the environment remains." The 200 million gallons of polluted water from the old phosphate plant dumped in the bay has now covered about 100 miles of the Florida Gulf Coast, reaching Tampa Bay. Aside from the fact that the oceans have also been warming significantly due to climate crisis, red tides are becoming worse and more frequent due to pollution. Michael Crosby, who studies red tides at Sarasota's marine laboratory, said the movement into Tampa Bay is very unusual. "It becomes very difficult for it to get back out again because of the tidal sloshing back and forth," he said. Also read: Experts Unsure if Upcoming Tropical Weather May Affect Worsening Red Tide in Tampa Bay Red tide increases along gulf beaches In the latest report from state environmental officials on the algae bloom in Florida, red tide concentrations are now increasing along the gulf beaches. Reports say that the uncounted numbers of dead fish and marine life in Tampa Bay has decreased, but high concentrations of the toxic algae has reached along the Gulf Coast, from Hernando to Sarasota counties. Numbers show that 109 sites had been affected by the organism. High concentrations were found at 27 sites in Sarasota County; 12 in Pinellas; seven in Pasco; and three each in Hillsborough and Manatee counties. Meanwhile, highest concentrations were found off Redington, Madeira and Upham beaches in Pinellas County; Terra Ceia in Manatee County; and in Sarasota at New Pass, Bird Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Turtle Beach and Nokomis. Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties reported fish kills as well in the past weeks. City officials announce a month-long backup of city services because of red tide cleanup. Also read: Elder Apes Murder Albino Chimp Baby Just Days After Rare Sighting According to recent research that might affect how markets price carbon pollution, a population comparable to Germany - 83 million people - could be dead by 2100 due to rising temperatures induced by greenhouse-gas emissions. The Earth Institute at Columbia University has developed a new measure to assist businesses and governments in assessing the costs of climate change this century. By substantially increasing the cost of emissions, accounting for the "mortality cost of carbon" might provide polluters additional incentive to clean up. "This shows you how many lives will be lost or saved based on the decisions taken by people, corporations, or governments," said Daniel Bressler of Columbia University, whose study was published Thursday in the journal Nature Communications. Moreover, by bringing questions to a "more personal, accessible level," it "quantifies the mortality effect of those decisions." Assessing Direct Heat Fatalities Bressler computed the number of direct heat fatalities that will be caused by current global warming trajectories using models created by Yale climate economist and Nobel Prize winner William Nordhaus. However, his figures do not account for the number of people who may perish due to rising oceans, superstorms, agricultural failures, or altered disease patterns as a result of climate change. That means the anticipated deaths - which roughly correspond to the number of people murdered in WWII - might still be a "huge underestimate," according to Bressler. According to peer-reviewed projections, every 4,434 tons of carbon released into the Earth's atmosphere in 2020 will kill one person this century, with the world rising 4.1 degrees Celsius by 2100. In comparison to pre-industrial times, the Earth has warmed by roughly 1.1 degrees Celsius. Related Article: Study Shows Total Carbon Consumption of Three Americans Can Kill a Person Average American Emission The amount of pollution released by three ordinary Americans throughout their lives is projected to lead to the death of another person. According to Bressler, the largest death rates are predicted in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, the world's warmest and poorest regions. The new gauge may have a big impact on how nations compute the so-called social cost of carbon, which was established at $51 per ton by US President Joe Biden's administration in February. This pollution pricing, which works in tandem with carbon markets like the European Union's Emissions Trading System, aids policymakers in accounting for future harms. However, the magnitude shown by Bressler's research implies that if the world's economies wish to minimize fatalities caused by global warming, the social cost of carbon should be much higher, at around $258 per ton. Adjusting Carbon Prices A larger price on carbon pollution might result in immediate reductions in emissions, which could save lives. Compared to modest emissions reductions that would warm the globe to 3.4C, limiting global average temperature rise to 2.4C by the end of the century may save 74 million people from dying from the heat. According to Bressler, people should not take their per-person mortality emissions too seriously. Instead, governments must implement "large-scale policies including carbon pricing, cap and trade, and investments in low-carbon technology and energy storage," according to the report. Also Read: Climate Tipping Points Inevitably Leads to Dire Environmental Consequences For more environmental news, don't forget to follow Nature World News! Edward R. Papa, 81, of West Pittsburg passed away the morning of Aug. 4, 2021, at UPMC Jameson. Born on Feb. 6, 1940, in New Castle, he was the son of the late Lewis and Theresa Tonsetic Papa. Ed was a member of Holy Spirit Parish. Ed enjoyed the outdoors going hunting and fishing. A loving Bismah Malik By Express News Service BENGALURU: If the digital economy needed a shot in the arm, Covid pandemic provided just that. But then came the flip-side. From Air India, Dominos to Mobikwik and Juspay, cyber security professionals flagged the data breach incidents recently during the pandemic which put up the sensitive data of users including KYC details, credit/ debit card information as well as phone numbers up on sale in the dark web. Various studies conducted by the global tech majors and cyber security focused firms have stated that the malicious software (malware) industry is growing exponentially with the spur in internet users. In India, according to a recent study by tech behemoth IBM, the cost incurred by the organisations due to top three cyber attacks including phishing, malicious insider and physical security compromise during the pandemic (March 2020- May 2021) was over Rs 70 crore. Industry experts peg the total losses by the end of 2021 at Rs 2 lakh crore . The sectors worst hit by data breaches due to malwares were financial, education and public. On an average, these industry lost Rs 5,536, Rs 3,139, Rs 210 per record lost during these breaches respectively. A looming global threat Malicious softwares include a wide range of detrimental products including spyware, virus, phishing attacks, which according to industry experts, can risk your financial personal security, data privacy and in worst cases even your life. Globally, industries like finance, manufacturing and healthcare encountered maximum cyber threats. According to most recent research by the NTT Ltd, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance industries saw an increase in attacks (200%, 300%, and 53%, respectively), with these top three sectors accounting for a combined total of 62% of all attacks in 2020, up 11% from 2019, the study revealed. While there is no way to predict the exact market cap of malware industry, but with an increase in the number of Internet of things(IoT) and the lack of awareness among the users, it has grown the landscape for the malicious software to be executed and the devices to be compromised, said Bakir Muzzafar, information security consultant with global visibility solution provider Niagra Networks. India more vulnerable? Indias smartphone userbase expected to jump to 900 million by 2020 and the fastest growing internet market has shore up its chances of being more vulnerable to cybercrime activities. Jiten jain,CEO, India Infosec Consortium, who unearthed recent data leaks from digital platforms while referring to recent studies stated that India has seen a massive 400% increase in the cyber crime activities. The cyber security expert pointed out that various clickbait links, dubious marketing campaigns are being run by the criminals to target individual users as well as big corporates. He noted that the medical emergency in India like Covid has been turned into an infodemic. We expect the losses due to cyber crime activities incurred by individuals, corporate as well as the public institutions to touch nearly Rs 2 lakh crore by the end of 2021. The pandemic has led to joblessness in the country, which in turn has made people more active in cyber crime activities particularly the younger age group. Lately, the nature of crimes has also evolved to not just phishing but bogus marketing campaigns, Jain added. Across Dark wide web Losses due to cyber crime activities expected to touch Rs 2 lakh crore by the end of 2021 Rs 70 crore India Incs loss due to data leak incidents in pandemic 51% Increase in use of spyware/ stalkware in 2021 Industries worst hit: Financial, education, public Bosky Khanna By Express News Service BENGALURU: Realising the importance of strong medical education and the need to train professionals properly, a team of young medical students from Bagalkot has developed an application, which will help aspiring medical professionals learn in their mother tongue- Kannada. Prepare Edutech (PrepEd) teaches para-medics and nursing to SSLC and PUC students and was launched in June. A team of three architects, doctors, two paramedics, ten educators and freelancers (who are trained doctors and consultants from across the state) are training the young aspirants. Dr Sandeep G Huilgol, Co-Founder and CEO of PrepED, and Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician told The New Indian Express, In other countries like Germany, China and Japan, doctors and para-medics are not trained in English, but know the skills because they are well versed in their mother tongue. During the pandemic, I noticed that young para-medics were unable to take simple blood samples, due to a lack of proper training. He added that they realised that these para-medics have learned lessons in their mother tongue till PUC, hence, they get intimidated when they have to learn things in English. The idea seems to have clicked as there are already 800 users, apart from many others accessing the free video links. While there are students from across the state using the application, most are from Bengaluru rural, outskirts of Bengaluru, Chamrajanagar, Holenarasipura, Hubballi, Dharwad, Puttur and Bidar. Dr Huilgol said, This app is for students who are not well versed in English, but those from Kannada medium. It has been observed that students today just learn for the exams , but dont understand concepts because of language-barrier. By PTI MUMBAI: The coronavirus pandemic triggered the feeling of isolation in people, something which served as the perfect backdrop for the upcoming crime thriller "Dial 100", says the director of the film Rensil D'Silva. The events in the movie unfold overnight as police officer Nikhil Sood, played by Manoj Bajpayee, gets a call on the police helpline from a woman (Neena Gupta), who wants to commit suicide. As secrets from the past are revealed, Nikhil races against time to save his family. The germ of the idea for "Dial 100", which takes its title from the police emergency service number, stems from the personal experience of the writer-director when he was in the advertising industry in the 1990s. "I had spoken to a writer, who was trying to meet me and couldn't. One night he got drunk and said to me over the phone 'you don't value talent'. And that he doesn't want to meet anyone as the world doesn't understand him. He said he was going to burn all his work and when the last paper burnt he was going to kill himself. I got worried and told him 'Don't do this', but he slammed the phone. The next day, I tried to look for news about someone jumping. But I never found out what happened later, D'Silva, known for helming the film "Kurbaan" and TV series "24", told PTI in an interview. The phone call set the tone for "Dial 100", he said, adding that the concerns around mental health struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic compelled him to weave a plot around it. "I didn't get the story that time. Around last year, because of the pandemic, I was listening to people feeling isolated, depressed, there were talks about mental health issues. The story came and I felt it was the right time to tell it," he said. D'Silva, who has also co-written Rang De Basanti and Aks, said the aim has been to incorporate a message in all the films he has been associated with. With his latest, Dial 100, which also stars Sakshi Tanwar, the objective was the same. "The challenge was to tell the story and something more about mental health. I try to find projects that challenge me on various levels." D'Silva said he along with his producer Sidharth P Malhotra met the Mumbai Police officials to learn more about the emergency control room, where they receive numerous calls related to suicide. As part of his research for the film, the director said he studied the kind of calls the emergency call centre received and how they were addressed. "They have trained officers, who know how to deal with such calls. There is a strategy. I found this world interesting," he said. D'Silva said the team received distressed calls from mainly women and older people, who are either harassed or ill-treated. "One of the important things is to keep talking and convince the person, who is trying to kill themselves. There are a lot of women who call for different reasons and it is a very sad thing, it shows what women go through. It is unfortunate. However, it is good that people are reaching out (for help)." He further pointed out that about 15-20 years ago there was a lot of social stigma around people seeking help. "I am not saying it has completely changed. If you need help, there is no shame in reaching out," he added. The story, a fast-paced thriller, demanded a talented cast, the director said. Having worked with Bajpayee in Aks and with Tanwar in 24 -- the two became his obvious choice. "Neena ji is the only person I did not work with but I admired her. Initially, she was in two minds because she had not heard the script and when she did, she said yes. This will be her strongest role because she is playing against time. It is an unusual role and she has done really well." Backed by Sony Pictures Films India in collaboration with Siddharth P Malhotra and Sapna Malhotra's Alchemy Films, "Dial 100" will premiere on August 6 on ZEE5. Ayesha Singh By Postpartum fatigue is real. And it sets in fast. A new mother knows all about the rigours of labour and delivery, and what it does to the body. At a time when a woman is at her weakest, a whirlwind of responsibilities sucks her into its fold. This results in anything from restlessness to agitation to anger to anxiety. On the physical end of the spectrum, muscle pain, abdominal cramps, and bleeding leave her exhausted. The postpartum period, which is roughly six weeks after childbirth, is one of the most difficult phases of her life. Postpartum fitness can make it easier but the limited awareness and lack of understanding surrounding it, make this crucial time after childbirth, a largely neglected area. Why is it not taken seriously? The lopsided idea that mothers need to be perfect keeps women away from prioritising their health, according to Suchita Swamy, a Delhi-based sociologist. It is believed that the more you sacrifice, the better mother you are. The other factor is that new mothers are simply not told enough about what to expect post-birth, including the role of fitness. Many linger in confusion about when to exercise and how much to exercise. Mental fitness is hardly on anybodys radar. This is when postpartum depression affects 10 to 25 percent of new moms. I see so many women in complete denial of their situation. They are clearly anxious but they completely dismiss it, says Swamy. By denying short-term treatment, women fall into the ugly trap of long-term physical and emotional ill-health. Why do you need it? Most importantly, being fit boosts energy and you know the importance of energy and stamina in a new mothers life. Regular exercise will help you lose weight faster. Secondly, the antidepressant effect of exercise on a new mother is significant. Even a 10-minute walk is good to begin with. Throw in some stretching or breathing exercises. Light aerobic activity is helpful and so is yoga but consult your doctor before you start, says Swamy. If nothing else, start doing little chores around the house. Things you may not be aware of The first time you start exercising, you will not feel like yourself. Your core strength is at its lowest for obvious reasons and you may experience whats called exercise leakage, which is uterine incontinence. Dont be embarrassed. When the baby moves down the vagina, the pelvic floor stretches considerably and remains that way for a while. This causes leakages when any kind of pressure is put. It is best to empty your bladder before you work out, says Dr Aruna Kalra, senior gynaecologist and obstetrician at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon. It is only natural that the sphincters muscles, in addition to those around the urethra, urinary bladder, the anus become loose and need time to strengthen. Another thing not told to new mothers is that they are prone to injuries. This is again because of tired muscles and tissues that have undergone tremendous stretch and stress. There is significant calcium loss post-birth, which makes the bones brittle. Hyderabad-based Kavita Chopra remembers crying for no reason from minutes after birth up till three weeks. Every time she saw her baby, it made her question her decision to have a child. Then her milk supply suddenly stopped. Chopra was at sea. She felt overwhelmed and alone, and because she was never told about postpartum depression, it came as a shock to her that she was suffering from it. I refused to see a phychiatrist. I thought I was mad. But once I got better after forced treatment, I realised how stupid it was of me to resist it. I wish new mothers were informed about the possibility of such events beforehand so we were not taken by shock, says Chopra. During pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone are higher than normal. Within a few hours of delivery, the levels of hormones drop back to normal. Such an abrupt change leads to anxiety, stress and even depression. Also, stress is the main reason behind low breast milk supply. Certain hormones like cortisol rise due to such negative emotions that reduce the milk supply, says Kalra, stressing that depression is easily controllable. Something as easy as a walk can regulate hormones, so get up and get going. How much exercise do you need? There is no standard to follow as everybodys recovery period is different, but usually getting 150 minutes of low to moderate-intensity exercise is considered enough. Whatever you do, consistency matters. If you can focus on the muscle groups surrounding the legs, abdomen and hips, you will see better results. Dont forget to care for your mind by taking up mindfulness meditation, chanting, dancing, or journaling, says Kalra. How soon can you start? Generally speaking, your physician will ask you to wait for six weeks. If you have had a C-section, the wait could be longer. Starting too early can cause distress to the already fatigued body. Muscles and ligaments can get inflamed, the affects of which can last a lifetime. It is best to avoid high-intensity exercises such as running, skipping, jumping, and pulling weights for eight-ten weeks, says Kalra. Myths and realities Myth You can resume all kinds of exercises post the four- to six-week mark Reality While you can undertake light exercises such as walking, yoga and stretches, your body is in no position to do anything more than that Myth You will have to live with some amount of urinary incontinence for life Reality With specific exercises, it can be fixed Myth Kegels are the best post-birth exercises Reality Kegels are not enough because they essentially look at contacting the pelvic floor muscles. What you need are exercises that will also lengthen and relax the muscles. Myth You will never get back to your pre-pregnancy strength Reality By focusing on fitness, you can get to a shape even better than before Myth It is not normal to feel low at a happy time like childbirth Reality Post-baby blues are very common. It is a mental condition that can be addressed with therapy and medication. Get on the Fitness Track Seeing the lack of any specialised, research-backed post-birth fitness programmes in India, Mom.Bod.Strong was conceptualised by Hyderabad-based fitness coach Sucheta Pal. It is an online, self-paced programme to help women kickstart their fitness journey. There is so much information out there and much of it is contradictory in nature so I worked on a specialised plan, says Pal. Strength restoration, core stabilisation with the help of Transverse Abdominal (TA) and pelvic floor muscle exercises, connection breath technique, and healing the diastasis recti/ab separation, are part of her comprehensive post-pregnancy nutrition and lifestyle guide. Pal addresses everything brushed under the carpet: How to enjoy painless sex post-birth, how to become functionally fit, taking care of urinary or faecal leaks, being aware of conditions such as organ prolapsed, and diastasis recti. The programme also focuses on managing common issues that women face after childbirth such as hair loss, lack of energy, constipation or stress. You get coached on how to increase breast milk supply and supplements you may benefit from. The next session begins on September 1 and one can register on suchetapalofficial.com/mom-bod-strong Manju Latha Kalanidhi By For the past four years, every weekend, Kranthi has been hosting a party in Chicago. A virtual one, of course, where he serves fun, Telugu banter with peppy Tollywood numbers as he turns into a radio jockey for NRI Telugu Radio for Weekend Party. Before the pardy ends, this 31-year-old techie who works for an MNC in the Windy City in the US slips a few pieces of info into the conversation with his listeners. Sometimes it is about the twins who need emergency surgery in Vijayawada or how someone in Chennai is falling short of $20 for an oxygen cylinder. By the time, he winds up the show, the listeners would have donated or connected him to someone back in India who can fulfill the request. Recognising his contribution to Covid-19 patients, the Hyderabad-based Valluri Foundation last month honoured him with the Swami Vivekananda Award. Hundreds of Telugu NRIs tune into my show on weekends and when I narrate instances of their brothers and sisters back home needing some urgent financial help, they often respond. Hundred dollars may be a weekend treat for someone in the US, but it can save a life back in India. I managed to organise oxygen cylinders, ICU beds and plasma for 112 patients during Covid-19, says Kranthi. The RJ-techie says his campaign to drive blood donation, especially for those with negative blood groups (A, B, AB and O) gave him utmost happiness. I could help 137 people in Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Vijayawada, etc in the last 18 months. The Telangana youngster who originally comes from Khammam district doesnt stop at sharing a message on WhatsApp, but goes back to the sender to request supporting documents and verify them at his end. He has helped 12 people with their hospital expenses, the highest being `6 lakh for a seven-year-old who needed a bone marrow transplant in Hyderabad. So what does he enjoy most about his multifaceted life? Calling lonely NRIs and cheering them up with a talk, comes the prompt reply. For example, conversing with a 70-year-old woman in Hyderabad on Mothers Day really touched him. She requested me to connect her to her son who lives in Chicago as he hadnt called her in eight weeks. Kranthi ensured the son called his mom before the day ended. No parent should have to go through this to connect to their children. If you dont have time to call your parents, you are in the wrong job, says Kranthi. Last month, Hyderabads Valluri Foundation honoured Kranthi with the Swami Vivekananda Award By PTI CHANDIARH: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and JD-U leader K C Tyagi on Sunday met INLD president Om Prakash Chautala at his residence in Gurgaon in Haryana to enquire about his well-being and also discussed political matters. The meeting with the leaders of the Janata Dal (United), a BJP ally, comes at a time when the 86-year-old INLD chief is batting to forge a "third front" at the national level. Bihar Chief Minister Kumar and JD-U general secretary Tyagi met Chaudhary Om Prakash Chautala at his Gurgaon residence and enquired about his well-being and discussed political matters, senior Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Singh Chautala tweeted. The three leaders also had lunch together. O P Chautala, who is a former chief minister of Haryana, had on Tuesday said that he will contact opposition leaders soon to forge a "third front" at the national level and had also revealed his plans of meeting Kumar and Tyagi over lunch. Kumar and Tyagi had earlier closely worked with O P Chautala's father and former deputy prime minister late Devi Lal. O P Chautala had last week asserted that the biggest need today is to get rid of the "anti-people" and "anti-farmer" government at the Centre. The BJP is the ruling party at the Centre and has alliance governments with the JJP in Haryana and with JD(U) in Bihar. He had said before September 25, the birth anniversary of Devi Lal, he will try to meet opposition leaders and urge them to come on one platform. On Tuesday, O P Chautala while referring to his announcement of a lunch meeting with Kumar, had said, "He will have lunch with me at my residence on August 1. When two political leaders sit together, then political issues are naturally discussed," he had said replying to a query. By PTI AGRA: Bahujan Samaj Party leader Satish Chandra Mishra on Sunday said many "innocent" Brahmins were booked in the last year Bikru ambush case in Kanpur and claimed that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh was not only anti-Dalit but also anti-Brahmin. He also said that Khushi Dubey, the wife of a relative of slain gangster Vikas Dubey, was "unnecessarily" booked in the case. On July 3 last year, a police team was ambushed in Bikru village in Kanpur district when it had gone to raid Vikas Dubey's house. Eight policemen were killed in the incident. Later, on July 10, the gangster was shot dead by police which claims that he had tried to escape when the vehicle bringing him back from Ujjain met with an accident at the Bhauti area near Kanpur. ALSO READ | Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls: Samajwadi Party to hold series of meetings to woo Brahmins The present BJP government is anti-Brahmin and anti-Dalit, and atrocities are being done on both the communities under this dispensation, Mishra alleged at the 'Prabuddha Varg Sammelan' here. He also alleged that in the Bikru incident many "innocent" Brahmin's were booked in false cases. "In the same incident, Khushi Dubey was dragged in the case and was booked," the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader said "Khushi Dubey has been detained unnecessarily by the government," he claimed. Mishra said that the BSP has always supported Brahmins and honoured them in the party. Brahmins have been given key responsibilities in the party, he added. When the BSP was in power, it did various development works in Mathura-Vrindavan, Varanasi and Ayodhya and other religious places, Mishra said. Urging Brahmin's to support the BSP, he claimed, "Brahmin's should join hands with the BSP to defeat the BJP in the upcoming 2022 assembly election of state." By PTI NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has upheld the investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that had ruled out any foul play in the Unnao rape survivor's accident in 2019. In 2019, the rape survivor, her family, and lawyer were travelling in a car when it was hit by an overspeeding truck in Rae Bareli, killing two aunts and leaving her and the advocate critically injured. Pursuant to this, a murder case was filed against expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was also awarded life-term imprisonment for raping the minor survivor, and nine others after her family filed a complaint alleging "conspiracy" behind the accident. Dismissing these allegations, District and Sessions Judge Dharmesh Sharma held that the objections of the complainant party read like an engrossing thrilling story but were based on mere surmises and conjectures. He further said that there are no grounds to suspect the fidelity, accuracy, and sincerity of the investigation conducted by the CBI and that the agency came out with a plausible version of the incident. Notably, the investigating agency had concluded that there was no evidence regarding criminal conspiracy hatched between those named in the FIR, including Kuldeep Sengar, and the truck driver or the cleaner or for that matter owner of the offending truck. Upholding the probe, the judge stated in an order dated July 31, "I have no hesitation in holding the findings of the CBI in the chargesheet, that there is no case against the accused persons so as to take cognisance and proceed against them under Section 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) read with Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), cannot be faulted. " The sessions judge, however, framed charges against the truck driver for causing death by negligence and doing an act to endanger human life, besides framing charges of criminal intimidation against Sengar and his associates. Besides this, on December 20, 2019, Sengar was sentenced to jail for the "remainder of his natural biological life" in a separate case for raping the minor in 2017. On March 4, 2020, Sengar, his brother, and five others were also convicted for the death of the rape survivor's father in judicial custody and were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: The Rajasthan police arrested BJP MP Kirori Lal Meena on Sunday after he hoisted a tribal white-coloured flag despite prohibitory orders at the Amagarh Fort in Jaipur. Police said that Meena has been arrested for disturbing the peace in the area. Dodging the heavy deployment of police around the fort, Kirodi Lal Meena managed to sneak inside the Amagarh Fort with his supporters and hoisted the flag on Sunday morning. A little later, the Jaipur police took corrective steps and detained the Rajya Sabha MP. Despite heavy police deployment in and around the fort, Kirodi Lal Meena and his supporters managed to enter the premises and unfurl the flag, following which he was taken into preventive custody by the Rajasthan Police. In a video shot by his supporters, before the police arrived to detain him, Kirodi Lal Meena said, "Along with dozens of brave Meena youth, we have overcome several challenges to enter the Amagarh Fort and hoisted the flag of the Meena community." Tensions have been running high in Jaipur for over a week after some Hindutva groups allegedly hoisted a saffron flag atop the Amagarh Fort which was later removed by members of the tribal Meena community who accused right-wing Hindu groups of tampering with their culture. The Amagarh Fort has a temple that is popular among members of the Meena community. After a video of the removal of the saffron flag went viral, Hindu outfits had raised objections. Controversy erupted as Hindutva groups claimed that Meena community leader and independent MLA Ramkesh Meena had allegedly torn off the saffron flag while it was being removed from the Amagarh Fort. BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena had accused Ramkesh Meena of misleading the community and creating disharmony. He said also argued that Meenas were Hindus and Ramkesh Meena was distorting facts. Tensions between the Meenas and Hindu outfits had escalated further over remarks of Sudarshan TV editor-in-chief Suresh Chavhanke who had threatened to visit the fort on August 1 to once again hoist a saffron flag on the Amagarh Fort. On Saturday, Chavhanke was booked in a police case in Jaipur for hurting religious sentiments under relevant provisions of the IPC, IT and SC/ST Acts. The FIR against Chavhanke, lodged by Girraj Meena, the head of the Surajpol unit of the Rajasthan Adivasi Meena Seva Sangh, claims that Chavhanke abused the community on his channel and hurt their sentiments. Given this massive row and fears that tensions may erupt in a big way at the Amagarh on August 1, prohibitory orders were issued. The Jaipur Police had tightened security arrangements to prevent anyone from going to the fort but with MP Kirodi Lal Meena and his supporters sneaking in, the Jaipur police has been left rather red-faced. MLA Ramkesh Meena said that he has no objection to Kirori Lal hoisting the white flag of the Meena community. The MLA said that they were opposed to Hindutva organizations who had announced that they will hoist a saffron flag in Amagarh. Ramkesh says that since Kirori Lal has hoisted the flag of the Meena community, he has no hard feelings. Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Amidst the environment of tension along the Line of Actual Control the Armies of India and China got a new telecommunication hotline link on Sunday which has been established in Sikkim and Tibet Autonomous Region. A new hotline was established between Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim and PLA at Khamba Dzong in Tibetan Autonomous Region to further the spirit of trust and cordial relations along the borders. The event coincided with the PLA Day on 01 Aug 2021, the Army said. The inauguration was attended by ground commanders of the respective Armies and a message of friendship and harmony was exchanged through the Hotline, Indian Army added. The Armed forces of the two countries have well-established mechanisms for communication at ground commander level. This is the sixth Hotline with two in Eastern Ladakh, two in Sikkim and two in Arunachal Pradesh. The other five hotlines are established along the meeting points at the LAC which are five in total at Daulet Beg Oldi (DBO) and Chushul in Eastern Ladakh, Nathu La in Sikkim, and at Bum La and Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh. As the Army said, these hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing communication and maintaining peace and tranquillity at the borders. As reported earlier by this paper with the prevailing standoffs at eastern Ladakh since May 2020, there has been an increase in the communication between the PLA and the Indian Army in order to resolve the protracted tensions along the LAC which led to deadly duels in Galwan which claimed lives on both sides. Other than talks at the various levels, the hotline was used extensively. There have been frantic talks which used to be up to five hotline calls in a day. The Hot Line talks between May 2020 and till July have been 1450 times. said an official. There have been 12 meetings between the Corps Commanders (Senior Higher Military Commander Level: SCML), 10 between the Division Commanders (Higher Military Commander Level: HCML) and 55 Delegation Level (Sector Commanders or Brigadier Level). Both the armies have troops deployed in standoff mode at Hotspring, Gogra, Depsang and Demchok. Disengagement took place at Galwan and from both the North and South Bank of Pangong Lake. The last Corps Commander level talks were held on July 31 the details of which are yet to be known. By PTI GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Sunday said he is ready to be arrested by Mizoram Police if it helps bring peace between the neighbouring states of Mizoram and Assam, whose police engaged in a fire fight six days ago, which left seven dead. The Assam chief minister, while asserting that only talks would help resolve the row, said while speaking to reporters that he would not seek bail to avoid any summon by Mizoram Police. Sarma's statement came after Mizoram chief secretary said earlier in the day that the state's chief minister had frowned on charges of attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy levelled against his counterpart and indicated these are likely to be withdrawn. "If I am served a summon, I will go on a `padyatra' (journey to galvanise opinion) from Silchar to Vairengte (the town where Assam officials have been summoned) and join the probe. "If they (Mizoram Police) arrest me and that (helps) bring the situation to normal, I am ready for that. I will not seek bail from Gauhati High Court," he said dramatically. Mizoram's police had also filed first information reports against six Assam police officers over the clash. ALSO READ | Assam blocking movement of vehicles carrying medical supplies: Mizoram Health Minister Sarma however said he will protect the officers and will not "allow them to be investigated by Mizoram police for an incident which occurred in Assam." Assam too in a tit-for-tat move has summoned Mizoram Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena and six others Mizoram officials, including Kolasib deputy commissioner H Lalthlangliana and superintendent of police Vanlalfaka Ralte for interrogation at Dholai on Monday. Earlier in the day Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke telephonically with both the chief ministers of Assam and Mizoram in a bid to bring down tensions between the two states. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga tweeted after the phone call, "As per telephonic discussion with Union Home Minister and Assam Chief Minister, we agreed to resolve the Mizoram-Assam border issue amicably through meaningful dialogue." He also urged the people of Mizoram to refrain from posting "sensitive messages and make judicious use of social media platform." However, Mizoram Health Minister R Lalthangliana soon afterwards claimed that medical supplies, including COVID-19 test kits, were being blocked from entering the state from Assam. A claim which was hotly refuted by Assam officials who contended that no blockade had been imposed. Despite an attempt by Shah to resolve a raft of long-standing border disuptes between Assam and its neighbours earlier this month, at least six Assam Police personnel and one civilian were killed and more than 50 people injured, including the police chief of the district of Cachar, in a fire-fight between the police of the two states on a disputed stretch of their boundary, near Dholai in Cachar district. A subsequent agreement was hammered out on Wednesday night, by the Union home ministry to maintain calm on the border and allow a neutral central police force to act as peace-keepers. Nevertheless, the two states have continued to trade charges of reinforcing police pickets and of refusing to honour the agreement which calls for pulling back forces from the border. Assamese local organisations which had soon after the clash announced an economic blockade of Mizoram have since lifted their `blokade', but truckers afraid of possible violence have opted to either park their vehicles near the border in Cachar district's Dholai or to circumvent the troubled boundary by taking a longer route through Tripura. Assam government on Thursday had also issued an unprecedented travel advisory asking people not to travel to Mizoram and advised people from the state working or staying there to "exercise utmost caution." Tension along the border with Mizoram in Cachar and Hailakandi districts of Assam have been escalating since October 2020 with frequent incidents of burning of houses and encroachment of land. The two states share a 164.6-km border between Assam's Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj districts, and Mizoram's Kolasib, Mamit and Aizawl districts. Both states have differing interpretations of their territorial border. While Mizoram believes that its border lies along an 'inner line' drawn up in 1875 to protect tribals from outside influence, Assam goes by a district demarcation done in the 1930s. By PTI SRINAGAR: Divisions have appeared in the Shia community in Kashmir over the administration''s purported decision to allow symbolic Muharram procession in the Lal Chowk area here after a gap of three decades. All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association has claimed the administration has decided to allow the procession after 30 years and has welcomed the move, but prominent Shia leader and former minister Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said the decision raises more questions than it answers. President, All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association, Imran Reza Ansari said they welcome the decision to allow Muharram procession in Kashmir after a gap of three decades. InshAllah (God willing) AJK Shia Association will lead the procession this year as per past practice, he wrote on Twitter. Ansari invited president of Anjuman-e-Sharee Shian Aga Syed Hassan Al Moosavi -- who has been associated with separatist politics for nearly three decades -- to join the procession. The traditional Muharram procession used to pass through many areas of the city, including from Lal Chowk to Dalgate area, but has been banned since the eruption of militancy in 1990 as authorities maintain that the religious gathering has been used for propagating separatist politics. Mehdi raised questions over the administration''s intention to allow the symbolic procession from Abi Guzar to Lal Chowk. There is list of decisions-taken in circulation, in which, if my reading of this order is correct, the administration has decided to allow the 10th Moharram procession from Abiguzar to Lal Chowk (a temporary and alternate route proposed in 2018) after a gap of 30 years, Mehdi, who represented National Conference from Budgam assembly constituency for three terms, said. In a series of tweets, he said the decision has come at a time when the administration has called off the annual Amarnath yatra and the Eid prayers this year were not allowed at Jama Masjid and other important places by imposing the Disaster Management Act in the wake of the Covid pandemic. Only a few days ago the IGP Kmr (Kashmir) told people to celebrate Eid ''at their homes'' invoking Covid protocols. The Friday prayers at Jama Masjid have not been allowed for the last more than 100 Fridays and continue to be banned, again invoking Covid-19 protocols. The list goes on, he said. Mehdi said given the fact that all other major religious gatherings, with no exception to any particular religion, continued to be banned, this sudden isolated decision about 10th Moharram procession from Abiguzar to Lal Chowk, after a gap of 30 years, raises more questions than it answers. To answer those questions and to make it clear that there are no nefarious designs behind this decision, this 10th Moharram procession should be preceded by Friday prayers at Jama Masjid before this 10th Moharram. Friday prayers before this year''s 10th Moharram should precede, he said. The Shia leader said if the Friday prayers and other major religious functions -- across all religions -- continue to be banned and this particular procession suddenly encouraged in isolation, I see nefarious designs behind it. The people should not fall for this bait and into this trap, he added. Mehdi said the responsibility lies with the administration to come clean over the issue. Now, that the time for Eid prayer this years has passed. Lift the ban on Friday prayers at Jama Masjid too, like you suddenly took this decision and prove that there are no nefarious designs, he said. While efforts to reach Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, K Pandurang Pole did not fructify, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mohammad Ajaz Asad said he cannot comment over the issue as the district administration has not issued any such order. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Unnao rape survivor has moved a Delhi court alleging harassment by the personal security officers (PSOs) deputed on the directions of the Supreme Court for her protection. District and Sessions Judge Dharmesh Sharma has directed the investigating officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit an impact assessment report in this regard with the assistance of the local police. "Application has been moved on the behalf of the complainant that she and her family members were harassed by the PSOs who are deputed as per the direction of the Supreme Court, in a sense that they are not allowing her to enjoy her liberties," the judge said on July 31 through video-conferencing. He further said that a sealed envelope was also received from the police in which certain allegations were levelled against the complainant and her family members. "It is directed that this application be taken up for consideration," the sessions judge added. The woman was kidnapped and raped by expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in 2017 when she was a minor. The case was transferred from Unnao to Delhi and was probed by the CBI. On August 1, 2019, the apex court had directed that the survivor, her mother, and other members of the family be provided security by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). On December 20, 2019, Sengar was sentenced to jail for the "remainder of his natural biological life" in the rape case. On March 4, 2020, Sengar, his brother, and five others were convicted for the death of the rape survivor's father in judicial custody and were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. By PTI KOLKATA: TMC MLA Madan Mitra on Sunday donned the role of a 'chaiwala' (tea-seller) and symbolically pegged the price of one cup at Rs 15 lakh. A former state transport minister, Mitra alluded to allegations of the Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties that Narendra Modi's 2014 poll promise to credit Rs 15 lakh to every citizen's bank account is yet to see the light of the day. The Kamarhati MLA, who is hugely popular among netizens, said that he offered tea for free to people assembled at an event in Bhowanipore area in Kolkata but pegged the price of a cup at Rs 15 lakh for people willing to shell out the amount, especially "those close to Modiji". @AITCofficial MLA, Madan Mitra: A cup of tea costs 15 lakh rupees, the name of the seller is Madan Mitra! An innovative campaign by @madanmitraoff pic.twitter.com/ggT6bWIEbP Satyaki Sengupta (@satyaki_sngupta) August 1, 2021 "This is a special tea. I hope it matches the taste of the tea made by Modiji when he was a chaiwala at railway stations, as claimed by him. I am offering this for free. But if you ask me the price, it costs the same as promised by him to every Indian -- Rs 15 lakh," said a turbaned Mitra with a kettle in hand. The irrepressible TMC legislator, a former aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had in the past ridden a bullock cart in protest against spiraling fuel prices. Mitra, whose sartorial taste has even been complimented by rival BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, is popular among netizens, especially the youth, for his Facebook lives. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Congress Saturday claimed the Central government has failed in handling the interstate border dispute between Assam and Mizoram that led to fatal clashes earlier this week. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said this is not a new issue and past governments have also handled it, but there has never been a conflagration like this before that central forces needed to be deployed on the interstate border. "How could it reach a stage where people are shooting guns and bullets," he told a press conference here. Had such a situation arisen in non-BJP-ruled states, the saffron party would have demanded the deployment of Army and the imposition of President's Rule, he claimed, accusing the ruling party of "double-standards". "We want peace and quiet. We are a responsible party which is why, I said in the beginning that we are restraining ourselves. But, it is unthinkable that two states in India, if I may use the word with great respect and I don't want to use the word virtually, at war with each other. "Lives are being lost and homilies and preaching is happening, just because, there are at least one of them is a full BJP government," he said. "I think, these are hypocritical double standards, which need to be exposed and it also reflects the complete failure of the Central government," the Congress leader said. There have been clashes between the police forces of Assam and Mizoram and six Assam cops have died in the conflict. Kaleeswaram Raj By Bad litigations can often make good laws. The law laid down by the Supreme Court in the infamous Kerala Assembly ruckus case demonstrates this point. The judgment of July 28 by the Bench consisting of Justices D Y Chandrachud and M R Shah is immensely instructive. It sets a fine precedent. What happened on 13 March 2015 on the floor of the Kerala Legislative Assembly is deplorable. A few among the legislators crossed all limits, broke the elementary rules of discipline and decency, and indulged in acts of sheer vandalism. Furniture and equipment in the hall were destroyed and the estimated loss due to destruction of property was about Rs 2.2 lakh. The telecast of the incident conveyed an egregious facet of our democracythe lawmakers themselves breaking the law. Rather than the incident in 2015, it is the governments persistent attempt to subvert the due process that shocks the citizens and presumably, the court. In the process, the government wanted to create two legal superstitions and tried to support them. Firstly, it tried to invoke Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) to withdraw the case against the accused. Secondly, it sought to do so by relying on Article 194 of the Constitution that inter-alia talks about the immunity and privileges of the legislators. Both these ideas were clearly fallacious. Still, the government moved the trial court, the High Court and the Supreme Court, inviting judicial admonitions, one after the other. Withdrawal of criminal prosecution at the behest of the state may be sometimes necessary and justifiable. The prosecution against George Fernandes was sought to be given up on political grounds, which was endorsed by the top court in the Rajendra Kumar Jain case (1980). Fernandes was accused of opposing the Emergency and indulging in political acts to overawe the government. The court said there was no improper motive in withdrawing the case. But such instances where prosecutions are given up due to legitimate political reasons are extremely rare. Very often, leaders inside and outside the House justify the atrocity when it suits them and oppose it if done by the rival camp. The law on the point is clear. A criminal offence should reach its logical conclusion and it cannot be aborted solely on the grounds that the accused is a political bigwig. The erstwhile corresponding provision in the Cr.PC, ie, Section 494, was interpreted by the top court in Ram Naresh Pandey (1957) to say that withdrawal of prosecution can be done for legitimate purpose, and it should not interfere with the normal course of justice. In Sankaranarayanan Nairs case (1971), the court said that it can be invoked in furtherance of justice. The Chandrachud-led Bench, after referring to these precedents and the George Fernandes case, has clarified the legal principle. The judgment says that a prosecution could be withdrawn only on legally justifiable grounds. The prosecutor who files the application cannot act merely as per the dictates of the government. She should formulate an independent opinion and convince herself and also the court that the withdrawal is necessary for good and relevant reasons. The court considering such a plea is exercising a judicial function that is also supervisory in nature. The Supreme Court indicated that good faith, in the interest of public policy and justice must be the hallmark of an application for withdrawal of prosecution, which the petition in the instant case ostensibly lacked. The court also exposed and explained the jurisprudence of legislative immunity. Article 105 of the Constitution speaks about the parliamentary privileges and Article 194 extends analogous protection to a member of the Legislature of every state. The very idea of privilege is colonial and there is mounting pressure across the Commonwealth countries to abolish the special statuses for lawmakers. Legislative privileges in India are not codified. Understanding the privileges and the immunity means understanding their limits. Democracy rests on the limitations to power. A member of Parliament or Assembly is many in one. She represents a multitude of people and undertakes multiple tasks. Edmund Burke has put it in perspective: You choose a member , indeed; but when you have chosen him, he is not a member of Bristol, but he is a member of Parliament. The legislators have a critical, instructive and responsible job. They need to act as true leaders. If they fail, the public at large are impacted. John Adams famously said, When the legislature is corrupted, people are undone. Privilege and immunity, which are essentially Victorian cosmetics, need a constitutional corrigendum. In the words of Justice Chandrachud, The purpose of bestowing privileges and immunities to elected members of the legislature is to enable them to perform their functions without hindrance, fear or favour and they are not a mark of status which makes legislators stand on an unequal pedestal. The Kerala government has shown the audacity to claim immunity under the garb of Article 194 for what a few legislators did. It defended the indefensible. Constitutional morality must be the cornerstone of good governance and the Left governments political obstinacy on the issue is deeply disturbing. Even after the setback, the chief minister and the leaders with him have been quite unapologetic about the whole episode. One can only remind them what Mahatma Gandhi said in a different context: If fighting for the legislatures meant a sacrifice of truth and non-violence, democracy would not be worth a moments purchase. Lawyer, Supreme Court of India (kaleeswaramraj@gmail.com,Twitter: @KaleeswaramR) By PTI BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said he would convene an all-party meet in the coming days on the Mekedatu dam issue, a bone of contention between the state and Tamil Nadu. "In the coming days I will convene an all-party meet. When it comes to the land and water related issues, all political parties become one. We will take everyone along and proceed further," he told reporters here. Bommai said he was aware of the agitation by JD(S) leader and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on the issue. The row between both states has seen Karnataka asserting last month that work on the reservoir would start and protests in several parts of the Cauvery delta region in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry against the initiative. 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. However, Tamil Nadu is opposed to it, saying that it will hamper the interests of the state and deprive its farmers of water for irrigation purposes. In July, former CM Yedidyurappa had written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, asking him not to stall the project as it was in the interest of both states to store water to meet the needs during distress years and offered to hold a bilateral meeting to resolve the differences. On flood relief measures in Karnataka, Bommai said the government would sanction Rs 670 crore for emergency work, which would start once the water level recedes from low lying areas. "There is water logging in Belagavi in the Krishna river catchment areas, Uttara Kannada and Udupi. A total of 466 villages in 13 districts have been affected, 13 people have been killed and one person has been reported missing," he said. The Chief Minister said he had held discussions on restoring road and bridge link in the affected districts with Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar, the secretary in the finance department and the Karnataka Natural Disaster Management. Bommai said the government would provide relief within 15 days to those whose homes and crops had been damaged in the floods. "We have already released Rs 10,000 for those whose houses have got damaged. Apart from this, an amount of Rs five lakh for completely damaged houses, Rs three lakh for severely damaged homes and Rs 50,000 for partially damaged houses will be given," Bommai said. He said he has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting him to send a central team to assess the crop damage in the state. By Express News Service BENGALURU: As Covid cases are spiking in neighbouring states, the Karnataka Government has made it mandatory for those coming in from Kerala and Maharshtra to carry a negative RTPCR report. A circular issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Jawaid Akhtar, stated that the RTPCR report should not be more than 72 hours old, irrespective of the vaccination status. The guidelines are mandatory for those coming into Karnataka through any mode of transport -- road, rail or air. Airlines have been told to issue boarding passes to passengers only after they produce a negative RTPCR report. Railway authorities have to ensure that all passengers are carrying a negative report, it added. DCs told to get vehicles checked Deputy commissioners of districts bordering Kerala and Maharashtra, like Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Belagavi, Mysuru, Vijayapura, Kalaburgi and Bidar, have been directed to make arrangements to check vehicles entering the State by setting up checkposts. The RTPCR negative certificate is also mandatory for students and people visiting Karnataka for education, business or any other activity. Only children below two years old, healthcare workers and constitutional functionaries have been exempted. In case of emergencies, like death and medical treatment, swab samples will be collected at the checkpost on arrival and based on the test reports the next course of action will be taken on the spot. The Southwestern Railways too issued directions that all those coming to the stations should carry negative test reports and that all special surveillance measures will be undertaken to ensure that Covid19 cases are under control. What guidelines state By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stricter curbs are imminent in the state as the Centre has suggested tough measures to be adopted to restrict travel and prevent crowding and mingling of people in districts with Covid Test Positivity Rate (TPR) above 10%. A directive to this effect was issued in the wake of a meeting chaired by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to assess the Covid situation in the countrys 10 worst Covid-hit states, including Kerala. Following the meeting, the Centre has issued as detailed set of guidelines for Covid management. The Union Health Secretary directed state authorities to ensure that all unnecessary travel should be avoided and to discourage all types of gatherings that involve a large number of people. Worst-hit states have been urged to complete vaccination in districts with TPR of above 10% and also focus on other districts as well. The Centre also directed the states to effectively plan their vaccination schedules and assured sufficient supply of vaccines. The Union Health Secretary also asked states to step up Covid testing and to conduct state-level sero-prevalence survey. This would enable collection of district-level sero-prevalence data. The worst-hit states should also direct private hospitals to set up oxygen plants by invoking provisions of the Clinical Establishment Act. The Centre also directed states including Kerala to step up vaccination for people above the age of 45 as 80% of the Covid deaths are reported from people in this age group. Since 80% of the Covid cases in these states are under home isolation, strict monitoring of such people should be carried out, the Centre directed. For managing Covid cases in hospitals, a detailed Standard Operating Procedure has already been issued to the states. States have also been directed to subject travellers from abroad to tests in labs under the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium network so that new strains of viruses can be easily identified. The Centre has also taken stock of Covid vaccination coverage in worst-hit states. Centres directives Enforce strict control and surveillance in clusters that report a large number of cases Decide containment zones on the basis of route map and contact tracing of Covid patients Take steps to increase health infrastructure in rural areas especially to handle paediatric cases Report Covid deaths on the basis of guidelines issued by Indian Council of Medical Research George Poikayil By Express News Service KASARAGOD: A woman in Mangalpady panchayat is cluelessly running around seeking the help of the government to secure the release of her husband arrested in Malaysia five months ago. Malaysian police arrested Madhusudana Shetty (47), a restaurant cook from Kasaragod, from Penang state on February 27. But his wife Indiravathi came to know of the arrest only on June 11. The very next day, she wrote a letter to the junior minister for external affairs V Muraleedharan seeking legal assistance for her husband. We have yet to hear from his office, she said. When contacted, Muraleedharans staff said the External Affairs Ministry was waiting for a reply from the High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. The New Indian Express contacted his friends in Malaysia and they said that the police were not sharing information about Shetty. A case of molestation or misunderstanding? Shetty was arrested for allegedly molesting a minor girl but his friends in Malaysia said it was a clear case of misunderstanding. But if he does not get proper legal support, he may end up in prison for up to 20 years, said said Saleem Kadavallur, a native of Thrissur, who described himself as an intimate friend of Shetty in Malaysia. Shetty, an expert in making tandoori dishes, was working for a restaurant at Kajang in the coastal state of Selangor for the past two years. Both Shetty and Saleem were sponsored by Moosan, a Malayali and a Malaysian citizen, who runs Moosan Enterprise. In early February, a common friend invited Shetty to open a restaurant in Penang, another coastal state 380km up north of Selangor. Shetty was invited to train the cooks of the new restaurant, said Saleem. The restaurant opened on February 27. The next day, he was supposed to return to Selangor. But after the restaurants inauguration, Shetty partied with his friends till late. Around 10 pm, he went to the beach alone. It was an off-bound area because of Covid. At that time, a eight-year-old girl playing on the beach fell down, and Shetty reportedly rushed to her rescue. We are told that he picked up the girl and was dusting the sand off her clothes when her parents arrived and thought he was harassing her, said Saleem. Shetty, who is not fluent in Malay, could not properly explain himself either and the police were called in. He was arrested on the spot. Later, he was produced before the court through a video call and then remanded in judicial custody. His sponsor Moosan was told that he was frequently shifted from one detention camp to another because of Covid outbreaks. Shetty also contracted Covid. Now we dont know where he is. He will need a good lawyer, said Saleem. He said the beach was well lit and also had surveillance cameras. The police could have checked the footage before charging him. Now, only a good lawyer can get him out soon, he said. Shettys wife Indravathi said the intervention of the ministry was absolutely necessary to save him. Two children and aged ailing parents are solely dependent on him, she wrote to the minister. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: In yet another blow to CPI (Maoist), a senior Maoist cadre of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh surrendered before Odisha Police on Sunday. Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division's area committee member Aitu Korsa alias Surjan of Mankeli village surrendered before DIG Northern Range Deepak Kumar at Balangir. Police sources said the Maoist cadre was reportedly nabbed by Balangir police when he was going to Khaprakhol area in the district. At the age of 14, Korsa had joined the banned organisation as a party member in 2012 and a year later he was transferred to Sunabeda division. He stayed in Sunabeda for two months and was shifted to Bargarh-Balangir-Mahasamund (BBM) division in 2013 when he started carrying a 12 bore gun. In 2016, Korsa was transferred to KKBN division and he worked under the leadership of Dasru Punem, who was a member of the military platoon number - 2 of Maoists. Punem was gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district in June last year. Korsa was promoted to the rank of area committee member (ACM) of the Kodanga Mahanadi Sanjukta committee in 2018. Police said, between December 2017 and July this year, the left-wing extremist was involved in various firing cases and improvised explosive device (IED) blasts under Phiringia and Gochhapada police limits. Korsa had also killed a civilian Kailash in 2019 suspecting him to be a police informer. He has revealed before the police that some local/active red rebels are also willing to surrender and join the mainstream because of the torturous behaviour of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh cadres. However, they are not allowed to do so by the senior Maoist leaders, who have been threatening of killing them and their family members. DGP Abhay appealed to the ultras to lay down their arms and avail monetary assistance as per the surrender and rehabilitation scheme of the Odisha government. The surrendered ultras will be properly rehabilitated and they will also get financial assistance for building houses, pursuing studies and getting training in a trade/vocation of their choice, he said. While 21 rebels had surrendered before Odisha Police in 2020, at least 10 have laid down their arms so far this year. Prasanta Mazumdar By Call for conservation of the big cat in Assam On the International Tiger Day observed in Manas, Kaziranga, Orang and Nameri National Parks and Tiger Reserves in Assam, NGOs, activists and local communities stressed on the need for tiger conservation to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The state has a tiger population of 121 in Kaziranga, 48 in Manas, 28 in Orang and three in Nameri totalling to 200. Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, during whose tenure the tiger population had increased, said, The increasing numbers of big cats should encourage us to pursue conservation and habitat restoration with the same unwavering commitment. Special court of NIA convicts 6 JMB operatives Six Jamat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operatives were convicted by a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Guwahati recently. Hafizur Rahman, Yaqub Ali, Shariful Islam, Mustafur Rahman, Hafiz Shafiqur Islam and Azharuddin Ahmed was arrested in 2019 from Barpeta in Assam. They were accused of involvement in anti-national activities. Weapons and ammunition along with Jihadi literature were recovered from them during their arrest. Hafizur was sentenced to two-year-and-five-month imprisonment while the others were awarded two-year jail terms. In January last year, the chargesheet was filed against them. According to the NIA, they were planning terrorist activities in Assam. Cab drivers to ditch Ola, Uber for Peindia Around 6,000 cab drivers in Guwahati will switch to Peindia Cab from Ola and Uber. The All Assam Cab Mazdoor Sangha and the All Guwahati Cab Drivers Union said that the cabbies, under the two unions, will not be working under Ola and Uber from August 1. They have already entered into an agreement to work with Peindia Cab, a Guwahati based taxi service.The taxi drivers decided to switch to Peindia over alleged non-resolved issues like failure to recieve incentives from Ola and Uber. Some 16,000 people, mostly youth, from the state drove taxies under Ola and Uber in the city. IIT Guwahati partners with Mizoram University IIT Guwahati will collaborate with Mizoram University in the joint development of teaching programmes, education, research, development activities and promote student exchange. The two institutes will encourage contact and cooperation between their faculty members, departments and research facilities. They will pursue cooperation through visits of faculty members to deliver lectures, conduct seminars, discussions, research and supervise student studies. Students would be encouraged to attend courses offered by the partner institutions and collaborate in research projects. Prasanta mazumdar Our correspondent in Guwahati prasantamazumdar@newindianexpress.com Express News Service By NEW DELHI: Struggling to stop infighting in several state units, the Congress leadership is looking to expedite organisational reshuffle to ensure smooth functioning, especially in states going to polls next year. According to sources, the process has already started with changes announced in Punjab, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana and Assam. The top leadership has been holding meetings on a regular basis to overhaul the state units before reshuffling at the Central level. After settlement of the bitter fight between Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and now Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, the focus is on Rajasthan. The AICC incharge for the state, Ajay Maken is camping in Rajasthan to settle the tussle between two warring groups led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot. The decision on cabinet reshuffle and appointments in Rajasthan Congress are expected soon. Interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi chaired a meeting of the top leadership on Friday to discuss the organisation reshuffle. The meeting was attended by KC Venugopal, organisational in-charge, veteran party leaders Ambika Soni, AK Antony and others. States that are expected to see changes include Haryana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh among others. In Haryana, the District Congress Committees have been defunct for years and there is growing demand that these be constituted at the earliest. The decision on changes in the party unit is expected soon and the focus is on putting in place revamped state units at the earliest, said sources. They added that these organisational changes in state units will pave the way for changes in the All India Congress Committee (AICC) as well. Talks of organisational reshuffle have also delayed the partys plans to hold presidential elections. The elections were scheduled by June-end, but were pushed back due to the Covid-19 situation in the country. Venugopal had then clarified that this temporary deferment cannot be open ended and it is for a few months. Party sources said that there is no word on tentative dates to hold the elections. They said that Rahul Gandhi is focusing on rejig in state Congress committees and in the AICC. Sources further said that Rahul wants to completely overhaul the organisation before presidential elections are held. Express News Service By NEW DELHI: With 46 districts in India still reporting a Covid-19 test positivity rate of over 10%, the Centre on Saturday, asked them to impose strict restrictions on the intermingling of people. The directions came in a review meeting focused on the 10 states registering a surge in cases or positivity rate or both. As 80% of the active cases in these states -- Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur -- are in home isolation, the government also nudged them to strictly monitor and ensure patients at home are not spreading the infection in the community. ALSO READ| In-host mutations in COVID-19 virus reflecting in variants, finds study In the meeting, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan warned against any complacency with around 40,000 Covid-19 cases being reported daily since the preceding weeks and urged the states to ramp up their testing. There are also 53 districts across states reporting 5-10% of positivity which suggests that the pandemic may not be fully under control. The Union government said that states should focus on districts with a positivity rate of less than 10% so as to protect these districts and the populations by focusing on saturation of vaccination. In addition, states have been advised to conduct their own state-level serosurveys for district-wise disease prevalence data with the help of the ICMR, as the national level sero-prevalence survey was heterogeneous in nature. A recently concluded serosurvey, based on samples collected from 70 districts in 22 states, by the ICMR had shown that nearly 68% of the population may have antibodies against SARS CoV 2-confirming the past exposure to the virus. ALSO READ| Over 2.27 lakh pregnant women inoculated against COVID-19; Tamil Nadu tops chart ICMR director general Balram Bhargava on the other hand advised states to ramp up vaccination in the 60+ and 45-60 age categories as evidence shows that nearly 80% of the mortality is from these vulnerable age-groups. Regarding enforcement measures, he advised the state authorities to avoid all non-essential travel and to discourage all large gatherings of crowds. The government also highlighted the need for the states to push for PSA oxygen plants in private hospitals. "Provisions under the clinical establishment act enable states to issue such directions to the private hospitals," said the Union health ministry, adding that in the government hospitals, Centre and states have already been trying to install these oxygen generators throughout the country. ALSO WATCH | By ANI NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Two Pakistani soldiers were killed and nine others wounded in attacks by terrorists on security forces in South and North Waziristan tribal districts on Friday and Saturday. The attacks come in wake of escalating Taliban-led violence in Afghanistan. Terrorists attacked security forces in the Shawal area of North Waziristan district near the Afghan border on Saturday. One soldier was killed and two others suffered injuries in the incident, Dawn reported. The injured soldiers were shifted to a hospital in Miramshah. Sourced said that an improvised explosive device (IED) went off in the area when security forces were carrying out a search operation. The personnel taking part in the operation remained safe. Besides this, Pakistan security forces came under attack in two areas of South Waziristan district, in which one soldier was killed and seven others suffered injuries. According to reports, an IED exploded near a vehicle in the Osse Pass area of Ladha sub-division, injuring two soldiers. Attacks on security forces have increased in North Waziristan and adjacent South Waziristan tribal districts since the Taliban intensified offensive against the government forces across the border in Afghanistan. Pakistan, which shares over a 2,600 km long border with Afghanistan, fears that intensification of violence in the war-torn country can have a spillover effect pushing refugees and terrorists into Pakistan. (ANI) By PTI CAIRO: Islamic Sate group militants ambushed a checkpoint in the restive northern part of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Saturday, killing at least five troops from the security forces, officials said. At least six other troops were wounded in the attack in the town of Sheikh Zuweid and taken to a military hospital in the Mediterranean city of el-Arish, they said. Security personnel killed three militants in the firefight, and the area was reinforced, the officials added, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Egypt has been battling militants in the northern part of Sinai Peninsula for years. Violence and instability there intensified after the 2013 military ouster of Mohammed Morsi, an elected but divisive Islamist president, amid nationwide protests against his brief rule. The militants carried out numerous attacks, mainly targeting security forces, minority Christians and those who they accuse of collaborating with the military and police. The pace of IS attacks in Sinai's main theater and elsewhere has slowed to a trickle since February 2018, when the military launched a massive operation in Sinai as well as parts of the Nile Delta and deserts along the country's western border with Libya. The fight against militants in Sinai has largely taken place hidden from the public eye, with journalists, non-residents and outside observers barred from the area. The conflict has also been kept at a distance from tourist resorts at the southern end of the peninsula. By PTI NEW DELHI: Pakistan has ensured that India's most wanted terrorist Masood Azhar, who has been charge-sheeted in several cases from the 2001 Parliament attack to the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, remains in a densely populated area so that an operation similar to the one by the US against Osama bin Laden is not possible, according to a report by a newly launched Hindi news channel. According to Times Now Navbharat channel, it has "accessed undeniable visual evidence" that confirms Pakistan's "deep state is still providing a safe haven to terror masterminds" including Masood Azhar, who heads Jaish-e- Mohammed terror group. The news channel said in a release that Masood has two houses in Pakistan's Bahawalpur with one located right next to the Osman-O-Ali Masjid and the National Orthopedic and General Hospital. Pakistani army jawans have been stationed outside his house to secure their prized asset, the release said, adding the motive is simple - with a mosque and hospital next to his house "an Osama-like operation becomes virtually impossible" while the residential surroundings will give Masood and his friends an opportunity to escape in case of a strike. The second house of Masood is also located in Bahawalpur, nearly four kilometers away from the first. It also lies next to a mosque known as Jamia Mosque and the Bahawalpur bench of the Lahore High Court is just a kilometer away from Masood's second home, while the District Collector's office is just at a distance of three kilometers. Again, the channel said, Pakistani army personnel in uniform were seen guarding Masood's bungalow and added that the "global terrorist resides in a posh locality of Pakistan as a state guest." Azhar is wanted in the Parliament attack case, terror strike at Pathankot airbase and even in the 2019 case of a suicide attacker of the terror outfit killing 40 CRPF personnel in South Kashmir. He was among the three terrorists released by Indian authorities after the 1999 Kandahar hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane. He went to Pakistan and started his new terror outfit by the name of Jaish-e-Mohammed. India has been trying for sanctions against him at the United Nations but the same has been obstructed by China. After the Abbottabad incident in 2011 when the US Seals killed Al Qaeda terror mastermind Osama bin Laden, Pakistan seems to have ensured that Masood's hideout remains in a densely populated area to avoid suspicion and a possible raid. The report is aimed at showing how Pakistan continues to shelter, secure and safeguard terrorists and use terror as a state policy. India has submitted dossiers after dossiers to Islamabad to bring the terrorists to book but to no avail. By PTI KATHMANDU: Nepal's newly-appointed Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-Maoist Centre chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' have agreed to expand the Cabinet by Monday, a media report said on Sunday. The ruling parties are doing the homework to appoint leaders from their own party in the government. The extension will take place on Sunday or by Monday, My Republica newspaper reported, citing its sources. It said a meeting was held at the prime minister's residence in Baluwatar where the two leaders agreed to expand the government to include CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal's side "as much as possible." At present, besides Deuba, there are four Cabinet ministers and one minister of state in the Cabinet. CPN-UML leader Madhav Nepal, however, is reluctant to join the government right now in the wake of struggle within the party. In such a case, out of the 25 Cabinet ministers that Nepal's constitution allows, the Nepali Congress will have eight ministers, the Maoist Centre and the Janata Samajbadi Party seven each after the Cabinet expansion, the paper said. Citing its sources, it said that in the remaining three places, the leaders close to Madhav Nepal, but with independent status will be made ministers. NC leaders Pushpa Bhusal, Narayan Khadka, Man Bahadur BK, Kishor Singh Rathore and Bahadur Singh Lama are likely to be inducted into the Cabinet. Deuba, 75, was appointed as the prime minister for a record fifth time on July 12 following the Supreme Court's intervention. The CPN-Maoist Centre and Janata Samajbadi Party-Nepal lawmakers had voted in favour of Deuba during the confidence motion in the House. Deuba, who secured 165 votes in the 275-member House, will remain in office for the next one and half years until a fresh parliamentary election is held. By Associated Press WELLINGTON: New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sat motionless Sunday as members of the Pacific Island community pulled a large white mat over her head, completely covering her. Moments later they removed it and embraced her. It was part of an emotional ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall during which Ardern formally apologized for a racially charged part of the nation's history known as the Dawn Raids. It's when Pasifika people were targeted for deportation in the mid-1970s during aggressive home raids by authorities to find, convict and deport visa overstayers. The raids often took place very early in the morning or late at night. By being covered in the mat, Ardern was taking part in a traditional Samoan ritual known as an ifoga, in which the subject seeks forgiveness by exposing themselves to a kind of public humiliation. Ardern told a tearful crowd of several hundred that the government was offering a formal and unreserved apology. The government expresses its sorrow, remorse, and regrets that the Dawn Raids and random police checks occurred and that these actions were ever considered appropriate, Ardern said. At the time of the raids, many Pacific people had come to New Zealand on temporary visas to help fill a need for workers in the nation's factories and fields. But the government appeared to turn on the community by deciding those workers were no longer needed. People who didn't look like white New Zealanders were told they should carry identification to prove they weren't overstayers and were often randomly stopped in the street, or even at schools or churches. Even though many overstayers at the time were British or American, only Pacific people were targeted for deportation. Ardern said that while the raids took place almost 50 years ago, their legacy continued. "It remains vividly etched in the memory of those who were directly impacted. It lives on in the disruption of trust and faith in authorities. And it lives on in the unresolved grievances of Pacific communities that these events happened and that to this day they have gone unaddressed," she said. Ardern said that as a gesture of goodwill, the government would fund new education and training scholarships for Pacific communities and would help compile an official account of the raids from written records and oral history. "As part of this, the community will have the opportunity to come forward and share their experiences," Ardern said. Tongan Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili said the impact of the Dawn Raids had haunted her community for generations. "We are grateful to your government for making the right decision to apologize, she said to Ardern. To right the extreme, inhumane, racist and unjust treatment, specifically against my community, in the Dawn Raids era." The princess said that while some members of her Tongan community might have been on the wrong side of the law at the time, it didn't warrant the extreme measures taken against them. "But," the princess said, "the government could do a better job of responding to current immigration needs, a comment which drew sustained applause." She said petitions had been submitted to find pathways and residency for overstayers and visa-holders. "This is a new dawn for my community and the Pacific community at large," she said. Sunday's ceremony had originally been scheduled for June but was delayed due to coronavirus measures. The apology didn't come with any broader financial compensation or legal changes, but many Pacific people say it represented an important first step. By PTI ISLAMABAD: The international community should create a secure area in Afghanistan to keep the displaced people inside their war-torn country instead of pushing them into Pakistan which is not ready to accept more refugees, Pakistan's National Security Adviser has said. Addressing a news conference at the Pakistan embassy in Washington on Saturday, Moeed Yusuf said his country was focused on ensuring that tensions in Afghanistan do not lead to more bloodshed. But if a situation arises, it is the responsibility of the international community to create a secure area inside Afghanistan, the Dawn newspaper quoted the Pakistani official as saying. "Why make them dar-ba-dar (homeless)? Make arrangements for them inside their country. Pakistan does not have the capacity to take more refugees," he said. Yusuf described the Pakistan government's US policy as pragmatic and unapologetic, but not boastful and urged people not to look for big pictures and all-embracing headlines. The NSA arrived in Washington on July 27 along with Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence Faiz Hameed for talks with their American counterparts on Afghanistan and bilateral relations. The ISI chief left Washington on Friday, a day after talks with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan at the White House, which was also attended by other security officials from both sides. "We needed direct technical input. This was not a high-level political visit and focused on technical issues, nuts and bolts," said Yusuf while explaining why an intelligence chief had to participate in the talks. "The process of rebuilding US-Pakistan ties began on May 27 with a meeting between the two NSAs in Geneva. These are structure-built, high-level talks, using multiple channels," said Yusuf. The talks would continue towards rebuilding ties, he said, adding, but you may not get the same feeling as you did in the past of big meetings, big pictures and headlines. "These talks are now result-oriented. The focus is on substance, not optics." Yusuf disagreed with the suggestion that Pakistan had the influence to force the Afghan Taliban to do what they did not want. "We have modest, minimal leverage, but if we had the influence some say we do, we would have stopped them from destroying the Bamiyan Buddha in the 1990s. We could have at least persuaded them to force out the TTP," he said. Yusuf said that in their first meeting, the two NSAs had agreed that Pakistan and the US should continue their holistic bilateral engagement. "Afghanistan of course is the most important and immediate issue, but these talks are focused on how to move forward on multiple issues. This week's meeting is a follow-up to take stock of the process," he said. "There have been ups and downs in US-Pakistan relations but we need to work ahead. And we got a very positive response in terms of moving forward," he said. Yusuf urged the media to not expect a revolutionary change overnight in the US-Pakistan relations because of these meetings but to remember that that the countries are focused on substance and have an agreement on how to move forward. He said Pakistan did not have the luxury of indulging in ifs and buts when it comes to Afghanistan, arguing that every development in Kabul has a direct impact on Islamabad. "Pakistan's main concern remains peace in Afghanistan, and it would only come if all factions sit together and accept a political solution," he said. Asked if Pakistan and the US can continue to work as partners, the NSA said he saw a desire on both sides to do so and the talks are about how to do it. He said the United States understood that Pakistan can help in making a political arrangement in Afghanistan and they were now discussing how to approach this. "The biggest thing would be to do a political understanding, other things will follow," he said. Yusuf rejected the suggestion that Pakistan was accepting travel documents issued by the Taliban as legal documents. "Pakistan does not want any illegal or unwarranted movement. Whatever happens inside is Afghanistan's issue, not ours. We do not have anything to do with it," he said. US PresidentJoe Biden said in April that US troops would be withdrawn from Afghanistan by the end of August, ending a 20-year foreign military presence. The Taliban in recent days have swept across Afghanistan, pushing back the Afghan military and taking over significant swaths of territory as the U.S. nears the ends of its withdrawal. Approximately 650 troops are set to remain in the country to secure the US diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, including the embassy, and to assist in securing Kabul's international airport, which is a necessary facility for the movement of diplomats. 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. ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) The longtime former head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany says the diocese covered up sexual abuse by priests for decades and protected clergy by sending them to private treatment instead of calling police. Bishop Howard Hubbard, who ran the diocese in New York's Capital District from 1977 to 2014 and has himself been accused of sexual abuse, made the admission in a statement issued through his lawyer to the Albany Times-Union in response to questions from the newspaper. The Times Union reported Hubbard's statement on Saturday. When an allegation of sexual misconduct against a priest was received in the 1970s and 1980s, the common practice in the Albany diocese and elsewhere was to remove the priest from ministry temporarily and send him for counseling and treatment, Hubbard said. Only when a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist determined the priest was capable of returning to ministry without reoffending did we consider placing the priest back in ministry," he added. "The professional advice we received was well-intended but flawed, and I deeply regret that we followed it. About 300 lawsuits have been filed against the Albany diocese under a state law that allows people until Aug. 14 to sue over sexual abuse they say they endured as children, sometimes decades ago. In the past, the 82-year-old Hubbard has denied allegations that he sexually abused minors. In an August 2019 statement, he said: I have never sexually abused anyone in my life. I have trust in the canonical and civil legal processes and believe my name will be cleared in due course. Responding to allegations in lawsuits that he ignored, disregarded or covered up abuse by others, Hubbard told the Times Union in his statement that he was a leader on church efforts to prevent abuse, including support for background checks and compensation for victims. Hubbard's statement was not sanctioned by the diocese, the newspaper reported. BLY, Oregon (AP) Firefighters in Oregon reported good progress in the battle against the nation's largest wildfire, while authorities canceled evacuation orders near a major blaze in Northern California. Containment of the Bootleg Fire in remote southern Oregon was up to 74% on Sunday. It was 56% contained a day earlier. That reflects several good days of work on the ground where crews have been able to reinforce and build additional containment lines, fire spokesman Al Nash said Sunday. The blaze has scorched over 646 square miles (1,673 square kilometers) since being sparked by lightning July 6 in the Fremont-Winema National Forest. California's Dixie Fire covered nearly 383 square miles (992 square kilometers) in mountains where 42 homes and other buildings have been destroyed. The fire was 32% contained Sunday, and evacuation orders and warnings were lifted for several areas of Butte and Plumas counties. The cause of the blaze, which ignited July 13, was still under investigation. Authorities warned that with unpredictable winds and extremely dry fuels, the risk of flare-ups remained high. In recent days, lightning sparked two wildfires that threatened remote homes in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Evacuation warnings remained in place Sunday for communities along the Trinity River. In Montana, a wind-driven wildfire destroyed more than a dozen homes, outbuildings and other structures, authorities said Sunday. Evacuations were ordered after flames jumped a highway and moved toward communities near Flathead Lake in the northwestern part of the state. Crews also battled major blazes in northeast Washington and northern Idaho. Nearly 22,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 91 large, active wildfires covering 2,813 square miles (7,285 square kilometers) in mostly western states, the National Interagency Fire Center said. A historic drought and recent heat waves tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported last week that while a robust monsoon has delivered drought-easing rainfall to the Southwest, critically dry conditions persist across Northern California and the Northwest, where there has been an expansion of exceptional drought, the worst category. Dry conditions and powerful winds made for dangerous fire conditions in Hawaii. A wind advisory was issued Sunday for portions of Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. A fast-moving wildfire on Hawaiis Big Island grew to 62.5 square miles (100.58 square kilometers), prompting evacuation orders. The wildfire prompted officials to ask about 2,500 residents living in Waikoloa Village to evacuate Sunday, a day after people living in two other communities were asked to evacuate. "This isn't the time to panic," Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said during a televised briefing. About 50 fire apparatus are being employed to fight the fire, and the National Guard has been called in to help, he said. Due to the high wind and weather patterns that are going on through the area, the fire is continuing to break through our fire breaks, Todd said. Local media report at least one home has been destroyed. An evacuation center was being set up at the old Kona airport. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) In a mostly empty conference room at a Virginia cultural arts center, Tara Simmons was looking for someone who might help her stave off eviction. Simmons, a 44-year-old home health aide who lives with her two children and two grandchildren, was only a month behind on her rent. But that didn't stop her landlord from ordering her out of the house by Saturday, when the federal eviction moratorium ended. Already enduring health problems, Simmons said she feared she would be out on the street. Ive been in my house for four years now. And two months before my lease was up, I get an email saying that they werent renewing my lease, said Simmons of Newport News, Virginia. Thats it. No explanation why or whatever." Ive been trying to find somewhere to move since I got that. I still havent been able to find a way to move because of the economy. ... This pandemic is hard. As a state lawmaker made a few remarks and others grabbed free lunch, Simmons connected with attorneys from the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia. They advised her that her landlord needed a court order to get her out. She was safe for now. The Virginia event in late July is part of a growing national movement bolstered by tens of billions of dollars in federal rental assistance to find ways to keep millions of at-risk tenants hurt by the coronavirus pandemic in their homes. The push has the potential to reshape a system long skewed in favor of landlords that has resulted in about 3.7 million evictions a year about seven every minute according to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. Many are Black and Latino families. This is an opportunity not to go back to normal, because for so many renters around the country, normal is broken, Matthew Desmond, author of a Pulitzer Prize-winning book on evictions and the principal investigator at the Eviction Lab, told a White House conference on the issue. This is a chance to reinvent how we adjudicate and address the eviction crisis in a way ... that works for tenants and property owners better than the status quo, in a way that clearly invests in homes and families and communities, with the recognition that without stable shelter, everything else falls apart." Housing advocates have mostly attacked the problem from two directions. Some teamed up with lawmakers and court administrators to launch programs to resolve eviction cases before they reach the courts. Others focused on state and local tenant protection legislation, including sealing eviction records and ensuring tenants get lawyers. Having an eviction record can make it impossible to find a new apartment, while the right to counsel evens the playing field, since most landlords, but not tenants, come to court with a lawyer. Many of the ideas have been around for years. But the scope of the eviction crisis during the pandemic, the historic amount of federal rental assistance available and the eviction moratorium changed the calculus. Politicians from areas that rarely see evictions were hearing from anxious constituents and craved a solution. Landlords were more willing to participate in the programs because evicting tenants became a challenge. The pandemic, at least here in Baltimore, has created a sense of urgency around creating some forms of tenant protection, said Carisa Hatfield, a housing attorney for the Homeless Persons Representation Project, noting Baltimore passed a bill last year guaranteeing tenants the right to counsel and the state adopted a similar measure this year. The city also temporarily barred rent increases during the pandemic and banned late fees. The politicians saw the same urgency we did, she said. It afforded the opportunity to have a conversation with politicians about the very real problems around evictions, the very real implications for families around being evicted. In Colorado, state Sen. Julie Gonzales said the widespread eviction threat encouraged legislators to pass several bills this year, including a grace period for late fees and limits on what fees can be imposed. Tenants also can withhold payment for problems like utilities being shut off or mold, and present that as a defense in court. Another bill that passed gives evicted tenants 10 days, rather than 48 hours, to find new housing. We realized that it wasnt just an urban thing, that rural Coloradans, mountain towns were struggling with people unable to pay their rent, Gonzales said. According to the Urban Institute, 47 state and local programs nationwide now offer some mix of legal help, a housing counselor and mediation between landlord and tenant. Some, like Texas, Michigan and Massachusetts, offer statewide programs, while others, including Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Pinellas County, Florida, launched their own initiatives. Even states not usually associated with evictions, like New Hampshire and Montana, offer programs. In Philadelphia, the City Council passed a series of bills last year that include requiring landlords to participate in a city eviction diversion program if the tenant was affected by the pandemic. Then in April, the courts mandated that landlords attend the program before filing an eviction. This is a fundamentally important change to the way Philadelphia approaches evictions, said Rachel Garland, managing attorney at the housing unit of Community Legal Services in Philadelphia. Rental assistance and diversion prioritizes the economic health of landlords and complete health and well-being of tenants in a way that resolves situations so landlords get paid, issues get resolved and tenants are able to stay in their homes," she said. Even though it was created in response to the pandemic, its importance will long outlive the pandemic and will hopefully become a permanent fixture in Philadelphia. A pilot mediation program in two New Hampshire cities this year was driven in part by concerns that courts would be inundated by eviction cases. The program's success has the court requesting $750,000 from the state to expand mediation efforts statewide. If we can get parties together and either get the case resolved or get them to this emergency funding, I'm saying it's a win-win-win," said David King, the administrative judge of New Hampshire Circuit Court, which handles landlord-tenant matters. "It's a win for the landlord, who gets paid. It's a win for the tenant, who gets to stay, and, selfishly, it's a win for the courts because that is one less case we have to process." The right to counsel, too, has spread. John Pollock, coordinator for the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel in Baltimore, said Washington state, Connecticut and Maryland have passed right-to-counsel laws. Ten cities have approved measures, including Seattle, Cleveland and Louisville. Milwaukee County set aside money to provide low-income tenants with lawyers. So far, the initiatives are proving successful. Some 75% of the 1,788 tenants participating in a Philadelphia program have remained housed, according to the city. In New York, 86% of tenants who had lawyers were able to remain in their homes. Cleveland, which saw legal representation increase from 2% to 19% after the law went into effect last year, said all tenants who wanted rental help have gotten it and 93% who wanted to avert evictions were successful. A program in Michigan last year resulted in 97% of tenants remaining housed, according to a study from the University of Michigan, the state and Legal Services of South Michigan. Among them is Regina Howard, a 53-year-old disabled veteran from Southfield who faced eviction last year from the $1,600-a-month house she shares with her husband and grandson. She turned to the state's eviction diversion program, where she was connected with free legal services. From there, Lakeshore Legal Aid helped her get $24,550 in federal funds to pay for 15 months of rent. I was feeling hopeless that there was no help out there. Now I feel better," Howard said. You could tell they really wanted to help. ___ Casey reported from Boston. A Baltimore woman is facing multiple charges, including child abuse resulting in death, after police found the remains of her 7-year-old niece and 5-year-old nephew in her car late Wednesday, according to the Baltimore County Police Department. Nicole Michelle Johnson, 33, of Baltimore, was arrested on Thursday and charged with two counts each of first-degree felony child abuse, first-degree felony child abuse resulting in death; misdemeanor neglect of a minor; misdemeanor failure to report the death of a child; and the unauthorized burial of a body as a misdemeanor, court records show. "The entire Baltimore County Police Department grieves with the community over the "unspeakable deaths of two innocent children," Police Chief Melissa Hyatt said following Johnson's arrest. "The investigation into this atrocious crime will not stop until those responsible are brought to justice." Johnson remains held on a no-bail status, court documents show. A preliminary hearing is set for August 27. CNN has reached out to the public defender representing Johnson but have not heard back. According to charging documents filed with Johnson's charges, officers pulled Johnson over for speeding around 11 p.m. on Wednesday and found she had neither license nor insurance, and that she was using a fake temporary tag. The officers advised that Johnson report to the district court in five days and that they were going to tow her car, according to the documents. Johnson then stated, "It don't matter, I won't be here in five days" and "y'all going to see me on the news, y'all going to see on the news making my big debut," according to the documents. Johnson then retrieved items from the trunk of her car, including a maggot-filled clear trash bag with a strong "decomposition odor" and a black and yellow plastic tote, according to the documents. The officer asked Johnson to open the clear trash bag, which she eventually did, revealing a suitcase that Johnson claimed contained blankets, the documents said. Johnson attempted to use the blanket to conceal the contents of the suitcase but officer told her to remove the blanket and she did, "exposing the decomposing body of a young child," according to the documents. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. At his point, Johnson attempted to flee but was quickly caught, the document said. Officers then opened the plastic tote bag and found another plastic bag containing the remains of another child. The bags contained the remains of two siblings, which police said were Johnson's niece and nephew, 7-year-old Joshlyn Johnson and her 5-year-old brother, Larry O'Neil. Police noted that it will take some time to determine the cause of death and the Maryland state medical examiner has not yet responded to CNN's inquiry. Johnson told detectives that she hit the girl several times for "misbehaving," causing her to fall and hit her head on the floor, according to the documents. Johnson then stowed the girl's body in a suitcase and carried it around for months. She also told detectives that she'd seen blood on the Larry's leg two months ago and that he never woke up after saying he was tired, after which she placed him in the plastic tote which she later placed in the trunk with his sister. It is not clear when the boy's body was moved to the car. An autopsy found that Joshlyn weighed 18 pounds and the Larry weighed 21 pounds, according to the documents. Johnson had custody of the children since 2019 after her sister, Dachelle Johnson -- the mother of the two children -- said she couldn't take care of them, according to the police charging documents. Dachelle Johnson spoke with detectives, saying she moved to Maryland from Ohio in July 2019, which was when she asked her sister to look after the kids, according to the documents. Dachelle Johnson told detectives she tried to reach her sister several times after dropping her children off and finally reached her in March 2021, according to the documents. She arranged to have her sister return the children but her sister never met her and Dachelle Johnson had been unable to reach her sister or the children until detectives notified her of their deaths, the documents said. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. The once-tiny cottage industry of van conversion companies has found itself in the center of a distinctively pandemic-era dilemma: ravenous demand and monthslong backorders on virtually all supplies. The #vanlife movement was already in full swing before the pandemic, fueled by envy-inducing posts on Instagram and DIY van conversion videos on YouTube. But as the pandemic took hold, more and more antsy Americans who could work remotely decided to join the vanlife community. That's sent demand for utility vans, as well as the companies that specialize in converting them into mobile homes, through the roof. The pandemic put the van life industry on "steroids," Brian Jagodnik, marketing and creative director at Outside Van, a luxury van conversion company in Portland, Oregon, told CNN Business. The #vanlife hashtag now has more than 10.6 million posts on Instagram. "People wanted to get out. They wanted to get away from other people and stay safe, and we were all limited in what we could do," Jagodnik said. "It pushed people outside and to travel away from others and take the road less traveled, and so the industry just continued to grow." Since the start of the lockdown, Outside Vans has a growing backlog of orders and a growing waitlist. Customers can expect to wait at least eight to 12 months before the company can even start on their projects. Supply chain woes It's one thing to decide to hit the road. It's another to find the right wheels for the trip. The auto industry has been hit especially hard by the one-two punch of a shortage of vital computer chips that's hampered production. Some clients couldn't get a van in time to meet the date their builds were scheduled to start, said Alexa Owens, co-founder of Cascade Custom Vans in Bend, Oregon. "That was kind of nerve-wracking." Another culprit in the struggle to secure vans: Amazon. As sales surged during pandemic lockdowns, the online retailer kept expanding its fleet to keep up with deliveries. And unfortunately, Amazon's preferred models Mercedes Sprinters, Ford Transits or RAM ProMasters are the most popular choices for vanlifers. Even when customers secured a van, delays at ports combined with a labor shortage have slowed the delivery of raw materials needed for the conversions. For Cascade Vans, one of the worst shortages has been windows, which are three months to eight months backordered, Owens said. Cascade, which is fully booked through the year, anticipates at least another year of supply shortages while vendors play catch-up. #Vanlife is hardly cheap Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. A typical van conversion starts starts by gutting a utility van before replacing the interior with the makings of a mobile home: loft beds, mini sinks, toilets, refrigerators and built-in seating. It's not a cheap endeavor. "With costs of goods going up, our prices have to reflect that," lamented Bryan Walker, co-owner of Cascade. "It's one of those unfortunate things but I think a lot of people are understanding of it right now." Prices for just the conversion at Cascade can range between $50,000 to $100,000. At Outside Van, where the company purchases the vans for its customers, prices can reach up to $300,000, depending on the customizations a customer chooses. Not included in those figures: the price of gas, which is currently at a seven-year high, and any mechanical issues that come up along the way. An increasingly crowded scene While growing interest in van life, and camping generally, has been great for business, it also has raised questions about the movement's sustainability and effect on the environment. The surge in demand has been "bittersweet," says Walker, who owns a van with Owens. "Five, six, seven years ago, some of the places we'd go, you'd be up there alone. Now, there's no trespassing signs, and they've banned camping in a lot of places because it's just gotten so trashed," Walker said. "You see the places that you love and get to experience doing that lifestyle, and now you're seeing it become kind of exploited." During the pandemic, the number of people at National Parks and campsites shot through the roof resulting in an increase of litter, graffiti and the spread of Covid-19, according to reporting from Time. Although the parks have tried to implement restrictions, tourists managed to continue visiting and ignoring restrictions. Kim and Jesse Butler of Port Angeles, Washington moved into their Ram PROMaster, named "The Walter Mitty," right before the pandemic started. They have since traveled traveled up and down the West Coast, pandemic restrictions permitting. The Butlers say they are "totally self contained," and don't leave sewage or trash behind. "We always do our best to leave no trace and to make sure that we are clean with what we do," Jesse told CNN Business. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Rep. Cori Bush slept overnight on the steps of the US Capitol to protest her House colleagues for adjourning for August recess without passing an extension of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's eviction moratorium for renters, which expired on Saturday night. "The House is at recess. People are on vacations. How are we on vacation when we have millions of people who could start to be evicted tonight?" Bush, a Missouri Democrat, told CNN's Jessica Dean on "Newsroom" Saturday afternoon. "There are people already receiving and have received pay or vacate notices that will have them out on tomorrow. People are already in a position where they need help, our most vulnerable, our most marginalized, those who are in need." "How can we go vacation? No, we need to come back here," Bush said from the steps of the US Capitol where she had slept overnight in an effort to appeal to her colleagues to extend the moratorium. With just hours remaining until the eviction moratorium deadline, Bush and a growing number of her supporters remained on the Capitol steps. They are not allowed to lay down on the steps, Bush said, so they are perched in chairs and wrapped in blankets. All day Friday, Democratic leaders scrambled to find enough votes to extend the moratorium beyond the July 31 deadline to no avail, even attempting to pass a bill to extend the eviction moratorium by unanimous consent. Bush, who had been unhoused and evicted before she joined Congress, urged House leadership to reconvene and pass the legislation that would allow Americans to stay in their homes through the end of the year. The congresswoman said she's been in communication with House leadership, but has not "heard any assurances right now that that can happen. But we're holding out hope." Bush called on the Senate to extend the moratorium before the chamber is slated to start its recess at the end of next week. She also called on the CDC and White House to extend the moratorium, but the White House has cited a Supreme Court opinion last month that said congressional action would be needed to extend it past July 31. On Friday, Bush invited members of her party to join her on the Capitol Plaza, and was joined by her progressive colleagues Reps. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota during the night, and visited by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, as well as Rep. Jim McGovern on Saturday. McGovern, chairman of the House Rules Committee, told CNN's Suzanne Malveaux that if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has the votes to call back the House and reconvene on an eviction moratorium extension, he's ready to support her. Pelosi made clear Saturday night in a letter to her House Democratic colleagues that even if the House passed legislation to extend the eviction moratorium, "it was obvious that the Senate would not be able to do so" as well. Pelosi wrote that "some in our Caucus have now chosen to focus instead on how we could get the money allocated in the December Omnibus and the Biden American Rescue Plan in the hands of the renters and landlords." "Overwhelmingly, our Members support extending the moratorium," the Speaker continued. "Universally, our Members demand that the $46.5 billion provided by Congress be distributed expeditiously to renters and landlords." The Senate is still in town but is working on passing the bipartisan infrastructure bill. House members left for the August recess after failing to garner enough support to pass the moratorium on the House side. On the Capitol steps Saturday, Pressley told CNN that the looming expiration is a "nightmare scenario" for desperate families. The lawmaker referred to her overnight stay outside the Capitol as the "next step" of her ongoing "activism to fight for the poor." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. However, Pressley did not commit to sleeping on the steps again Saturday night, citing previously arranged ongoing commitments that she and other lawmakers have in their home states. "It was a moral imperative to act to disrupt and prevent this crisis, and it is a moral failing that we did not act," Pressley told CNN's Ryan Nobles Saturday. "Eviction is already violent, but to evict people in the midst of a pandemic is cruel, inhumane, unacceptable and 100% preventable," she said. Pressley also called out her own party's handling of the impending deadline. "We absolutely should have received word from the White House much earlier than we did. We simply ran out of time," Pressley said. Yet, she added, "There is still time, though, to right this wrong." "I do believe that the White House and the CDC can act, should act, unilaterally," she continued. "And if we are challenged by the courts, that will still buy these families time, and that is what we need." Bush wrote in a letter to her colleagues Friday that she "cannot in good conscience leave Washington tonight while a Democratic-controlled government allows millions of people to go unhoused as the Delta variant is ravaging our communities." She vowed to keep fighting for the millions of Americans who will be affected by the moratorium's expiration. "I plan to be here until something happens," she told CNN on Saturday. "Hopefully something happens today. I don't have an end moment or time. I didn't know this time yesterday I would be here tonight. We're just taking it one step at a time." Bush told CNN's Daniella Diaz earlier Saturday that she knows "what it's like to wonder if I'm going to get that eviction notice." "The hope that when you show up at that door, just hoping that when you get a glimpse of that door, that there's no piece of paper from the sheriff," she said. "Your whole life turns upside down." This story has been updated with additional reporting. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Champaign, IL (61820) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. 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 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. The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating three additional COVID-19 cases involving women who arrived from Cambodia and the US. Meanwhile, the centre was notified of a confirmed case in the UK concerning a 52-year-old woman who left Hong Kong for London on flight CX251 on July 15. Her specimen collected on July 18 tested positive for COVID-19. She was asymptomatic. The centre is following up on the case with British health authorities and epidemiological investigations are underway. As a prudent measure, Lok Yuen, 24 College Road in Kowloon City where the patient resided during the incubation period has been put under a compulsory testing notice. In addition, two preliminary positive cases arrived from the US and the Netherlands involving L452R/N501Y mutant strains were detected today. As the patients had lived in Hong Kong within the past 21 days, eight specified premises that they visited are included in the compulsory testing notice. The latest list of mobile specimen collection stations and their operating details were also announced. A total of 28 cases were reported in Hong Kong in the past 14 days and all of them are imported. For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Governments dedicated webpage. Mr Nip (first left), Dr Law (first right) and Mr Suhendar (second right) distribute COVID-19 vaccine leaflets to the Indonesian community at Victoria Park. Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip (first left), Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong (first right) and Indonesian Consul General in Hong Kong Ricky Suhendar (second left) view the administering of the Sinovac vaccine to Indonesians staying in Hong Kong at a Causeway Bay hotel. Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip and Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong today viewed the administering of the Sinovac vaccine to Indonesian people at a Causeway Bay hotel. Under the arrangement of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong, a total of 266 Indonesians received the vaccine through the Governments outreach vaccination service. The two secretaries were joined by Indonesian Consul General Ricky Suhendar in viewing the outreach arrangements. The trio also encouraged the Indonesian community and other ethnic minorities at Victoria Park to get vaccinated. Mr Nip said many Indonesians working in Hong Kong may need to take care of young children or elderly people at their employers residence. If those working at the homes of families with young children and unvaccinated seniors get vaccinated, it will help build a protective barrier in the families. He also appealed to those getting vaccinated at the hotel to tell their friends about the channels and benefits of receiving COVID-19 vaccines, and to maintain personal hygiene as well as keep up social distancing. Dr Law noted that up till now, more than 219,000 foreign domestic helpers have already taken the first dose of vaccination, accounting for nearly 58% of the foreign helper population in Hong Kong. He urged all foreign helpers in the city to receive vaccination as soon as possible to protect themselves, their employers families and others, adding that the vaccination will also give them better protection when they need to proceed on home leave. The Governments designated website is available in different languages so that ethnic minorities can obtain the latest news and information on COVID-19 vaccines. (Newser) We know the story of Emmett Till, but the story we know is only a partial one, argues Wright Thompson in a lengthy piece for the Atlantic that revolves around one major gap: the barn in which the 14-year-old was murdered in 1955. Most people asked where Till was killed would likely land on Money, Mississippithe town where Till whistled at Carolyn Bryant outside the Bryant family store. "An Equal Justice Initiative monument in Montgomery says Money," writes Thompson. Ditto Wikipedia. The Library of Congress website doesn't name the spot, either: a barn just beyond the town of Drew, some 45 minutes from the store. Two men were tried and acquitted for Till's killing: half brothers JW Milam and Roy Bryant, Carolyn's husband. But historians suspect as many as seven men were there that night, among them, another half brother, Leslie Milam. story continues below The latter lived in the farmhouse that stood next to the barn. The FBI found no physical evidence of Till's murder in the barn as part of a federal investigation opened in 2004. But we know what happened thanks to a single man. Willie Reed, then 18, was headed to town on the final morning of Till's life when he saw a pickup turn toward the barn with seven men and a child inside. Reed heard Till's screams coming from the right side of the barn; he saw JW Milam exit for a water break, then heard the screams resume. Reed's grandfather told him to keep his mouth shut. Instead, he testified. But over the decades, the barn faded out of the story. (We recommend you read the full story, which touches on the effort to raise funds to buy the barn.) (Newser) Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic, according to federal health data released Saturday. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the US as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus continues to spread, per the AP. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday by the CDC. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. The previous peak in Florida had been 19,334 cases reported on Jan. 7, before the availability of vaccinations became widespread. story continues below The state reported 409 deaths this week, bringing the total to more than 39,000 since its first in March 2020. The states peak happened in mid-August 2020, when 1,266 people died over a seven-day period. Deaths usually follow increases in hospitalizations by a few weeks. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who opposes mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, has blamed the surge on a seasonal increasemore Floridians are indoors because of the hot weather with air conditioning circulating the virus. About 60% of Floridians 12 and older are vaccinated, ranking it about midway among the states. Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld on Saturday became the latest theme park resorts in Florida to again ask visitors to wear masks indoors. (Read more COVID-19 stories.) (Newser) Simone Biles has opted to skip another event, the floor exercise, because of her continuing mental block. The American gymnast now has only one more event in which she might compete, the balance beam, and USA Gymnastics has not said whether she will take part in that competition on Tuesday. Biles was the defending Olympic champion on the floor exercise. Meanwhile, American MyKayla Skinner won the silver in the vault after she replaced Biles in the competition. Brazilian Rebeca Andrade won the gold and South Korea's Yeo Seojeong the bronze. Skinner's medal completes a remarkable comeback story, per the AP. story continues below The 24-year-old was an alternate on the 2016 Olympic team before heading to college at Utah. She returned to competition in 2019 but was sidetracked during the pandemic when she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and then pneumonia last winter. She made the Olympic team as a plus-one and only missed the vault finals because International Gymnastics Federation rules that permit only two athletes from one country in each final and Skinner finished behind Biles and Jade Carey in qualifying. In fact, she nearly flew home from Tokyo, but when Biles dropped from a team event on Tuesday, she told USA Gymnastics to give Skinner a heads-up she might be needed. Simone was like, 'Text MyKayla and tell her not to go home in case she has to step in,' Skinner said, per Yahoo Sports. She was on it like that." (Read more Simone Biles stories.) (Newser) Thanks to a reworked menu and long hours, Jeannie Kim managed to keep her San Francisco restaurant alive during the pandemic. That makes it all the more frustrating that she fears her breakfast-focused diner could be ruined within months by new rules that could make one of her top menu itemsbacon hard to get in California. "Our No. 1 seller is bacon, eggs and hash browns," said Kim, who for 15 years has run SAMS American Eatery on Market Street. "It could be devastating for us." At the beginning of next year, California will begin enforcing an animal welfare proposition approved overwhelmingly by voters in 2018 that requires more space for breeding pigs, egg-laying chickens, and veal calves. National veal and egg producers are optimistic they can meet the standards, but only 4% of hog operations now comply with the new rules, the AP reports. Unless courts intervene or the state temporarily allows noncompliant meat to be sold, California will lose almost all of its pork supply, and pork producers will face higher costs to regain the market. story continues below With little time left to build new facilities, inseminate sows, and process the offspring by January, it's hard to see how the industry will be able to adequately supply California, which consumes roughly 15% of all pork produced in the country. "We are very concerned about the potential supply impacts and therefore cost increases," said Matt Sutton of the California Restaurant Association. Hog farmers said they haven't complied because of the cost and because California hasn't yet issued formal regulations on how the new standards will be administered and enforced. The pork industry has filed lawsuits, but so far courts have supported the law. Josh Balk, of the Humane Society of the United States, said the industry should accept the decision of Californians who want animals treated more humanely. "Why are pork producers constantly trying to overturn laws relating to cruelty to animals?" Balk asked. (Read more pork stories.) (Newser) Lisa Murkowski, one of two Republican senators in Alaska, is facing some primary challengers after coming out in favor of impeaching the previous president. Murkowski has been in office since succeeding her father in 2002 and would be up for re-election next year. Kelly Tshibaka announced her campaign months ago, Reuters reports. But now Sarah Palin is hinting about challenging Murkowski, too. The former Alaska governor who resigned in 2009 three years into her four-year term said if God wants me to do it, I will, the Guardian reports. story continues below Palin was speaking to Che Anh, leader of the New Apostolic Reformation religious movement, on stage at a conference July 22. She also said shed need the backing of Christian supporters, apparently referring to the audience at the conference. While Murkowski was censured by the Alaska Republican Party for voting to impeach Donald Trump a second time, Palin has appeared with the former president at rallies. (Read more Sarah Palin stories.) (Newser) Six months after seizing power from the elected government, Myanmar's military leader on Sunday declared himself prime minister and said he would lead the country under the extended state of emergency until elections are held in about two years. "We must create conditions to hold a free and fair multiparty general election," Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said during a recorded televised address. "We have to make preparations. I pledge to hold the multiparty general election without fail." He said the state of emergency will achieve its objectives by August 2023, the AP reports. In a separate announcement, the military government named itself "the caretaker government" and Min Aung Hlaing the prime minister. story continues below The state of emergency was declared when troops moved against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, an action the generals said was permitted under the military-authored 2008 constitution. The military claimed her landslide victory in last year's national elections was achieved through massive voter fraud but offered no credible evidence. The military government officially annulled the election results last Tuesday and appointed a new election commission. The military takeover was met with public protests that resulted in a lethal crackdown by security forces, who routinely fire live ammunition into crowds. As of Sunday, 939 people have been killed by the authorities since Feb. 1, according to a count by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. (Read more Myanmar stories.) (Newser) In a field without a clear favorite or the star power of recent Games, Lamont Marcell Jacobs still managed to stun the Olympics with his victory Sunday in the 100-meter dash. The Italian sprinter, who focused for years on the long jump, posted a winning time of 9.8 seconds to claim the informal title of "world's fastest man," the Guardian reports. The title had been held through the last three Olympics by Usain Bolt; this was the first 100-meter final since he retired, and Jacobs beat Bolt's 2016 winning time by 0.01 seconds. "It was my childhood dream to win an Olympic Games," said Jacobs, 26. "And obviously, a dream can turn into something different, but to run this final and win it is a dream come true." Not only was it Jacobs' night, it was Italy's: Gianmarco Tamberi had won a gold medal in the high jump minutes earlier and rushed over to embrace Jacobs. Italy had never won a medal in the 100 meters before. story continues below On a humid, 86-degree night, Jacobs caught a break at the beginning. He was the last runner out of the blocks but got another chance when Britain's Zharnel Hughes was disqualified for a false start, per CNN. It went better the next time, and Jacobs beat American Fred Kerley by 0.04 seconds and Canadian Andre De Grasse by 0.09 seconds. All three times were personal bests for the competitors. Like many others, Kerley said he "really didn't know anything about" Jacobs, adding, "He did a fantastic job." Jacobs was born in Texas and moved to Italy as a child. After the race, the Italian athletes and officials watching burst into song in his honor. Kerley said he ran as well as he could and had no complaints. "The race was a beautiful race," the American said. "I got a PB (personal best) and a silver medal. I am blessed to be at the biggest stage of my career." (Read more 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games stories.) (Newser) Hundreds of people turned out in Berlin on Sunday to protest the German government's anti-coronavirus measures despite a ban on the gatherings, leading to arrests and clashes with police. Local authorities banned several different protests this weekend, including one from the Stuttgart-based Querdenker movement, which expected 22,500 attendees. But protesters defied the ban, the AP reports, gathering Sunday around the city. Berlin's police department, which deployed more than 2,000 officers, said that as crowds grew, officers who sought to redirect protesters or disband larger groups were attacked. "They tried to break through the police cordon and pull out our colleagues," the department said, adding that police had to use irritants and batons. The protests, including in Berlin's Charlottenburg neighborhood and Tiergarten Park, led to multiple arrests, police said. As the crowds made their way toward the Brandenburg Gate, police warned via loudspeaker that they would use water cannons if protesters did not disperse. story continues below Germany eased many coronavirus restrictions in May, allowing restaurants and bars to reopen. Still, many activities, such as dining indoors at restaurants or staying in a hotel, require proof that an individual is either fully vaccinated, has recovered from the virus, or can show proof of a recent negative coronavirus test. The Querdenker movement, the largest and most visible anti-lockdown movement in Germany, has at times drawn thousands to its demonstrations, uniting an eclectic mix of those opposed to vaccinations on both the right and the left, coronavirus deniers, conspiracy theorists, and right-wing extremists. Earlier this year, Germany's domestic intelligence service warned the movement was becoming increasingly radical and put some of its adherents under surveillance. The protest Sunday follows demonstrations against coronavirus restrictions around Europe, including a protest by 80,000 people in cities across Italy last weekend. (French protest virus pass.) For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including BBB Great West & Pacific, which serves more than 20 million consumers in Alaska, Central Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Wyoming. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Overcast with showers at times. High 69F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low near 55F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister has highlighted the depth of historic Bahrain-Sudan relations, which continue to receive the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. This came as HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister yesterday received Sudans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mariam Al Sadiq Al Mahdi, at Riffa Palace. Dr Al Mahdi is currently visiting Bahrain to mark the opening of the Sudanese Embassy in the Kingdom. During the meeting, HRH Prince Salman noted the importance of further strengthening cooperation and coordination, to build on shared Arab values, common purpose, and regional cohesion. He noted the progress witnessed by the joint agreements signed between Bahrain and Sudan, which has contributed to providing promising investment opportunities, and further development for both countries. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister welcomed the Sudanese Ministers visit, affirming the Kingdoms support to Sudans efforts to enhance regional security and stability. Regional and international issues of common interest were discussed, as well as united efforts to overcome challenges presented by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Minister Al Mahdi extended her gratitude for the opportunity to meet His Royal Highness and extended appreciation for HRHs continued support to furthering Bahrain-Sudan ties. The Sudanese Minister conveyed the greetings of Sudans President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, and the Transitional Prime Minister, Dr Abdulla Hamdok, and extended their good wishes, continued progress and prosperity for the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister extended his greetings and wishes to the President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council and Transitional Prime Minister of Sudan, and wished the people of Sudan greater prosperity. The Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and the Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, also attended the meeting. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has praised Team Bahrains successes on various fronts to overcome the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. HM the King expressed pride in the dedicated and commendable efforts exerted by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, citing HRHs distinguished leadership of Team Bahrains efforts to cushion the impact of the pandemic. His Majesty made the remarks as he chaired the meeting of the Supreme Defence Council (SDC), attended by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at Al Sakhir Palace yesterday. Also, Supreme Commander and President of the Council, HM the King highlighted Team Bahrains professionalism, well-thought-out plans and tireless efforts that have resulted in a sharp drop in the number of daily active cases and an increase in the number of recoveries. He commended the medical and health competencies, as well as all frontliners, allied entities and volunteers, for playing important roles in the Kingdoms fight against the virus. HM the King also lauded the praise of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, during his visit to the Kingdom of Bahrains distinguished initiatives, measures and outstanding success in dealing with the pandemic, in addition to his call to document Bahrains experience in fighting the pandemic in order to take advantage of it at the international level. HM King Hamad added that Bahrains landmark achievements will remain engraved in the national memory, as they reflect the spirit of challenge and authentic awareness of the people of Bahrain, stressing that Bahrainis will continue working together to advance the comprehensive development process with determination towards a better present and a brighter future for the coming generations. The Supreme Defence Council followed with interest the ongoing developments in sisterly Tunisia, wishing Tunisia and its dear people success in achieving security, stability and growth, under the leadership of President Kais Saied. The Council also discussed ways to develop technological performance across various fields to enhance the nations progress. HM the King lauded the fruitful efforts made by the Bahrain Defence Force, Interior Minister and National Guard. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Digital transformation is the cornerstone of Bahrains economic development. In the next three years, Bahrain is expected to spend $2.1 billion on developing its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The country has been an early adopter of advanced technologies, enabling widespread digital transformation in its public and private sectors. Empowered by its Vision 2030, the Kingdom is inching closer to its goal of becoming the regions ICT hub. By joining the new Digital Cooperation Organisation, Bahrain has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of its digital economy to further empower economic diversification, especially in a post-pandemic world. However, as the Kingdom continues to build its digital economy and implements new and innovative technologies, it also faces sophisticated and complex cybersecurity challenges. The pandemic led to increased adoption of digital services across education, banking, retail, and more. Cybercriminals around the world followed this trail and exploited this circumstance for their nefarious gains. The recent remote working initiatives in Bahrains public and private sectors have further underscored the importance of world-class cybersecurity infrastructure and security measures that are closely aligned to global industry standards. The Bahraini government recognizes this and has taken proactive steps to ensure a safe ICT ecosystem. Bahrain is one of the few countries in the Arab region to have implemented comprehensive cybersecurity measures drafting a cybercrime law, a data protection law, a dedicated cybersecurity strategy, and establishing a National Cybersecurity Centre. In the latest ITU Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), Bahrain scored highly, signalling the Kingdoms high cybersecurity readiness. Cybersecurity and privacy protection are the foundation of our digital economy. As technology becomes ever more ubiquitous, Bahraini enterprises and government entities need to take an enhanced approach to mitigate cyber threats. Hence, an all-industry, full-society approach to collaboration is essential to strengthening systematic cybersecurity governance for everyone. To encourage industry-wide cooperation towards common security standards and verification mechanisms, Huawei recently launched the Huawei Global Cyber Security and Privacy Protection Transparency Center in Dongguan, China. At the heart of the centres design is a concerted effort to address cybersecurity across various technology platforms. It is designed to facilitate communication, open collaboration, knowledge sharing, and trust-building between the government, partners, and customers to build an unprecedented global cyber resilience era. As a global ICT leader, Huawei has built over 1,500 networks that connect more than three billion people across 170 countries and regions. None of these networks has ever experienced a major security incident. Our broad array of products and solutions that effectively apply to diverse scenarios in Bahrains digital economy already incorporate cybersecurity management requirements. Drawing on our extensive decade-long experience in product security quality, we can help ensure the end-to-end security of the supply chain across enterprises, government, and partners in Bahrain. As a business, we thrive on openness, collaboration, and shared success to address real needs and create real value. As Bahrain continues to build its digital economy, it needs to ensure that it is laying the foundation for a robust cybersecurity infrastructure through open public-private collaborations. 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. DANBURY When a YouTuber first tried to film in Danbury Library and then City Hall, officials scrambled to figure out what to do. The YouTuber claimed his First Amendment rights allowed him to record in these public buildings. City officials said the man disrupted regular business and was a risk to others privacy. The ensuing incidents led to a police internal investigation, dismay over a cops remarks about the YouTuber and eventually the mans arrest. Neighboring towns took notice, but havent had the same problem. Weve been very lucky here, said Douglas Lord, director of the C.H. Booth Library in Newtown. Due to the Danbury incidents, some town and library leaders said they reminded their employees about their video policies or plan to create protocols on filming in their buildings. Others do not have policies but allow filming and photography, under certain restrictions. Its fair for institutions to have policies regulating filming and behavior in public buildings, said Keith Taylor, an adjunct assistant professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.. One citizens rights dont outweigh the municipality or other institutions efforts to provide an environment that respects the rights of all, Taylor said. Whether or not there is a legal right to film doesnt necessarily mean that that applies in particular settings, such as a library. And even if it does, then there may be some stipulations as to how and where and when that filming can occur. The YouTuber is part of a group known as First Amendment auditors, who film in public buildings because they argue they have the right to and share their interactions with officials on social media. The same YouTuber who filmed in Danbury recorded a video at the U.S. Post Office in New Milford in June, but he has not come to any town buildings, Mayor Pete Bass said. New Milford reminded its employees that videographers could film in Town Hall, as long as they do not film private information, such as residents social security card or tax identification numbers. But other than that, someone can come in and film, Bass said. We let the employees know that that is their right. Danburys video policy Danbury Librarys code of conduct requires patrons to get permission from the library director to film or photograph inside the building. Patrons may not photograph or record other library users without their permission. At Danbury City Hall, videographers are allowed to film common areas and hallways, but cannot record over the counter and in work areas, where residents private information could be, said Laszlo Pinter, the citys corporation counsel. These areas are considered nonpublic forums, he said. Government may restrict contents of speech in nonpublic forums as long as the restriction is reasonable and the restriction does not discriminate based on speakers viewpoints, according to the Legal Information Institute. Examples of nonpublic forums are airport terminals and polling places, the institute said. Danburys policy was already in place before YouTuber SeanPaul Reyes started coming to City Hall and is meant to protect residents privacy and avoid disrupting employees work, Pinter said. The city may adjust its policy as needed in the future, he said. You really dont know what youre capturing (on video) in terms of information that is not yet a public record, he said. The disruption factor is if youre producing a documentary or doing an audit story, youre in there for some time and people cant do their work if this is going on for an extended period of time. Pinter said he informed Reyes of the policy when he came to City Hall at the time his second known visit there on July 15 to film. Police were called, and Reyes eventually left. He returned that day and filmed in the town clerks office and tax assessors office, according to a police report and body camera footage. This violated the policy because he was insistent on filming people and the computer, Pinter said. The policy is very clear the employees should be able to do their work uninterpreted in this way, Pinter said. When it gets to the point that that could no longer happen and the disruption was accelerated, thats when the police were called and the arrest occurred. Videographers may fill out a form to be permitted to film in the building, although this is not required and is typically used for people who want to schedule specific times to record, Pinter said. The form is the same one the public fills out to have events, such as a meeting or wedding, in the building, he said. Similarly, New Milford allows videographers to arranging filming ahead of time for purposes like in-depth interviews, Bass said. Town and city halls First selectmen in Bethel, New Fairfield and Newtown said their towns dont have policies on recording at their municipal centers. The public is permitted to film there with relatively few restrictions. I suppose if they begin infringing on individuals who are also using the public space, that might be a problem, First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker said. New Fairfield First Selectwoman Pat Del Monaco said videographers would likely be told they could not film private files. I believe that if an employee were uncomfortable being in a video that they (the employee) would be able to leave the premise, or a member of the public, for that matter, she said. After Danburys incidents, Newtown reminded its employees that certain parts of public buildings, such as the IT backbone or secure areas of the police station, would be off-limits for videographers. Nor could the videographer interfere with members of the public seeking town services, Rosenthal said. If someone is filming and obstructing someones ability to interact with government, now that starts to impede other peoples freedoms and personal space, etc, he said. Local libraries Staff at Brookfield Library trained on how to respond to First Amendment auditors in November 2019. We wanted to get ahead of it and be prepared, said Debbie Brooks, interim director at the Brookfield Library. The local police department helped organize the session, and the library pulled information from the American Library Association, she said. The most important thing is to remain calm and really try to be non-confrontational and treat any First Amendment auditors as we would any other patron, Brooks said. Brookfield Library does not have an official video policy, but allows the public to film in the building. Videographers are asked not to film children. We recognize First Amendment rights, Brooks said. As long as youre not obstructing whats going on in the library and being disruptive, were okay with photographing and videotaping. Libraries that do not have video recording policies often have rules around respectful behavior and could ask people to stop filming or leave the building based on that. New Fairfield Library hasnt any problems with videographers, said Linda Fox, library director. But shes considering creating a policy for it after what happened in Danbury. Lorna Rhyins, the new director at New Milford Library, may consider doing the same. Its definitely a worthwhile policy to put in place, she said. In her first several weeks as the director at Mark Twain Library in Redding, Erin Shea Dummeyer said no one has recorded video in the building. That library requires prior approval for photographs, video recordings or audio recordings for privacy reasons, she said. But when she met the Redding police chief, he brought up the issue in Danbury and advised her to remind her staff of what to do, she said. Patrons who do not get approval would typically be asked to stop filming, Dummeyer said. But shed respond differently if it were a First Amendment auditor. The advice to library directors has basically been to let them film, she said. Im hoping we wont get First Amendment audited, but if someone gave me grief, Id probably just let them film and warn any patrons who are in the buildings at the time. Ridgefield Library is an association library and its building is privately owned, unlike in Danbury and many other surrounding communities. However, we are a public library, so we have two big things to consider peoples First Amendment rights to film, which is the argument of these First Amendment auditors, but also peoples well-protected right to privacy while using the library, said Brenda McKinley, Ridgefield Librarys director. The library encourages people to request to film in advance and asks videographers not to record other patrons, although there is no written policy, she said. Anyone who started filming in the library would be advised of this, she said. The public may film in C.H. Booth Library in Newtown, as long as it doesnt disturb others and their peaceful enjoyment of the library, said Douglas Lord, library director. However, videographers may not film the books patrons check out or the website patrons visit, he said. Keeping that information private is a librarys core belief, he said. Lord said hed do what he could to prevent that from getting on camera. I think Id literally have to insert myself between the camera and the transaction and just kind of lure that videographer away, he said. Rules like this are meant to respect everyones rights and prevent a disruptive person from negatively affecting others, Taylor said. Whats the alternative? he asked. That the library cows down to this individual? That people in the library are forced to deal with this persons disruptions? And ultimately, the persons behavior may have nothing to do with exercising the right to film and everything to do with attempting to create or provoke an incident to occur. NEW MILFORD As stats on increased youth suicide risk and mental health discussions dominate national headlines, one Connecticut town is taking action. From plans for new school-based health centers, to free counseling sessions at the Youth Agency, to videos and podcasts produced by local teens, a shift has come to New Milford. With another school year approaching, the town turns its focus to providing essential youth mental health services. Nearly two years of remote and hybrid learning have been hard for kids, who were isolated from friends and normal support systems at a time when they needed it most. Everyone felt stuck, I think, and there werent many places to turn, said Annabelle Colonna, 17, and a student at New Milford High School. Now that were coming out of it, I think we need to have plans in place. Although the mental health stigma has lessened, many students still feel nervous talking about their personal mental health, she said. Addressing student needs within the school walls New Milford schools will use federal funds to create physical and mental health clinics in their schools with the help of the Connecticut Institute For Communities, Inc., or CIFC. Currently, the schools are reviewing space and cost estimates, Superintendent Alisha DiCorpo said. Our goal is to provide families with an option of having outside providers within the school walls for easier access for the needs of their children, DiCorpo wrote in an email. Last June, nearly one in three high-schoolers across the nation said they felt depressed more often, and three in four school districts reported students exhibiting multiple indicators of increased mental health stresses, according to an infographic from Capitolworks LLC, a non-partisan consulting company. The infographic also states mental health-related emergency room visits have increased for youth and teens since 2019. Melanie Bonjour, who is the school-based health center program manager for CIFC, has worked in this space since 1993 and plays an integral role in New Milfords process. CIFC has had success with its school-based health center programs in Danbury and Newton, Bonjour said. In the aftermath of the devastating 2013 Sandy Hook school shooting, Bonjour said the group set up a school-based health center in anticipation of mental health needs. We've been very effective in working with the school population in responding to children's needs and supporting the community, she said. The services are not meant to replace existing health and counseling services at schools, but supplement and enhance them. Bonjour knows the towns health director, Lisa Morrissey, from her time working in Danbury, and the two connected to talk about New Milfords needs. Morrissey then connected Bonjour with DiCorpo, and from there several meetings and planning sessions ensued. We've had the conversations, we have agreements in place, so we are working with them, Bonjour said. We are moving forward. According to Board of Education meeting minutes, the district is planning for two administrative rooms and one exam room at each school. Notes also state the centers will be primarily focused on mental health. The principals at all the schools have expressed interest and support for the program, Bonjour said. She hopes to have behavioral health services available to students by the time school starts. These services can be offered in any confidential space such as an empty classroom, Bonjour explained. Bonjour and school leaders will assess student needs to determine an implementation plan. A number of factors will prioritize where we start. But I think ultimately the goal is to have the services available in all the schools, at some point in the future, Bonjour said. The Youth Agency steps in In addition to school-based services, the local Youth Agency has added free counseling services for middle and high schoolers. Months of research, paperwork, consultations, and approvals have gone into the program, which launched under director Jason OConnor on June 28. This was a program we had to build here, he said. We didn't have any counseling services. By launching during summer break, OConnor and his staff hope to capture students before they go back to school, providing a bridge of service for when they return and beyond. And in offering the sessions for free, the agency hopes to eliminate financial concerns that could be a barrier to entry. OConnor, who has a background in social work, took over as director in the summer of 2020. He said hes passionate about incorporating a social-emotional and therapeutic model into his work with youth, and was planning to emphasize mental wellness, pandemic or not. I would always kind of impress upon our youth and providers that there is no health without mental health and mental wellness and emotional wellness, he said. OConnor said one reason youth have been particularly susceptible to pandemic-related stressors is that they havent built up the same resiliency skills adults develop over time. Adults have more historical evidence of failures and trauma, and have learned resiliency and coping skills that kids might not have yet, he said. So far, OConnor said they have about six clients receiving services. A public service for all While counseling is just kicking off, the agencys video production team, made up of local teens and supervised by Stacey Kabasakalian, has already been working hard to start those tricky conversations. Through public service announcement videos and podcasts, the teens work to destigmatize mental health topics and talk about resources. The team records about one podcast episode a week and a video about every two weeks, spending hours and hours at the agency to create the final product. OConnor has even lent a hand in their videos, stepping in to act when needed. Podcast topics have run the gamut, from eating disorders, to consent, to vaping and anxiety. The team just finished recording one on racial justice and have released their first full podcast season. The teens said the podcasts are aimed at family and friends, in addition to those suffering. Two of the teens said they became interested in the issue after watching friends in middle school struggle with mental health. Ever since then, it was really important to me to figure out how I could help my community and the people in my community, said Ciara Lynch, 18. Mental health issues dont just affect that person. They affect the people around them. Lynch, a 2021 New Milford High graduate, explained the ripple effect of one persons mental health struggles. She said this past year was particularly challenging for seniors who were trying to figure out their next big step in the middle of the pandemic. I think it really shook up our future in a way it wouldnt have if the pandemic hadnt happened, she said. Colonna, who is also on the production team, said a lot of mental health issues are super common, and she wants to help people find good solutions. I felt like here at the Youth Agency, this was such a great platform to start talking about it and provide resources, she said. In the past, Lynch and Colonna said they havent been as confident in existing school resources, which they said were focused on awareness rather than action. Thats where the agency has filled in, Lynch explained. The teens dont just want to hear stats, they want answers. Just now in the Olympics we saw Simone Biles, she had to step down because of mental health reasons, and thats on a way greater scale, said Paz Moran, 17, who works on the video production team. Even if were not Olympians, we still can find those resources. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The United States and the United Kingdom joined Israel on Sunday in alleging Iran carried out a fatal drone strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, putting further pressure on Tehran as it denied being involved in the assault. Calling it a unlawful and callous attack, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his country and its allies planned a coordinated response over the strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken soon followed, saying there was no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior. The strike on the Mercer Street marked the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran and its militia allies have used so-called suicide drones in attacks previously, which crash into targets and detonate their explosive payloads. However, Israel, the U.K. and the responding U.S. Navy have yet to show physical evidence from the strike or offer intelligence information on why they blame Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett went further than Blinken and Raab in his remarks Sunday at a Cabinet meeting, making a point to stare directly into the camera and slowly warn: We know, at any rate, know how to convey the message to Iran in our own way. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The blast killed two crew members from the United Kingdom and Romania. The Navy said the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher had escorted the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port. On Sunday, satellite-tracking information from MarineTraffic.com showed the tanker stopped off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. In his statement, Raab said it was highly likely Iran attacked the tanker with one or more drones. We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted and a clear violation of international law by Iran, he said. Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. Blinken similarly described the U.S. as confident Iran carried out the attack, using multiple drones. These actions threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of those on the vessels involved, he said in a statement. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh described the allegation Iran carried out the attack as baseless." Its not the first time that the Zionist regime occupying Jerusalem has made such empty accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khatibzadeh said. Wherever this regime has gone, it has taken instability, terror and violence with it. He added: Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind. Khatibzadeh spoke around an hour after Irans outgoing president acknowledged that his government at times did not tell part of the truth to the public during his term. From Jerusalem, Bennett offered condolences to both the United Kingdom and Romania for the killing of their citizens. He said Israeli intelligence had evidence linking Iran to the attack, but did not offer it. Iran is the one who carried out the attack against the ship, he said. Irans aggressive behavior is dangerous not only for Israel, but harms global interests in the freedom of navigation and international trade. Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults. Shipping in the region began being targeted in the summer of 2019, about a year after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers. Israel meanwhile has been suspected of conducting a series of major attacks in Iran and on Iranian shipping. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman. The Mercer Street, owned by Japan's Taihei Kaiun Co., is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern Indian Ocean, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The attack marks the first major confrontation with Iran for Bennett, who took over as premier in June after a coalition deal unseated Israels long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is suspected of launching a series of attacks targeting Iran, including explosions at the countrys main enrichment site and the killing of a prominent military nuclear scientist. However, Bennett as well has made hawkish comments in the past about needing to attack the head of the octopus in Tehran as opposed to Irans regional militias like Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack on the Mercer Street marks the first during his time as prime minister and analysts suggest he could seek a major attack in retaliation. Israel may wish to deliver a resounding blow; thats the spirit of political sources comments in Jerusalem, wrote Amos Harel, a longtime military analyst for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. This blow will be aimed at ending things without a tit-for-tat that could escalate. But as usual, events also depend on the other side. ___ Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Ilan Ben Zion and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. "The delivery event in partnership with COSCO Shipping is of great significance for XCMG and our partners. We overcame the huge difficulty of supply chain maintenance during the COVID-19 pandemic situation, and enhanced global customer confidence," said Lu Chuan, President of XCMG. XCMG and COSCO Shipping have formed a powerful alliance since XCMG won the bid for a major project in South America in early 2021 but then faced the enormous challenge of delivering all products within a short period of time during the pandemic as the global supply chain and sea freight logistics capacity was massively restricted. COSCO Shipping acted quickly to allocate resources and customized a solution plan for XCMG to solve the container transportation issues to ensure timely and orderly shipping. By the end of the first half of 2021, XCMG's export volume increased by 70 percent YOY. Its products are now sold in 187 countries and regions worldwide, including 97 percent of Belt and Road Initiative countries, and XCMG now holds the highest export market share in 30 countries. The XCMG-Venezuela V58 project in 2011 which totaled USD744.6 million has been the largest export order of Chinese construction machinery to date. The Venezuelan government issued a benefit plan of 2 million houses to solve living problems for residents, which required a large number of construction machinery equipment. With comprehensive product lineups, reliable quality and leading manufacturing and service capabilities, XCMG signed the largest export order of 6,025 units of equipment. Forming strong alliances with relevant government departments, enterprises, financial institutions and organizations has enabled XCMG to build strategic collaboration platforms overseas and provide stronger product and service support, bringing more value and win-wins for all parties. In the last two years, China Railway Transportation Logistics ("CRTL"), also one of XCMG's global partners, helped to deliver over 1,000 high cube shipping containers with XCMG's machinery products to European countries via the China-Europe Railway Express. Adapted with CargoBeamer's intermodal transport technology, CRTL helps to cut time costs on bogie changing while crossing borders all the way from China to Europe. Through deepening cooperation, XCMG and its global allies can expand each other's product lines, value chains and global scope by opening up new markets and sharing advantageous resources to create an innovative and sustainable platform for the entire value chain. SOURCE XCMG For further information: Wang Lin, +86-516-87565404, [email protected], www.xcmg.com Related Links www.xcmg.com BERLIN (AP) Thousands turned out in Berlin on Sunday to protest the German governments anti-coronavirus measures despite a ban on the gatherings, leading to clashes with police and the detention of some 600 protesters. Local authorities had banned several different protests this weekend, including one from the Stuttgart-based Querdenker movement, but protesters in Berlin defied the ban. Berlins police department deployed more than 2,000 officers to try and disperse the protests, but it said officers who sought to redirect protesters or disband larger groups were harassed and attacked." They tried to break through the police cordon and pull out our colleagues," Berlin police said, adding that officers had to use irritants and batons. As the crowds made their way from Berlins Charlottenburg neighborhood through Tiergarten park toward the Brandenburg Gate, police warned via loudspeaker that they would use water cannons if protesters did not disperse. By Sunday evening, police had detained about 600 people, according to German media, and protesters were still marching through the city. Germany eased many of its coronavirus restrictions in May, including reopening restaurants and bars. Still, many activities, such as dining indoors at restaurants or staying in a hotel, require proof that an individual is either fully vaccinated, has recovered from the virus or can show proof of a recent negative coronavirus test. Although the number of new coronavirus cases in Germany remains low compared with neighboring countries, the delta variant has sparked an increase in new infections in the last few weeks. On Sunday, Germany reported 2,097 new cases, an increase of more than 500 over the previous Sunday. The Querdenker movement, the most visible anti-lockdown movement in Germany, has drawn thousands to its demonstrations in Berlin, uniting a disparate mix on both the right and the left, including those opposing vaccinations, coronavirus deniers, conspiracy theorists and right-wing extremists. Earlier this year, Germanys domestic intelligence service warned the movement was becoming increasingly radical and put some of its adherents under surveillance. Wolfgang Schauble, president of Germany's parliament, sharply criticized the Querdenker movement Sunday, encouraging people not to be fooled by cheap slogans. If practically all experts worldwide say the coronavirus is dangerous and vaccination helps, then who actually has the right to say, Actually, Im smarter than that?' he told the Neue Osnabrucker Zeitung. To me, that is an almost unbearable level of arrogance. The protests follow other demonstrations against coronavirus measures around Europe. More than 200,000 people turned out Saturday in France to protest vaccination requirements for the third straight weekend, at times clashing with police. Some 80,000 others protested in cities across Italy last weekend. ___ Follow all AP stories on the global pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The key to making hurricane forecasts suddenly clearer and more accurate might have floated out to sea from Jacksonville last week on something looking like orange surfboards with wings. Maybe. It will take time for federal government researchers to work with data from sensors on the drone boats, looking for insights to help coastal communities stay safe. But for the next three months, the autonomous unmanned vessels will be relaying measurements of heat exchanges between the ocean and atmosphere the fuel that strengthens hurricanes that before now had to be collected in person. We have so few, said Greg Foltz, an oceanographer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Foltz, who normally works in South Florida, was at Fort George Island Marina with employees of Saildrone, a California drone boat company that calls itself the worlds leading collector of in situ data via uncrewed vehicle. Saildrone launched two 23-foot Explorer drones that will travel corridors of the Atlantic Ocean through October. Their paths are meant to complement the routes of three other Explorers released this month in the U.S. Virgin Islands, creating a web of coverage in heart of hurricane territory. Explorers are slow, moving no more than a few miles per hour on their wind-powered propulsion systems. But the idea is for the drones to work continuously, collecting data about normal ocean conditions in categories ranging from currents, temperatures, wind speeds and barometric pressure to dissolved oxygen, carbon levels and wave heights. When a hurricane develops, the drones are designed to be able to steer straight into it, recording the storm with high-resolution cameras mounted on wings built to withstand punishing winds and waves that can weigh hundreds of tons. Vessels with crews regularly leave the paths of hurricanes to avoid disasters like the 2015 sinking of the cargo ship El Faro, which killed 33 mariners sailing from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico. Between the Explorers everyday readings and data collected in the storm, boosters expect the drones to give hurricane researchers new insights that cant be gathered from hurricane-hunting surveillance planes. All we can measure from planes is pressure, said Saildrone founder and CEO Richard Jenkins, a British-born engineer who was dockside Friday, untying lines that moored the Explorers until they were ready to be towed out to sea. The drones will work in tandem with underwater gliders that NOAA uses to track water conditions as deep as 1,000 feet below the surface, Foltz said. By gathering information at surface level and far beneath, scientists are hoping to have a fuller picture of what happens in the water column during hurricane season. Explorers have been used before in harsh settings including winter seas off the Pacific Northwest and a trip measuring more than 13,500 miles to circumnavigate Antarctica. The drones have operated at sea for longer than a year before, but NOAA officials said the three-month window was chosen to get the best results within their $1.1 million contract with Saildrone. The drones are part of a fleet of unmanned vessels the company is promoting for work including mapping the ocean floor and maintaining quiet surveillance in areas vulnerable to foreign fishing fleets. That vessels could be useful to Northeast Florida on other ways, too, said U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., joined the Explorer launch and noted the craft can also carry equipment for measuring fish biomass, a way to track the condition of offshore fisheries. Dr. Anthony Fauci warned Sunday that more pain and suffering is on the horizon as COVID-19 cases climb again and officials plead with unvaccinated Americans to get their shots. Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, also said he doesnt foresee additional lockdowns in the U.S. because he believes enough people are vaccinated to avoid a recurrence of last winter. However, he said not enough are inoculated to crush the outbreak at this point. Fauci's warning comes days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed course to recommend that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant is fueling infection surges. With the switch, federal health officials have cited studies showing vaccinated people can spread the virus to others. Most new infections in the U.S. continue to be among unvaccinated people. So-called breakthrough infections can occur in vaccinated people, and though the vast majority of those cause mild or no symptoms, the research shows they can carry about the same amount of the coronavirus as those who did not get the shots. So were looking, not, I believe, to lockdown, but were looking to some pain and suffering in the future because were seeing the cases go up, which is the reason why we keep saying over and over again, the solution to this is get vaccinated and this would not be happening, Fauci said on ABC's This Week. According to data through July 30 from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling average for daily new cases in the U.S. rose from 30,887 on July 16 to 77,827 on July 30. The seven-day rolling average for the country's daily new deaths rose over the same period from 253 on July 16 to 358 on July 30, though death reports generally lag weeks after infections and even longer after hospitalizations. Currently, 58% of Americans 12 years and older are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC's data tracker. However, people are getting the message and more are rolling up their sleeves amid the threat of the delta variant, according to the director of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Francis Collins said on CNNs State of the Union that vaccinations are up 56% in the U.S. in the last two weeks. Louisiana, which has the most new cases per capita among states in the past 14 days, has seen vaccinations up threefold over that period, Collins said. Thats what desperately needs to happen if we are going to get this delta variant put back in its place, because right now its having a pretty big party in the middle of the country, Collins said. Collins also said that even with the prevalence of the delta variant, the shots are working extremely well" and reduce a persons risk of serious illness and hospitalization 25-fold." The guidance for vaccinated people to start wearing masks indoors again in certain places with worsening outbreaks, he said, is mostly meant to protect unvaccinated and immunocompromised people. The CDC has also recommended indoor mask-wearing for all teachers, staff, students and visitors at schools nationwide, regardless of vaccination status. ___ Associated Press writer Hope Yen contributed to this report. Melinda Deslatte/AP BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) A group of unemployed Louisiana residents filed a lawsuit challenging Gov. John Bel Edwards decision to stop accepting the federal pandemic benefits that gave jobless workers an extra $300-a-week boost and made some self-employed and gig workers eligible for the unemployment assistance. The Democratic governor ended the federal pandemic jobless aid Saturday, five weeks earlier than the expiration date. The move stripped benefits from more than 150,000 people and cut by more than half the unemployment benefits available to tens of thousands more. FAIRFIELD Lane Mayville had a great fourth-grade year on Zoom last year. He made new friends, earned good grades. This year, school districts will not be required to offer online learning, and Fairfield has chosen not to, for any students, so Lane would have to go to school in person. The problem is, his mother, Marney White, has a rare disease and the COVID-19 vaccine was unable to provide antibodies after chemotherapy destroyed her immune cells. Gov. Ned Lamont, school board Chairwoman Christine Vitale and others have emphasized that, at this point in time at least, students are expected to go to school in person this year after spending the last school year online. For White, her husband, Erik Mayville, and Lane, the issue is not whether they want Lane to go to school with his friends; they do. For them, the issue is the fear that her unvaccinated son could bring COVID home, endangering his mothers life. White, a professor in the Yale School of Public Health with a background in epidemiology and psychology, was diagnosed in 2019 with pemphigus vulgaris. Its an autoimmune disease characterized by severe blisters on the skin, she said. Its a one-in-a-million disease, genetic, with some kind of environmental exposure they think. Its so rare that it makes research on this disease very hard, but the treatment is very effective. It saved my life from the pemphigus, but then made me extremely vulnerable to coronavirus and COVID. White said the treatment, also used for lymphoma and multiple sclerosis, results in about 75 percent of patients being unable to develop antibodies after being vaccinated. Since March 2020, none of the family has left their property. Erik Mayville left his job as a child psychologist working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. White taught online, including the only undergraduate epidemiology course at Yale. Last year, Fairfield developed a Remote Learning Academy, in which she said her son excelled. It was the largest school in the district, with about 10 percent of students enrolled, White said. Others went to school partly remotely and partly in person once that was allowed. My son was really happy because he made a lot of new friends through remote school, White said. So he had a great experience with the public school this past year in 2020-21. He had a whole class of other kids, an excellent teacher. And he really flourished. He really had a great experience. She said they were shocked but pleased because they expected Lane to have a hard year and possibly have to repeat fourth grade. But academically he did great. He was really happy, said it was his best year, White said. I certainly credit his extraordinary teacher for that, extremely focused and devoted on giving these kids a good experience. I mean, she was amazing. And he was happy and much more confident, too, which is interesting. And again a surprise. White also said she believes Superintendent of Schools Michael Cummings is supportive and understanding of her circumstances. But with the new school year approaching, Lamont said districts no longer were required to offer a remote option because the best education, not to mention social growth, happens in person. There will be no Remote Learning Academy or other online option in Fairfield or many other school districts this year, unless the pandemic once again forces changes in policy. Lane would have to return to Roger Sherman Elementary School. When the governor announced that all kids would be back in person, the districts then said, OK, no more remote. Were not doing remote, White said. And so thats leaving those of us with medical vulnerabilities without an option to send our kids to school. Its simply too high risk for an unvaccinated child to be in a school building, mixing with other unvaccinated children, given that kids are just as likely to transmit the virus as adults. Children under 12 are not yet eligible to be vaccinated but the state has mandated wearing masks in school. In an April 29 email, Cummings wrote to White that, since online education no longer will be required, the Remote Learning Academy will not be offered beyond the end of this school year. Further, there will not be any other option for voluntary daily access to remote learning. We will continue to follow all mitigation and quarantine requirements required by the state departments of Education and Public Health. The school district also would not give her guidance on homeschooling or private schools that might offer remote education, White said. In a complaint filed July 20 with acting Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, White quoted Cummings as writing, Unfortunately, the district would not have a recommendation on a homeschool or private option. There are several organizations and support groups that do provide this information and can act as a clearinghouse. We continue to await further guidance on options and direction from the state and we will share that as soon as it is available. Asked for comment from Cummings, spokeswoman Andrea Clark said in an email, the district does not comment on individual student circumstances. White said while she does not know how to homeschool and doesnt know what a fifth-grade curriculum entails, well hobble through it. But, remembering how sick she was last year, she said, I really feel for the people right now who are going through bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, all of these horrible treatments and are now essentially being tasked with homeschooling their children. And not only that, educating themselves as to how to homeschool, trying to find a homeschool curriculum. She said if homeschooling doesnt work out, they may have to have Lane repeat fifth grade. My kid has literally been watching out of windows as every other kid gets to live life to the fullest, she said. And theyve all been in school, theyre able to do sports, and thats wonderful for them that they dont carry this kind of risk for themselves or back to their family, but its a remarkably ableist culture. She said those who dont want their children to wear masks and ask her when shes going to let Lane live his life makes her feel as though this has been a pandemic of selfishness in many ways. I wish that I could look the other way and pretend that Im not vulnerable, but I have the knowledge in hand that I dont want to die and leave my child, White said. And thats what this all comes down to, and nor do I want my child to be tasked with that. Like he had to go to school and then as a result his mother died. Like thats a horrible burden for any child to have to carry. She said she has offered to live separately, but that her husband and son refuse. They wont do it; they want to help me through this. Its sweet, but its a burden. Lamont has focused on the importance of students going back to in-person learning, but he also has said there may be circumstances in which remote learning is necessary. During a visit to Windsor Locks High School in March, Lamont praised the enthusiasm of the teachers and students, as well as some of the Zoom teaching that was going on. I hope everybody gets back to school, Lamont said. Id like them to get back to school next week and Id like them certainly to get back to school in the fall, but there may be some folks that dont feel ready, maybe theres a compromised immune system, maybe there are a variety of reasons where they cant, so I think there will be some virtual learning that continues. In a press conference last week, Lamont said, Im not looking for people to have excuses not to send their kids to school. Im trying to do everything I can to do it safely. Maybe some have preexisting conditions or reason they dont feel like they can get to school. Thats why weve renewed contracts with a number of our remote learning partners to make sure there is an option on the table if thats the case, but I hope its for a small minority of kids. The state Department of Education issued guidance on the future of remote learning in state schools, based on legislation passed in June. It said because the evolving pandemic may require remote learning to be reinstituted, school districts are also encouraged to develop a local policy to address how remote learning might be used to provide continued educational opportunities in rare and individualized circumstances, for students with elevated risks from COVID-19 exposure due to co-habiting family members with documented vulnerability to COVID-19, among other reasons. Education Department spokeswoman Laura Stefon said in an email, we are committed as an agency to working with districts to explore their development of continued educational opportunities for students during this public health necessity. In June, the Fairfield Board of Education wrote to Lamont asking for the mask mandate for students to be removed and for the state to use federal American Recovery Plan money to implement a synchronous state-run Remote Learning Academy for medically vulnerable students modeled on any/all of this year's successful local models for the 2021-2022 school year. Board Chairwoman Christine Vitale said Friday that while the district has no plans to offer a remote option this year, Were still awaiting updated health guidance that might change the conversation. She said the health and safety of our students remains our highest priority and if there are families in very specific and individualized situations, that I would think that those families would be discussing with the superintendent, and I appreciate that it is difficult when youre not talking about the student necessarily but the family at home. White said there have been no discussions with Cummings about how to resolve her dilemma. Rachel Kent of Fairfield is in a similar situation. Her four children have also attended Roger Sherman Elementary School, but she has stage 4 tongue cancer. Im in what they call no evidence of disease currently, she said. While her treatment appears to have halted her cancer, the unfortunate side effect for me is that my immune system has not bounced back after a year and a half, she said. Her doctors have told her to exercise extreme caution. Kents children are 6, 8, 10 and 11. The oldest, Eleanor, will be eligible for a vaccine when she turns 12 in November. She also found out last week that all of my children have been accepted into the Moderna trial for 2- to 12-year-olds and will receive their first shots Aug. 9. That doesnt mean they will all get the vaccine, however. Some participants in the trial will receive a placebo, though they will be told whether they are receiving the vaccine. I cant homeschool, not just from lack of desire but I have four such different learners at different levels of education, Kent said. She said if Eleanor can go to school, she may be able to homeschool the others. What to do about school is the eternal debate, she said. If Eleanor goes to school, not all of her peers are vaccinated, but theyve all been able to have that choice I feel better about sending her in, she said. She also has looked at online learning in Florida or California, but its expensive, as much as $400 to $1,000 per credit (an English class would be one to three credits per semester). Were being put in a really hard position, to be honest, Kent said. Were waiting until we absolutely have to make a choice. At the end of the day, I have a wonderful public school that all of my children have gone to. I walk my children to school. We chose this town and this place because of that. Kent said she was co-chairwoman of the Remote Learning Academy PTA. I was in constant communication with parents and Mr. Cummings. I hate to be harsh, but I do feel like at the end of the school year, no one wanted to hear it anymore. The school board did not take into consideration voices they had been hearing. A parent survey received few responses, but there was less than 10 percent that said there would be no need for RLA in the fall. The rest of them all said maybe or yes. Fairfield is not alone in not offering a remote learning option this year. Bridgeport, Stratford, Shelton, New Haven and Bridgeport are among them. Old Saybrook Superintendent Jan Perruccio said in an email, We are still working on plans to provide remote learning for any students in quarantine. And Laurie Pallin, superintendent in Montville, said that, while remote learning will not be offered as a rule, we will provide remote learning for students who are quarantined or isolated due to COVID-19 in the upcoming year. White said the refusal to offer remote learning is a further insult to injury. The people who are most in need of protecting compromised people, elderly people, people with preexisting serious medical conditions, are those who are most likely to suffer severe consequences, both in terms of health and unemployment, she said. Weve had to remain isolated. Our lives have been obviously completely put on hold and yet were still grateful that were able to survive. But it is somewhat of a slap in the face to essentially be told, get out of our way; if youre not comfortable, stay home. And then at the same time also be kind of villainized, as though, if it werent for sick people, nobodys lives would have been affected by the pandemic. edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382 Correction: This story was edited to clarify that Andrea Clark is a spokeswoman for the Fairfield Public Schools. SHELTON Firefighters and officials from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection rescued a bald eagle in distress Saturday from the Housatonic River, according to the Shelton Fire Department. A crew of firefighters from Pine Rock Park assisted DEEP in helping the bald eagle, which was in the Housatonic River in the area of Wooster Island, fire officials said on Facebook. Eileen "Beanie" Babicki, 66, passed away peacefully at home on August 3, with her loving family by her side. Eileen was born in Niagara Falls, NY, on January 11, 1955. After high school Eileen enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where she met the love of her life, Dave. Eileen's great A suspected drug trafficker, Okafor Ebere Edith, has been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos with 35... A suspected drug trafficker, Okafor Ebere Edith, has been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos with 35 wraps of cocaine recovered from her underwear. She was busted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Saturday during the outward clearance of passengers on Air Cotevoire, to Monrovia, Liberia at the MMIA. Femi Babafemi, NDLEAs spokesman, in a statement on Sunday said the suspect who allegedly tucked the pellets of cocaine in her underwear to beat security checks at the Airport was however picked up for search and questioning during which the wraps of the illicit drug were found on her. During preliminary interview, she claimed her desire to make money pushed her into drug trafficking, Babafemi said. Meanwhile, Babafemi said acting on credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives from Kontagora Area Command of the Agency in the early hours of Thursday 29th July 2021 raided a warehouse at Mailefe village in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger state, where drug supplies for bandits operating in parts of the state were stored. He said after a thorough search of the warehouse, 125 bags of cannabis sativa were recovered while a man seen praying in front of the house fled into the forest when he sighted the narcotic officers from afar. Chairman/ Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the commanders, officers and men of the MMIA and Niger state commands of the Agency for their continued efforts in tracking down traffickers of illicit drugs in their areas of responsibility. He charged them and their counterparts in other commands to remain focussed and resolute in pursuit of the goal to rid Nigeria of illicit substances and drug related criminality. Popular Nigerian socialite and Bureau De Change operator, Ismail Mustapha alias Mompha said he was contacted by the Economic and Financial C... Popular Nigerian socialite and Bureau De Change operator, Ismail Mustapha alias Mompha said he was contacted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after Hushpuppi was arrested. Mompha stated this on Saturday night after appearing on Daddy Freezes Instagram LIVE. He said he was told by EFCC to delete his social media page and maintain a low profile after the incident. Ramon Abbass aka Hushpuppi was arrested by the FBI in Dubai and is facing criminal charges in the United States of conspiracy to launder money obtained through fraud. However, Mompha said Hushpuppis downfall came as a result of his stubbornness and high-handedness. When you are big, you are big. I was with FBI agents one-on-one on October 19, 2020. They questioned me but couldnt find any incriminating evidence. Remember that I was the one that brought Hushpuppi from Malaysia, since his arrest, people on social media have said that I will be arrested next. Some even go as far as tagging EFCC and FBI. On the day Hush was arrested, I received a lot of calls and tags from different people. EFCC had to call me directly to close down my social media and maintain a low profile. My case with EFCC was because someone felt the need to punish a big boy like me, all because of BDC. Nigerians on social media love to gossip and bad luck for rich people. And its not my fault that I come from a rich home, I have even hustled all my life, Mompha said. An East Syracuse-Minoa student gets his temperature taken as part of COVID screening in March. Dennis Nett/syracuse.com Upon first inspection, the mutations in the highly contagious delta COVID-19 variant dont look that worrisome. For starters, delta has fewer genetic changes than earlier versions of the coronavirus. When people saw that the epidemic in India was driven by delta, they did not suspect it would be so bad or overtake other variants, said Trevor Bedford, an evolutionary biologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. But those expectations were wrong. Delta has kept some of the most successful mutations found in earlier variants, but also contains new genetic changes that enable it to spread twice as fast. Delta is more dangerous in many ways. It has an incubation period of four days, rather than six, making people contagious sooner. When the pandemic began, people spread the original coronavirus to an average of two or three people. Today, people infected with delta infect six people, on average. As of this week, the delta variant had caused at least 92% of the new infections in the United States, according to covariants.org, a research firm in Bern, Switzerland. Although delta isnt necessarily any more lethal than other variants, it can kill huge numbers of people simply because it infects so many more, said Dr. Eric Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. Scientists have sequenced deltas mutations but are still trying to understand their significance, said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewans Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization. When we see the same mutations appearing repeatedly and independently, that suggests theyre important, Rasmussen said. The Spike protein Scientists have the best understanding of mutations on the so-called spike protein which sticks out from the surface of the virus like a club and which have been studied the most intensely because of its serious ramifications, Rasmussen said. The coronavirus uses the spike protein to enter human cells, and changes in the spike can help the virus evade antibodies. Scientists believe one of the most important areas of the spike is the receptor-binding domain, the specific part of the protein that allows the virus to latch onto a receptor on the surface of our cells, said Vaughn Cooper, a professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Pittsburgh. Receptors are like sockets or docking stations that allow proteins to interact with the cell. Once the virus gains entry to the cell, it can cause havoc, hijacking the cells genetic machinery and turning it into a virus-making factory. Deltas rapid spread is particularly surprising given it lacks two mutations that made earlier variants so scary. Delta doesnt have the N501Y spike mutation found in the alpha, beta and gamma variants, which enabled them to invade cells more successfully than the original virus. That mutation changed one amino acid a building block of proteins in the receptor-binding domain. Delta also lacks the E484K mutation, which has made the gamma variant so worrisome. This genetic change, sometimes called Eek, allows the virus to spread even among vaccinated people. (Scientists use the Greek alphabet to name variants of concern.) The D in delta stands for different and a detour to a different genomic mutation path, Topol said. But it doesnt mean doom, he said, noting that existing COVID vaccines remain mostly effective against the delta variant. Vaccines protect people from COVID by providing them with antibodies that attach themselves to the spike protein, preventing the virus from entering cells. By dramatically reducing the number of viruses that enter cells, vaccines can prevent people from developing severe disease and make them less infectious to others. Shared mutations Delta does share mutations with other successful variants. Like all the identified variants in circulation, delta contains a spike mutation called D614G, sometimes known as Doug, which became ubiquitous last year. Scientists think Doug increases the density of spike protein on the surface of viral particles and makes it easier for the virus to enter cells. Delta also has a spike mutation called P681R, which closely resembles a mutation in the alpha variant that appears to produce higher viral loads in patients, Cooper said. People infected with delta have 1,000 times more virus in their respiratory tract, making them more likely to spread the virus when they sneeze, cough or talk. The P681R mutation, also found in the kappa variant, is located at the beginning of a part of the genome called the furin cleavage site, Cooper said. Furin is a naturally occurring human enzyme that gets hijacked by the coronavirus, which uses it to slice the spike protein into the optimal shape for entering the cell, Rasmussen said. The new mutation makes that sculpting more efficient, Rasmussen said. Another delta mutation also found in kappa and epsilon is called L452R. Experiments suggest this mutation, which also affects the receptor-binding domain, acts to prevent antibodies from neutralizing the virus, Cooper said. These mutations appear to be more formidable as a team than alone. The genetic changes are certainly doing something, but why that combination makes the delta variant more fit is not entirely obvious, Bedford said. Putting them together seems to matter. Delta also has developed genetic changes not seen in other variants. One such spike mutation is called D950N. This might be unique, Cooper said. We dont see that anywhere else. The D950N mutation is different than other mutations because its located outside the receptor-binding domain in an area of the coronavirus genome that helps the virus fuse with human cells, Cooper said. Fusing with human cells allows the coronavirus to dump its genetic material into those cells. This mutation could affect which types of cells the virus infects, potentially allowing it to harm different organs and tissues. Mutations in this region are also associated with higher viral loads, Cooper said. Delta also contains mutations in a part of the spike protein called the N-terminal domain, which provides a supersite for antibodies to latch onto the virus and prevent it from entering cells, said Dr. Hana Akselrod, an infectious diseases specialist at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Mutations in this region make monoclonal antibodies less effective in treating COVID and increases the delta variants ability to escape vaccine-generated antibodies, Akselrod said. That may explain why vaccinated people are slightly more likely to become infected with delta, causing mostly mild illness but allowing them to transmit the virus. Its going to get worse Scientists say its impossible to predict exactly how delta will behave in the future, although Topol said, Its going to get worse. Topol noted that delta outbreaks tend to last 10 to 12 weeks, as the virus burns through susceptible populations. If the United States continues to follow a pattern seen in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, infections could rise from the current seven-day moving average of 42,000 cases to 250,000 a day. Yet Topol said the United States is unlikely to suffer the high death rates seen in India, Tunisia and Indonesia because nearly half the population here is fully vaccinated. While some studies have concluded that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine stimulates strong and persistent antibodies against delta, a new report found that antibodies elicited by one shot may not be enough to neutralize delta. Authors of that study, from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, suggested a second dose may be needed. Two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine protect 94% of people from any symptomatic infection by the alpha variant, compared with 88% against the delta variant, according to a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine. Two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine protect 75% of people from alpha and 67% from delta. Cooper said COVID-19 vaccines offer remarkably good protection. I will always celebrate these vaccines as the scientific achievements of my lifetime, he said. The best way to slow down the evolution of variants is to share vaccines with the world, vaccinating as many people as possible, Bedford said. Because viruses undergo genetic changes only when they spread from one host to another, stopping transmission denies them a chance to mutate. Whether the coronavirus evolves more deadly variants is totally in our hands, Cooper said. If the number of infections remains high, its going to continue to evolve. By failing to contain the virus through vaccination, wearing masks and avoiding crowds, people are allowing the coronavirus to morph into increasingly dangerous forms, said Dr. William Haseltine, a former Harvard Medical School professor who helped design treatments for HIV/AIDS. Its getting better, and were making it better, he said. Having half the population vaccinated and half unvaccinated and unprotected that is the exact experiment I would design if I were a devil and trying to design a vaccine-busting virus. It sounded frightening. The Israeli president thundered its a new kind of terrorism. The prime minister threatened strong action. The Israeli ambassador demanded that state governments in the United States bring the perpetrators to court. This wasnt about a missile strike or a cyberattack. It was about ice cream. Ben & Jerrys had announced that it would be ending production and sale of their treats in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israels response was extreme maybe, but not really surprising. This same Israeli government defines the global civil society boycott a nonviolent pressure campaign to stop Israels violations of international law and human rights as an existential threat. Apparently even when its about ice cream. In 2006, Israel created its Ministry of Strategic Affairs to respond to the alleged threat posed by Irans nuclear enrichment program. (Israel, not Iran, holds the only nuclear arsenal in the Middle East, but thats another story.) A few years later, the same ministry got a new assignment: stop the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, known as BDS. Its not really a nonviolent boycott of Chunky Monkey that Israel is worried about. Its bad publicity. Boycotts are protected by our Constitution and the Supreme Court. Theyve been used forever in this country from the Boston Tea Party to the Montgomery bus boycott to the boycott of apartheid South Africa. Other citizen boycotts are underway today targeting Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, Turkey, China and even the Tokyo Olympics. The BDS campaign targets Israel over its occupation of Palestinian lands, discrimination against Palestinian citizens in Israel, and denial of Palestinian refugees right to return to their homes. These human rights violations have led influential organizations including Human Rights Watch and the Israeli human rights organization Btselem to determine that Israel is guilty of the crime of apartheid. Israels real fear isnt about ice cream. Its the publicity that comes with boycotts supported by wildly popular brands like Cherry Garcia. Boycotts lead to people asking embarrassing questions. Whats the deal with Israeli settlements? If Palestinians are citizens of Israel, why dont they have the same rights as Jewish citizens? Why cant Palestinian refugees go home? The answers arent actually hard to find. About 700,000 Israelis now live in Jewish-only settlements in the Palestinian West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem. Theyre all illegal under international law. Palestinian citizens of Israel do have the right to vote. But many rights in Israel are determined not by citizenship but by nationality. If youre not Jewish, Israeli law says explicitly that many rights dont apply to you. And despite international law and U.N. resolutions mandating the right of Palestinian refugees like all people to return to their homes after a war, Israel refuses to allow dispossessed Palestinians to return home. But Jewish migrants from anywhere in the world whether or not they have ties to Israel are welcome to full citizenship. Israel worries when people ask those questions. Because the answers raise more questions about the legitimacy of Israel as a democracy or our best friend in the Middle East. Questions like: How can we be such close allies with a country whose prime minister said, Ive killed lots of Arabs in my life, and there is no problem with that? That leads to asking members of Congress why they send $3.8 billion of our tax money directly to the Israeli military every year. Shouldnt we condition that aid on ending human rights violations or cut it altogether? U.S. public opinion has changed dramatically on the subject, especially among Jews and Democrats. In a recent poll, 25% of Jewish voters agreed that Israel is an apartheid state, and 34% called Israels treatment of Palestinians racist. In another poll, 66% of Democrats want the United States to impose economic sanctions or take other action in response to Israeli settlements. Ben & Jerrys has a long history of social responsibility. Founded by progressive Jews, the company has supported the Black Lives Matter movement, environmental justice and a wide range of other causes. Pulling out of Israels illegal settlements, encouraged by a petition campaign in their home state of Vermont, is consistent with their history and U.S. public opinion. Who knew that ice cream could be so important? Phyllis Bennis directs the New Internationalism Project at the Institute for Policy Studies. Shes the author of Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Primer. She wrote this for InsideSources.com. Generations of New Orleanians remember makin groceries at Schwegmanns. This month marks 75 years since the opening of the original Schwegmann Brothers Giant Super Market at St. Claude and Elysian Fields the citys first supermarket. German immigrant John Garret Schwegmann opened his first neighborhood grocery store in Bywater in 1869. In 1891, he opened a store at Piety and Burgundy Streets. His sons and grandsons followed him into the business, most notably John Gerald Schwegmann, who was born above the Piety and Burgundy store where the family lived. John Gerald Schwegmann along with his brother Paul and business partner Wilfred Meyer built the familys first giant supermarket at St. Claude and Elysian Fields. Opened on Aug. 23, 1946, the 40,000-square-foot store dwarfed the corner stores which were commonplace at the time. An Airline Highway store opened in 1950, followed by a mammoth store on Old Gentilly Road in 1957. By 1978, the supermarket chain had grown to 10 local stores, with sales of over $250 million a year. Schwegmann, who died in 1995, also was a state lawmaker and Public Service Commissioner. His son John F. Schwegmann also served on the PSC and took over the company in 1979. The supermarket chain sold to out-of-state investors in 1997 and closed soon after. Blake Pontchartrain: The history of New Orleans' Eiffel Tower restaurant The restaurant closed in 1989 and the space became an event facility later known as the Red Room and Cricket Club. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Louisiana received hundreds of millions of dollars in federal cash to assist renters struggling with job losses and slashed paychecks because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the aid has been slow to reach tenants and landlords. Across two federal relief packages from Congress, Louisiana is receiving $550 million to help tenants and landlords. Only about $50 million in rental and utility assistance has been paid out so far, according to data provided by Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration, which is in charge of administering much of the aid. Getting the money out has a new urgency as the federal ban on evictions in place since September expired over the weekend, raising worries that thousands across Louisiana who fell behind on rent payments during the COVID-19 outbreak could soon be homeless without assistance. +4 With eviction moratorium ending and rental aid delays, some fear a 'homelessness disaster' A federal moratorium on evictions for failure to pay rent is set to expire over the weekend, as COVID cases surge and tens of thousands of deb Welcome to my nightmare, said Andreanecia Morris, president of the advocacy organization HousingLOUISIANA. Theres no excuse for this. Theres no rationalization for this. Its about helping people meet a basic need under the worst set of circumstances. And if you didnt have the money, it would be one thing. But you do." Of Louisiana's federal rental aid allocation, about $350 million is earmarked to programs overseen by the Louisiana Housing Corporation and the governors Division of Administration, with a contractor hired to manage the effort. The remaining dollars are going directly to the seven largest parishes Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany to run their own programs. Rental assistance can go toward past-due rent and utility fees, along with some future rent payments. Information about the state-run program across 57 parishes is available at LAStateRent.com or by calling 877-459-6555. The other seven parishes have different websites and portals. Through July 26, $17 million in rental and utility assistance had been paid through the state-administered program, according to the Louisiana Housing Corporation. Nearly 24,000 tenants started applications for the aid, but only 3,100 have been approved. Across the seven parish-run programs, $33 million in aid was disbursed through July 23, according to data from the Edwards administration. Of more than 36,000 applications received by parishes, 7,400 have been approved. Edwards, a Democrat, released a statement last week urging people who might be eligible to apply: It is important that our residents know that there are resources available to them. Desiree Honore Thomas, an assistant commissioner with the Division of Administration, believes many people were able to pay their rent with the boosted federal pandemic unemployment benefits that Edwards ended Saturday. She expects demand to now increase for rental aid. Joe Biden to allow eviction moratorium to expire this weekend BOSTON (AP) The Biden administration will allow a nationwide ban on evictions to expire Saturday, arguing that its hands are tied after the But she also suggested the program has been difficult to administer because it's managed through a federal agency that doesn't traditionally run housing programs, with new sets of guidance released monthly. Edwards administration officials said they're working to advertise the assistance, with radio spots, outreach to landlord organizations and teams attending public community meetings, COVID-19 vaccination events and other gatherings to provide information. Workers at a call center are reaching out to people who started but did not complete applications for aid, to try to help them finish the submission. I think weve gotten into a rhythm of making it a lot easier. Certainly, I would want to see more money on the street today, and I think as you are watching the pandemic soar again, I do think you will see more utilization, Thomas said. Morris believes the governor should have done more personally to promote the assistance and fix problems when it became obvious money was moving too slowly. She said state and local officials have provided too little support to help people navigate the application. And she argues a bias against the poor, often minority communities that need rental help, is worsening the sluggish pace of aid. This isnt complicated. But you have to believe at your core that this is important, not as rhetoric, not as platitude, not as pandering, she said. Protesters demand eviction court closures as City Hall's rental assistance lags Immigrants facing housing insecurity and their advocates gathered at City Hall Thursday night to protest the end of the federal eviction moratorium. Edwards briefly enacted a state halt on eviction proceedings that expired in June 2020. The longer federal ban ended Saturday. Advocacy organizations urged Edwards to enact another state moratorium until the pace of rental assistance improved. But that didn't happen. Recent U.S. Census data showed more than 62,000 Louisiana residents expressing concern they could be evicted over the next two months and more than 97,000 households saying they were behind on rent payments. ___ EDITORS NOTE: Melinda Deslatte has covered Louisiana politics for The Associated Press since 2000. Follow her at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte. When Charlene Crump Sanchez tested positive for the coronavirus last year, it seemed certain she would recover quickly. She was just 45 and in good health. After working long days at St. Margarets nursing home, she still cooked up a storm and was still able to keep pace with her 12-year-old daughter, Star. Nothing kept her down, said her older daughter, Bresha Crump, 26, recalling how her mom got a knee replacement and walked on it the very next day. Still, Bresha recalls, the COVID diagnosis was frightening. The pandemic was brand new. Eleven days earlier, New Orleans had mourned its first known coronavirus victim. Then local hospitals started to fill up. Many of the people most vulnerable to the virus, then as now, were the elderly. To date, the average age for all Louisiana coronavirus victims is 74. Crump Sanchez, three decades younger than that state average, died from the virus on March 25, 2020. Bresha got the news and fainted on the front lawn. Within the hour, hundreds of people took to social media to express their shock. Oh my God, Nooooooo, friends posted. This one hurts. Her death is an example of how coronavirus has impacted Black communities differently, killing outsized proportions of young and middle-aged Black people. Even as cases surge among unvaccinated people due to the delta variant, experts believe that most patterns of the last year are likely to hold true, because they are based on longtime workplace, demographic and healthcare-system dynamics. +8 'The impact of work': On-the-job coronavirus exposure a key driver in Black, Latino communities Because it was a nice afternoon in March, Katrina Llorens Joseph and her husband Albert decided to sit outside for lunch at the Subway restaur Louisiana is home to twice as many White people as Black people. But last year, about two-thirds of the Louisianans under 65 who died from COVID were Black. The situation is flipped for COVID victims over 65, two-thirds of whom were White, according to data from the Louisiana Department of Health. What that means is the per-capita death rate for younger Black adults for last year was nearly four times the death rate of Whites of the same age, while death rates for Black seniors were roughly equal to those of Whites ages 65 and over. Exposure a key Theres no single explanation for the differences. The prevailing theories are rooted in Louisianas deep structural inequities, which create different living and working conditions for Black and White residents and elicit different responses from the healthcare system for those who get sick. Many researchers believe workplace infection is the biggest factor. Black workers are more likely to have frontline jobs that expose them to the virus. And if they become infected, they are more likely to bring it home to more dense, multigenerational households in predominantly Black neighborhoods, where residents have less access to emergency rooms and primary-care doctors. Blacks in younger age ranges are more likely to have the type of jobs that put them at risk, said health-equity expert Thomas LaVeist, dean of the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. He ticked off a few of those jobs: healthcare providers, transit drivers, grocery clerks, kitchen crews and service workers of all types. Epidemiologist David Michaels, a former head of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also links higher death rates for younger Black people to higher rates of workplace infection. People who are not exposed to COVID-19 dont get sick, said Michaels, now a professor at George Washington University. Months into the pandemic, state data indicated that Black people were contracting the virus at three times the rates of White people. The official database no longer shows that sort of disparity even for majority-Black parishes such as Orleans, where Black people make up 60% of the population but only 52% of cases, and East Baton Rouge, where Black people make up 46% of population and 45% of cases. But because of the pandemics large number of undiagnosed people 4.8 people infected for every reported single case, according to a National Institutes of Health study published last month LaVeist believes that Black infection rates, most stemming from the workplace, have stayed at a higher level undetected in official data. Infectious-disease researcher Greg Millett, vice president of the Foundation for AIDS Research, found in a study of disproportionately Black counties that as unemployment rates increased, COVID rates went down. If youre not working, it reduces your risk, he said. A web of factors African American doctors in local hospitals are studying COVID disparities carefully. Dr. Krystle Pew, a pulmonary and critical-care medicine fellow at LSU School of Medicine who studies health equity, has found that Black patients were more likely to be ventilated. She is trying to determine the reasons for that. Early in the pandemic, some outspoken experts hypothesized that the racially disproportionate impacts of COVID were largely due to higher rates of comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension among Black Louisianans. Research has shown that the role of such underlying conditions in COVID cases is one piece of a complex societal puzzle. We had to take a step back and broaden our view, Pew said. A few different analyses, including one done in Louisiana last year by Dr. Eboni Price-Haywood using data from Ochsner Health Center, have found that, once hospitalized, Black COVID-19 patients were less likely than others to die, despite higher rates of underlying conditions. Another 2020 study from a Bronx hospital also found no difference in mortality rates between Black and White patients. Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Price-Haywood also found that Black patients were more likely to have been diagnosed with COVID for the first time in the emergency room. Pew attributes that to life circumstances. Many Black workers do not have the luxury to say, I will not go to work today, she said. So many of their first interactions were in the emergency department. They came in later. Trying to fit a clinic appointment into a workday can be particularly hard for those who dont have a regular primary-care doctor, she said. Default set to White Another contributing factor: Pew and her colleagues noticed more Black patients coming in with low blood-oxygen levels, because their oximeters the crucial little pandemic machine that clips onto a finger gave a false reading. As it turns out, darker skin pigment affects the accuracy of oximeters, which use light beams to estimate pulse rates and blood-oxygen levels. Calibrated for light skin, oximeters gave falsely high rates in darker-skinned people, obscuring the condition known as hypoxemia and likely delaying medical treatments like supplemental oxygen. A study published in December in the New England Journal of Medicine found that, compared with White patients, Black patients were three times as likely to have severe hypoxemia not detected by pulse oximeters. In February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an alert to patients and healthcare providers about the devices accuracy. Long-used medical algorithms that guide doctors decisions also often amplify risks for Black patients, overlooking lower lung capacity, making them less likely to be qualified as kidney donors or to be steered away from surgery or more aggressive screening procedures, according to research published in August in The New England Journal of Medicine. Through whats known as race correction, diagnostic algorithms are regularly used by physicians to guide clinical decisions. LaVeist, from Tulane, remembers being in a hospital and seeing a radiology tech plug a race corrected formula into a machine before scanning a Black patient relying on an algorithm that assumes greater bone density for Black people. LaVeist sees parallels in discussions about COVIDs racial disparities, which he attributes largely to workplace infection. But some people are operating from the assumption that theres something about African American people thats causing the difference, he said. Dr. Angela McLean, a professor of clinical medicine at the LSU School of Medicine and a native of the Lower 9th Ward, saw how hospital access made a difference. From the Lower 9 or New Orleans East, travel times to a hospital could be so long that breathing became considerably more labored in transit, she said. I heard stories of how it would take an hour or so to get to the hospital, with oxygen levels dropping. McLean also believes that the pandemic took a greater toll on COVID-infected people who lacked relationships with primary-care physicians, a group that skews disproportionately Black. If you already know this patient, you know that they sound a little bit more short of breath than usual, she said. Or youd already know that this patient would not be calling if they werent really sick. +9 How housing patterns may partly explain coronavirus's outsized impact on Black Louisianans When Thomas LaVeist, head of the Tulane School of Public Health, thinks about the spread of the coronavirus in New Orleans, he conjures up a Similarly, Angela Chalk, the founder of Healthy Community Services, began collecting stories when Black neighbors even those she knew to be persistent sought care for COVID and were turned away at least two times. Pew believes in looking back at those moments, to examine how healthcare providers determined hospital admittance or treatment. We dont treat everyone the same, Pew said. Two people who look different can present to the hospital with similar numbers and similar presentations, and one gets admitted and one gets sent home. In the case of Crump Sanchez, she was sent home twice by doctors, then admitted to a hospital, where she died. 'Not really for the old' Crump Sanchezs family assumes she contracted the virus at work. When her name was added to the grim roster of COVID deaths compiled by the Orleans Parish Coroners Office, a full third of the list 21 people, at the time were younger than 60. All were Black. When Charlene died, it became clear that the coronavirus wasnt really for the old people, like they had said, said Crump Sanchezs close friend, Dana Pajeaud, 47. Its unbelievable to me how many people we know have buried people young over the past year or so, she said. The same pattern of racial disparities by age holds true nationally, according to an extensive study led by Mary Bassett, a professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Overall life expectancy in the U.S. was reduced by 1.5 years because of the virus. Because of higher COVID-19 mortality rates especially higher rates at younger ages the national decrease in life expectancy in 2020 was three times higher for Black people, whose life expectancy at birth declined by nearly three years, from age 74.7 to 71.8 years. Since younger COVID victims are more likely to have young children, Bassett found these deaths especially damaging. Robust evidence documents the transgenerational adverse impacts of parental death at younger ages on their childrens economic and health trajectories, the study noted. Our data underscore that COVID-19 will likely exacerbate these harms. Star Sanchez, now 13, thinks back to the way her mother over-celebrated every holiday, decorating the house, cooking stuffed shrimp and peppers, and picking movies to watch together. What wouldnt she do? Star said. Her older sister Bresha said that she still doesnt understand why her mother died so young. But after receiving 25 years of her mothers love and devotion, she is dedicated to nurturing her little sister in the same way. When I talk to God now, my prayers are totally different, Bresha said. I ask Him for my moms characteristics to help with Star. Because I want to raise Star like my mom raised me. We may live in the middle of America's dumb belt, but a political anomaly gives Louisiana a saving grace. The dumb belt is that great swath of the country where millions of people disdain simple precautions that could reduce the ravages of the coronavirus. The political anomaly is John Bel Edwards. He does happen to be the Deep South's only Democratic governor, and his Legislature is dominated by Republicans, but that's not what makes him an oddity. Edwards appears to be a rational and decent fellow, and you can't say that for everyone in the State Capitol. That legislators managed to convene Louisiana's first veto session is proof that many would like to destroy Edwards. It was a squeaker but, in the end, all efforts to overturn him came up short. One of the vetoed bills would have outlawed vaccine passports, which are now becoming all the rage, albeit in the face of vigorous protests that they infringe the rights guaranteed to citizens of the United States. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry so believes and has threatened to sue a Monroe medical school if it requires students to be vaccinated. If Landry opposes vaccine passports, that should be good enough for anybody. They are 100% legal. Nobody ever mistook Landry for a legal colossus, and such are his political ambitions that he seems ready to oppose any measure likely to meet Edwards' approval. Luckily, there are brainy guys around here who do know what they are talking about on vaccine passports. One of them is Tulane Professor Joel Friedman, a specialist in labor law, who says that they are perfectly OK and very sound public health policy. Legal challenges to them are virtually guaranteed to fail. Indeed, if a hospital, say, eschews vaccine mandates it could wind up paying damages to patients exposed to infected staff. Consoling though it is to have smart law professors, and a level-headed governor, we must still live with the inconveniences of life among the anti-vaxxers. But for them, we could have had the virus under control by now instead of reaching for our masks again as more and more people get sick and die. Mask mandates take away their freedom, the objectors say, while their goofy attitude forces everyone else to adopt a circumscribed lifestyle. State Rep. Kathy Edmonston, R-Gonzales, whose bill banning government discrimination against the unvaccinated passed comfortably, adopted the cockeyed patriot's familiar line in justifying it as a defense of the rights and freedoms that are God-given and also given by the Constitution. Whether it was the Almighty or the Founding Fathers who got there first is an eternal puzzlement, but the Edmonston theory makes us the chosen people. It's lucky nobody beat us to that title. There is no denying that a vaccination requirement is discriminatory, as three recalcitrant students at the Monroe medical school in Landry's sights complain. Discrimination against a few mavericks who pose a threat to the health of others is just common sense and, according to Friedman, entirely legal. Of course, citizens are entitled to refuse vaccination, but they should be brave enough to accept the consequences. The rest of us are not obliged to sit back while they drone on about their supposed rights and spread deadly disease. Produce your vaccine passport at the door or get lost. Email James Gill at gill504nola@gmail.com. Yes, its time for vaccine mandates. You can call it segregation. You can call it interference. You can call it a disregard for liberty and personal freedom. I call it survival. When people were getting sick with breathing difficulties, coughs and fever or sore throats, aches and pains or even a loss of smell or taste, we werent sure what was going on early in the pandemic. As we public health professionals and scientists got more information, stay-at-home orders and more restrictions were quick to follow. An epidemic quickly became a global pandemic. Things got bad, fast. If you dont remember this, I suggest you ask friends and neighbors who lost family and loved ones. Im pretty certain those who are honest will tell you it was something like whats happening now and thats a good reason to learn from our recent history and take the steps necessary to avoid a catastrophe. No one wants it, but its obvious now that had we done what we needed to do earlier and long enough we wouldnt have lost more than 600,000 Americans and nearly 11,000 Louisianans to the coronavirus. Do we really want to see more sickness, pain and death? Thats why we need vaccine mandates. Im pleased to see federal and state governments require masking in public facilities. About 50 national health organizations called for vaccine mandates, not because they want to infringe on anyones rights but because theyre responsible for keeping us healthy. Its good to see some hospitals tightening safety protocols, but thats not the same as making patients comfortable that all health professionals are vaccinated. Its good to see DJ Soul Sister requiring proof of vaccination at her popular Friday Night Fever parties at the Hi-Ho in New Orleans. Its great to see Tipitina's, Maple Leaf Bar and d.b.a requiring vaccination proof, or a recent negative COVID-19 test. But there should be so many businesses mandating vaccine proof that its no longer news anytime another announces a vaccine policy. If we dont get more businesses making decisions like this, were forcing Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and elected leaders at the parish and local level to establish vaccine mandates. Just recently, the number of coronavirus cases in the United States had exploded 146%. That made it easier for more than 36,000 people to be hospitalized because of the virus, a 73% increase. As a result, the number of people who died skyrocketed 11%. In Louisiana, in just 14 days, the number of cases went up 256%. The number of virus-related deaths jumped 72% in that same time. Our U.S. vaccination rate is 49%. Our Louisiana vaccination rate continues to be one of the lowest in the nation at about 41% of all state residents who have had at least one vaccine dose. Fortunately, more of our families and friends are getting vaccinated as they hear the bad news, decide they dont want to die and take advantage of some creative incentives. Recently, week over week, there was a 153% increase in vaccinations. Thats great to see. Unfortunately, the delta variant is so bad that even a few vaccinated have been infected. They wont be as likely to suffer as much as the more than 90% of hospitalized COVID patients who are unvaccinated. What are we waiting for? How much data and information and science do we need to see that not enough is changing fast enough to prevent a COVID disaster before summer ends? I seriously doubt the governor wants to rapidly ramp up restrictions again, but if we dont have a lot more businesses and other institutions and entities stepping up quickly, thats just what were going to get. Joan (Swart) Rowe died August 2, 2021. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan March 19, 1932. She married Wayne Rowe and had three children: David, and his wife Hilde, of Wiesbaden, Germany; Stephen, and his wife Debbie, of Olympia, Washington; and Anna Rowe Love, of Norman and Fife Lake, Mi Williamsport, Pa. - The pomp and circumstance of college graduation returns for Pennsylvania College of Technology at downtown Williamsport. The Summer 2021 Commencement ceremony on Sat., Aug. 7, for the more than 200 students who have petitioned to graduate. The in-person ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Community Arts Center. The event is open to students who are registered to participate and ticketed guests. Unvaccinated individuals must wear face masks. The event will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend. The student speaker for the ceremony will be Larcynina De Guzman Bitner of Mill Hall, who will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree as a physician assistant. Bitner, a Deans List student, is originally from the Philippines where she earned a bachelors degree in biology, and a Doctor of Medicine degree, and completed a medical internship. After moving to Pennsylvania in 2010, she worked as a phlebotomist for Jersey Shore Hospital and later as a microbiology analyst for West Pharmaceutical Services. She also joined the Army National Guard as a motor transport specialist. She was accepted into the pre-physician assistant program at Penn College in 2019. While performing clinical rotations, she simultaneously enrolled at Saint Francis University for a Master of Medical Science, graduating in May. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, the Penn College Veterans Club and the Penn College Physician Assistant Club. She is a recipient of the Richard and Mildred Taylor Memorial Scholarship. During the ceremony, the college will present an Alumni Achievement Award to LaQuinn N. Thompson of York, who earned a bachelors degree in applied human services in 2016. Thompson recently became the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) elective instructor for fifth- and sixth-grade students at Lincoln Charter School, York. Previously he served as director of community outreach for St. Matthew Lutheran Church in York. He is also the founder of The B.E.A.S.T. Initiative, an esports/gaming youth program with the mission to bring the community together through gaming. Degrees will be conferred upon graduates by President Davie Jane Gilmour, assisted by Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the Penn College Board of Directors. More about commencement can be found here. Business Primary issue for local employers right now is growth of the workforce Doug Walker F&P Georgia has set up a tent in a vacant lot on North Broad Street to try to attract employees. Tina Roberson (left) and Jimmy Beard said Wednesday the company had already hired close to 20 people who stopped by for information. Doug Walker The Now Hiring sign at the entrance to Cato in Mount Berry Mall, complete with applications on a desk, is illustrative of the demand for workers in the local job market. Missy Kendrick Pam Powers-Smith Workforce development has been a buzz phrase in economic development circles for the last several years. Skillsets are important to employers, but the reality of the current job market is that the number of workers in the Rome, Floyd County and Northwest Georgia community has to be increased. At the end of June, the Georgia Department of Labor reported the unemployment rate in Floyd County was 4.2%. The state also reported that 41,826 Floyd County residents were employed somewhere, not necessarily inside Floyd County. Another 1,821 were unemployed and actively seeking a job. Job postings on the Rome Floyd Chamber website totaled 149 on Tuesday of this past week. The Department of Labor said there were 892 job listings in Floyd County on its EmployGeorgia.com site. Based on the data available at the end of June, if all of those jobs were filled by Floyd County residents who are in the job market, the unemployment rate would dip to a historic low of 2.1%. When recruiting new industry, Rome-Floyd County Development Authority President Missy Kendrick usually quotes potential workforce numbers that include residents of contiguous counties, some even further away. Some companies anticipate being able to attract workers who live as much as an hours drive away from the plant site. If you go 60 minutes out, our labor force is about 2 million, so thats the draw area, Kendrick said. More than 17,400 people who work in Rome and Floyd County actually commute from outside the county. Conversely, more than 19,900 Rome and Floyd County residents work outside of the county. Existing industries that are seeking to expand have a real challenge competing for new employees with other existing industries who may also be expanding. All it takes is for them to increase their wages by a little bit and then (others) could potentially lose employees because of it, Kendrick said. Given current labor market conditions, existing companies are also concerned about the potential for a new company to come into town with a couple hundred higher paying jobs and lure some of their workforce away. The Rome Floyd Chambers Greater Rome Existing Industries Association will be hosting a job fair on Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Georgia Northwestern Technical College conference center. Pam Powers-Smith is director of business and industry services at the chamber. She said GREIA leaders decided to wait until mid-August to allow people who may have been out of the workforce since the pandemic took hold to do the math after their federal unemployment supplement checks were cut off. At least 10 industries are already registered to be on hand for the job fair and she expects that number to go higher. If it draws more people then I think it will be a good indication that people are finally looking again, Powers-Smith said. F&P Georgia, a local automotive industry supplier, has set up a tent in a vacant lot on North Broad Street to try to sign up new employees. It seems to be working. Tina Roberson, who was working the tent with Jimmy Beard, said Wednesday the company had found close to 20 employees who learned about the jobs driving by the tent. Powers-Smith attended a special workforce data meeting at the Georgia Power Economic Development facility in Atlanta a week and a half ago. She returned with all kinds of information to help communities connect people with jobs. The Georgia Power data was developed by EMSI, Economic Modeling Specialists International. One of the statistics that jumps out of the report is that the largest Floyd County demographic when it comes to unemployment are those in the 25 to 34 age group. Those millennials accounted for 27.5% of the unemployment in Floyd County near the end of June. Those in the 35 to 44 bracket follow closely behind, at 21.9% of those who are out of a job. Among the unemployed locally at the end of the June, 56% were women and 43.5% were Black. Powers-Smith said a lot of the manufacturers she works with are trying to do programming to attract more women to the field. Really, to solve that, we need to go all the way back to the college and career academies to teach the girls while they are young that they can be engineers, she said. Weve got to take them to the companies and let them see the work with their own eyes. The top employers in Floyd County last month were Floyd Healthcare Management, Berry College, Harbin Clinic, Rome City Schools, Floyd County and Redmond Regional Medical Center. Ironically, Floyd Healthcare Management was also at the top of the list of employers with active job postings. Redmond Regional, PruittHealth and Walmart also made the local list. Community leaders have placed a lot of emphasis on quality-of-life issues in recent years in an effort to retain some of the young talent that is graduating from the local high schools and colleges. Wright Edge, a member of the staff at the Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy, said a number of local industries have been extremely helpful in assisting with curriculum development to meet their specific employment needs. Local industries also have played a major role in the development of career pathways at the Rome academy, said Misty Tucker, associate principal at Rome High and director of the Rome College and Career Academy. We did a lot of research with the Department of Labor and looked across Rome and Northwest Georgia not only at high-demand jobs, but high-wage jobs, Tucker said. She added that the academy continually evaluates the regional job market because the needs will always be changing and the CCA wants to be in a position to be able to respond and help meet the needs. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by subscribing. SoHo, NoHo and New York: The city must grow, if it has any hope of growing more affordable Roseburg, OR (97470) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 88F. N winds at less than 5 mph, increasing to 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 64F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Roseburg, OR (97470) Today Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High 88F. N winds at less than 5 mph, increasing to 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 64F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. UPDATED GUIDANCE: On Tuesday, July 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus in response to the spread of the delta variant of the virus. The agency recommends fully immunized people wear face masks in public indoor settings of substantial or high transmission of the virus. Other recommendations for vaccinated people include masking regardless of community spread levels if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19; if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated; if they have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to be tested 3-5 days after exposure and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result; indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools. To learn more, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html To get to the top of the business world, sometimes you've got to dig deep, and Ziese & Sons Excavating really knows how to make the earth move under their feet. After nearly 50 years in the excavation business, the company was chosen this year for induction into the Northwest Indiana Business & Industry Hall of Fame. Kenneth R. Ziese said the company was started in the early 1970s by his dad, Kenneth D., and mom Jean. The elder Ziese was a full-time electrician, and the couple also operated a hobby farm on their 15-acre property in Crown Point, with a few head of cattle. But Ziese was looking for something else to do. "He liked heavy equipment, so he decided to do excavating," the younger Ziese said. "He was always working, and, eventually, decided something had to go. He stuck with the excavating and electrical work. My brother Zach and I were in high school by that time, and we helped out." Both boys went off to other things for a while, Zach to work for others and Ken to college at Purdue and Valpo Tech, but they returned to help their dad grow the business, getting involved in more new residential construction, ranging from digging basements and sewers to septic systems and driveways and anything else needed for a home. "When we started, we were mostly a local business, but, when we took over in 2005, we started to go more national, and now we're in 28 states and Canada," Jesus said. With new packaging equipment, the business went from 200,000 tortillas a day to about a million, and from seven or eight employees to 35 or 40. "As kids we were there helping and doing what we could, from cleaning the equipment to cleaning the bathrooms," Jesus said. "It's something we learned early, and some of us joined the business and others went on to be successful in other things." Of the success of the business, Maria said, "I'm grateful to God that the kids did not have to suffer. Whatever they needed, we were able to give them. It was a lot of work between my husband and myself, but it was worth it." Of the Hall of Fame induction, she said, "We never expected this. It was a great surprise when the kids told us. We are so grateful." Strack and Van Til stores were among the first to sign on to receive the Martinez's tortillas, and Dave Wilkinson, Strack's chief operating officer, said, "They've always provided a high quality product at a very reasonable price." "They've served Strack and Van Til very well, and they are very worthy of the Hall of Fame," Wilkinson said. "I can't remember a time when they weren't in our stores, and I've been here 50 years. We look forward to 50 more years of service and quality products." Love 8 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 The bank brought in $33.4 million in non-interest expense, or 2.18% of average assets. Horizon Bank delivered 1.45% increased return on average assets and 12.59% return on average common equity. Expected net interest margin compression in the second quarter continued to reflect pressure on total earning assets as we invested significant liquidity in lower-yielding assets. This was partially offset by a four basis point increase in average loan yields and a five basis point reduction in our already low average cost of interest-bearing liabilities, Dwight said. Horizon Bank grew its total noninterest income to $15.2 million, up 9.6% from the previous quarter and 36.7% year over year. It pulled in $5.6 million in mortgage loan sale and $1.15 million in net mortgage servicing income, posting another strong quarter of mortgage activity after record residential lending last year. The bank had $3.36 billion worth of loans at the end of the second quarter, down from $3.42 billion at the end of the first quarter as more Paycheck Protection Program loans were forgiven. The renovation of the cafe at our East Chicago location would not have been possible without the financial support of our community partners, said Louie Gonzalez, chancellor of Ivy Techs Lake County campus. This donation by Horseshoe Casino helped us put the finishing touches on the upgrades to this space. Many of our students are busy attending classes and holding down a job, so that doesnt leave much time for going somewhere to eat. No one functions well when hungry. This cafe will give them healthy, reasonably priced meal options. We are grateful to the Horseshoe for partnering with us to feed our students both in body and mind. Popa, 61, also attributes her success since taking the helm to her many years in community service, what she learned from it and the relationships shes developed along the way. Among her community service roles, she has been instrumental in organizing several projects in downtown Highland to help increase traffic for the retail business district, ultimately improving the quality of life for area residents. In 2003, Popa created Downtown Ducks, a public art project that earned her the Governors Award for Volunteerism. After being inspired by a similar Chicago Cow project, Popa wrote a business plan and scaled it down to fit the town and its budget. With the proceeds from that project, the town commissioned its neon downtown gateway sign. The Downtown Ducks public art project is very near and dear to my heart because I got to know so many people in the art community who have enriched my life and taught me the importance of art and culture and how much it adds to the quality of life of the community, she said. She jokes that she feels like an artist trapped in a sheet metal womans body. CROWN POINT A Chicago woman could avoid prison time after pleading guilty Wednesday in connection with a crash in 2019 in Hammond that left two of her passengers dead. Catherine Perez, 21, admitted she began chasing a red vehicle that had sideswiped her vehicle Oct. 7, 2019, when she struck the front of a semitrailer on southbound Indianapolis Boulevard at 108th Street. Mia Rodriguez, 18, and Emely Perez, 17, both of Chicago, both passengers in Catherine Perez's gray Buick LaSabre, were killed in the crash. Perez admitted she blew through several traffic signals as she chased the red vehicle, including a red light at the intersection where she hit the semi, according to her plea agreement. According to charging documents, the Buick's data recorder showed Perez was traveling at 73 mph and didn't brake leading up to the crash. She pleaded guilty to one count of reckless homicide, a level 5 felony. In exchange for her plea, Lake County prosecutors agreed to dismiss two counts of reckless homicide. If Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez accepts Perez's plea agreement, he could sentence her to one to six years. Hoosier parents of children age 12 and younger may be able to get the state to pay a large share of their child care and early education expenses into next year. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration recently announced its "Build, Learn, Grow" initiative, which offers scholarships to connect eligible children from working families to high-quality early education and out-of-school programs, will continue until March 2022, instead of ending in October. The scholarships, which are available immediately, cover 80% of tuition at participating early care and education programs. More than 40,000 of the 50,000 scholarships have not yet been claimed. To qualify, an adult in the household must work in an essential business (such as health care, retail, restaurants, media, manufacturing, logistics and many others), and have a household income less than 250% of the federal poverty level, or $66,250 for a family of four, $54,900 for a family of three, or $43,550 for a family of two. Families with incomes between 251% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for 60% of costs covered, and those with incomes greater than 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for 20% of costs covered. That choice has been left up to parents to make for the 2021-2022 school year by multiple districts, but the option for virtual learning is not as accessible as it was last year. Calli Puotra, a mother of two students in the MSD of Boone Township, said returning to in-person learning is "ideal," but she feels she has to pick between her childrens education and their health. "And I will pick my kids' well being over anything," she said. Without a virtual learning option, Puotra feels as if her choices have been taken away. She said she doesnt want to live in fear, but she believes strongly in letting science be her guide. Both her 8- and 9-year-old children went to day camp this summer, but schools have more kids, and Puotra said she doesnt see how the kids will stay socially distanced in the hallways, for example. Her plan is to send her unvaccinated children to school wearing masks, but recognizes that without a rule in place their mask-wearing may not be as consistent. Teachers are there to teach and not monitor masks all day, she said, so she wants to be sensitive to that, but she described the situation as "hard." MERRILLVILLE Efforts to beautify and promote the municipality have town officials looking at major roadways. The town has had conversations about having Merrillville emblazoned on bridges in the community. We talked about branding the town and putting illuminated letters up on the bridge railings over (Interstate) 65 at a couple locations (such as 61st and 93rd avenues) and (U.S.) 30, Merrillville Engineering Administrator Steve King said. He said other communities, including Michigan City and Valparaiso, have similar signage in place, and it can help motorists know where they are, so the name jumps out at them and just branding the town. Town Councilman Shawn Pettit said he has investigated the project with King, and they are expected to soon meet to advance the matter. King said Merrillville also is collaborating with the Indiana Department of Transportation on the signage because they will be placed on roads in which INDOT has jurisdiction. They are in favor of the project, King said. He said there is a permitting process Merrillville will have to follow, and the town will work with INDOT to locate service points and design the signage. More than 51,000 evictions have been filed in Indiana since March 2020, despite a statewide eviction moratorium from March 19 to August 14, 2020, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's decision to extend an eviction moratorium until July 31, according to data from the Eviction Lab. "In a community that has a fair market rental rate that is 90% more expensive than the rest of the state and has seen rent averages increase nearly 7% in the last seven years, halting evictions and providing rental assistance was important to the communities we serve during a time when so many were unable to work, Roman Hass said. "Unfortunately, Gary residents especially those in communities of color are still dealing with unemployment and other pandemic-related issues, so it remains important that they can stay in their homes as long as possible and that landlords follow the laws regarding evictions." Ryszka told the council that city mowing crews make the volunteers jobs more difficult. I saw the mowers, and theyre running over garbage, and its spewing everywhere, she said. The mowing crew told her they dont have time to pick up the trash because theyre so understaffed. Another time, a can shot out from under a mower and hit her car. Im not trying to throw anybody under the bus, Ryszka said. We all need to do our part. After the council meeting, Shinn suggested she get mowing schedules from the citys maintenance departments so volunteers can pick up litter beforehand. Nora, I cant thank you enough for what youve done with this program, Councilman Don Przybylinski, D-At-Large, said. Youre an inspirational model citizen. Pryzbylinski, who put Ryszkas team in touch with the citys code enforcement officers, said he has certain routes to pick up trash on a daily basis. Council President Michael Mack, D-3rd, helped Barker Middle School students pick up trash. That was one of the most rewarding things Im done in quite some time, he said. By the time it was done, those kids were so happy with cleaning up so much trash. The program, Martin said, teaches the ABCs of safe sleep alone, on their back and in their crib and enables the department to give cribs to parents and caregivers in need. The program is just the beginning, Martin said, as there are plans to have more car seat technicians come to the department to allow for more car seat inspections, as well as give car seats to residents in need. From there, Martin said the department plans to assess how the Dyer community from kids to senior citizens is doing when it comes to understanding "the risks and exposures that are out there when it comes to fire prevention in the home." "The norm for most fire departments in the past has been, we have Fire Prevention Week, right?" Martin said. "One week is not enough. It needs to be a 365 endeavor for us." Soon the department will begin carrying smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on fire trucks, as well as at the station, Martin added. In a few months, Martin said the department hopes to begin offering CPR and stop-the-bleed classes to the public. "The more educated we can make our community, the more involved we can make our community, the better the entirety of this town is going to be," Martin said. But the "core values" they ignore are the values that made their success possible. Those are the values of freedom and capitalism that make possible starting a small business and building it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. In all likelihood, the grandparents of Cohen and Greenfield immigrated to the United States one or two generations before they were born, most likely from Europe. Like most Jewish immigrants, they came to America for freedom and opportunity. Had their grandparents remained where they were, the chances that their grandchildren would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars today are zero. Yet their grandchildren, who have achieved so much, do not include freedom and capitalism among the values that they list as important to them. Greenfield has been a supporter of socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders. And last year, after the George Floyd incident, the firm announced on their website, "We Must Dismantle White Supremacy." The announcement reminded their consuming public of the firm's commitment to Black Lives Matter. The cost of public notice when plaintiffs or interested parties cant be identified, is a small price for due process, when one takes into account the hourly rate for an attorney generally ranges from $100 to $300 an hour. The court filing fees and notice by a sheriff can generally range from $160 to $270. HSPA also questions the need for tax dollars to be spent creating a special website for court-related public notices, when HSPA already has a website that aggregates public notices (www.indianapublicnotices.com). HSPA also has committed to restricting the costs associated with giving public notice for plaintiffs who are indigent and has attempted to get language passed on that issue in the last two legislative sessions, working with two organizations that provide free legal service to the disadvantaged. Indiana newspapers, through the Hoosier State Press Association, want to work with the Indiana Supreme Court to improve the public notice process. We suggest the utilization of court-approved templates to aid in the proper terminology for pro se litigants to publish notices and require newspapers to upload publish/posted notices to the states MyCase docketing program so that attorneys are informed when notices have properly been given or help an attorney flag when an error occurs that needs to be rectified to prevent legal delays or lack of due process. Now, at age 40, he seems determined with Mr. Corman to reflect upon that luck to take stock of his own accomplishments, his own anxieties and even his own unfulfilled dreams. (They do exist.) It is the most personal project of his career, he said, a culmination of everything I learned in my life about making art and telling stories. Call it a twist on middle-age artistic musing that could only come from a grown-up Hollywood wunderkind who never peaked an existential search for what might not have been as a path to deeper meaning. The 10-episode series, which follows his onscreen alter egos struggles with adulthood and disappointment, is less a plot-driven heros journey than an exploration of his characters psyche and by extension, his own. Like Gordon-Levitt, his character, Josh Corman, cherishes an unfulfilled ambition of becoming a rock star. (Gordon-Levitt himself sings and plays guitar.) Unlike Gordon-Levitt, Josh has failed thus far to accomplish his dreams, having given up on music to become a fifth grade public-school teacher. Josh has also failed to launch in other ways. After his fiancee leaves him, he ends up living with his high school buddy Victor (Arturo Castro). And Josh has another companion, whose presence Gordon-Levitt takes pains to highlight without stigmatizing: deep-seated anxiety that occasionally leaves him panicked and gasping for breath. While some aspects of Joshs life are drastic departures from his creators for starters, Gordon-Levitt has been married for six years, and had two supportive parents the characters mental health struggles werent hard for Gordon-Levitt to channel. He acknowledged that while he does not have a clinical anxiety disorder, he struggles often with my brain going around in circles, feeling bad about myself. A second person died on Saturday after being shot during a screening of The Forever Purge, a movie about anarchy and murder, at a California theater in what the authorities called a random and unprovoked attack. Anthony Barajas, 19, and Rylee Goodrich, 18, were each shot in the head at a movie theater in Corona, about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles, on Monday, the Riverside County district attorneys office said. The police said Mr. Barajas and Ms. Goodrich were together, attending a showing of The Forever Purge, which tells the story of members of an underground movement who are no longer satisfied with one annual night of anarchy and murder, according to a synopsis. The killers in the movie decide to overtake America through an unending campaign of mayhem and massacre. It is the fifth installment in a movie franchise that started with The Purge in 2013. PARIS Pascale Collino, 64, is far more afraid of the Covid-19 vaccines than of the disease itself. So when the French government decided to implement a new health pass policy barring those without proof of vaccination or a recent negative test from many indoor venues, she took to the streets in protest. We have to be on the front lines of this fight, Ms. Collino said on Saturday near the French health ministry in Paris, where a large crowd had converged, banging pots and cowbells. For the third week in a row, thousands took to the streets around France to protest the governments health pass law, which was passed by Parliament recently but still needs a final greenlight from a top constitutional council, expected next week, before it can be fully enforced. Every year when Rebecca Donner visited her great-grandmothers home in Chevy Chase, Md., she and her brother would stand against the kitchen wall to have their heights marked in pencil. When she turned 9, she noticed a letter M near one of the faintest lines. Whos that? she asked her great-grandmother Harriette, who muttered, Oh, thats Mildred. Donners curiosity was piqued, but it wasnt until she was 16 that she learned the truth: Mildred Harnack was an American spy during World War II. Along with her husband, Arvid Harnack, she led a resistance organization in Berlin, risking her life to leak information from Germanys Ministry of Economics, where he worked, in hopes of defeating the Nazis. Despite nearly escaping, she was executed by guillotine in 1943 on Hitlers direct order. Though the lore surrounding Harnack is riddled with inaccuracies, Donner sets the record straight in All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days, which Little, Brown will publish on Tuesday. My grandmother Jane said to me, You must write Mildreds story. I very much took that to heart, Donner said in an interview at her home in Brooklyn. I thought, well, yes, but maybe it wont be my first book, because she wanted to do the story and her lineage justice. Afghans are fleeing A mass exodus is unfolding across Afghanistan as the Taliban press on with a military campaign and the U.S. withdraws. At least 30,000 Afghans are leaving each week and many more have been displaced. With more than half the countrys 400-odd districts now controlled by the Taliban, fears of a harsh return to extremist rule or a civil war have taken hold. Aid agencies warn that the sudden flight is an early sign of a looming refugee crisis. While many of the displaced have flooded into makeshift tent camps or crowded into relatives homes in cities, thousands are applying for visas. The first group of Afghans promised refuge by the Biden administration for helping the U.S. during the war landed on American soil on Friday. Quotable: Im not scared of leaving belongings behind, Im not scared of starting everything from scratch, said Haji Sakhi, who has fled Afghanistan once before and has applied for Turkish visas. What Im scared of is the Taliban. By allowing officials to quickly spot vaccine deserts, pinpoint high-risk populations and target their resources more efficiently, digital maps have become crucial tools in the effort to ensure that vaccination campaigns leave no neighborhood behind. Location, location, location As the virus raced across Wisconsin in the spring of 2020, officials in Milwaukee County became concerned about its unequal toll. In late March and early April, for instance, Black residents accounted for 69 percent of the Covid deaths in the county despite making up just 27 percent of its population, according to a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee report. These disparities were front of mind when the Covid-19 vaccines were finally authorized. We wanted to make sure that we were equitably distributing this vaccine, said David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive. They began categorizing census tracts according to their vaccination rates and their scores on a national social vulnerability index. The index uses data on 15 different social, economic and demographic factors including the age, minority status and education levels of residents, as well as local poverty and unemployment rates to calculate how susceptible a given community would be in the event of some kind of disaster, like a hurricane or a pandemic. Then the officials displayed the results online on a color-coded map. In mid-March, when the county first released it, much of the city of Milwaukee was colored dark orange, signaling that the area had high levels of social vulnerability but low vaccination rates. On the other hand, the suburbs, where the population is wealthier and whiter, were shaded a pale yellow, indicating that they had low scores on the vulnerability index but climbing vaccination rates. And so there was this story of the haves and have-nots, or two different cities, said Dr. Ben Weston, who oversees the medical aspects of the countys Covid-19 response. Times Insider explains who we are and what we do, and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together. TOKYO These are not like any other Olympics, and it is as obvious as the empty seats in the background. Television audiences can tell that something is amiss simply by what is missing: people. For journalists covering the Summer Games, though, what is different is much more than the lack of extras. Those people, in the arenas and in the streets, usually provide the emotional heart of the Olympics. And there are usually articles to write about them. The events are the architecture. But whats lacking is style. Atmosphere. Life. Noise. Culture. Context. The Tokyo Games feel like only competitions. It is strange here, in this moment. At any Olympics, there are two worlds the city that hosts and the Olympics themselves. The more that those settings overlap, the more interesting and successful the Olympics are. About 10:40 last evening, four males: Two were on foot, two were in black scooters. They were all hooded and masked up. They turned eastbound on ... 37th Avenue from 97 Street. Two males immediately extend their arms and begin firing in the direction of a group in front of the barbershop down the street. There was a party going on at the restaurant, just a few stores away. Ten people were shot, three of which are known Trinitario- gang members. We believe there were seven unintended targets, which aged and ranged between 19 and 72. The most seriously shot was shot to the stomach and they were all expected to recover from their wounds. They were transported to various hospitals throughout Queens; Elmhurst and New York Pres. At this moment, weve recovered at least 40 ballistics evidence, but were still doing a daylight search. This was, as I can most accurately describe it, this was a brazen, coordinated attack for a lack of a better word. Were asking for the publics help, for anything, any information they have in this. And if they can reach us at Crime Stoppers, at 1-800-577-TIPS, we would appreciate their help in this. Two guys just stick their arms out, walk down a very crowded street at 10:30 at night, where theres parties going on, restaurants going on, crowded streets. The two scooters then follow up on them. After the shooting, after they fire at least 37 times that we know of, they calmly get on the back of the scooters and take off. So very brazen, to say the least. Image Cut Off Dear Diary: When I was attending Barnard College, my best friend and I would often walk downtown from the campus on weekend mornings. Full -speed ahead and singing excerpts from musicals at the top of our lungs, we owned the world. One day, a taxi driver cut us off at a crosswalk. Indignantly, we banged on the trunk of his cab and reprimanded him. The window rolled down to reveal the curmudgeon behind the wheel. Aw, get over it, he said. Worse things have happened to better people. My friend and I looked at each other incredulously and said the same thing aloud at the same time: Better people? Catherine Puranananda I could understand and appreciate all of that in another time. I can recall being impressed by how well a conservative argument was asserted, even if I disagreed with it. I can remember when conservatism was just as intellectual as liberalism, and compromises could be made to feel like the combining of the best of both. But Im also not consumed by romantic, hagiographic illusions of yesteryear. No time in American politics has been perfect and without strife and drama. This is not the first time that the country has been gravely rived. We fought a Civil War, for Petes sake. We had Jim Crow that robbed most Southern Blacks of the right to vote for three-quarters of a century. America has seen the darkest of seasons. But we should also not underplay or sugarcoat the darkness of the current season. I dont see how we continue to pretend that this is politics as usual, that its normal squabbling between ideological opposites. No, something is deeply, dangerously wrong here. This is not the same as it has always been. This Republican Party is a menace to society. That must be said. That is the truth. And when one of the countrys two major parties is so close to the brink of the falls, it threatens to pull the entire country over. So I have no intention of treating this Republican Party the way I treated it just 10 years or 20 years ago. That party doesnt exist anymore. It died. This thing we have now is its zombie. Zombies cant be reasoned with. We have to stop making people who call this Republican Party out for what it is feel like extremists, reactionaries and alarmists, rather than truth tellers. It is not extreme to tell the truth, but it is delusional to twist yourself into a knot to not tell the unvarnished truth because you believe your tone of conciliation will lead to rehabilitation. Its true that the reasons so many Americans still remain unvaccinated even as we see hospitalizations of the unprotected rise are myriad. Some have fallen prey to misinformation or conspiracy theories, some still dont realize the vaccine is free and often available at their local pharmacy, and others trust in authority has been eroded by institutional failure. But while some Americans are unvaccinated or maskless because of access problems, a majority of the unvaccinated are making a choice. When I listen to the scorn directed at the Covid vaccines from the yet to be convinced, I think about the hours I spent on the phone begging our insurance company to cover a medication that would protect Layla against RSV, a virus that can be deadly in preemies. The insurer refused, and we couldnt afford the out-of-pocket cost. (Layla ended up in the hospital after contracting it.) Today, Layla is healthy. But I will never know what long-term impact her lung development had on her, and we have no idea what a Covid infection might do to a kid who used to need machines to breathe. The same is true for children with other underlying health conditions like asthma or those who are immunocompromised. And while the rate of kids being hospitalized or dying is low, numbers dont mean anything if its your child behind the statistic. What I do know is this: Im furious that the physical and mental health of countless American children are at the mercy of the willfully ignorant and the irrationally fearful. Its enraging to listen to people complain that wearing a mask or getting a simple shot is akin to an assault on their freedom while children who have no choice bear the brunt of their nonsense. Most of all, Im tired of hearing about how my anger wont change hearts and minds or that I need to respect other peoples choices even when those choices put others health and lives at risk. This isnt a matter of simple disagreement or bipartisan bickering: Gross selfishness masked as American individualism is killing our country and traumatizing our children. Thats not intolerant or an overreaction; its a fact. Anger is the very least we can do. The truth is that all of our kids, no matter what their health status, are suffering. In an email, Dr. Mercola wrote, Local communities must come together when the federal health agencies and mainstream media are under the influence of the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Tenpenny sent links to several reports about the human reproductive system. Dr. Northrup and Mr. Bollinger didnt respond to requests for comment. Many local media publications and stations have reported responsibly and factually on the pandemic. Gannett, the publisher with 100 daily newspapers and nearly 1,000 weekly publications across 43 states, has dedicated resources to fact-checking and teaching journalists that accuracy matters more than speed, said Amalie Nash, senior vice president for local news and audience development at USA Today, which is owned by Gannett. The investment was crucial because in the pandemic, people turned to us in record numbers to get information about lockdowns, mask policies and vaccines, Ms. Nash said. But as the local news industry has been hit by declining advertising revenues and cuts, some outlets have sometimes unknowingly run vaccine misinformation because they have fewer employees or less oversight than in the past, said Ken Doctor, a news industry analyst. Without the resources to publish original, independent journalism, they may also rely on whatever can be freely repurposed from online material, he said. In total, local media remains a significant force. There were 1,762 local television stations and 3,379 radio stations operating in the United States last year, according to the Radio Television Digital News Association and Syracuse University. While print publications have been decimated, there are still about 1,300 daily papers and 5,800 weekly publications, with roughly half located in small rural communities, according to research from the University of North Carolina. Jo Lukito, an assistant journalism professor who studies disinformation at the University of Texas at Austin, said local media is often a starting point that creates a trading up the chain effect. CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. In early July, crews showed up downtown for some long-delayed evictions. After years of protest, litigation and even violence, the statues of two Confederate generals, Lee and Jackson, were finally carted out of city parks, expelled by the citys drive to right its past wrongs. Now the really hard work awaits. It has been four years since white supremacists descended on Charlottesville, wreaking bloody havoc in the streets and killing a young woman. The horror of that August weekend sent the city into a deep study of its own racial past and a debate over what to do about its legacy. The catalog of lingering artifacts of that bigoted history is daunting, beginning with statues but quickly getting to the basics of civic life like schools and neighborhoods. In a city that prides itself on its progressivism, the push for justice has, in general terms, enjoyed broad support. That this push may entail changes to peoples neighborhoods streets of one- and two-story brick homes, lovely dogwoods and abundant Black Lives Matter signs is another matter. Charlottesvilles planning commission is considering a proposal to roll back some of the citys zoning restrictions in an effort to encourage construction of more affordable housing, a plan that has drawn reaction ranging from fervent opposition to disappointment that it does not go further. SANTA MONICA, Calif. Two months ago at Providence Saint Johns Health Center, Dr. Morris Grabie stood at a makeshift plastic wall in the intensive care unit and prayed. Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, he began in Hebrew, the sterile divider behind him sealing off the patients with Covid-19 from the uninfected. Blessed are you, Adonai our God, sovereign of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this season. Around the physician at the hospital in Santa Monica, Calif., a small army in scrubs doctors, nurses, technicians bowed their heads, bearing witness to what seemed to be the beginning of the end of the pandemic. Sixty-nine lives on the ward had been claimed by the virus. Pain and grief, life and death, fear and loss month after grinding month all of it had unfolded behind that thin divider. And yet on this day, not a single patient in the Saint Johns I.C.U. had tested positive for the coronavirus. Dr. Grabie turned, and the I.C.U.s medical director, helped by a respiratory therapist, zipped the wall open. Six months to the day after Myanmars military staged a coup and imposed a reign of terror over the country, the juntas leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, said on Sunday that a national state of emergency would be extended for another two years. The move, announced in a televised address, effectively ruled out any return to democracy before 2023 for Myanmar, which only last year was seen as a rare case in which an authoritarian regime had peacefully handed over some power to an elected government. It also contradicted the generals assurances, soon after the coup, that they were serious about bringing political freedoms back. Later Sunday, the State Administration Council, as the junta calls itself, announced the formation of a new caretaker government with General Min Aung Hlaing as prime minister. From the beginning, we knew that they would not keep their promises and that they would get the political environment they wanted, said Ko Aung Thu, a leader of the nationwide resistance to the coup. If they extend the state of emergency until August 2023, we must continue to protest until they somehow fall. Allowing Americans to bring advanced underwater robots into Vietnamese-controlled areas of the South China Sea equipment that could have military applications for both governments is also diplomatically sensitive. Mr. Pietruszka said obtaining the permissions for the recent expedition was a heavy lift for all parties. But U.S.-Vietnamese ties have steadily warmed since the two countries normalized relations in 1995. And for Vietnam, allowing such projects is one way of building further trust with its former enemy, said Le Van Cuong, a retired Vietnamese major general. The outstanding characteristic of Vietnamese people is the desire to help others, he added. Fireball in the Sky Paul Andrew Avolese, whose family declined to be interviewed, was born on June 12, 1932, archival military documents show. He was from New York and served in the Air Forces 4133d Bomb Wing in Vietnam. On July 7, 1967, he and his crew were flying from a U.S. base in Guam alongside other B-52s to bomb a target in South Vietnam, documents show. As two of the bombers maneuvered into place about 65 miles southeast of what was then Saigon, the South Vietnamese capital, they collided, igniting a fireball. One person on Major Avoleses plane, Maj. Gen. William J. Crumm, was the first of several American generals killed in the war. Image Maj. Paul A. Avolese in an undated photo. Credit... U.S. Air Force Eight days after the crash, Col. Mitchell A. Cobeaga of the Air Force told Major Avoleses parents in a letter that the exact cause of the collision was unknown. Every man here in the 4133d Bomb Wing shares your anxiety over your son, he added. Major Avolese, who was 35 at the time of the crash, was declared dead a few days after the letter was written. The U.S. military later classified his remains, as well as those of the five others missing, as nonrecoverable. Still, investigators pursued potential leads about the wreckage of the two B-52s for decades. U.S. health officials have expressed concern over a simultaneous rise in Delta infections and cases of respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious seasonal flulike illness that is more likely to affect children and older adults. Cases of R.S.V. have risen gradually since early June, with an even greater spike in the past month, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The illness, which can cause symptoms that include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing and fever, normally begins to spread in the fall, making this summer spike unusual. In a series of posts on Twitter, Dr. Heather Haq, a pediatrician at Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston, described an increase in both coronavirus and R.S.V. hospitalizations. After many months of zero or few pediatric Covid cases, we are seeing infants, children and teens with Covid pouring back into the hospital, more and more each day, she wrote, adding that patients have ranged in age from 2 weeks to 17 years old, including some with Covid pneumonias. Mr. Sweetat is prepared to make compromises in a land where few are ready to do so. He believes cooperation in pursuit of shared prosperity, however difficult, is the only way forward. If we dont like it, he said, we can pack our bags and go to Switzerland. I asked him if he felt like an equal citizen in Israel. Of course, I dont feel equal, he said, but I can achieve everything I want. Still, he said, I dont see new Arab villages being built. I dont have enough space in my own village. I wanted to buy a piece of land near Tarshiha, but I couldnt. I want my son, who is 2, to grow up here. Ask the country why I cant find land here. So, you cant achieve everything you want? I asked. There are things you cant change, but we can improve them. The change can start from people. Overcoming Mutual Incomprehension When Tal Becker, the legal adviser to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, drafted the preamble to the normalization treaty between Israel and the United Arab Emirates last year, he expected pushback on this clause: Recognizing that the Arab and Jewish peoples are descendants of a common ancestor, Abraham, and inspired, in that spirit, to foster in the Middle East a reality in which Muslims, Jews, Christians and peoples of all faiths, denominations, beliefs and nationalities live in, and are committed to, a spirit of coexistence. There was no dissent, despite the fact that the wording made clear that both Jews and Arabs belong in the Middle East. A widespread view among Palestinians and throughout the Arab world has long been, on the contrary, that Israel and its Jewish population represent an illicit colonial projection into the Middle East that will one day end. But a decade of stubborn unemployment, rising poverty, metastasizing corruption and political deadlock and now the pandemic have wiped out faith in the government. This past month, Tunisians again flooded into the streets to demand change, giving Mr. Saied his opening to seize power. Id spent several days in the capital when, suddenly, I got the call to go with two other journalists working for The New York Times to see the president. I thought it might be my chance at an interview. As it turned out, we had been invited for a lecture. The president is a former law professor, and his voice was so resounding and his elocution so impeccable that I could immediately imagine him in his old lecture hall. His formal Arabic boomed off the marble floors as though the room had been built to his acoustic specifications. At one point, he picked up a sheaf of papers from a small marble-and-gold table to his right. It was a printout of the U.S. Constitution, the dignity of which was somewhat diminished by the fact that it was held together by a paper clip. He had highlighted part of it in yellow, which he now read out in French: We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union . He had studied and taught the document for more than three decades, he said. He respected it. It was a great constitution. Just as American leaders like Abraham Lincoln had had to take extreme measures to preserve the system, he said, so must he. When one of my colleagues started to translate for me, he was ordered to stop. Everything was being filmed by a government camera crew, and we came to realize that a video of the whole episode would be posted to the presidents official Facebook page, which was perhaps why it was important that we, the audience, be silent. This is not a press interview, he said when we began to ask questions, though he promised to arrange a follow-up. The blast that ripped through Beirut was a year ago. But for many, the disaster continues. I am not the same person, one survivor said. I should have been there with them, an ambulance driver said of his colleagues who died. What We Lost That Day Personal reflections from victims of the Aug. 4, 2020, explosion at the Beirut port. On Aug. 4, 2020, at 6:08 p.m., at the end of a searing summer day, the earth shook, the buildings swayed and the sky roared. Windows turned into daggers and furniture into shrapnel. The air itself became a battering ram. It felt as if the very world our cafes, offices, homes and hospitals, our places of leisure and work and shelter was rising up against us and trying to bury us alive. In Lebanese Arabic, there is a saying: The world stood up and sat back down. Its meant to describe chaos a world turned upside down. This is what happened on that day almost one year ago, when Beirut was devastated by an explosion at a port warehouse. Everything slid out of place, and weve been unable to return anything to where it belongs. How can we be expected to rearrange our lives around this still-smoking crater? How do we even begin to make an account of what weve lost? I am a writer but I have often found myself at a loss for words since that day when thousands of tons of ammonium nitrate, knowingly left to deteriorate for six years in Hangar 12 at the Beirut port, caught fire and detonated in an explosion more powerful than the one that destroyed the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. We still dont even know how many people we lost. More than 200, but each official source in this deeply corrupt country gives a different tally, and so the exact number remains unknown. And in any case, numbers alone cannot begin to capture the scale of loss. The explosion shattered houses, buildings, cars, trees, but also our mental health, our sense of security, our sense of the possible and impossible. We lost friends, parents, grandparents. Limbs and eyes. Memories. Entire neighborhoods. Hope. Our faith in a better tomorrow. The losses are still piling up. Many have left the country or are laying plans to escape for good. That day was the definitive proof that there is no stable ground in this country anymore on which to build any kind of future. Ive learned to accept my scars, Andrea Najarian said. Makhoul al-Hamad with his daughter, Sama, who lost her left eye in the explosion. In a country where, after 15 years of civil war, the warlords simply granted themselves amnesty, replaced their fatigues with suits and ties and walked right into government, what hope is there for any kind of justice? Within a day of the explosion, it became clear that no one would ever be held accountable. No one in authority even deigned to offer words of condolence to the shellshocked and grieving. We have lost the ability to provide our children with any sense of safety. The people raising this new generation are themselves the children of the civil war that lasted from 1975 to 1990, and the greatest gift they wanted to give their children was to spare them the insecurity with which they grew up. This dream, too, is now gone. My friends talk about how their children have changed in ways big and small. How they flinch at loud noises, how they regularly have nightmares about explosions, how they ask, over and over, the questions that run endlessly through our minds, too: Will it happen again? When will it happen again? How do we know it wont happen again? The parents who rush bedside to soothe away nightmares, who patiently answer these questions with the tremble of uncertainty smoothed out of their voices they are the lucky ones. Their children lived. As this grim anniversary looms, Ive realized, too, that Ive lost all sense of time. How could a whole year have passed? Even now we are still finding glass in the corners of our houses. This remade world feels like the only one weve ever known, and the one we will live in from now on. When the alarm bell in the station of the Beirut Fire Brigade sounded on Aug. 4, the ambulance driver Wafic Sibai rushed to his vehicle to find his buddy Rami Kaaki already in the drivers seat. They had a joking argument about who should go to the fire at the port, but Mr. Kaaki insisted and his friend stayed behind. The team left 10 people between a fire truck and an ambulance and called for back-up when they reached the port, just a short drive away, because the fire raging inside a storage hangar was much larger than they had expected. Photos of the 10 members of the fire brigade killed in the explosion on the locker of one of them, Elias Akel. Wafic Sibai, an ambulance driver. Moments later, the flames ignited whatever remained of the thousands of tons of ammonium nitrate, a compound used to make explosives, that had been stored in the hangar six years earlier. It set off a massive explosion that wreaked destruction across Beirut. The pressure wave it unleashed blasted through the nearby fire station and threw Mr. Sibai across the parking lot. He soon learned that it had killed all 10 of his colleagues, who were at ground zero when the explosion went off. The loss of coworkers he considered family still haunts him. The image never leaves my eyes morning, afternoon, evening, he said. I should have been there with them. When he was a child, Andrea Najarians father worked abroad, so he and his mother moved in with his grandmother Loulou in her apartment near the Beirut port. He described her as a classic church lady, with black stockings, gloves, pearls and big hair. She loved him dearly, sewed clothes for his Barbie dolls and let him experiment with her dresses and make up. After Loulou died, Andrea, a 24-year-old make-up artist and drag queen, stayed in her copiously decorated apartment, surrounded by her knickknacks, her photos and home videos, and her smell. Andrea Najarian holding a portrait of his grandmother and wearing one of her jackets. Thats where he was, alone, when the explosion blew out the apartments doors and windows, smashing everything inside and throwing him from wall to wall. After two surgeries, he has a constellation of scars across his body. The second operation, 10 months after the blast, removed a piece of glass from his hand that he has saved. He now lives elsewhere, farther from the port. I lost my home and my childhood memories, he said. My grandmother's memory. Andrea Najarian shows a piece of glass removed from his hand 10 months after the explosion. After the explosion, Renee Boutros, a policewoman, couldnt reach her aunt Jacqueline Gebrine, who worked as a nurse in a Catholic hospital near the port. So she went to the hospital and found a disaster zone: collapsed ceilings, members of the hospital staff using the lights from their cell phones to work, doctors treating patients in the parking lot, on the asphalt. A nun recognized Ms. Boutros and asked her to help identify a body that the staff thought was her aunt. A memorial for Jacqueline Gebrine, a nurse, inside the hospital where she died. A sofa near the place where Jacqueline Gebrine was injured. She looked fine, said Ms. Boutros, 37. I was watching her closely, waiting for her chest to move. Her pen was still in her pocket. Her hair bun was still intact. There wasn't even any dust on it. But her lips were purple. Ms. Boutros didnt sleep that night. I was asking myself, Why? Why my aunt? Why my people? What did we do to deserve this? she said. Theres no dignity for human life. We lost our humanity. A year later, she has yet to shed a tear for her loss. We want justice for all the people who died that day, she said. I wont cry for my aunt until we get accountability and take down this government. An Islamic amulet meant to protect the house. Makhoul al-Hamad at home with his son Ahmad and his daughter, Sama, 5. Makhoul al-Hamad, a migrant worker from Syria, spent his adult life doing construction jobs in Lebanon and brought his wife and four children over a few years ago to escape the war back home and to get the children a good education. He was away at work when the explosion tore through the familys apartment. A neighbor rushed his 5-year-old daughter, Sama, to a hospital overflowing with other blast victims. Mr. al-Hamad, 42, arrived to find that the blast had destroyed Samas left eye. He covered her right eye with a pillow so that she would not see the other patients screaming, bleeding and dying around her. That scene has stayed with him since. I lost my sense of happiness and security, he said. Sama has recovered well. After a surgery to remove her eye and to close her wounds, she told her parents: I can hear you talking about me. Dont worry. Im fine. She got a glass eye and, now, her family spoils her. She is a joyful child who dances spontaneously in the street when she hears music and loves school. I can see her throwing her hat up in the air on her graduation day, her father said. Mario Nasser extends his arm to make space for his friend, Elias Khoury, who passed away after the blast. Elias Khoury, a calm 15-year-old who wanted to be an architect like his father, hung out with a posse of boys who also attended the Jesus & Mary School outside Beirut. He spent his free time recording rap songs with a friend and posting them on YouTube under the nickname A$hca$h. The day of the blast, his friends received a message on their group chat Elias told them he had heard a loud sound coming from the port but didnt know what it was. He was scared. Then he stopped messaging. Later that night, the other boys learned that he had been badly wounded when the explosion tore through his familys apartment. They went to different churches to pray for his recovery, but their friend died two weeks later. Elias Khourys friends near their school. From left to right: Christopher Khoury, Tarek Nassar, Mario Nasser, Yves Menhem, Lucas Chebli, Yorgho Valassidis and Allen Hobeika. After his funeral, the boys carried his body in a white casket with red roses on it. The boys still hang out all the time and their startling loss has drawn them even closer. But the year that has since passed has left them angry at the government for failing to prevent the blast and to seriously investigate its cause. We still keep a place for Elias with us, said one of them, Mario Nasser, 16. Hes with us whatever were doing. For more than 30 years, Siham Tekian and her husband ran a convenience store on a Beirut street lined with bars and restaurants, selling instant coffee, soda, chips, deodorant, canned beans, cigarettes and whatever else a passerby might want. For much of that time, she opened at 6 a.m. and worked all day stocking, selling and putting out food for street cats. She only shut her doors long after midnight if money was coming in. She was in her apartment upstairs from the shop when the explosion struck, blasting her body with shattered glass. At the hospital, she got 30 stitches on her limbs and back and 10 staples to patch a gash across her skull. But she never fully recovered. The biggest loss was my health, Ms. Tekian, 63, said. I dont have the same energy that I used to. Nerve damage sends pain through one arm and a leg. Her back aches. She gets dizzy if she rolls over too quickly in bed because of damage to her inner ear. If she walks too far or stands for too long, she worries her knee will buckle. The fingers of her right hand often go numb, so she struggles to pull the stems off of green beans when she is cooking dinner. I am not the same person, she said. I miss my arm, my leg. Pro-competitive policies in Cambodias logistics sector can help boost economic growth. Cambodias transportation and storage market represents around 8% of the countrys economy, and was worth USD 2.1 billion in 2019. In terms of overall logistics performance, Cambodia ranked 98 out of 160 in the World Banks Global Logistics Performance Index in 2018. In 2020, Cambodias economy shrunk by around 3 % due to the COVID-19 pandemic but e-commerce is growing rapidly and could contribute to the countrys quick recovery. Fostering competition in ASEAN is a project that reviews regulatory constraints on competition in the logistics sector in all ten ASEAN member countries to identify regulations that hinder the efficient functioning of markets and create an unlevel playing field for businesses. It comprises two parallel components: competition assessment reviews of specific logistics sub-sectors and competitive neutrality reviews of small-package delivery services. The project is undertaken in partnership with ASEAN and funded by the ASEAN Economic Reform Programme under the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK Government). As a result of the project two reports, a competition assessment and a competitive neutrality assessment will be issued for each ASEAN member state. Upcoming reports A competition assessment of the logistics sector and a competitive neutrality review of small-package delivery services was virtually launched in co-operation with the Consumer Protection Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General on 28 July 2021. An Offaly farm that was due to go up for sale on Thursday against the wishes of the farmer has been removed from auction after the community came together to protest the sale. The Conway family farm near Rhode was removed from an online sale this morning following a protest at the family farm by the Rhode branch of IFA and the Offaly County Executive with the full support of IFA nationally and the local community. The BRG Gibson Auctions website has reported that lot 12 a 90 Acres Non Residential at Coole, Croghan, Rhode, Co. Offaly was withdrawn from an online auction. The property was due to go under the hammer at an unconditional online auction on July 29 at an advised minimum value of 420,000. The property was marketed at investors. The Chair of IFA Debt Support Service, Martin Stapleton, has now called on vulture fund "Everyday" to engage constructively with IFA to agree on a solution with the Conway family in Offaly. "It is regrettable that this action had to be taken. Earlier this week, the IFA put forward a very reasonable offer, on behalf of the farmer, but Everyday Finance rejected it," said Rose Mary McDonagh, IFA Farm Business Chair. IFA Offaly Chairman Richard Scally thanked Offaly IFA and the local community for their efforts. He said, "we sent a strong message today that this type of behaviour by vulture funds is not acceptable. Farmers, their neighbours, IFA and the farming community, in general, will not stand by and allow individual farmers to be picked off," he said. Ottumwa, IA (52501) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) A day after it recorded the most new daily cases since the start of the pandemic, Florida on Sunday broke a previous record for current hospitalizations set more than a year ago before vaccines were available. The Sunshine State had 10,207 people hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to data reported to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The previous record was from July 23, 2020, more than a half-year before vaccinations started becoming widespread, when Florida had 10,170 hospitalizations, according to the Florida Hospital Association. Florida is now leading the nation in per capita hospitalizations for COVID-19, as hospitals around the state report having to put emergency room visitors in beds in hallways and others document a noticeable drop in the age of patients. In the past week, Florida has averaged 1,525 adult hospitalizations a day, and 35 daily pediatric hospitalizations. Both are the highest per capita rate in the nation, according to Jason Salemi, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida. The hospitalizations and increasing cases have come as the new, more transmittable delta variant has spread throughout Florida, and residents have returned to pre-pandemic activities. The recent rise is both striking and not-at-all surprising, Salemi said in an email late Saturday. Federal health data released Saturday showed that Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. Florida's Democratic agriculture commissioner, Nikki Fried, who is seeking to run against DeSantis for governor, on Sunday urged unvaccinated Floridians to get the shots. She said she was heartened by a recent uptick in vaccinations in the state. We are already behind the curve and in a worse spot every time the numbers come out," Fried said at a news conference in Tallahassee. This surge is and will impact every single one of us." Throughout Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami to Tampa, hospitals have become overwhelmed. Barry Burton, the Pinellas County administrator, told the Tampa Bay Times that some local hospitals are already having to divert ambulances to different locations because of capacity concerns. There has been a startling rise in the number of children with the virus at hospitals in Miami, many of them requiring intensive care. Memorial Healths Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital in Hollywood had seven patients with COVID-19. At Nicklaus Childrens Hospital in Miami, there were 17 patients with COVID-19 on Friday, including six in the ICU and one who needed a ventilator, Dr. Marcos Mestre, vice president and chief medical officer, told the Miami Herald. About half of the patients were under 12, Mestre said, and the rest were older and eligible for the vaccine. But none of the patients with COVID-19 at Nicklaus Childrens on Friday were vaccinated. Most children who get COVID-19 do not need hospitalization, Mestre said. In the state capital, COVID-19 hospitalizations reached 70 patients on Sunday at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, a jump of 11 people in two days. This is the most weve ever had, Stephanie Derzypolski, a hospital spokeswoman, told the Tallahassee Democrat. The Mayo Clinic hospital in Jacksonville said it had exceeded its capacity of 304 licensed beds due to COVID-19 cases and asked the Agency for Health Care Administration for permission to operate overcapacity until the current surge ends, First Coast News in Jacksonville reported Sunday. At the UF Health North hospital emergency room in Jacksonville, COVID-19 patients once again were being put in beds in hallways due to a surge in visits. For many hospital workers, up until a month ago, it looked like there was light at the end of the tunnel, as people got vaccinated and hospitalizations decreased. But then the summer surge, powered by the new delta variant, hit Florida in July. That light did turn out to be a train in this case, Marsha Tittle, a nursing manager at UF Health North, told The Florida Times Union. Were taking more patients than we normally would take. ... My staff is wonderful. You walk out there, theyre going to have smiles on their faces and theyre doing a great job. But theres a sense of defeat, like theyre just defeated. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect hospitalizations broke 10,000-person threshold, not 1,000-person threshold. NASHVILLE, Illinois Craig Finke, a southern Illinois dairy and crop farmer, knows firsthand how automation can help save money and time related to labor issues. Finke, a fifth-generation farmer who took over the farm when his father died in 2001, says his automated milking and feeding equipment save him about $40,000 a year in labor costs. When I first started, it was me and my mom and a hired hand or two, Finke said of the workload. Before getting his automated systems, he needed three to four workers most of the time. Today, he and a part-time person manage most of the dairy work. It gives him more time to work on the crop side of the operation, he said while delivering contracted wheat by semi-truck to a St. Louis elevator in mid-July. Labor savings is a big part, he said of his decision to go for more automation on his farm. It was getting harder and harder to find labor. Its even worse now. While skilled labor is still needed on dairy farms, automatic milkers, automatic sweepers and monitoring systems help many producers keep an eye on animal health and assist them in their day-to-day work, said Tasha Bunting, Illinois Farm Bureaus associate director of commodity & livestock programs. In 2013, Finke was beginning to investigate the best robotic milking and feeding systems. He visited farms in Canada and the United states and eventually settled on an Astrea 20.20 Automatic Milking System. He even traveled to Europe to see how the system was used in operations there and visited where the equipment was made. By 2015, the system which has the ability to milk 120 cows with just one robotic arm serving two boxes was working on his farm. The demeanor of his cows improved and he saw tangible increases in the amount of milk they produced, Finke said. Like most things, there are trade-offs. The trade-off for flexibility is that you can never be away from the phone. While he doesnt have to be home to start milking at 4 p.m., he may be alerted at any time, day or night, about something he needs to address. You, or someone, always has to be available. You carry the cell phone 24-7, he said. He and a hired person farm about 11,000 acres of corn and soybeans, and are expanding to do more custom work and planting now. With grain prices high, he scaled back from milking about 120 cows to milking 85 daily. He continues to adjust milking numbers as economics dictate. As far as cropping technology, he said auto steer is a must. He has mapping capacity, but doesnt use it as much. As with his dairy operations, he chooses automation on the crop side that is efficient and affordable. The use of robots outside the livestock industry continues to grow as both labor savers and innovative ways to get things done. Among such robots is the TerraSentia, designed by University of Illinois professor Girish Chowdhary and his team in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the university. He worked with EarthSense, an Urbana ag robot company he co-founded in 2016 with Chinmay Soman and their team, to create a robot about the size of an average dog. It is being used by plant breeders now to collect data on plant characteristics, and it is expanding to more uses, he said. We are getting closer to cover crop-planting robots, and Id say they are expected to save labor, but perhaps they could also be looked at as doing things differently, Chowdhardy said. The cover crop robots are in pilot projects now. We are on track to plant 1,000 acres of cover crop this season, he said July 15. Earthsense is among the innovative businesses located at the University of Illinois Research Park in Urbana. Many of these businesses work on products and services related to precision input of crops, said Laura Frerichs, executive director of the park. Robots, automation and business management systems designed here save farmers time and labor, she said. Labor is a challenge everywhere, she said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BLOOMINGTON There's just something about live music outdoors in the summer, said Terry Koch, 64, who came to downtown Bloomington for Saturdays on the Square. "It's a gorgeous day just to come out and listen to music and get out of the house," said Koch, of Bloomington. Music reverberated across downtown blocks from a stage positioned at North Main and East Jefferson streets for the second Saturday in a row. The inaugural free music series is sponsored by Pantagraph Media, The Castle Theatre and the City of Bloomington. Saturday's event featured the Nashville bands Great Peacock and Cordovas. In the front of the crowd was Linda Chandler Bausman, 74, from Rensselaer, Indiana, who first saw Great Peacock at a Chicago bar. She said she attends their concerts every chance she gets. "They're on their way to top," she said. Rohit Bhatti, 28, heard about the concert from his older sister. "I think the series is great because a lot of people can join and research the band and other shows they have coming up and help get their name out there," he said. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The series kicked off July 24 with a concert by American Idol contestant Althea Grace, and featured sporadic showers. Saturday night, temperatures were much more mild, with crowds wearing long-sleeved shirts in lawn chairs on the street and the McLean County History Museum grass. "I just want to welcome everyone officially to the Museum of History, Museum Square," museum Executive Director Julie Emig told the crowd at the start of the concert. "We are the heartbeat of downtown. We love the live music. Were glad its not gonna rain tonight. Were gonna have a great time." After various COVID-related restrictions, said Mansi Tulsen, 34, "it's a nice initiative because there are things missing to do in the area." The series continues with North Mississippi Allstars on Aug. 14 and Kalu and the Electronic Joint on Sept. 4. Dan Adams, Pantagraph director of local sales and marketing, said: "We are so excited to be downtown and putting on this show for the Bloomington-Normal community. We are thrilled for the participation of sponsors. They really made this happen." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WITT State Police report that a driver and his passenger died, and a Clinton man was injured, when the vehicle they were riding in was involved in an accident and overturned Saturday night near the Montgomery County town of Witt. Police listed the fatalities as driver John E. Thompson, 51, and passenger James E. Thompson, 21, both from Witt. Police said they had been thrown clear of their pickup truck in the 11:16 p.m. crash and later pronounced dead at an area hospital. A rear seat passenger, named as Dakota L. Cook, 24, from Clinton, was being treated in hospital for injuries. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Police said their preliminary investigation shows the truck was traveling southbound on Illinois 16 near North 19th Avenue when, for unknown reasons, it drove off the road to the right. It then overcorrected and swerved back onto the roadway before overcorrecting again and plunging into the right ditch and overturning. The road was shut down for four hours while police worked the crash scene and the police said Sunday their investigations were continuing. Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BELLEVILLE A nursing home in southern Illinois where a nurse allegedly sexually assaulted an elderly resident last year during the pandemic has been fined more than $200,000 by a state regulatory agency, according to a published report. According to the Belleville News-Democra t, the fine levied by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Richard P. Kuklinski, 61, was charged this week with felony aggravated criminal sexual assault of a victim who was 60 years old or older. Kuklinski was working at New Athens Home for the Aged in New Athens when he allegedly sexually assaulted a male resident with a history of traumatic brain injury and anxiety on Dec. 16, 2020. According the the newspaper, he quit his job the next day. As police investigated, the public health department conducted its own investigation and earlier this year cited the facility for putting residents' safety in immediate jeopardy, in large part because the employee who witnessed the assault did not notify did not notify his supervisor until nearly a week later. As of Saturday afternoon, Kuklinski remained in custody at the St. Clair County Jail, according to the jail's automated inmate information system. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Since taking office, President Joe Biden and his top advisers have made it clear that there is almost nothing Iran can do to get his administration to rescind its offer to negotiate a return to the 2015 nuclear deal that Bidens predecessor abandoned. Thankfully, that might finally be changing. On Wednesday Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei trashed his governments past nuclear negotiations in front of the outgoing and incoming presidents. He told the new president he should learn from his predecessors experience not to trust the West. In a statement responding to those remarks, the State Department repeated that it was sincere in seeking a negotiated settlement to return to the deal which would limit Irans nuclear enrichment for another nine years and remove the most biting secondary sanctions on Irans economy. That has been boilerplate for the Biden administration since January. This time though, it added a veiled threat: That opportunity will not last forever. It may well be that the change is motivated by a flawed understanding of Iranian politics. As Axios reported this week, the Biden administration is worried that Irans new president, Ebrahim Raisi, a fanatic jurist responsible for sentencing thousands of political prisoners to the gallows in 1988, will take a hard line in nuclear talks. The outgoing administration of President Hassan Rouhani negotiated the nuclear deal in 2015. But there has never been a hard-line/moderate dichotomy. Khamenei has the real power in Iran, and he approved the deal, just as he now appears to be souring on the prospect of returning to it. Raisi was elevated to head the Justice Ministry in 2019, remember, as part of Rouhanis allegedly moderate government. A better rationale for not returning to the Iran talks are the growing signs that Khameneis regime is wobbly. It is failing to meet the basic needs of its people. Earlier this month, protests broke out in Khuzestan province over the failure to provide drinking water. This week, demonstrations spread to Tehran. Some videos of those protests showed Iranians calling for Khamenei to resign, just as the protests in 2018 and 2019 called for his ouster. Some protesters are angry because Irans electricity grid cant keep the power on. This round of demonstrations began because of water shortages. But in the last four years, other state failures have brought Iranians out to the street. In 2017 and 2018 it was failed banks, which wiped out the savings of average Iranians, that prompted national protests. In 2019, it was the fact that state security services shot unarmed demonstrators. In 2009, it was a stolen election. Its tempting to posit that U.S. sanctions are whats keeping Irans regime from providing basic services to its people. But this is too simplistic. The banking crisis of 2017 and 2018 occurred while Iran was enjoying the benefits of the 2015 nuclear deal. Sanctions didnt force the state security services to shoot peaceful protesters, nor did they force developers in Khuzestan to divert drinking water from the population to drill for more oil. These were the choices of a corrupt and cruel regime. So Biden now has an opportunity. He should follow up on the State Department statement this week supporting Iranian protesters and offer U.S. technical support to help activists get around the countrys Internet blackout and slowdown. He should rally European governments to join in his solidarity campaign for the Iranian people. He should consider creating a modest fund for the families of Iranian workers going on strike. He should build on the last administrations work to reach out to Iranians on social media. The overriding goal of all this outreach, and the main objective of the presidents Iran policy, should be to support the efforts of Irans people to achieve a democratic transition. The alternative to this approach is to patiently cajole an ailing supreme leader to limit his nuclear program while his ailing country collapses around him. Eli Lake is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering national security and foreign policy. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Local law enforcement agencies should reexamine blocking media outlets from hearing live scanner traffic. As reported by The Pantagraph last week, McLean County departments within the past year have moved to an encrypted system that means only they can hear radio traffic. While other departments have granted special access to the press, that hasnt happened here. We believe thats a mistake. Media organizations, including this one, for decades used police, fire and emergency radio traffic to carry out an essential part of our job and report on public safety. When there was an incident that could put the public in danger, we gathered information or went to the scene and started our reporting. If there was a crime, we relayed to the citizenry what police could tell us. We worked the phones. We found sources. In other words, the chatter was what started the reporting the equivalent of a news tip, a piece of material that had to be substantiated just like everything else. The Pantagraph specifically outlines proper use of scanner traffic in our crime-reporting guidelines posted online. Of course, not everyone verified. A growing community of people online listened to radio traffic and posted uncorroborated details, including personal information. Law enforcement responded by locking it all down. At first blush, thats understandable. Clearly there are legitimate privacy and safety concerns with a wide-open feed. Criminals could be listening in and evading police or worse. OUR VIEW: Eager for Rivian's progress From the editorial board: "With so much riding on getting Rivian vehicles out of the Normal factory and into market, the last few weeks have been something of a rollercoaster full of ups and downs and unexpected surprises." We and other media organizations have no interest in compromising officer wellbeing or hearing tactical details. What we do have an interest in is hearing important public safety information and telling the community about it in a timely fashion, as the media has done for years. Others agree. Colorado lawmakers included media language in a rule requiring encrypted radio traffic. A policy may include a process for granting such access, such as verification of media credentials, and reasonable restrictions on the use of radio monitoring equipment. In California, Assemblyman Todd Gloria, D-San Diego, in 2019 wrote a bill to have police provide media access on request. "As much as this is an issue of transparency and right-of-access, Assemblymember Gloria also sees this as a public safety issue, a spokesman told the Palm Springs Desert Sun. We rely on media outlets to provide emergency information to the public and much of that is garnered through their access to police radio communications." The Daily Coloradoan newspaper and other outlets across the country have written agreements about what can and cant be used. In some cases, the keys can be taken away for violating the rules. Other departments provide access to outlets that had been granted police credentials. Adam Scott Wandt, who teaches about technology and law enforcement at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, told the Minneapolis Star Tribune in 2019 that in my opinion, the best practice, without a doubt, would be to provide encryption codes and radios to bona fide members of the media. Locking out the media altogether causes a situation thats ripe for fraud and abuse of power. That may seem a little extreme, but we do believe theres a middle ground that should be considered. In speaking to law enforcement leadership, none could cite examples of a media outlet using scanner traffic inappropriately. Theres no reason to believe any would suddenly act somehow different now. Without a compromise, the one who ultimately loses is the public in need of important information when news happens. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Photo: (Photo : PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) A devoted mother in Florida has vowed never to leave the hospital room where her teen daughter has been battling COVID-19. Agnes Velasquez has been living at the Broward Health Medical Center ICU since her 15-year-old girl, Paulina Velasquez, entered the facility after testing positive for the virus. According to People, Paulina has not yet been vaccinated when she developed symptoms of COVID-19 on July 11. Agnes has the symptoms, which she likely got from her daughter, but her condition is very mild since she received the vaccine. A week later, Paulina needed to be hospitalized after she complained that she could not breathe. Her mother said that the teen battling COVID-19 has had her life altered "rapidly." In a matter of days, Paulina had to be ventilated and subjected to a medically induced coma. Read Also: COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant Women Being Recommended by Top U.S. OB-GYN Groups However, the mother is hopeful that her daughter will recover as there are improving signs that she might be taken off the ventilator. Angela hasn't stopped praying for Paulina's health. She makes it a point to talk to her every day, even as the teen lies unconscious because she wants to encourage her daughter to fight for her life. In the Recovery Stage Dr. Jennifer Davis, one of Paulina's doctors, told Fox News that the teen battling COVID-19 came to the hospital as a "very, very ill" and unstable patient. They have never seen worrying cases of the virus infection among the younger generation during the first wave of the pandemic. Fortunately, Davis' medical team has assessed that Paulina is well on her way to recovery. Paulina's brother, Tomas, said that his sister has no pre-existing conditions, and she is generally a "perfectly healthy" teenager. She was also careful about exposure and protected herself with a face mask. Tomas said that her sister expressed her desire to get vaccinated, especially with the risks of the Delta variant. Only about 30 percent of children between the ages of 12 to 17 years old in the U.S. have had their jab. Take the Vaccines, Wear Masks Angela said that this experience had shown them the value of taking the vaccine. Tomas and another brother are currently waiting for a call from the vaccination facilities. The mother also told CNN that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis should encourage the people to get their shots and observe basic safety protocols like wearing a face mask. It comes as a spokesperson for DeSantis said in a recent press conference that it's up to the parents to decide for their kids when it comes to masking. The statement came despite recommendations from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to enforce a face mask, a requirement in schools and in public places where there are higher risks of transmission. Florida's new cases account for 20 percent of the country's overall cases, prompting Florida International University infectious disease expert Dr. Aileen Marty to call on the public to wear a mask and get vaccinated. Related Article: CDC Mask Guidelines: New Recommendation Requires Masking Indoors, Including Fully Vaccinated People Photo: (Photo : PAUL CROCK/AFP via Getty Images) Headphones or earphones are necessities for children these days due to online learning and other activities, but parents may wonder how they can prevent hearing loss in kids who love to use gadgets. Many young people are so used to technology that they could suffer hearing issues when they're in their 40s. Experts told Today's Parent that one of the real dangers of headphones or earphones use is if children are improperly handling these devices. Susan Scollie of the National Centre for Audiology said that the volume of these gadgets should be limited so as to not damage the ears. The kids shouldn't also have headphones or earphones plastered on them for a long duration, as frequent exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent damage. More than eight hours of using headphones or earphones, with the sound turned up at 85 decibels (dB), is already harmful to children. According to Healthy Hearing, this decibel level is the standard for protecting adults from hearing loss if they work in factories or airports. Read Also: Kristen Bell Shares Daughter, Delta, Gets Excited When She Sees Her Name on TV Thus, the experts have recommended an ideal 70 dB sound level or lower to prevent hearing loss in kids. Parents also need to keep in mind that the children's ear canals are shorter, which means that the sounds they hear from their devices are more amplified. The adults need to exercise vigilance and extra care if their kids have to use their earbuds. Headphones or Earphones: Which is Better? Headphones or earphones have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to portability, bulkiness, sound quality, comfort, and even choking hazards in children. However, earbuds or earphones tend to be more irritating to use for kids because it has to fit inside their ear canal and may likely push ear wax deeper. Audiologist Boris Chang said that he has personally seen ear wax formed into the shape of earphones. Younger kids could also be at risk of choking on earphones or buds, especially if an adult does not supervise them. Dr. Sarah Denny of the Ohio State University School said that anything that can "fit through the tube of a toilet paper roll" is a choking hazard for small children, so parents need to keep those earphones away. Rising Statistics on Ear Issues According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 10 kids in the U.S. between the ages of 6 to 19 years old have damaged hearing due to headphones or earphones use. More kids are also experiencing tinnitus or ringing in the ears, which is an early sign of damage. At the Cook Children's Health Care System in Texas, there has been an influx of kids complaining of ear problems since the pandemic. The experts said that parents need to have a conversation with their children about how their gadgets could be hurting them. In these talks, the parents must also touch on what hearing loss may feel and how it may impact how they communicate or understand other people. Related Article: Wealthy 23-Year-Old Mom Vows to Have 105 Children With Her 56-Year-Old Husband Financial consultants Karen Ziegler (left) and Jay Parke informed the County Supervisors April 19 that the county's general fund is insolvent. It should never have been up to them to tell the Supervisors this. This was the sort of thing former County Administrator Ron Drake and former Finance Director Terry Krukemyer should have been keeping the Supervisors up to date on. 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 Fidelity Bank Ghana in partnership with MDF West Africa has initiated a trade road show focused on training Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The various subject matters covered included international trade payment methods and their associated risks; opportunities available in the international trade business; and understanding the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) new clearing process. T his forms part of the Banks SME-focused measures to enable businesses to adapt swiftly and navigate the global challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative also ties in with the MasterCard Foundations sponsored MSMEs COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Program (MCRRP), which aims to support MSMEs to sustainably diversify their business lines and/or enter new markets. The MCRRP has Pyxera Global as the implementing partner for coordination and quality control with MDF West Africa providing digitization, online and virtual resources and other Business Development Services (BDS) support. Other partners of the MCRRP include Scale up Africa, Global Mamas and J. A. Venture Capital Investments. The first session of the roadshow under the theme, How to Navigate the International Trade Business Landscape in the Midst of COVID-19 was held at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi, Ghana. Opening the training session, Gustav Nii Ayi Mokobi Aryee, Head, Commercial Banking of Fidelity Bank Ghana, said, Commercial businesses and MSMEs are a critical segment of our economy and the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the global supply chain system and by extension, affected international trade where MSMEs mostly operate. However, we are confident that by equipping our partner MSMEs with the relevant know-how and expertise regarding critical developments in the international trade arena, they will be sufficiently armed to strategize effectively and continue to grow their businesses in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic. Julia W. Anyanewaa Appiah, Project Manager, MDF West Africa Ltd further elaborated on the objectives of the training roadshow. She stated, This training session is geared towards increasing the operational capacity of MSMEs, empowering them to continue operating at or even above pre-COVID-19 levels and ensuring that MSMEs maintain or expand employment levels in spite of the pandemic. Ultimately, the goal is to build capacity among participant MSMEs to enable them to become more resilient to current and future shocks or stressors. She also informed participants that they will be enrolled on the MCRRP platform so that their companies can enjoy all the benefits of the program in addition to further training and digitization of their services. A follow up visit will therefore be made to all the MSMEs for further training and support. In his presentation, Aaron Ameyaw, Head, Corporate and Transactional Banking Operations of Fidelity Bank Ghana, advised MSMEs to close the trade gap by adopting e-channels like the Fidelity Mobile App, Cheque Scanner and Fidelitys Corporate Internet Banking platform. Additionally, he advised MSMEs who are already feeling the pinch of the pandemic to take advantage of interventions such as Fidelitys trade loans to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on their operations and to assist in expediting their return to buoyancy. Raymond Amaglo, and Lipton S. Baffour representatives from Ghana Link Network Services Limited, also trained participants on the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) Project. The ICUMS Project is a Government-sponsored initiative where a single service provider has been commissioned to develop and implement an end-to-end automated trade facilitation and customs management system. Mr. Amaglo briefed participants on the various components and processes of ICUMS and encouraged them to take advantage of the system as it reduces the time and cost of doing business for importers and exporters. Over 70 MSMEs participated in the maiden training session. Representatives of selected MSMEs who were interviewed after the programme, expressed satisfaction with the session. Fidelity Bank and MDF West Africa will hold two more training sessions in the ensuing months with a focus on training more MSMEs on international trade and the various digital platforms available to enable them to address the challenges presented by the pandemic. Source: Peacefmonline 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 Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra collects over a hundred pints of blood during blood donation drive with Accra Technical University. Accra, Ghana, 29 July 2021 Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra, as part of its 10th year anniversary celebration, embarked on a blood donation drive in collaboration with the Accra Technical University to boost up the National Blood Banks blood supply. Recently, the Ghana National Blood Service (NBS) has lamented on shortfalls in achieving a hundred percent voluntary blood donations nationwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has been noted as a key contributing factor in the ongoing struggle to receive voluntary blood donations. However, Mr. Victor Israel, Donor Recruitment Officer with the NBS, cited the importance of sensitising the public and educating them on the values of donating blood. Blood donation is priceless, he said. You cannot quantify health. Once you donate, the first thing you receive is the health check-up to check if the donor has enough blood. They are screened for health-related issues and have their blood pressure checked as well so, the benefits, apart from the core value of saving a life, are endless. The upscale hotel, located in Accra Central, undertakes blood donation annually with its team members under its strategic corporate social responsibility initiatives, drawing on the hotels mandate to encourage mindful sustainability and community welfare. Not only are we intimately involved in the lives of our guests, but we are also committed to the welfare of communities within which we find ourselves, said Deborah Lee-Ann Sivertsen, General Manager of the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra. Seeing how these students have turned out for todays exercise reminds me of what I was like back in school as well. They, along with our team members, are lifesavers and their desire to donate blood goes a long way to save the lives of friends, family and citizens at large. Making moments with those in need is always our collective goal, she said. Over a hundred pints of blood were gathered after the successful exercise and to thank donors for their generosity, goodie bags were distributed containing non-perishable foods, stationery, and t-shirts from the hotel as well as the Ghana National Blood Service. The Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra recently launched its 10-year anniversary celebrating a decade of doing the ordinary in extraordinary ways. After the Ambassador Hotel, completely rebuilt under the global Swiss brand reopened in 2011, it has remained a beacon of excellence in the hospitality sector of Ghana hosting several high-level delegations and events while maintaining their health and safety as a priority. The hotel will continue to roll out a series of events leading up to the climax of the anniversary in November giving people the opportunity to be up close and personal with the brand whilst winning several prizes, enjoying offers, and having dreams come true. 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 Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, has called on governments of the western world that make up the G20, to make the African Union (AU) one of its members, just like it did to the European Union (EU), a bold statement many had thought should have come from an African President. The controversial request which has come to many as a surprise considering that Prof. Sach himself is a westerner, when granted, will see the G20 become G21. The move, according to the SDGs advocate, will bring a representation of a population of about 1.4billion to the table which will help change discussions at the international forum. The G20 should become G21 by inviting systematically, the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union to be the 21st country. The European Union is a member of the G20. As the EU, if you add the AU as the 21st country, you add 1.4billion people to represent them and that is crucial. That will change decisively, the discussions because 1.4billion people are not at the table for finance right now and they need to be so. I love G20, just add one seat thus 1.4billion people with the AU represented, he noted with the gathering applauding him for such a bold statement for inclusion. Jeffrey Sachs was contributing to a discussion on Accelerating the critical transitions required at the UN Food Systems Pre-Summit which was held in Rome, Italy from July 26 28, 2021. The pre-summit was to set the stage for the culmination of the global event in September 2021 by bringing together diverse actors from around the world to leverage the power of food systems to deliver progress on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim of the UN Food Systems Summit is to maximize the co-benefits of a food systems approach across the entire 2030 Agenda and meeting the challenges of climate change. Explaining the rationale behind his request, Prof. Sachs, who is also the Director, Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University, said the world has not seen much of the development it so desires because of the neglect of poor countries. Rich countries are always pursuing their interest and living the poor countries behind, a situation he noted, must change with a different system which has to be based on principles of human dignity in the universal declaration; principles of sovereignty and principles of economic rights. Commenting further, Prof. Sachs underscored the need for an order of magnitude change of development finance, stressing the need to increase lending and borrowing capacity of poor countries at zero percent coupon rate just like the rich countries have. We need an order of magnitude change of development finance. The rich countries just borrowed us$17trillion for COVID; the poor countries nothing. Because the rich countries can borrow with zero and the poor countries pay five or ten percent coupon rate or have no access at all. So the world exposed its grotesque inequality, he noted. With concerns of non-availability of COVID vaccines in poor countries in his mind, Prof. Sachs again called on the vaccine manufacturing countries like the United States of America, Russia, United Kingdom, China and the European Union to allocate the vaccines rather than hoarding them. He also called for heaving financing of the United Nations to be the core and central institution to solve the myriads of challenges confronting the world, insisting that is the only way we are going to have a civilized world. It cannot be that a whole UN budget is less than New York Citys budget. The UNs core budget is US$3billion. New York Citys budget is US$100billion and then we say why dont things work well? Because the rich are hoarding everything. Further to this call, he said there is the need to tax more, individuals and institutions, which are making more money in order to have a civilized world. The Executive Director of Millennium Promise Alliance (MPA), Chief Nathaniel Ebo Nsarko, who also monitored the event live when contacted, said Prof. Sachs' call was a step in the right direction, urging African leaders to follow up on this historic move and ensure that AU is included in the G20 to make it G21. "Prof. Sachs' statement has indeed shaken the foundations of the western world. In the coming days, I expect leadership of the AU to explore all possibilities to make a strong case for the continent to join the world powers during these strong decision making dialogue and change our fortune", he noted. 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 government will, henceforth, donate all rosewood confiscated by the state towards the National Cathedral project, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, has said. In line with that, five containers of the wood species which were confiscated at the Tema Port on June 17, 2021, by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority would become the first of such donations towards the project. Following this new decision, in addition to the existing ban on the export of rosewood, public auctions for the domestic use of rosewood will no longer be undertaken, Mr Jinapor said. Speaking to journalists yesterday during an evacuation of the consignment from the Global Container Terminal (GCT) near the Tema Port, Mr Jinapor indicated that until such a time when the government was assured that the cathedral project had enough of the species, other measures would be taken by way of donating the wood to other public institutions that may need it. If at any stage it will become necessary to undertake a public auction of the species for domestic use, the public can rest assured that the process will be done with the sense of integrity since the lands and natural resources constitute the property of the Ghanaian people, he said. Mr Jinapor was accompanied by his deputy, Mr Benito Owusu-Bio; a Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu; the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Mr John Allotey, and some officials of the Customs Division. Seizure In June, this year, customs officials at the port issued a detention notice on the five containers after officials of the Energy Commission had trailed the consignments to the terminal on suspicion that it contained charcoal meant for export without the requisite permit. An examination of the containers however revealed the banned species, prompting the detention and subsequent confiscation after the mandatory 30-day period as prescribed in the customs regulations. Following the evacuation to the Achimota Depot of the Forestry Commission, the minister indicated that the necessary documentation on the consignments will be processed to ensure their release to the trustees of the cathedral project. Investigations He said investigations conducted into the seizure by the ministry identified the individuals involved in the attempt to illegally export the species and the police were being notified to institute criminal investigations into the matter. The minister, however, did not mention the names of the individuals and companies he said were identified in the ministrys investigative report, saying, we will put out the names at the appropriate time. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), has directed members to withdraw all teaching and related activities on campus beginning Monday, August 02, this year. They should lay down their tools and stay off teaching, examinations and invigilation, marking of examination scripts and processing of results until further notice. A statement issued by the NEC, and jointly signed by Professor Charles Marfo, the UTAG National President, and Dr. Eric K. K. Abavare, the National Secretary, said members on the various campuses ought to comply with this directive. The decision to embark on an industrial strike, according to the NEC, was borne out of the governments refusal to heed to calls by the Association to improve the worsening conditions of service of the university teachers. It said the Association was not happy at the way the authorities had been dragging their feet on negotiations concerning the welfare of the teachers. Specifically, negotiation of our conditions of service which was started some two years ago, had overly been delayed with no end in sight, Prof. Marfo told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), in a recent interview in Kumasi. He said the UTAG was carrying out its threats to demonstrate to the government the seriousness attached to the members demand for the right thing to be done. According to the NEC, the attitude of the representatives of government in the series of meetings held over the week suggested that the university teachers were being taken for granted. We have no option than to resort to an indefinite strike, the UTAG National President noted. Meanwhile, some UTAG members at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in an interaction with the GNA on Saturday, decried what they termed as the lukewarm attitude on the part of the government to address their grievances. They bemoaned how the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations had failed to come out clear on the governments stance in meeting the demands of the university teachers. The UTAG members, therefore, described as a step in the right direction the NECs directive, saying they were committed to the instructions given. 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 Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) says it is willing and ready to participate in the consultative process to make the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 worthwhile. The CCG had keenly followed and participated in the debate and wishes to state unequivocally that it supports the Bill and prays that it will see the light of day. A statement signed by Reverend Dr Cyril G.K. Fayose, the General Secretary of the CCG, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said in the Councils previous statements on LGBTQI+, it stated the position of God on marriage and homosexuality. The statement said according to Genesis 2:24, marriage was a union between a man and a woman. Therefore, homosexuality was a redefinition of the family system other than what God intended when He created humankind. It has no space for procreation and nurturing of children with the love of a father and mother. Homosexuality is an act of perversion and abomination and it attracts Gods wrath (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Genesis 19:1-28), the statement said. It said all ethnic groups in the country frowned on homosexual unions and relations, and in Ghana, marriage was between a man and a woman. The statement said Ghana could not discard her unique family value system for the so-called human rights of a few. It was important to protect family values, which was the foundation of the nation, it said, and that homosexual unions did not have a place in the Ghanaian family value system. The statement called on all Ghanaians to throw their weight behind the Bill and support the process through prayers and any other means that may be required. Let us protect the good family system that we have inherited from our forebears. The CCG will continue to pray for the good of the nation. May the Lord bless us all, it said. 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 Bill that seeks to criminalize homosexuality in Ghana has been duly gazetted. It is expected to be laid for first reading on 2nd August 2021. One of the sponsors of the bill, Samuel Nartey George who is lawmaker for Ningo Prampram said on Friday July 30 that The Bill has duly been gazetted and sent to the Business Committee of the House. It is great to see the Bill has been programmed to be laid for first reading on Monday, 2nd August. Our eyes remain fixed on the prize. Sam George is receiving flak from some quarters for sponsoring the anti-LGBT+ agenda. For instance, Ghanaian musician Sister Derby who is also a known advocate of LGBT+ rights in Ghana obsessed with peoples sexual orientation and tagged him as a pervert and backward thinker. But he responded saying his is opened to intellectual debate on the anti-LGBT+ Bill he and some of his colleague lawmakers are sponsoring. Speaking on TV3s News 360 on Friday July 23, he said emotional outbursts have no place in legislation. We are opened to intellectual criticisms or criticisms and suggestions grounded in law. Emotional outburst emotional comments have no place in legislation In any body has intellectual suggestions or addition we are willing to debate the issue. But President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, Mr Edward Amoako Asante endorsed the move by Ghana to criminalize homosexuality in the country. He said the human rights argument being made in favour of homosexuality should be dismissed because the customs and traditions of the people which frown on such acts supersede that human right claim. People claim it is human right but rights and privileges move together and human rights which are contrary to custom and tradition may not be entertained because in every country there are customs and traditions. Basically, all these laws thrive on customs and traditions of the people. Therefore if the massive number of the people think that tradition frowns over these things then basically we can tread cautiously. But then Ghana I think should outlaw that LGBT so that it does not permeate the society at all. In Nigeria for example, it is a crime so Ghana is not going to lead the way, Ghana is further going to cement and support what others have done, he told TV3S Komla Klutse in interview on Tuesday July 27. The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mr Sidie Mohammed Tunis, for his part asked Ghana to be cautious in attempts to criminalize homosexuality in the country. He told TV3 in an interview on Tuesday July 27 that Ghana must be careful with this bill especially if it is not the interest of the public. As ECOWAS generally, we do not interfere in the domestic affairs of member countries however, if we find out there are issues that will bring about human rights issue , that will bring about insecurity, that will bring about undemocratic principles we will come in. When asked whether Ghana should be cautious with this bill he answered I believe so, If it is not in the interest of the people. The Bill has duly been gazetted and sent to the Business Committee of the House. It is great to see the Bill has been programmed to be laid for first reading on Monday, 2nd August. Our eyes remain fixed on the prize. #LionBorn #WeMove pic.twitter.com/1C33ww6oPb Sam 'Dzata' George (@samgeorgegh) July 30, 2021 Source: twitter/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 Pollster and Managing Editor of the Dispatch, Ben Ephson has predicted a victory for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Assin North by-election following the annulment of the 2020 parliamentary election results in that constituency by a Cape Coast High court. Mr Ephosn on 3FM Wednesday July 28 said electoral statistics favour the NPP going into the by-election. This seat is more of an NPP seat than NDC. In 2020 there was a split in terms of the NPP in this constituency. In 2016 the NPP won the seat 15553 votes and NDC 10751, margin of victory for NPP was 4802. In 2020 NPP had 14,793, NDC had 17,498, and margin of victory for NDC was 2733. In the run up to the 2020 elections there was a split in the front of the NPP .When the margin is not huge in such by-elections the incumbent government always wins so yes he may go for appeal, if the appeal is thrown out, it is going to be fresh elections and likely NDC might lose. The Court on Wednesday July 28 annulled the 2020 parliamentary election result. A cost of 10, 000 has been awarded against the Electoral commission and 30 thousand against Joe Gyekye Quayson who until the cancellation of the result was the Assin North MP. the presiding judge, Justice Kwasi Boakye said Mr. Quayson was restrained from holding himself out as Member of Parliament-elect for the Assin North constituency within the Central Region of the Republic of Ghana and further presenting himself to be sworn in as Member of Parliament-elect as such until the final determination of the petition. One Michael Ankoma-Nimfah, a mason and resident of Assin Bereku filed a petition against over dual citizenship. Private legal practitioner and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) has said the cancellation of the Assin North parliamentary election results by the Cape Coast High Court is a victory for rule of law. Speaking to the media after the court ruling, Nana B said Today is another victory for rule of law. This a petition that was filed by our own friend Michael Ankomah-Nimfah. Today the court, after almost six months has upheld our position and the petitioners position for that matter. We had repeatedly said Honourable Quayson at the time of filing his nomination to contest as an MP was a Canadian and also a Ghanaian. Mr Alex Segbefia, a private legal practitioner for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) disagreed with the court saying this is a matter that the Supreme Court has to make pronouncement. If they nominate a judge to be in any position when does he become judge? At the point of nomination? It is when he is sworn in so there are three separate dates and this is a matter we think the Supreme Court has to actually rule on. There is a time of filing, there is a time of election in this particular case. When the elections took place was he a citizens of this country or not, and then there is a time of when he actually swore that He is a Member of Parliament. Source: 3news.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, has invited the embattled former Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, John Gyakye Quayson, for interrogation. This follows a complaint lodged by the Central Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Takyi Mensah, over perjury. A source at the Police CID Headquarters says Mr. Quayson has been served with a letter to appear before it for interrogation. He will either appear on August 3 or 6, 2021, the source added. Quayson was on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, stripped of his MPship after a Cape Court High annulled the 2020 Parliamentary Election held in Assin North constituency and ordered for a fresh election to be held. The Court which was presided over by Justice Kwasi Boakye, restrained Mr. Quayson, from holding himself as MP for the Assin North constituency. Quayson had filed his nomination forms to contest for the position of a Member of Parliament for the Assin North Constituency when the Electoral Commission of Ghana opened nomination between October 5 to 9, 2020. As part of the nomination forms, Quayson signed a Statutory Declaration under Part IV of the forms before a Judicial Officer that he did not owe allegiance to any country other than Ghana. He subsequently went ahead to contest the parliamentary election on December 7, 2020, which he won. Michael Ankomah-Nimfah, who had knowledge about Quaysons Canadian Citizenship then petitioned the Director-General, CID, to conduct a criminal investigation into false declaration made by Quayson. He had contended in his petition that Quayson held dual citizenship as a Ghanaian and a Canadian at the time of his election, and therefore, must be restrained from performing the duties of a Member of Parliament. Nimfah also proceeded to the Cape Coast High Court and prayed that an injunction be placed on Quayson. The Court having listened to the plea advanced by Lawyer Frank Davies, Gary Nimako and Frank Kusi, Counsels for Ankomah-Nimfah, and counter argument by Abraham Amalibah and Adu Yeboah, Counsels for Quayson, granted the injunction. "It is hereby ordered that James Quayson a.k.a. James Gyakye is hereby restrained from holding himself out as Member of Parliament-Elect for the Assin North constituency within the Central Region of the Republic of Ghana and further presenting himself to be sworn in as Member of Parliament-Elect as such until the final determination of the Petition filed against him by the applicant." Despite the court directive, Quayson still went ahead and presented himself to be sworn in as the Member Parliament for Assin North Constituency. He even took part in the voting of the Speaker of Parliament, an exercise he was advised by the Clerk of Parliament, not to be part of but ignored. The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, prayed to the Clerk of Parliament to allow Quayson to participate in the election of the Speaker and let him bear the consequences thereafter. Having gone through the full stretch of the court hearing, Quayson was found guilty of having not renounced his Canadian citizen at the time of filing his nomination. His Renunciation Certificate of Canadian Citizenship was issued on November 26, 2020, with his renunciation taking effect same date. Now, he faces another herculean challenge, the case of perjury to cross. Moments after the Cape Coast High Court ruling, Mr. Takyi Mensah, petitioned the CID to press criminal charges against Quayson for committing perjury. Mr. Quayson has perjured himself by lying under oath and I have taken steps to petition your office for official criminal investigations to be conducted. I have attached for your attention the following documents: Biodata page of Canadian Passport bearing the name Mr. James Quayson issued on 03-10-2016; Biodata page of Ghanaian Passport bearing the name Mr. James Gyakye Quayson issued on 02-08-2019; and Ghanaian Passport application form completed by Mr. James Gyakye Quayson dated 30-07-2019, the petition filed by Mr. Takyi Mensah in part read. 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 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. One local hospital will soon be expanding. Rural Health Services Inc. Clyburn Center for Primary Care, located at 1000 Clyburn Place behind Aiken High School, has plans to construct a new Women's Health Center to increase its medical capacity. This building is necessary because the current facility is "bursting at the seams," according to CEO Carolyn Emanuel-McClain. +2 S.C. health officials urge masking regardless of vaccination status South Carolina's top doctor laid out recent changes to COVID-19-related recommendations and promoted the vaccine during a Wednesday news conference. "Ive got to have space somewhere to serve the patients that are coming in," Emanuel-McClain said. The proposed single-story building would be for obstetric services and for women and children's health, Emanuel-McClain said, leaving the existing Clyburn Center to take care of the on-site pharmacy, optometry, podiatry, adult medicine and dental services. The proposed building would be approximately 8,375 square feet, according to a legal notice , and placed upon an approximately 5.26-acre undeveloped site located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Clyburn Place and Columbia Avenue. Emanuel-McClain said she doesn't have all the money for the project yet but is working toward acquiring it. She said Rural Health Services has about $1 million toward building the site for the new facility but needs at least another $3 million to complete the project." Overall, Emanuel-McClain believes this new building would enhance Rural Health Services' ability to serve those in the community who need it most. "We want to have services that can keep Aiken in a progressive mode and meeting the needs of its population, taking care of our own," Emanuel-McClain said. 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. Inside St. Mary Help of Christians Church, Rev. Francisco Onate-Vargas stands often at the altar and gives the blessing to the Body and Blood of Christ. The congregation joined him in Spanish prayer during a Wednesday evening Mass. Onate-Vargas, the parochial vicar, shares his faith and much more with the community he guides through faith. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, he moved to the United States and now calls South Carolina home. At 24, he decided to devote his life to the Catholic Church and enroll in seminary school through the Diocese of Charleston. He was sent to Texas and Florida for his studies and returned to South Carolina as an ordained priest and worked at St. Michaels in the Murrells Inlet/Myrtle Beach area. Amid the pandemic, Onate-Vargas was transferred to the Aiken area. The community here is big, pretty much between 400 and 500 people come every Sunday for Mass and we have a lot of young families that come for Mass, Onate-Vargas said. Its growing. Rev. Gregory B. Wilson, the pastor of the Aiken parish, also celebrates Spanish Masses. The duo alternates between weeks and weekends and serves the locally diverse Hispanic community. One of the things Onate-Vargas enjoys about this community is the shared background of his parishioners. Theres a lot of culture that you can share with them, especially here at this parish, he said. The majority of the Spanish speaking people are from Mexico so I think I can connect with them more because we share more about our culture and our traditions, customs, but people from other places. Guided by Christ, we share what we have which is laid by that which is sharing our language, culture and learn from one another, Onate-Vargas said. As someone who is fluent in Spanish, Onate-Vargas can closely relate to his parishioners. They feel more comfortable, they feel more at home, especially when it comes to prayer. You are going to pray in a way that makes you feel connected and that you feel you can worship in your native language. Practicing the intimacies of his religion, Onate-Vargas uses Spanish to connect closely to God. When I pray, I pray in Spanish, Onate-Vargas said. When I do my meditation or my parishioner prayer, I do it in Spanish. I feel more comfortable so I think that the other people feel the same, so having that available to them is, I think, a wonderful thing to do. The blending between the English- and Spanish-speaking communities is intentional. Bible studies, volunteer and charity groups, Sacramental ceremonies, and Facebook events and more are all translated for both audiences. I really enjoy celebrating English and Spanish and people are very loving, Onate-Vargas said. I think our mission as priests is to love them and allow myself to be loved by them. But I enjoy both communities and here especially with Father Wilson, he is excellent at connecting both communities. Joely Leguizamon, a Hispanic parishioner who moved from Nicaragua nine years ago, fell in love with the church community at St. Marys. When I came to the church, thats where I saw (my) people, Leguizamon said. They welcome you. I love it here. We could have gone to other places. Because of the priest, Father Wilson, he is always caring about our needs as Hispanics, she said. Its been amazing to our community. Its a very important part of why we are here. Javier Grete, originally from Mexico, has been attending the Spanish Masses since they were held in the old St. Marys chapel. He connects better with the Spanish Mass because of his background. I came when I was 17, Grete said. ...Sometimes some words because you hear it from the Bible, you get lost a little bit but you get the story. In your native language, it's better. St. Marys is an outlier in this regard. At other places that is the case and the Spanish priests celebrate all the Spanish Masses and he takes care of the Hispanic community but not here ... it's just one community, Onate-Vargas said. ...I think it really sends the message to the community. It's not just Father Francisco who is in charge of the Spanish community, it's both of us because thats why they call us father because we are fathering the people. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Showers in the morning, then heavy thunderstorms for the afternoon. Some storms will contain heavy rainfall. High 83F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. At the beginning of July more than a quarter of adult renters in South Carolina were behind on rent payments, and at the end of the month the national moratorium on evictions expired. August is expected to mark the beginning of a wave of evictions across the state and nation. But meanwhile, billions of federal dollars to help pay back rent and utilities remain available, including hundreds of millions in South Carolina. Time is running out. "If you're not paying rent and thinking that nothing bad is going to happen, eventually it will," said Brian DeRoy with Trident United Way. "Be proactive, call 211 or go one of our resource centers. It's beyond urgent right now." Trident doesn't process applications for rent assistance or write checks, but helps people navigate the process. The federal assistance can go to pay overdue rent and utility bills all the way back to March 2020. The money goes to landlords and utility companies. To get help, tenants must have incomes no higher than 80 percent of the median income for their county, based on family size. That's not a high hurdle, income-wise. A single person in Charleston County could earn up to $46,000 and qualify. In less affluent counties the threshold is lower; $29,350 for a single wage-earner in Bamberg County, for example. The state's housing finance authority, SC Housing, is in charge of rent and utility assistance for residents of most counties, and can be reached at 803-336-3420 or online at schousing.com. The largest counties Anderson, Berkeley, Charleston, Greenville, Horry, Richland and Spartanburg received direct federal funding and are running their own programs. Their residents should contact their counties directly, not SC Housing. 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! In the Charleston region, that means Charleston County residents would call 855-452-5374 and Berkeley County residents would call 843-377-8507. Dorchester County residents would call SC Housing. Efforts to provide rent relief have gone frustratingly slowly, and the number of applicants has been surprisingly low. For the 39 counties handled by SC Housing there have only been about 10,000 applicants, in a state where more than a quarter-million people are estimated to be behind on rent. So far only about 400 have been approved by SC Housing, and 2,000 are pending. That's roughly $2 million in rent and utility assistance that's been paid, out of $271.8 million available. Chris Winston, spokesman for SC Housing, said roughly three-quarters of applicants lacked some of the required paperwork, and the authority has eased documentation requirements in response. He said proof of identity, income, and a rental agreement is about all that's needed now to get help. Still, it takes some time about 30 days, from a completed application to money going out the door. And that processing time is likely to grow when large numbers of tenants get eviction notices and suddenly, frantically start looking for help. Starting Aug. 1, landlords are no longer constrained by the federal moratorium, but evictions won't help them recoup the back rent they are owed. Tenants who, for whatever reason, didn't apply earlier for rental assistance should do so right away. The alternative is a loss of housing, ruined credit and, for landlords, an irretrievable loss of income. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. HOW BEAUTIFUL WE WERE. By Imbolo Mbue. Random House. 384 pages. $28. Political self-determination in Africa south of the Sahara dates back to the independence in 1957 of the new nation of Ghana. Since 2003, when Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie published her brilliant break-out novel Purple Hibiscus, a new GANA (Generation of African Novelists in America) has been asserting its right to literary self-determination via a torrent of novels sweeping away the stubborn vestiges of colonial representations of the continent. In How Beautiful We Were, Cameroonian writer Imbolo Mbue follows up her debut novel Behold the Dreamers, about Cameroonian immigrants during the Great Recession in the United States, with a sweeping, multi-generational elegy for an unnamed West African country. Nominally independent but enduring the resource curse of crude oil beneath their feet, the villagers of Kosawa at the heart of the novel suffer from polluted water, air and soil. Their children are sick and dying. Their national government is corrupt to the core, more likely to send soldiers to kill protesters than insist on environmental cleanup. Systems of international justice are glacially slow and astronomically expensive. Thwarted in access to peaceful means of redress, recourse to violence is entirely self-defeating. In an explosive and gripping opening the villagers take three representatives of Pexton, a fictional American oil company, and their driver hostage. Acquiescent and apathetic up to this point, they are goaded into action by the local madman/truthteller Konga. Initially the move appears to be working, but when one of the hostages dies in the village headmans house (the only brick house in the village), retribution falls swiftly and violently. Cowed once more into submission, it falls to the next generation to insist on expanding their education as a means to move beyond the confines of the village and the limits on the means with which to defend it. Although the action of the novel is specified as being between 1970 (the discovery of oil) and 2020, the absence of geographical or linguistic specificity creates a generic, almost allegorical effect that this tale could apply to anywhere in Africa where Western multinationals have had devastating impact on both the natural and cultural environment. Sign up for the Charleston Hot Sheet Get a weekly list of tips on pop-ups, last minute tickets and little-known experiences hand-selected by our newsroom in your inbox each Thursday. Email Sign Up! Indeed, Mbue refers obliquely both to Flint, Mich., and to the battles over the Keystone XL Pipeline to indicate that environmental racism is not limited to Africa. Emphasizing the unevenness of the struggle between the villagers and the forces ranged against them, Mbue narrates much of the novel in the first-person plural, from the viewpoint of Kosawas Children. Naive and unworldly, even by the end of the novel when they are actually grandparents, the Childrens folk wisdom gives them faith in the ants that killed the growling dog, bite by bite. This maintains their and the readers hope that they might actually prevail. Their hope is revealed to have been illusory. Although the Childrens grandchildren are living in 2020 under better material conditions than they themselves had been born into, the beauty of Kosawa is no more. The powerlessness of the Children to determine the state of the most basic essentials the ground beneath their feet, the water they drink, the air they breathe ultimately undercuts the promises of African independence made by the likes of Ghanas Nkrumah or by Cameroons Paul Biya, who will celebrate the 40th anniversary of his dictatorial rule a year from now. In light of recent rulings in European courts against Royal Dutch Shell for the environmental destruction it caused in the Niger Delta, Mbues depiction of futile resistance against the novels American oil company may be bleaker than it needs to be. In any case, the bleakness is mitigated by her vivid characterization of Thula, the brilliant and committed young woman who uses her American education to fight for justice and democratic rule. Maybe the novel will prove prophetic and the next great female African leader will be, like Thula, one who takes on the multinationals rather than being on the take from them. Whatever the case, How Beautiful We Were is an uplifting reminder that the desire for freedom is unquenchable, however stacked the deck may be. Ninth Circuit Solicitor's Office reports say longstanding issues at the Charleston County jail contributed to the death of Jamal Sutherland, a 31-year-old mentally ill Black man killed Jan. 5 as he was being forced from his cell. Deputies with the jail's Special Operations Group were trained to use aggression and intimidation to control inmates, seemingly ignorant of de-escalation techniques that are particularly critical to working with mentally ill inmates. When the group's aggressive tactics violated the jail's use of-force policies, evidence suggests superiors turned a blind eye. Sutherland was pepper-sprayed, stunned with Tasers and physically restrained so that deputies could force him to attend a bond court hearing. But Sutherland did not need to attend the hearing. Detention center policy stated inmates should only be forced to attend a bond hearing by judicial order, and the magistrate judge presiding over bond court that day never gave such an order. In fact, he said he had never ordered an inmate to appear for bond court. Gary Raney, a correctional use-of-force expert hired by Solicitor Scarlett Wilson to investigate Sutherland's death, wrote a 52-page report on the problems he uncovered in training, policy and supervision at the jail. Raney served for 31 years in the Ada County Sheriff's Office in Boise, Idaho, including 10 years as the elected sheriff. In an interview, he said the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center had problems that would be more common to find at a much smaller facility. The scope of his investigation did not include determining how those problems manifested, but he assumes that top leadership did not stay abreast of best practices in the correctional field. "This whole SOG tactics is so foreign to what we do as best practices now," he said. Former Sheriff Al Cannon, for whom the detention center is named, took issue with some parts of Raney's report but declined to talk specifically about the case. Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano, who took office just hours before Sutherland's death, said in an interview she has been working to address the problems that led to the tragedy. She said she knew before taking office there were serious problems at the detention center that needed to be addressed. "My team and I talked about that, that we had to get in here and we need to stop or prevent a serious injury or death," she said. "And it happened day one." Wilson said at a news conference July 26 she would not charge deputy Brian Houle and Sgt. Lindsay Fickett for their roles in Sutherland's death. She said she has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Sutherland's death for possible civil rights violations. That investigation is ongoing, she said. Questionable training In his report, Raney was particularly critical of U.S. C-SOG, a former Virginia company founded by Joseph Garcia that provided training to the sheriff's Special Operations deputies from 2008 to 2018. The training sought to create a specialized group of deputies that would serve as a full-time tactical team within the jail, the report states. Instead, officers were trained to use aggression and intimidation to quell resistance, with only cursory mention in training materials of de-escalation and avoidance. The Solicitor's Office had difficulty obtaining U.S. C-SOG's training materials. The Sheriff's Office did not retain any of the training objectives or lesson plans, and, according to Lt. Tyrone Shaw, Garcia claimed his training materials were "classified," the report states. But what they did find was disconcerting, they said. In videos, likely from around 2011, two deputies, including Fickett, were filmed being sprayed in the face repeatedly with full canisters of pepper spray while Garcia yelled questions at them. Raney said the event did not have any legitimate training purpose and instead seemed to be a "hazing exercise." "I do not have sufficient words to describe how ridiculous this was," Raney wrote. "The unnecessary and excessive exposure to OC can cause respiratory, skin, eye and other medical issues. I am not versed in South Carolinas hazing, torture, assault and similar statutes, but the vendors actions may have amounted to criminal conduct." Garcia's contract with the jail ended in late 2018 after four SOG deputies wrote complaints about his training methods. The deputies said Garcia was biased, did a poor job training new recruits, was inconsistent and used the deputies to make personal marketing materials. One senior SOG leader claimed Garcia's dog had attacked officers. A SOG deputy said command staff would leave Garcias trainings after a few minutes because they knew what he was teaching did not conform to the detention centers policies. Command staff would tell operators after the trainings were completed to forget what he has trained and stick to policy, the SOG deputy said. The training was conducted in-house after 2018, but much of Garcia's philosophy and confrontational tactics were carried over into the new training, the report states. Fickett, who was promoted to sergeant at that point, helped write and deliver the new SOG training. Asked in the report whether SOG officers were trained in de-escalation, Fickett said they did not even think to include it. "It was like, we have so much time for this much topics, it wouldnt didnt even cross our mind at all, she said. Cannon said he didn't know the details about why Garcia's contract ended. Garcia, who has since founded a new company, Corrections Special Applications Unit, did not respond to a request for comment by email. Attempts to reach by him or his company by phone were unsuccessful. Mandatory court attendance Sutherland had no criminal history before he was arrested the night of Jan. 4 on allegations he struck a staff member at Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health. Sutherland had checked himself into the facility Dec. 31 to receive treatment for symptoms of his ongoing bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. According to evidence released by the Solicitor's Office, Sutherland attempted to check himself out of the facility before his arrest because he said his condition was worse than when he entered. The request was denied by a physician. Sutherland displayed "noncompliant behaviors" during intake at the jail and a mental health request was made at 10:23 p.m. Jan. 4, the report states. He was placed into the Behavioral Management Unit, typically used for disciplinary isolation. Sutherland was scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. for bond court, but he refused to be handcuffed. Lt. Bryan Duvall and Sgt. Christopher Fennel spent 10 to 15 minutes attempting to talk Sutherland into complying. Sutherland was talking about conspiracies and "random stuff," according to Duvall. Houle, the only member of the Special Operations Group team on duty that day, was dispatched to force Sutherland from his cell. He asked Fickett to help. Houle said in an interview with State Law Enforcement Division, the agency tasked with the criminal investigation into Sutherland's death, that he told Duvall he was concerned about using force on Sutherland and asked whether the bond hearing could be rescheduled. Duvall spoke with Tamisha Jones, a bond court deputy, who said that, per a 2017 directive, all inmates had to appear before the judge. Jones was referring to an email Capt. Emma Salters sent in April 2017 for then Chief Deputy Willis Beatty that stated all inmates were required to attend bond court, with assistance of an emergency restraint chair, if necessary. A policy dated July 22, 2019, contradicted that email. It said only if a judge orders a defendant to be brought in front of him or her was it necessary for SOG to force the inmate to comply. When Duvall contacted Capt. Kerry Lynn Greathouse, the highest-ranking on-duty staff member, she told Duvall to bring Sutherland to court. Raney wrote in his report that both Greathouse and Salters should have been familiar with the jail's policy and realized the memo violated it. "If there is an underlying event that could have avoided the force used on Sutherland, it was this," Raney wrote. The cell extraction In his report, Raney said bad tactics and lack of planning made the cell extraction more dangerous than it had to be. Generally accepted jail practices use four to six deputies to remove a person from a cell, Raney said. One deputy enters with a shield, while the others enter to control each of the inmate's extremities. SOG training had reduced that number to two deputies, and sometimes to only one. This meant deputies were required to use greater force to subdue and restrain an inmate resisting them, the report states. Cannon said in an interview Raney was "dead wrong" about using multiple officers during a cell extraction. "You know, you had detention officers jumping on whoever was causing the problem, and that created problems, because people died on the bottom of stacks, and the potential for people to get injured, whether it was staff or inmates, increased dramatically," he said. Raney said in the interview that Sutherland's death was evidence for why multiple officers are needed. Sutherland was strong, so Fickett and Houle had to use greater force to control him than four deputies would have by controlling each of his extremities. In the report, Raney said cell extractions were "planned use of force events," with an emphasis on "planned." But in the case of Sutherland's extraction, there was no planning to anticipate how Sutherland would react. We really dont need to do a plan, Fickett told investigators. And, you know, being more experienced, I can just feed off of him [Houle], his actions, and I don't really need to we don't really need to do a plan, you know. We might communicate while we're while we're working, but beforehand, we know what we're gonna do. The deputies twice dispersed oleoresin capsicum, or pepper spray, in Sutherland's cell, but failed to wait at least five minutes for the spray to take effect, per manufacturer guidelines, the report states. Fickett, a pepper spray instructor, waited less than a minute after the second use of the spray before using her Taser. Under jail policy, deputies were not allowed to stun a passively resisting inmate with a Taser, the report states. Passive resistance is resistance that does not include physical action against the deputy's efforts. But, again, procedure trumped policy. Training videos from 2013 or 2014 showed Garcia demonstrating the use of a Taser on people who were only passively or verbally resisting. A major shown in the video attending both trainings said nothing about the potential policy violations of Garcia's lessons. After Sutherland fell to the floor, Fickett told Houle to enter the cell and handcuff Sutherland a dangerous order that left Houle trapped when Sutherland became combative. After the second Taser zap, Sutherland became frantic and grabbed Houle's legs. Houle used his own Taser on Sutherland. In all, the deputies would activate their Tasers 10 times in their encounter with Sutherland, though the report notes Fickett's Taser had a poor connection for most of the time it was active. Throughout the encounter, opportunities to de-escalate the situation through communication were ignored, the report states. Houle placed his knee on Sutherland's upper back or shoulder area for almost two minutes, which increased the risk he could asphyxiate, the report states. In interviews with investigators, Fickett seemed unaware of the risk. Deputies noticed Sutherland was unresponsive after he was placed in an emergency restraint chair, and medical staff took over care. Houle and Fickett made many mistakes during the cell extraction, Raney wrote in the report, but they did what they were trained to do. In the absence of training, they did what had become custom or practice at the detention center. "If criminal liability could be attached to an organization rather than an individual, the (Charleston County Sheriff's Office) should be charged," Raney wrote. Reform efforts at jail Graziano said in an interview she has brought in new leadership and consulted with S.C. Department of Corrections and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to fix longstanding problems at the jail. Mike Stanley, a former SWAT commander, has taken over leadership of the Special Operations Group, which was renamed the Emergency Response Team. Graziano said her staff is working to rewrite policies that were vague or did not conform to best practices. They have also created new policies around mental health and tactics training. She said the first policy she implemented upon taking office was a duty to intervene, meaning deputies who observe excessive force being used by a fellow officer have an obligation to stop it. Changes have been made so that people in a mental health crisis after an arrest will be evaluated by a crisis unit before being booked into jail. The jail also has a tracking system that will alert medical staff that a resident needs a mental evaluation. The Sheriffs Office is hosting a multidisciplinary summit on Aug. 4 on how to minimize police interactions with those who are in a mental crisis. Graziano said she would not rehire Houle or Fickett, who were terminated in May. She said based on the statements they gave to investigators, it appeared they did not think they did anything wrong. "You have to look at the totality of circumstances," she said. "I think there was serious lack of judgment on both their parts." Graziano said she could not imagine what the Sutherland family is feeling having lost a child in such a tragic and senseless manner. But she said she wanted to use the tragedy as a catalyst for change. "Jamal's death will not be in vain," she said. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Imagine your Aunt Matilda just left a six-figure inheritance to your 30-year-old daughter, and the attorney for the estate cant locate her. You have her address, and you know the money could be a godsend: She could pay off mountains of college debt and credit card bills and either buy a house or invest the money until shes ready to buy. But you know shell probably blow it on a month-long European vacation for herself and her 20 closest friends. Its understandable that youd want to delay the money getting to her, or even put some conditions on how she can spend it, but heres the thing: Legally, its none of your business. Shes an adult, and Aunt Matilda left the money to her, not to you. Thats pretty much the situation all but a handful of South Carolinas largest cities are facing with the Legislature and the governor. Only the governor and the Legislature have less reason to worry. Not no reason, but less. When Congress passed the American Rescue Plan in March to help the nation recover from COVID-19, it included $435 million for the 254 S.C. municipalities with populations of less than 50,000. South Carolinas 17 largest cities, all 46 counties and all of its school districts already have access to the billions in federal funding that Congress appropriated to them in that law. But as The Post and Couriers Seanna Adcox reports, funding for the smaller towns and cities has to be officially requested by the state, at the same time it requests the $2.5 billion that the Legislature will decide how to spend. And more than four months later, the state still hasnt requested the money. A spokesman for Gov. Henry McMaster tells us that the governor is holding off while state officials try to convince the municipalities to use professional grant managers to ensure technical compliance with federal law, and lawmakers develop matching grant programs to encourage them to spend the money on water and sewer improvements and other transformative projects. Mr. McMaster and lawmakers are worried, he said, that some of the money will be "unwisely or unlawfully" spent. It's a concern that reeks of paternalism, and of the longstanding legislative disrespect for local officials, some of whom are elected by more voters than legislators are. It's also a valid concern. 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! Although some of our states town and city councils have more integrity and better judgment than our Legislature and many have good judgment, some dont. Some also lack the capacity make sure they follow the highly technical and frequently changing federal rules on how the money can be spent. The same is true of some of our counties and larger cities, which already have access to federal funds allocated directly to them. And its certainly true of a number of our school districts, which are overseen by those too-often-troublesome school boards whose priorities are not always the best interests of the students. For that matter, there are legislators who dont have the integrity or judgement to make the best decisions about how to spend the states windfall, although the state is using a professional grants manager to ensure it meets all the technical requirements. But like Aunt Matilda, the Congress saw fit to throw a whole bunch of money at the Legislature, with few restrictions on how it can be spent assuming it follows those mother-may-I rules. And it saw fit to throw a whole bunch more at school boards, county councils and city and town councils, and to prohibit the states from telling them how to spend it. So the only way the state can influence any of those governments decisions is through incentives, as S.C. Education Superintendent Molly Spearman is wisely doing by offering matching funds to school districts that spend their money on programs that focus on proven approaches such as engaging summer learning, one-on-one tutoring and yearlong programs before and after normal school hours. It's been exciting to see members of Mr. McMasters accelerateSC task force discussing similar approaches. The Legislature should have already established such incentive programs when it was still in in session in June, or convened in July to pass them not only for the smaller municipalities whose funding is being held up but also for the counties and larger cities that are already spending their money. The governor and legislative leaders can and should inform the counties and the municipalities, large and small, that they're developing matching grant programs, and encourage them to hold off on the spending until that's done. The municipalities (and counties) need to engage the services of grant managers to ensure the federal government doesn't demand that they repay some of the money because they didn't comply with all the rules. And all the local councils even the ones that already have their money need to slow down and take the time to make sure they're making the best possible use of it. But continuing to withhold the money isn't fair to the towns and cities that are perfectly capable of making sound decisions. And given the Congress explicit prohibition on states interfering with how local governments spend the money, its not acceptable in any case. The governor needs to request the money now. The Asan Landing Memorial Ceremony was celebrated last month without a hitch, but an incident between Asan-Maina Mayor Frankie Salas and a group of cultural performers after the event has thrust the mayor into the spotlight. Patrick Camacho is the dance leader for Guma ma Higa, which has been performing at village events and ceremonies for nine years. The local dance group performed the opening blessing for the Asan Landing Memorial Ceremony, which was held July 16. The event was held in honor of those who perished in World War II and to commemorate the liberation of the island from Japanese occupation. Fifteen youth cultural dancers performed, said Camacho. But when it came time for payment, tensions rose. Camacho said he provided a discount for the group's services, charging $250 instead of the normal charge of $300. Camacho said a verbal agreement was made prior to the event in which he said the mayor would pay out of pocket. "After the ceremony finished it seemed to me like he kept trying to dodge me," Camacho said. "I approached him and said, 'Buenas sinot, we have to head to another function so if we can settle this now that would be great.' He tells me to come back next week." Camacho said he went to the mayor's office to handle the situation and while there, things got heated. "He threw me words, slammed his office table and then some man comes in and tells me to leave this place or he will pull me out and that I should wish he never sees me again or else," Camacho said. He said the mayor then refused to pay the group. "We had an agreement over the phone already to go there, do what we had to do. There was no agreement to come back; we did our services already." Camacho said. "We come out with our heart and soul." However, nothing was put in writing prior to the event. 'Very disrespectful' The Guam Daily Post spoke with Salas regarding the allegations. He denied Camacho's version of events and said it was Camacho who became belligerent and failed to show up to rehearsal and refused attempts to meet at the office to formulate a written agreement. Salas said he just wanted an invoice from the group so that he could justify the money spent for the service, which he said was funded with $400 from the Mayor's Municipal Planning Council. "I was asking him to come on Monday down to the community center so I could cut a check and get an invoice, and at the same time he was raising his voice," Salas said. He said that he has yet to receive an invoice, but did cut a check that day for $250 to Camacho. "I asked him right there if this was for the kids, or his self," said the mayor, who questioned why the check would not be made out to the group. Salas said as Camacho was leaving the office, "everyone" heard him cursing. "That's very disrespectful," Salas said. The mayor said he is waiting for an apology from Camacho. Salas, however, is not the only one who feels disrespected. Camacho believes the mayor's alleged actions were also disrespectful and is waiting for an apology from the mayor. Camacho believes he stood up for his dancers by insisting on payment. He said he made the negative comment to the mayor because the mayor smirked at him as he was leaving the office, he said. Camacho said he thought that the situation was over. But two days ago, he said he heard Salas was telling other mayors not to book Guma ma Higa. "You want to go ahead and tell people that I'm disrespectful and I said chada nana mu to you, but you don't want to tell them reasons why it escalated that far, then I am going to go ahead and let them know why," Camacho said. The mayor denied the allegation. "No, no, no. I'm not like that." Salas said. "This is between me and him. I would not go to my colleagues and advise them like that." Salas added: "It's shameful for him what he did." Neither have communicated with each other since the incident occurred. 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. The Telegraph reports that documents from Britains National Health Service, dated 2017 and 2018, indicate that the NHS contemplated denying medical care to those over 70 in case of a serious flu epidemic. The NHS drew up secret plans to withdraw hospital care from people in nursing homes in the event of a pandemic, The Telegraph can disclose. Confidential Whitehall documents show that the NHS plans refused treatment to those in their 70s and that support would instead be offered to use so-called end of life pathways. In their 70s! The documents on NHS surge and triage and adult social care labelled confidential and official sensitive were created in 2017 and 2018 and sent to government advisers. Both looked at how services would respond to a serious flu outbreak. *** The documents raised scenarios in which, if there was a severe influenza pandemic and extreme pressure on resources, doctors would need to put some elderly patients on an end of life pathway and deny them hospital care. I take it that this approach was not officially implemented during the covid epidemic, at least not fully. But there is a controversy in the U.K. about how the NHS treated people in care homes: The Telegraph disclosed earlier this year that care homes were asked by NHS managers and GPs to place do not resuscitate orders on all residents at the height of the pandemic to keep hospital beds free in breach of guidelines. All residents! When the Covid pandemic hit, The Telegraph found that restricting care turned out to be one of several ways in which care homes were apparently abandoned. Throughout the covid fiasco, the theme in England was Protect the NHS. Guided by its mantra to protect the NHS, the Government effectively loaded the Covid problem on to the care sector by telling them early in April last year that hospital patients could be discharged into care homes, regardless of whether they were Covid-positive or had even been tested. This makes no sense to me. I would say the purpose of the health care system is to protect patients; it is not the purpose of patients to protect the health care system. But this is the kind of inversion you get with government medicine. The most shocking element of this story is that those slated for abandonment under the severe flu scenario included those in their 70s. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky sat for a 20-minute interview with Bret Baier this past Friday. I have posted the video at the bottom. The FOX News story on the interview pulls some pertinent and newsworthy exchanges. The interview certainly revealed the current politics permeating the CDCs declarations and guidance. Walensky really ought to give it up and run for office. I was particularly interested in one exchange that I havent seen quoted anywhere. Unfortunately, I had to listen to the video to transcribe Walenskys response to questions posed at 4:45 by Dominic Marci of Vienna, Virginia. Marci asked when those of us who have been vaccinated will ever get back to normal and, when other variants come along, what metrics will dictate CDC recommendations. Baier then interceded to try to put a finer point on Marcis questions. Now it does seem that we are trying to kill this virus entirely rather than live with it. Baier asked: Can you just answer his percentage point question? Plot spoiler: The answer is no, she cannot. This is what Walensky said: Thank you, Dominic. Thank you for that question. So I think its really important to recognize that as we think about the absolute number of people who are getting infected that is related to the number of people who have disease, the number of people who are vaccinated, and how well those vaccines worked. So it is actually quantitatively possible to have 95 percent protection from hospitalization and still have a lot of breakthrough infections if most of your population is vaccinated. Baier tried again. Walensky responded: So I want to just articulate that this was not news that I expected the American people to welcome. This weighed heavily on me to have to do this, but I will also say that this virus has been humbling. I was taking care of patients a year ago. I joined the CDC six months ago and the science continues to change and, while that is neither simple nor easy to convey, its my responsibility to keep the American people safe and, as the science evolves, I evolve, with the CDC, the guidance [sic]. What I will sayI have no interest in continuing mask guidance and the best way to stop a new variant from spreading is to have less virus out there and the best way to do that is to get people vaccinated and to mask up until they are. Well, maybe she did answer the question in her own way after all. A Nigerian Instagram celebrity, Ismail Mustapha aka Mompha, has said that his embattled friend, Abbas Ramon alias Hushpuppi, would not have been nabbed if he had heeded his (Mompha) advice. Mompha, whom the EFCC named in a N157.1m fraud charge filed against a popular auto dealer, Sarumi Babafemi, alias 606 in February, said this during an Instagram Live with Daddy freeze on Saturday night. He said, What fucked him (Hushpuppi) up was that he didnt listen to me. He is stubborn hence his arrest and trial in the U.S. Hushpuppi and most recently, Abba Kyari, were among six suspects indicted in a $1.1m international fraud conspiracy. They were named in an FBI criminal complaint lodged at the United States District Court in California. Mr Kyari, a Nigerian super cop, has been under fire since the FBI unsealed a 69-page court document showing that he had been under investigation by the Bureau for his alleged link to Hushpuppi. The latter had pleaded guilty to the fraud allegations levelled against him. Following the announcement on July 26, Nigerians began tagging Mompha, saying he was next in line to be arrested because of his association with Hushpuppi. They also referenced Daddy Freezes 2019 visit to Hushpuppis Palazzo Versace home in Dubai, saying it was also only a matter of time before the FBI came after Daddy Freeze. People will accuse you wrongly, what about me that brought Hushpuppi from Malaysia, wetin my eye no see. The day Hush was arrested I got a lot of calls, Baba see what you have caused, you made them arrest this guy he was competing with, even on that day because of the pressure people were putting on my page, Mompha said. EFCC Mompha also revealed that the Nigerian anti-graft agency, EFCC, contacted him after Hushpuppi was apprehended abroad. He said the EFCC asked him to delete his social media pages and maintain a low profile after the incident. I had to remove my picture (after Hushpuppis arrest), EFCC had to call me directly to post my picture back because it will look as if maybe I was involved, many people will just come to my page and say you are next, FBI is coming for you, is that how it works? he said. As of August 2020, Mompha was standing trial alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd, on an amended 22-count charge bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N33 billion. PREMIUM TIMES reported Momphas arrest including how a Federal High Court in Lagos, ordered the EFCC to release all items it seized from him.. The items include five luxury wristwatches, an Apple iPod, an iPhone 8 device, and a pair of sunglasses, which were among other items found on him when he was arrested on October 19, 2019, in Abuja. During his interview session with Daddy Freeze, Mompha claimed EFCC unjustly punished him. My case with EFCC was because someone felt the need to punish a big boy like me, all because of BDC. Nigerians on social media love to gossip and wish bad luck for rich people.And its not my fault that I come from a rich home, I have even hustled all my life. ADVERTISEMENT READ ALSO: Mompha named in new money laundering charges And it is not my fault that I come from a rich home. Now everybody showing off is a fraud. In this life, you will face trial, just pray to overcome it, Mompha said. FBI Speaking about his arrest and ordeal by EFCC in October 2019, Mompha said, I was arrested October 18 and on October 19, two FBI agents came to interview me but I wont reveal what I was asked during the interview but many people should know the person already. He also expressed displeasure at the manner in which some Nigerians on social media rejoiced over his arrest. Mompha also said the EFCC and FBI let him go because they had no charges against him. He also explained how the Nigerian supercop, Abba Kyari, was indicted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for bribery. Hushpuppi didnt mention Abba Kyaris or anybodys name as an accomplice but it is what they (FBI) saw on his (Hushpuppis) phone that was what they extracted, Mompha said. Meanwhile, the Dubai-based BDC operator, also said the EFCC targeted him for no reason. At least two persons were injured on Saturday in Ebonyi State as the ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) turned violent in Ebonyi Local Government Area. The exercise was largely peaceful in most parts of the state but gunmen invaded Ugwuachara Central School, Ebonyi Local Government Area, shooting sporadically. Many persons were said to have sustained injuries from the gunshot while others took to their heels. The gunmen, believed to be working for a top politician in the state, allegedly carted away the electoral materials. The local government had been identified as a flashpoint before the exercise as major stakeholders from the area failed to agree on consensus candidates for the election. A resident of the area said supporters of top politicians in the area continued to shoot sporadically all through Friday night at Ugbodo in preparation for the congress. A source who witnessed the shooting at Ugwuachara said the gunmen stormed the area in a bus while voting was going. At 5 p.m., I drove from police junction Ugwuachara through Tina Nweze street to Ugwuachara Central School. I was trying to access a small market there to buy ginger for my wife. On getting to Ugwuachara Central School, I saw a black Hiace bus with tinted glass and a saloon car. I didnt pick the reg numbers because their plates were covered, besides the multitude in the field participating in the APC ward congress. All of a sudden gunmen numbering about ten emerged from the bus with AK-47 rifles and gunfire ensued. There was chaos as I was caught in the melee, I managed to hit the Abakaliki Mile 4 road and crossed to the other side I packed somewhere and rushed to where I could get a clear picture of the scene. I saw gunmen suspected to be Ebubeagu operatives fleeing the scene while others started returning fire. At that point, the unknown gunmen entered their vehicles and drove out while Ebubeagu entered their own vehicle and pursued them. Then some people who ran towards my side told me that two gunmen were brought down, he said. When I emerged from my hiding place, I drove towards police junction trying to access my house but started hearing the sound of gunfire again along Tina Nweze street and people who where fleeing the street told me that Ebubeagu were confronting the unknown gunmen who fled through Haraca by Expressway. On my way home I saw a woman lying in her pool of blood and when I asked onlookers, they told me that one of the people pursuing the gunmen hit a bike carrying the woman and her leg got shattered. Ebubeagu is the security agency set up by the state government. The source, who pleaded anonymity, said he drove the injured woman to the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital where he also saw some members of Ebubeagu who brought some of their men to the hospital. When I got to Accident ward AE-Fetha I noticed the presence of Ebubeagu operatives and when I enquired I was informed that they rushed their colleagues who suffered bullet wounds from the incident to the hospital, he said. ADVERTISEMENT PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm the claim that two person were killed during the shootout. The police spokesperson, Loveth Odah, did not respond to requests for reaction. The Commissioner for Internal Security, Stanley Okoro Emegha, said he was not aware of the shooting. He said the congress was largely peaceful and successful in most most parts of the state. ADVERTISEMENT The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into his connection with the popular internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas. Mr Kyari was indicted by U.S. authorities as part of the investigation of the fraudster, Mr Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi, who has pleaded guilty to multi-million dollar fraud charges by the U.S government. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the highly decorated Nigerian officer was named among the beneficiaries of proceeds from Mr Abbas illegal dealings, a reason a U.S. court ordered his arrest and prosecution. The stance of the IGP was announced by the police spokesperson, Frank Mba, on Sunday, in a statement with Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.4/26. His recommendation came two days after he ordered an internal review of the allegations against Mr Kyari. Quoting the IGPs letter to the Police Service Commission, dated July 31, Mr Mba said the suspension of Mr Kyari is in line with the interdisciplinary processes of the force. The IGP further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for the NPF Special Investigation Panel to carry out its investigations into the weighty allegations against DCP Abba Kyari without interference. The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer, the spokesperson said. According to Mr Mba, a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) comprising four senior police officers, to be chaired by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Joseph Egbunike, has been set up to investigate the allegations levelled against the supercop. The SIP, inter alia, is to undertake a detailed review of all the allegations against DCP Abba Kyari by the US Government as contained in relevant documents that have been availed of the NPF by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The SIP is also to obtain detailed representation of DCP Abba Kyari to all the allegations levelled against him, conduct further investigations as it deems fit, and submit recommendations to guide further actions by the Force Leadership on the matter, he said. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Kyari denied any wrongdoing. In statements posted on his verified Facebook page, he admitted knowing Hushpuppi but said he never demanded money from him. He also said he only referred Hushpuppi to a tailor whom the fraudster paid N300,000. ADVERTISEMENT Two kidnapped secondary school students in Kebbi State have escaped from their abductors. The two, a male and a female, were among the dozens of people recently kidnapped from the Federal Government College (FGC), Yauri, in Kebbi State. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the bandits shot security personnel during an exchange of gunfire and went away with some students and staff members of the school, on June 17. The exact number of kidnapped persons is yet to be verified. The two students were found wandering, on Saturday, in Dansadau forest in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. A chief of the Dansadau emirate confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES Sunday morning. He asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to journalists on the matter. The official said the students were handed over to the police in Dansadau and were subsequently moved to the police headquarters in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, late on Saturday. Other local sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the students were found around the Dansadau forest and brought to the police station by locals around 5 p.m. Saturday. The police commissioner in Zamfara, Hussaini Rabiu, confirmed that the students were found wandering in a bush in Dansadau but said they were rescued by the police. Mr Rabiu said the students were specifically picked at Babbar Doka village of the Dansadau Emirate and that they were among the many abducted from Federal Government College, Yauri, in Kebbi State. He identified the students as Maryam Abdulkarim, 15, and Farouk Buhari, 17, from Wushishi LGA of Niger State and Wara in Kebbi State respectively. The victims were taken to the hospital for medical checks, and they have been debriefed at the Police Command Headquarters, Gusau. The victims will be handed over to the Kebbi state Government through the Kebbi State Police Command, the commissioner said. Kidnapping for ransom has become commonplace in Kebbi, Zamfara and many other states in the North-west and North-central parts of Nigeria. Amidst the imminent third wave of the coronavirus pandemic and the recent outbreak of cholera in more than 13 states of the federation, Nigerian doctors have announced the commencement of a nationwide industrial action from Monday, August 2. The doctors, members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), blamed the Nigerian government for the strike. They accused the government of failing to implement the Memorandum of Action (MOA) earlier endorsed by the two parties which necessitated the suspension of the NARDs earlier strike action in April 2021. The NARD president, Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa, confirmed the development in a communique issued at the end of the associations National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was held in Abia State on Saturday. The NEC unanimously resolved by vote to resume the total and indefinite strike action from 08.00hrs Monday, 2nd August, 2021, the communique reads in part. The doctors had earlier in June issued a strike notice to the federal government but the minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, insisted on the withdrawal of the notice describing it as arm twisting. About NARD The body is an association of resident doctors, who are undergoing training to become consultants in various fields of medicine. They are described as residents because by virtue of their training, they are expected to be available in the hospitals with their patients every day. They make up the largest percentage of public medical practitioners in Nigeria and they are closer to the patients in terms of the management of cases. They report to their consultants and trainers who access them regularly and grade their performances. Reasons for strike The doctors grievances are said to be related to the failure of the federal government to implement the contents of the Memorandum of Action (MOA) endorsed before the suspension of the associations industrial action earlier in April, 2021. The doctors had embarked on strike on April 1 after a meeting with a government delegation on March 31 ended in a deadlock. The association later suspended the strike on April 10, following the signing of a new agreement with the government, concerning issues raised in a 13-point demand. The doctors had demanded, amongst other things, the immediate payment of COVID-19 inducement allowance to some of their members in federal and state tertiary institutions. They also demanded the review of hazard allowance for health workers due to the risk associated with their profession. The association also decried the undue hardship its members on GIFMIS platform are facing due to the delays in payment of their salaries ranging from three to seven months. But almost four months later, the doctors said the government has failed to meet their demands. NEC noted the suspension of the total indefinite strike action one hundred and thirteen (113) days ago due to Government promises as entailed in the Memorandum of Actions (MOA) signed at the instance of the Minister of Labour, Sen. Dr Chris Ngige. The NEC also noted the efforts of the Hon Speaker of the House of Representatives in ensuring that the Medical Residency Training Funds is captured in the supplementary budget. ADVERTISEMENT They however frowned at the delay by the Federal Government in disbursing the funds to our members, the communique made available to PREMIUM TIMES indicates. The communique also read in parts; The NEC noted that despite Government promise to migrate her members from the GIFMIS to the IPPIS platform, they are still stuck on the GIFMIS platform which is laced with payment irregularities. The NEC noted with grievous concerns the circular from the Head of Service of the Federation removing House Officers from the scheme of service and the consequent implementation by the Lagos State Government. The association also claims that some house officers, who are fresh graduates from medical schools, are still owed between one to two months salaries, and that the NEC noted that bench fee for outside postings by Resident Doctors has been abolished, however some Chief Medical Directors have renamed the bench fee as training fee causing hardship for our members. NEC noted that with regards to the non-payment of the National Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustment, the list of affected institutions and personnel strength had since been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health as directed by the MOA signed with the Federal Government, yet nothing has been done, the communique added. The association also lamented the acute manpower shortage in most tertiary health institutions and the attendant burnout effects on its members. It noted that this situation is made worse by the ongoing brain drain decimating the nations healthcare system. Poor welfare Despite risks associated with their profession, there have been numerous complaints of poor remuneration and welfare of health workers in Nigeria. The doctors had downed tools several times over these same issues. Hazard pay, a wage supplement paid to workers who do dangerous jobs, has been the grouse of Nigerian health workers since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health workers, being the first respondents to patients, have continued to be at risk of exposure to infections including the COVID-19 virus. Many health workers have already lost their lives to the infection, according to the chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), FCT, chapter Enema Amodu. The Nigerian government had in April 2020 promised a special COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance of 50 per cent of Consolidated Basic Salary to health workers in Nigerian teaching hospitals, federal medical centres (FMCs), and designated COVID-19 centres for the first three months. The NEC observed with serious concerns that despite several meetings with the presidential committee on salaries and other top government stakeholders on the review of hazard allowance for health workers, the hazard allowance still remains a paltry sum of five thousand naira, the association said. It also said that although efforts have been made about the payment of death in service insurance benefit to the next of kin of its members, more can still be done. Strike to compound Nigerias woes If it eventually kicks off as planned, the strike action will further compound the woes bedevilling the nations healthcare sector. The doctors strike is coming at a time Africas most populous nation is preparing for a possible third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Nigeria has continued to witness a consistent increase in the number of cases and deaths from the disease, including the dangerous Delta variant which is already present in many parts of the country. Reports of cholera outbreaks in various states including Bauchi, Enugu, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Plateau, Benue, Bayelsa, Delta, among others, have already added to the pressure on the nations health facilities. ADVERTISEMENT The Police Service Commission (PSC) has suspended Abba Kyari from office as a deputy commissioner of police and head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Mr Kyaris suspension is based on the recommendation of Inspector General of Police, Usma Baba. The police chief recommended the suspension as a temporary measure while the police investigate Mr Kyaris relationship with popular fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi. The highly decorated officer was indicted by a U.S. court as a conspirator in a $1.1 million fraudulent deal against a Qatari businessman. The PSC in a statement released on Sunday afternoon by its spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, said Mr Kyari is relieved of all his duties pending the outcome of the investigation in respect of his indictment by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States. Mr Kyari has denied any wrongdoing. The suspension took effect on Saturday, July 31, the day Mr Baba wrote to the commission, and will continue until the conclusion of the investigation. The Commission has also directed the Inspector General of Police to furnish it with information on further development on the matter for necessary further action. The Commissions decision which was conveyed in a letter with reference, PSC/POL/D/153/vol/V/138 to the Inspector General of Police today, Sunday, August 1st, 2021, was signed by Hon. Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner 1 in the Commission for the Commissions Chairman, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, a retired Inspector General of Police who is currently on leave, Mr Ani said in the Sunday statement. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how the police set up a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) comprising four senior police officers to investigate Mr Kyaris relationship with Hushpuppi. If Hushpuppi, who has pleaded guilty to a multi-million dollar fraud, is convicted, he risks a 20 years jail term. To be tried in the U.S. as requested by the American court, Mr Kyari would have to be extradited by Nigeria or voluntarily travel to face trial. However, such extradition could take a lot of time and legal maneuvering in Nigeria. ADVERTISEMENT When a third-year mass communication student of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, was sent by one of his lecturers to be considered for internship at The Journalism Clinic, his mention of photography as his interest triggered an idea: a pictorial storytelling site. This is the background to the creation of MyTori which has gone live on https://mytori.ng. I once did a LinkedIn article where I said that my pieces on the social and professional networks are to demonstrate to our trainees that everything I teach is possible. It took a while for this student to get started doing what I told him to do interviewing and taking pictures of his neighbours in Ojo Local Government Area where he lives, said Taiwo Obe, The Journalism Clinics Founder/Director. So I decided to start MyTori as a demonstration platform. Me Obe, a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Commonwealth Professional Fellow, added that the story of his classmates nephew he had been asked to help find a place for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) primary assignment in Ibadan, Oyo State, was another buoy. When I asked this young man, who has a bachelors degree in humanities from Bowen University in Iwo, to tell me about himself, he said he has interest in photography, cinematography, content creation and graphic design. Somehow, NYSC refused to approve his posting to Oyo State, and he sought redeployment to Lagos State. So, I have made a request to NYSC to post him to The Journalism Clinic. That will be his work when he joins August ending after his NYSC orientation. He was excited when I told him that he would be learning a few things from me, although I did not go into specifics. Mr Obe is also excited to have worked with Stephen Oloh, a 2016 computer science graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, based in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on developing the website. This young man, he said, has a special story. We have only met virtually. One day in 2018, he sent me a Direct Message on Twitter, stating how he was robbed at gunpoint and dispossessed of his valuables, including his laptop, phones, and certificates, and since then things had not been the same for him. I have been trying since then all I could do to support him and find his feet again. When this idea came, I decided that he would play a significant role and he has proved that he is superbly competent. Says Mr Oloh: I hope that MyTori would show readers why it is okay to feel lost, and help readers realise that they are not alone; that moments of doubt and uncertainty are all normal on the journey of life. As Bishop Desmond Tutu notes: My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says 30 out of 65 private airplanes verified so far are liable to pay required duties to the federal government. The Customs Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, made this known while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday. Mr Attah explained that some of these planes came into the country by Temporary Importation agreement which allows them to bring the jets without payment because it was secured by a bond. He said that thereafter many of them failed to turn up to pay on the expiration of the agreement which necessitated the verification. He stated that with this exercise, there would be more revenue to be accrued to the federal government because those who failed to adhere to the agreement would be made to pay the duties. The customs spokesperson said the verification had also given an opportunity to the service to clearly differentiate those planes in the country that were on commercial operations from those owned and used for private purposes. Mr Attah restated that the verification was not meant to embarrass anybody but to ensure that the right or required duties were paid to the government by the owners of these private planes. He further disclosed that with the impact of the first two weeks extension, the service had again given another two weeks which commenced from Monday, July 26, to Friday, August 6. Considering the rising number of compliance and the number of jets that are liable for payment of duties as well as indications by those people to do so, the Comptroller-General has again graciously given them another two weeks. ALSO READ: Nigerian Customs gives deadline for payment of vehicle duties The exercise as I stated in our previous briefings, is not intended to be punitive or to embarrass them but to ensure that these private jets that operate in the country are properly documented. And also, to ensure every collectable revenue is collected into the coffers of the Federal Government. As you all know the case of increasing economic challenge, every source of revenue is important to the government and beyond that, for security purpose. With this, you can now tie proper ownership to every aircraft or private jet that flies into and out of the country. Through the exercise, we have been able to know those hiding under temporary importation agreement. We are aware that owners of private jets are highly placed Nigerians who should be respected and approached in a manner that provides all necessary convenience and that is what these extensions stands for, he explained. According to him, this will be the last extension because whoever fails to turn up for the verification will have his aircraft impounded. (NAN) The Oluwo of Iwo land in Osun State, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, on Saturday, urged the federal government to initiate laws that would ensure capital punishment for convicted corrupt officials. The traditional ruler gave the advice in Abuja at a public presentation of four books authored by a lawyer, Aminu Alilu, a prosecutor and head of the Complex Case Group in the Federal Ministry of Justice. The four books, none of which is law-related, are The Tongue of Silence (an African play); Arrows in the Shadows (an African play); The Global Bugaboo (a poetry collection), and The Wise Mans Scripture (a collection of wise/witty sayings). In his remarks at the book launch which drew dignitaries from all walks of life, the Oluwo commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his campaign against corruption. Mr Akanbi, who described Mr Buhari as incorruptible, said he is the only one standing because I know he never stole any money. He, however, attributed the dying health system, among societal ills to corruption. I commend President Buhari-led administration for creating a vigorous awareness against corruption. We want more from His Excellency; an enforcement of capital punishment for corrupt officials is enough to place Nigeria at the verge of developed nation. Without such, effective management of the countrys resources will always be questionable. Mr President, we need enforcement of death penalty for the corrupt officials, he said. He equally urged the youth to assist his monarchical teaching committed to checkmating corruption in the traditional system. Respect for federal character in appointments Mr Akanbi also charged the president on the need to respect federal character in federal appointments to entrench unity in the country. President Buharis appointments have been criticised for being skewed in favour of the Muslim majority northern Nigeria. In addition to corruption fighting, President Buhari should endeavour to balance federal appointments, Mr Akanbi said on Saturday. Respect for federal character is a factor to entrench our unity and promote oneness. A fact check should be done and necessary adjustment made. A step forward to addressing such will pave way for other collaborative moves at strengthening the unity of Nigeria, he added. New laws Mr Akanbi urged the Ministry of Justice to be the vehicle through which appropriate laws and legislations are made to stamp out corruption and criminal activities in the system. ADVERTISEMENT He urged Nigerians to love one another irrespective of religious, ethnic or political difference. It is time for Nigeria to be detribalised. God gives us the diversity to strengthen our togetherness and not to divide us. Our grievances can be politely presented without destruction of our legacies. While we plead to government to review barbaric policies not in tune, I personally appeal to Nigerians mostly the youth to be civic in their demand, he said. Ritual killings The traditional ruler, who condemned the increasing rate of ritual killings in parts of the country, called on the government to legislate capital punishment for ritual killers. Ritual killing is prevalent and consume more innocent souls than Boko Haram and banditry. Private parts of women, men, children are harvested; people are killed on a daily basis by these ritual killers all because of money. It is anti-human, he said. He enjoined the youth to refrain from cultism, while tasking Nigerian authors to create awareness in their literary work to curtail the menace. Comments on author The monarch said he had met many authors but I have not met any who wrote four books at a time. Aminu is a poet, playwright, a novelist and an aphorist, he said. He commended Mr Alilu for writing the books, saying, Authors are generational builders. He said not only that he came up with the intellectual property at a time when the country and its men were struggling to survive the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is a pure indication that great men are always without excuse. AGF, author speak The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, also commended the author of the books. Mr Malami, who was represented by the acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mohammed Etsu, recommended that the books should be incorporated in the curriculum of the countrys school system. The author, Mr Alilu, said he decided to write the four books in order to make a positive impact in the country. He urged upcoming writers not to be discouraged about how lucrative literary work is, but should focus on the impact it would make in the society. (NAN) The Minister of State, Works and Housing, Abubakar Aliyu, on Saturday, disclosed that the federal government had refunded states, billions of naira spent on constructing federal roads. He made the disclosure during a visit to Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister, an engineer by profession, was in Kebbi to ascertain the level of work executed by the state government on the construction of some federal roads in the state. Out of the total distance of roads we have across the country, 34,000 kms plus are under the jurisdiction of the federal government out of which we are currently working on over 13,000 kms simultaneously with over 800 contracts currently ongoing. Before now, some states may find it extremely necessary, because of urgency, to approach the federal government to seek permission to construct federal roads that are within their states. The federal government will give them the permission and they will be reimbursed later. Before 2016 or around that period, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) set up a committee to verify and clear road construction executed by some state governments. The committee headed by the Minister of Works and Housing, Hon. Babatunde Raji Fashola was able to clear and verify 25 states who built federal government roads in their states. He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had given approval for the payment of N477 billion, which was shared among the 25 states respectively, adding that this is the third set of which Kebbi is among, alongside Yobe and Taraba States. The minister said: As I am talking to you, by tomorrow, the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing will be in Yobe to ascertain and verify their road construction, while the Hon. Minister of Education will be in Taraba to do a similar job. Thats why I am here together with my team today, the secretariat is domiciled in the SGFs office and thats why you see me with the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, to come and verify the two roads as you requested. Responding, Governor Bagudu appreciated the minister for the visit, applauding the present administration for completing one of the legacy roads it inherited; Sokoto-Tambuwal-Kontagora road. This road is one of the most important roads, not only does it link other states with the Federal Capital Territory, but it is the main gateway to Lagos. I remember in 2015 when we came in before the completion of the road, whenever we were having security council meeting, it was a nightmare for the Emir of Yauri to come, but today, he even looks forward to coming for the meetings. This is one of the numerous uncompleted roads that were inherited by the President Buhari administration which are either completed or on the way to completion. This is highly commendable. Though, the President wouldnt have achieved that without a formidable team, for that we also commend the efforts of the ministry. Mr Bagudu observed that apart from the completion of inherited projects, the present administration had been able to initiate and execute new gigantic projects across the country. Earlier, the Commissioner for Works in the state, Abubakar Chika-Ladan told the governor that he led the visitors on inspection of Dabai-Mahuta-Koko road which was constructed in 2006 at the cost of N4.8 billion as well as Malando-Garin Baka-Ngaski 45 km road which gulped N2.2 billion in 2007. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Veteran Nollywood actors, Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, and Jide Kosoko, on Saturday mourned Nollywood thespian, Rachel Oniga, who died on Friday in Lagos at 64. Salami in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described Oniga as a loyal, hardworking and humble colleague who was after everyones peaceful co-existence. He said that the Nollywood industry would miss her mastery of her profession and the unique way of interpreting her roles. Onigas death is really sad and a painful one. May her soul rest in peace and may God forgive her shortcomings. She was a loyal, humble and hard-working colleague, also a parent to the core. She did a lot for her children and I pray that God guides and protect them all. She is someone who looks out for others and ensures peaceful co-existence among artists. The industry will miss her unique way of interpreting her roles, he told NAN. Also, Kosoko in his tribute described late Oniga as a nice colleague whom he considered to be a friend and a sister. Late Oniga was a nice colleague and the memory of the time spent together will never be forgotten. She was a friend and a sister. In fact, she was one of those ladies in the profession that interprets her roles properly. She is one of those committed to moving the industry forward. May her soul rest in peace, he said. Veteran actress Joke Silver took to her Instagram page to mourn Oniga with a display of her picture, as she wrote: Incredibly committed colleague. You have to come correct when playing opposite Rachel Oniga, not much talk but all work. 64 is a bit early. You have completely blindsided me, Rest in peace. Also, Waka Music pioneer, Salawa Abeni, said: Rest beautifully in the Lords bossom Rachel Oniga, a legend in its true definition. May God comfort your family. Rachel Oniga was born on May 23, 1957, in Ebute Metta, Lagos State. She began her acting career in 1993. Oniga worked briefly at Ascoline Nigeria Limited, a Dutch Consultant company, before her first movie titled Onome and her debut Yoruba movie was Owo Blow. Over the years, Oniga has featured in notable Nigerian films such as Sango, a movie scripted by Wale Ogunyemi, produced and directed by Obafemi Lasode; and Wale Adenugas television series, Super story. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT The estranged wife of the former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, Precious Chikwendu, has told the Court of Appeal in Abuja that her former husband lacks the capacity to cater for their four children. She said she is worried that Mr Fani-Kayode entrusts their four sons in the care of nannies and his girlfriends. She alleged that with Mr Fani-Kayode always travelling away from home, the oldest among the children has stopped school, while the younger triplets have yet to start schooling. Ms Chikwendu, a former beauty queen, has been locked in a child-custody battle with Mr Fani-Kayode following their break-up in August 2020. The plaintiff, who demands a monthly payment of N3.5 million for the upkeep of their four sons, alleged in her suit before an Abuja High Court that Mr Fani-Kayode, beat her up on several occasions even while she was pregnant. Mr Fani-Kayode had, through his lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, applied to the judge, Sylvanus Oriji, of the High Court of the FCT, Abuja. He urged the court to either strike out the suit or set aside the earlier purported service of the processes filed by Ms Chikwendu on him. But the court dismissed Mr Fani-Kayodes application and assumed jurisdiction to hear the case, a decision the ex-minister appealed at the appellate court. Mr Oriji also made an order that a fresh hearing notice along with the originating motion be served on Mr Fani-Kayode. Displeased with the ruling, the ex-minister filed a notice of appeal dated March 25, 2021, alleging that the judge denied him a fair hearing. Among his prayers, the appellant urged the Court of Appeal to make an order remitting this case to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court for reassignment and determination by another judge. Ex-wifes response Responding to the appeal in her filing at the Court of Appeals registry, Ms Chikwendu accused the former minister of maltreating their four sons since she was separated from them. In an affidavit dated June 28, 2021, Ms Chikwendu attached a slew of photographs purportedly showing Mr Fani-Kayode with his entourage visiting several state governors across Nigeria. In other photographs, several ladies and the four children, the subject matter of the legal proceedings, could be seen together with Mr Fani-Kayode. The appellant (Mr Fani-Kayode) employs nannies and different women whom I reasonably believe to be his girlfriends, and posts pictures of them together on various social media platforms all in a bid to spite me, the court documents filed by Ms Chikwendus lawyer, Terkaa Aondo, read in part. She described how Mr Fani-Kayode, allegedly, denied her access to their children since August 2, 2020, using security officials and protocol details attached to him. Childrens education stalled Ms Chikwendu added that the former minister, whom she said is always globe-trotting and leaving the children at the mercy of his girlfriends and nannies, is unfit to take care of the four children. She said as a result of this, the childrens education has been stalled, a development she said is a source of concerns for her. ADVERTISEMENT That I am worried about my childrens education status as my first son was stopped from going to school since August 2020, and the triplets who are due for school are not in school or given an education access. That as a young mother, I have been traumatised and physically assaulted by the appellant who is all out in a bid to forcefully take away the children from me and further delay this appeal. That there is need that I preserve my right and interest and that of my children who are minors. She also alleged that should there be further delay in granting her application, the former minister, may make good his threat of relocating my four children out of the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court in which I will be denied a chance of ever seeing them again. Mr Fani-Kayode has yet to file his response to the allegations. Until August last year, Mr Fani-Kayode and Ms Chikwendu were living together at his house in Aso Drive in Abuja. She was said to have been forcibly ejected out of their home as their relationship degenerated. Born in 1989, Precious, who is fondly referred to as Snow White, is a model, actress, and former beauty queen. She represented Nigeria at the Miss United Nations World Beauty pageant in 2014. ADVERTISEMENT The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has recovered 35 wraps of cocaine from a lady passenger at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. Femi Babafemi, NDLEAs director of media and advocacy, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. Mr Babafemi said the suspect, Okafor Ebere Edith, was arrested on July 31, during the outward clearance of passengers on Air Cotevoire bound to Monrovia, Liberia. He said the suspect, who tucked pellet of cocaine in her underwear to beat security checks at the airport, was however picked up for search. This, he said, included questioning during which the wraps of the illicit drug were found on her. During preliminary interview, the suspect claimed that the desire to make money pushed her into drug trafficking, he said. Mr Babafemi said the operatives arrested another suspect, Echendu Jerry Maduakolam, an intending male passenger going to Istanbul, at Gate A Departure hall of the MMIA on July 27. He said the suspect was arrested during outward clearance of Egypt Airline bound to Turkey in possession of 78grams of Cannabis mixed with dried bitter leaf. On the same day; another intending male passenger, Egbon Osarodion,going to Milan, Italy was arrested at the airports Gate A Departure hall. This was also during outward clearance of passengers on Egypt Airlines with different quantities of 225mg Tramadol and Rohypnol concealed in foil papers wrapped in a polyethylene bag, he said. Mr Babafemi disclosed further that NDLEA operatives, Kontagora Area Command, Niger State, raided a warehouse at Mailefe village in Kontagora Local Government Area of the state. The spokesman said the operation was carried out on July 29 at a warehouse where suspected drug supplies for bandits operating in parts of the state were stored. After thorough search of the warehouse, 125 bags of Cannabis Sativa were recovered while a man seen praying in front of the house fled into the forest when he sighted the narcotic officers from afar, he said. Mr Babafemi quoted the Chairman of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, as commending personnel of the MMIA and Niger State Commands. Mr Marwa, a retired brigadier general, lauded their continued efforts in tracking down traffickers of illicit drugs in their areas of responsibility. He charged them and their counterparts in other commands to remain focused and resolute in pursuit of the goal to rid Nigeria of illicit substances and drug related criminalities. (NAN) It is never acceptable to have non-nationals write your history, nor is it acceptable to have them define the kinds of questions a nation should ask or confront in trying to make sense of its individual and collective identity in the committee of nations in the global arena. We as an African nation and non-Africans cannot and should not be producing knowledge(s) about us that are then appropriated by others to define us. Sierra Leones first-generation professional historians are almost extinct. With the passing of Arthur Abraham and Cecil Fyle within a year, we are now down to a single survivor. The pioneering Durham breed, which commenced the herculean task of reconstructing the Sierra Leonean past are themselves now history: dead, retired, and hors de combat in a field that has expanded beyond their collective imaginations. And this is happening at a time when there are very few practicing historians in Sierra Leone the second generation with sadly no inkling of a third generation in sight. The first generation professional historians Arthur Porter?, Akintola Wyse, Gus Deveneux, Arthur Abraham, Mac Sam Dixion-Fyle, Cyril Foray, James Lenga Koroma, Eddie Turay, Alpha Bah, Gilbert Cleo-Hanciles with one exception, have all joined the ancestors. Those with terminal degrees, not including Arthur Porter, Cyril Foray, did graduate work and completed their primary research within four/five years of each other, that is to say, between 1972 and 1977. Graduating in the middle of the second decade of independence was rather late they could all have studied at the University of Ibadan, the birth place of African historiography; for Ibadan, and the four second generation universities in Nigeria, had all produced PhDs in history by the mid-70s. But Fourah Bay College, and later the University of Sierra Leone, remained an under-graduate liberal arts school, which meant that there were no graduate programmes/ students, just the rare but occasional Masters degree student three in the last century: Gilbert Cleo-Hanciles, Alpha Lavalie, and Festus Cole. Within a decade after their graduation, this pioneering cohort started trooping off to greener pastures, even before they could fulfill their historic mission Abraham was the first to depart to Liberia; followed by Wyse, who moved down the coast to Nigeria; then Dixion Fyle. All this happened within five years 1977-1981. The Journal of the Historical Society of Sierra Leone a script taken from Nigerian and Ghanaian historians started life in 1977 but unfortunately choked to death when Abraham, the founding editor, left for Liberia. As Head of African Studies, Magbailey Fyle would continue editing the Africana Research Bulletin, the flagship publication of African Studies, not history. With his departure to the U.S., Abraham, who had returned, took over African Studies until he himself immigrated to the U.S. in the late 90s, leaving Wyse, the last man standing, solely in charge of the abandoned manor. As such, a department that started life with Arthur Porter as chair, succeeded by a British expatriate, Peter Kup, and an American in the 60s, John Paterson, who would remake the department by offering the first course in African history, ran a top-heavy undergraduate programme straight into the twenty-first century, when it was mistakenly merged with the externally mid-wifed African Studies programme a U.S. sponsored outfit dubbed Africanist enterprise by leftist critics. The 1960s saw, not only, the establishment of the Institute of African Studies but also the beginning of a full fledged History department, with courses in African history and an honours programme. But History, the abused queen of the humanities/social sciences, has not been as popular as it used to be few students now want to offer History or major in a discipline that seemingly has no utilitarian value outside telling boring stories about a past no one cares about/wants to remember. So, students now troop to law en mass at FBC. At Njala and Unimak, History is visibly absent in the menu; it is as if the end of history has been proclaimed with the fundamentalist embrace of a dis-anchored STEM, that promises a rosy future with no sense of the past. Years ago, attempts to recruit graduate students, after a colleague at an American university offered to guarantee a four-year graduate funding, fell apart because there were none to recruit. Law and the social sciences, erroneously seen as lucrative professional pathways, are sucking in students from History at a time when historians are needed to engage in the task of producing historical knowledge for/about the nation-state and the continent of Africa. The fall in student enrollment for History is admittedly a global trend dating back to the last century. But its deleterious consequences in Africa have meant more non-Africans, especially white European males, exclusively taking over the research and writing of African history. The sprouting of post-colonial studies in the erstwhile post-colony and the global North, and the recent resurgence of counter-hegemonic epistemological agendas in the global South, are indicative of a major seismic shift in decentering and provincialising Euro-America. Can we in Sierra Leone/Africa afford to be left out of this intellectually reinvigorating de-colonial context? After twenty years in the trenches, it is fair to say this cohort of twelve, scattered mostly in the U.S., have still not succeeded in making the desired impact, in terms of research output, that would translate to ownership of the Sierra Leonean past by Sierra Leonean professional/academic historians. Indeed this goal, which eluded the first generation, continues to haunt If the first generation academic historians were saddled with producing a nationalist history they wanted their voices heard, a leading practitioner declared that narrative came in the form of an ethnic problematic, which served as an ideology for the political class. Undeterred, the second-generation historians embraced this well beaten and discredited pathway in reconstructing the Sierra Leonean past. But unlike the first generation historians, whose terminal degrees were minted within four/five years apart of each other, the second group spanned a whole generation to come on stream I. Abdullah, 1990; P. Dumbuya, 1991; J. Alie and A. Jalloh, 1993; F. Cole, 1994; S. Ojukutu-Macauley, 1997; I. Rashid, 1998; N. Blyden, 1998; G. Cole, 2000; J. Bangura, 2006; T. Mbayo, 2009; and L. Gberie, 2010. Almost all the above who researched Sierra Leonean history/historiography within that twenty years period lived and worked outside Sierra Leone. And all of them, with the exception of Abdullah, Blyden and Rashid, were trained at FBC, before graduate work in North America/the U.K. Of these twelve historians, eight are currently resident outside Sierra Leoone; one has never held an academic position; while two only recently returned from their sojourn in the U.S. After twenty years in the trenches, it is fair to say this cohort of twelve, scattered mostly in the U.S., have still not succeeded in making the desired impact, in terms of research output, that would translate to ownership of the Sierra Leonean past by Sierra Leonean professional/academic historians. Indeed this goal, which eluded the first generation, continues to haunt, not only the study and production of knowledge(s) on/about the Sierra Leonean past in general, but also the humanities and social sciences broadly defined. The intervention of a group of Sierra Leonean scholars spearheaded by two historians Dixion-Fyle and Cole on the study of the Creole/Krio, marked the first scholarly attempt by Sierra Leonean historians/scholars to consciously seize the initiative to shape the study of their past(s). New Perspective on the Sierra Leone Krio was therefore timely; it was a major collective intervention by Sierra Leonean scholars in thinking through basic foundational issues in the reconstruction of the Sierra Leonean past, although it remains uncertain the extent to which they contoured the field or re-defined the problematic. But the theorisation around the Creolisation versus Kriolisation binary the sucking up of autochthonous communities in the Freetown area revealed contradictory possibilities that the contributors were reluctant to engage. Gibril Cole would pursue this theme of Kriolisation in his monograph that sets to re-invent the Oku community as Krio Muslims in nineteenth century Freetown. But these and other related issues have been challenged by Joseph Bangura The Temneh of Sierra Leone who raises fundamental questions about the city of Freetown and its inhabitants, which go against the traditional narrative of Creoledom as the hegemonic cultural capital and political force. Even so, these works remain centered around the original sin ethnicity and the privileging of specific groups in understanding our individual and collective past(s). Blydens work on West Indian identity similarly falls within the suffocating ethnic ambit of the first generation. And Jalloh, following the path of Bah, who was no doubt influenced by the invention of the Creoledom/Mendedom thesis, has presented his own elaboration on this theme in his work on the Fullah in politics and commerce. But after sixty years of knowledge production, Sierra Leonean historiography needs to move away from this ethnicisation of the past and, by implication, the present. This original sin, which defines the first generation historians, has been reproduced with unrefined gusto sans nuance by the second generation of professional historians. Small gains have been made in the area of the historiography of the Sierra Leonean civil war where Sierra Leoneans collectively intervened to define and shape the knowledge(s) produced about the war and the subsequent debates around the war and its continuation. This took place in an African Development special issue and subsequently an anthology Democracy and Terror under the aegis of CODESRIA. Here the work of Zubairu Wai, an historically informed social scientist, stands out at the end point of this major scholarly intervention in shaping the field the historiography of the civil war in how we think and make sense of the war. Individual scholars have made seminal contributions in their specific areas of study ranging from social history to subaltern subjectivities slaves, peasants, and workers to gender and class. The anthology on Sierra Leonean historiography Paradox and History was an attempt to chronicle some of the debates and themes in the reconstruction of the Sierra Leonean past(s). Amidst this dark cloud, there are visible signs of a blue sky in the horizon. The Ebola anthology published in 2017 Understanding West Africas Ebola Epidemic has laid the groundwork for an opening in medical history/history of an epidemic/pandemic; an hitherto untouched area in the study of the Sierra Leonean past. Festus Coles initial foray into public health and disease was a first. Tamba Mbayos pioneering article on Ebola and poverty, which appeared in the new Journal of West African History, is also suggestive of the emerging/new thinking around medical history in our understanding of the Sierra Leonean past. An exciting dissertation on Sierra Leone medical history, and the use of medical knowledge for scientific and economic gains, by Chernoh Alpha Bah, is in the making; and a new course on medical history that I proposed in a recent curriculum review are pointers towards an exciting new sub-field within Sierra Leonean historiography, as written by Sierra Leoneans. Bringing History back in schools should be seen as an investment against our individual and collective ignorance; an ammunition to guarantee our collective security against national amnesia. Such an act is not only necessary for our collective liberation/emancipation, it should be seen as the springboard for our individual and collective survival as a multi-national nation-state in the twenty-first century. Although the study of the Sierra Leonean past has been on the menu at the department of History in Sierra Leones premier institution of higher learning since the late 60s, it has not always been taught by a qualified/dedicated professoriate with interest in the area. The dispersal of the first generation of professional historians to different climes in search of livelihoods; the demise of two academic journals dedicated to the study of that past; the fall in enrollment of History majors; the dearth of qualified faculty; the lack of solid long-term research agenda; plus the chronic inability to make the needed transition to graduate education, have all collectively hampered the possibilities within which a third generation of historians could emerge. Only Sierra Leoneans can write their own history (ies). And only universities in Sierra Leone can produce those historians. It is immaterial at this point whether they troop out to do graduate work or not the key production point in their making has historically been the Ivory Tower on the Hill. But we need to do more than recruit and nuture a third generation of historians. There is the dire need to go beyond the year 1500 in our research/understanding of the Sierra Leonean past: no Sierra Leonean historian has done work on the history of the European slave trade or social/economic history of slavery. For a country that memorialises its historicity as an original Pan-African project (nation-state?), these yawning knowledge gaps not only question that claim but also undermine the extent to which it could be persuasively ideologised and reproduced in the service of national, as against ethnic, interests. As the second generation of Sierra Leonean historians are on their way out none of them are below fifty-five should we now start visualising a future without Sierra Leonean historians? The yawning chasm in the production of historical knowledge about us that excludes the period before 1500 should be made history! This Dark Age in the Sierra Leonean past needs to light up by inaugurating research projects that deal with that period; by reintroducing the subject of History as against Social Studies in the kindergarten/primary school/ and senior secondary school. Bringing History back in schools should be seen as an investment against our individual and collective ignorance; an ammunition to guarantee our collective security against national amnesia. Such an act is not only necessary for our collective liberation/emancipation, it should be seen as the springboard for our individual and collective survival as a multi-national nation-state in the twenty-first century. ADVERTISEMENT It is never acceptable to have non-nationals write your history, nor is it acceptable to have them define the kinds of questions a nation should ask or confront in trying to make sense of its individual and collective identity in the committee of nations in the global arena. We as an African nation and non-Africans cannot and should not be producing knowledge(s) about us that are then appropriated by others to define us. Let us collectively re-write our past by actively making history. Ibrahim Abdullah wrote from Leceister Peak, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Without prejudice to how the Kyari matter goes, one fundamental lesson to be learnt from it is that the DCP courted this huge public ignominy due to his inability to realise the ancient sense in the requirement for social comportment by persons who occupy his kind of office. Judges, magistrates, investigators and persons whose opinions matter in society are expected toweaponise the act of taciturnity in their personal armoury, as well as wear an asocial garb. In the preface to my book entitled Ayinla Omowura: Life and Times of an Apala Legend (2020), I equated stardom and the zenith of the social ladder with the purport of a Yoruba wise saying that, epo ni mo ru, oniyangi, ma ba temi je. This literally translates as, anyone who shoulders a heavy gallon of palm oil should avoid the destructive tendency of the stone-laced ground he walks upon. I deployed this to explain the premature death of Omowura, one of Yorubas most evocative traditional African musicians, who was killed 41 years ago, at the apogee of his lifes attainment, in a bar room squabble in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Omowuras fall, I said, was due to his inability to positively evaluate the porcelain-like delicate but huge image he carried on his shoulders because, if he did, he most probably would have walked less in the neighbourhood of the oniyangi, which eventually ensured his (fatal) stumbling. The mortal fall of a high-calibre persons, as cited above, was rekindled last week when an American Central District of California Court fingered, among four others, a highly celebrated Nigerian law enforcement official, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, as participating in a fraud ring. The anti-hero of the grisly drama is a man who has now pleaded guilty to a $1.1 million money laundering crime, Ramon Abass, alias Huspuppi. After the California judge unsealed the docket which revealed details of Kyaris alleged involvement in the mess, tongues have wagged endlessly on how this celebrated cop could unconscionably get himself involved in such quandary. Among other revelations was Abass alleged instruction to Kyari to arrest and detain a fellow felon, so as to allow him (Abass) perfect a fraud binge. Kyaris reactions to this allegation have been even messier, senseless and, at best, tepid. They reveal that, in their thirst for heroes and the peremptory and rigour-less manner such heroism is arrived at, Nigerians may have backed the wrong horse in Kyari. On the part of the top cop, it may also have revealed that tactlessness is the beast that kills the dream of many a high-flying celebrity. The more Kyari denies involvement in this cesspit, the more his hitherto cocaine-white police uniform is soiled with smelly excrement. To Kyari, the American Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) may have fished out alien crocs from a river far unknown to him in the very sophisticated manner it conducted the forensic sourcing for evidence it has hoisted against him. As such, when Kyari spurted out the bunkum of some clothes he claimed that Huspuppi had asked him to procure on his behalf, as the only magnet that glues them together, he most probably underrated the investigative prowess of the American security. Conceding to him that this claim wasnt an afterthought, how naive could Kyari have been not to know that his acceptance of this exchange spells out a self-indictment, which even the Police Act labels as soliciting. How does he rationalise the Dubai tryst, where he and the fraud felon allegedly had a pecuniary romance? Kyari seized the klieg lights as a responsible, responsive and hardworking police officer. He swam ashore in a murky and brackish Nigerian Police river that is notorious for its unpleasant nauseating smell. Nigerians, assailed by a dearth of heroes, singled Kyari out as an example of the pitfalls in generalising the Police Force as a nest littered with bad elements. The first shock came with the Police officers self profile as one obsessed with the fripperies of life. His social media pages are said to be littered with material acquisitions, which projected him as entangled with the sugary icings of life. The final nail rammed into the coffin of his profiling was his appearance at the obscene showcase of apparently unearned wealth of the gangs present at Obi Cubanas mothers burial in Oba, Anambra State a few weeks ago. Shell shocked, Nigerians began to realise that Kyari was most probably a creation of their lack of thoroughness in the estimation of heroes. At a more universal level, Kyaris latest link with criminal elements may be a further confirmation that every man has a prize and is capable of falling flat in the face of his prized medal. Kyari, the tough cop, had fallen before his own prize. It reminds me of James Hadley Chases Have This One On Me, one of the British-born authors Mark Girland series. This novel is the story of Girland, known to be a worthless, pleasure-loving secret agent, whose major and identifiable distinct weakness was the pleasure of money and women. If we dig deeper into his off-the-klieg life, we may shudder to realise that our hero may jolly well be an epicurean, another Girland, who hid behind the protective veneer provided by the Police Force and whose fall was a matter of when. Their oniyangi is always the trio of alcohol, women and money. Which was Kyaris? Good enough that the police top hierarchy is said to be investigating this matter, preparatory to extraditing Kyari to America to answer the charges preferred against him. The news said to have been attributed to an online news medium that Kyari reportedly threatened exploring the Samson option of collapsing the whole Police house if he is extradited had better not be true. Many high net-worth individuals, oblivious of or mindless of the purport of the destructive powers of the oniyangi, have fallen fatally because they underrated its destructive ability. In 1974, three highly prized Yoruba, at the crest of their life engagements too, fell from fame to infamy, simply because they disdained the wisdom hidden in this nugget. In a reversed order of their fame, they fell. They were: Mr. Shitta-Bey, a legal adviser in the employment of the Federal Government; two Generals in the Nigerian Army, Brigadier Sotomi, a.k.a. Showboy and the biggest fish, Nigerias civil war hero, Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle. Adekunle, a celebrated officer of the Third Marine Commandos, who went by the sobriquet the Black Scorpion for his gallantry in fighting the Biafran war, was dreaded and revered for his gallantry at the war front. These three had a mutual Oniyangi in a Lagos socialite and celebrity, 33-year old Iyabo Olorunkoya. Arrested on October 15, 1973 in the United Kingdom for importing 78 kilogrammes of marijuana, Olorunkoya, upon being questioned by the Metropolitan Police, immediately began to sing like a canary. She revealed that the three were her accomplices in the drug business. While she alleged that Adekunle and Sotomi had personally driven her to the airport with the contraband on her way out of Nigeria, salacious details of her relationship with the two were soon to festoon Nigerian newspapers front pages. Her dalliance with Shitta-Bey was discovered by investigators in a letter he sent to her and which was found in her custody at the time of her arrest that simply read, send details as soon as you arrive in London. During this time in the life of Nigeria, the middle name of the government run by General Yakubu Gowon, Nigerias Head of State, was corruption. Though he was generally viewed as incorrupt, due to his austere lifestyle, like President Muhammadu Buhari, he was swamped all over by perceptibly corrupt people. His governors owned properties and assets that were far higher than their incomes. Indeed, it was estimated that, on the average, the governors owned commercial properties and farming estates of at least eight houses each, an amount that averaged between N49,000 to N120,000 by 1975 when Murtala Mohammed took over. To stave off this public perception, Gowon promulgated the Investigation of Assets Decree No. 37 of 1968, while frenetically engaging in the process of arresting the Toads of War, a la Eddie Iroh, that is, the inexplicable post-war wealth of Nigerian soldiers, mostly accumulated during the three-year civil war. In achieving this, in 1973, Gowon appointed Alhaji Kam Salem to head the X-Squad, a fraud investigation arm of the Police, which unearthed many scandals within the Force. In the July of this same 1974, buffeted on all fronts by the press, Gowon had to harangue his fellow Middle-Belter, Federal Communications Commissioner, Joseph Tarka, to resign from his position, after Godwin Daboh, allegedly in concert with Paul Unongo, accused Tarka of mind-blowing corruption. Tarkas resignation was childs play when placed side-by-side his snide comments, which indicated far more humongous corruption in the Gowon government. Tarka had said in a Daily Times newspaper interview, which revealed that he resigned under pressure, that If I resign, it will set off a chain of reactions of various events, the end of which nobody could foretell. This was followed by an affidavit sworn to on August 31, 1974 at the Jos High Court by one Mr. Aper Aku, who was a known protege of Tarka. The affidavit contained accusations against the Benue-Plateau Governor, Police Commissioner Joseph Gomwalk, of corruption. Gowon, in a state visit to China, publicly exonerated Gomwalk but public uproar against this Police big gun seemed to have just begun afresh. He was eventually later executed by firing squad for his involvement in the 1976 Lt. Col Buka Suka Dimka coup against Murtala Mohammed. Gowon retired both Brigadiers Adekunle and Sotomi, but Shitta-Bey, who was dismissed by the Public Service Commission, headed for the court. Shitta-Bey won at the High Court, lost on appeal but the Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Chukwuwenuike Idigbe, in Shitta-Bey v Federal Public Service Commission (1981) 1 S.C 40, found discrepancies in his sack and returned him to the service. More importantly, the world awaits the reaction of the Nigerian government, headed by Buhari, Kyaris cousin, whose maternal ethnicity is Kanuri, from Borno State, to this U.S. indictment of the top cop. General Gowon had similarly tried to stave off the splurge of corruption indictments splattered on his Middle Belt kin while he was Head of State. So many other Oniyangi episodes have been recorded in recent history. While President Bill Clinton was almost removed from office by his own Oniyangi, White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, a then Bendel State of Nigerias Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ize Iyamu, was consumed by a romance with robbery kingpins, Monday Osunbor and Lawrence Anini, the latter having confessed that Iyamu, who was later executed by firing squad, traded the Police armoury with them in their robbery operations. Jennifer Maduike, the society lady of the early-1990s also acted as the Olorunkoya of Police Commissioner Fidelis Oyakhilome. At the cusp of a stellar career as the NDLEA chairman, Maduike alleged an affair with Oyakhilome, which took his job. Without prejudice to how the Kyari matter goes, one fundamental lesson to be learnt from it is that the DCP courted this huge public ignominy due to his inability to realise the ancient sense in the requirement for social comportment by persons who occupy his kind of office. Judges, magistrates, investigators and persons whose opinions matter in society are expected to, aside their qualifications and experience, weaponise the act of taciturnity in their personal armoury, as well as wear an asocial garb. What do I mean by this? This set of people should be seen seldom, eschew every tissue of greed for material acquisition and avoid being social butterflies at owambe occasions. These are dragnets that drag achievers to the gallows. They should also avoid the company of wayward characters. Those among them who are epicureans will sooner than later enter the dragnet because, in social and political history, these elements are always their graveyards. Kyari is perhaps learning this too late. Good enough that the police top hierarchy is said to be investigating this matter, preparatory to extraditing Kyari to America to answer the charges preferred against him. The news said to have been attributed to an online news medium that Kyari reportedly threatened exploring the Samson option of collapsing the whole Police house if he is extradited had better not be true. If it is, it will be bringing back afresh memories of Tarkas statement, cited earlier in the corruption allegation against him. So who said history is dead? More importantly, the world awaits the reaction of the Nigerian government, headed by Buhari, Kyaris cousin, whose maternal ethnicity is Kanuri, from Borno State, to this U.S. indictment of the top cop. General Gowon had similarly tried to stave off the splurge of corruption indictments splattered on his Middle Belt kin while he was Head of State. Head or tail, Abba Kyari, the redoubtable and affable police officer, can never be the same cop again. Mala Buni and those the gods want to destroy Even with the cacophony of calls for him to relinquish the chairmanship or be relieved of it by learned lawyers, who are also APC faithful, Buni and his travelers in the same accursed boat have obstinately held on to this prone-to-snap twine. I pray this wont be a case of who the gods would destroy that they first make mad. In my own inflection, those the gods want to destroy, they first take away their ears. Sometimes, the writer could wear the apparel of Nostradamus. In a May 2 piece I titled, Buni and APCs 40 years in power grandstanding, I sounded a note of warning that unless Yobe State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC)s Interim National Chairman, Mai Mala Buni, excused himself from the atypical dual office he holds, his party could be digging its own grave. Since he came on board the party in June, 2020, riding on the crest of a welter of condemnations against erstwhile party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, whose garrulousness had assumed unbearable notoriety in the party, Buni has worn on his lapel the oddity of his dual offices. I wrote in the said piece: Bunis choice unsettled so many party bigwigs. The main cause for worry was why a sitting governor would be chosen to superintend over the affairs of a party which has so many worthy party faithful to man that position. Since then, the implication of Buni being in office for the overarching party interest has been subjected to acute grilling. Even the PDP called on the Yobe governor to resign his dual positions as governor and APCs Interim National Chairman, citing a pronouncement of the Supreme Court, which labeled the leadership of the party irresponsible and reckless. ADVERTISEMENT Two major states have fallen in the Supreme Court as a result of technical discrepancies. While Zamfara States APC, on May 24, 2019, fell to the intra-party dispute in the party, Bayelsa was to follow suit later. On the Zamfara issue, the court had held, among others, that the APC did not hold valid primaries preparatory to the 2019 general election. It thus voided the APCs erstwhile victory in the 2019 governorship election, while making a consequential order which directed the party which had the second highest scores in the election to step into the office. In Bayelsa as well, the Supreme Court, on February 13, voided the APC victory just a day to the governors swearing in. With the casualty that the APC has been facing, rather than a boastfulness of its staying in power for the next 40 years, what the party ought to have safeguarded was its continued hold in its 19 controlled states, which is under serious threats. Methinks that putting its house in order by showing Buni the door should have been the most pressing decision on the card of the ruling party. Recently, APC escaped being axed by the whiskers when the election petitions tribunal sitting in Ondo State said it had no jurisdiction to remove its elected governor. This should be a wake-up call for the party. If the tribunal had granted the prayers of the PDP, by implication, every action and they are plenty, including the recent registration exercise taken by the APC since Buni became caretaker chairman would have been voided, thus ending Bunis peacock claim of the party being in government for the next 40 years. Unless it wakes up from its self-inflicted slumber, shows Buni the gate and reorganises itself, a stitch in time may not be able to save the boastful APC from the catastrophe to come. The judgment of the Supreme Court last week, which the APC government in Ondo State won by the whiskers, in a suit instituted by the PDPs Eyitayo Jegede, and the hoopla that has surrounded it, are perfect indications of the arrogance of power that threw Buni up and the same that is sustaining him in the office, in a party that is apparently filled with, perhaps, even more capable persons. Already, the Anambra APC candidacy for the governorship election is dangling on the precipice, imperiled as well by the arrogance of Buni being the nominator. Even with the cacophony of calls for him to relinquish the chairmanship or be relieved of it by learned lawyers, who are also APC faithful, Buni and his travelers in the same accursed boat have obstinately held on to this prone-to-snap twine. I pray this wont be a case of who the gods would destroy that they first make mad. In my own inflection, those the gods want to destroy, they first take away their ears. Festus Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist. Our Fulani herdsmen in the forests, you came into this state and we accepted you, why then will you be coming to towns and villages to kidnap residents, even up to the extent of raping our women? If you are not a Muslim, let us know. My heart went out to Alhaji Abass Njidda Tafida the other day. His plaintive cry attracted the sympathy of the listening world. Being the Emir of Muri in Nigerias Taraba State firmly situates him among the ruling class. But the rich also cry. The Muri emirate, like many other parts of the country, is under the stranglehold of terrorists yes, the same criminals euphemistically referred to as bandits by the authorities. Living a lie has its limits because what goes round always comes around. There is nothing the emir said that others, north and south of the River Niger, have not said before. In the past, some people had always tried to insinuate an ethnic motive whenever the victims complained. Now that the underworld industry of kidnapping, rape, arson, looting, murder and ransom collection has reached full bloom in all parts of the country, perhaps the Federal Government will finally take positive steps in reaction to the message and not to the messenger. For years, it had been widely alleged on social media that there was an upsurge in the mass migration of foreign Fulanis into Nigeria. Even when borders were closed during the COVID lockdown, trailer loads of French-speaking young men were seen making nocturnal trips to southern Nigeria. There are countless video clips of these migrations on social media. With time, highway killings and kidnapping for ransom held sway, with many of the survivors alleging that their captors were mostly French-speaking Fulanis. Those who dont want the problem addressed say it is an attempt to profile the Fulanis of Nigeria negatively. But this is not true. Admittedly, some of our political elites have been playing games with the issue. Take Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, for example, who tried to justify the occupation of forests in Ondo State by Fulani herdsmen. Mohammed said Nigerian forests belong to nobody and that the herdsmen had a right to decide to live there. Indeed, he expanded the issue to legitimise irregular migration of Fulanis from other countries into Nigeria: The Fulani man is a global or African person. He moves from The Gambia to Senegal and his nationality is Fulani. As a person, I may have my relations in Cameroon but they are also Fulani. I am a Fulani man from my maternal side; we will just have to take this as our own heritage, something that is African. So, we cannot just close our borders and say the Fulani man is not a Nigerian. In most cases, the crisis is precipitated by those outside Nigeria. When there is a reprisal, it is not the Fulani man within Nigeria that causes it. It is that culture of getting revenge which is embedded in the traditional Fulani man that attracts reprisal. It is such statements that set up the Fulani for negative branding. It cannot be true that any ethnic group is lawless, revenge-driven and contemptuous of international boundaries. Is Nigerian citizenship automatic for any Fulani man from Mali, Chad, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Niger and any other country? Does he operate under his own rules alone? Have all Fulanis repudiated the 1884-1885 Partition of Africa? Following the same premise, will it be right for example, for millions of Yorubas from the Caribbean, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Sierra-Leone and Latin America to breach Nigerias borders on account of their Yoruba-ness? The Sultan of Sokoto has spoken up several times on the need to wipe out terrorists from the land. Soldier of conscience, Col Abubakar Umar Dangiwa (rtd) has also been proffering solutions to the problem. Dr Akeem Baba Ahmed has also been reaching across the ethnic aisle, seeking to understand and to be understood. Would it be considered proper for Haitians of Igbo ancestry to mass-migrate to Nigeria because of ethnic affinity? Or isnt it true that Haitians, in their traditional worship, appease the Ibo Loa, the deity originally believed to have come from the descendants of Ndigbos of Nigeria? Is he aware that there are Igbos in Gabon and that even the Gabonese president, Ali Bongo, was rumoured to have been a Biafran orphan adopted by former president Omar Bongo during the Nigerian civil war? Hiding under the ECOWAS protocol to justify an attempt to tamper with the demographics of Nigeria is foolish, counter-productive and futile, as we have seen so far. Were the ever hilarious Chief Zebrudaya asked to intervene in this discourse, he would have croaked, What are good for the goose are good for the gizzard! But this is no laughing matter. Last February, I advocated that Nigerian Fulanis have to speak up in denunciation of those foreign invaders, so that the good name of the Nigerian Fulani would not be soiled. In my column, under the title, Fixing the Fulani Brand, I gave my perspective on the Fulani as follows: The Fulani that many southern Nigerians knew and affectionately interacted with for decades are different from the variant of the nationality committing sundry violent crimes today. When the AK47-wielding herders came on the scene and motley ethnic groups were falling over each other to support them and lampoon their victims, I did warn that grievous damage was being done to the Fulani brand because everything happening was totally at variance with the previous perception of the Fulani as a contented, hardworking and peace loving lot. If I was Fulani, I would have denounced those violent nomads for what they were. I would have screamed, Not in my name! Thankfully, some Fulanis have been speaking up. Our unity of purpose is strengthened when we put ethnicity and religion and other parochial sentiments aside to affirm that what is bad cannot be good at the same time. The Sultan of Sokoto has spoken up several times on the need to wipe out terrorists from the land. Soldier of conscience, Col Abubakar Umar Dangiwa (rtd) has also been proffering solutions to the problem. Dr Akeem Baba Ahmed has also been reaching across the ethnic aisle, seeking to understand and to be understood. You can feel the pain of the emir, his frustration, his feeling of helplessness. Of course, nobody is saying that lynch mobs should take over law enforcement in the country, but the right to self-defence in the face of certain death is universally acknowledged. No one can accuse the emir of tribalism, religious discrimination or Fulaniphobia. But no one has spelt it all out so definitively as Emir Abass Njidda Tafida of Muri emirate in his Eid el Kabir sermon. He was obviously incensed, frustrated and devastated that his emirate had been laid waste by a band of violent wastrels. The emir may have sounded as if he was legitimising self-help. But the terrorists have pushed everybody to the wall. That was why the emir issued the 30-day ultimatum to the foreign Fulani elements to vacate the forests or be destroyed. His words: Our Fulani herdsmen in the forests, you came into this state and we accepted you, why then will you be coming to towns and villages to kidnap residents, even up to the extent of raping our women? If you are not a Muslim, let us know. ADVERTISEMENT From now onwards if anyone is kidnapped from this emirate, we will go into the bush and kill any Fulani man we see and we will not ask for his name or what he does because the Fulanis cannot say they do not know the kidnappers, they had better stop them. From now on, anyone caught conniving with kidnappers, we will kill him and his family members. Police should be warned! We have respect for them but when next they arrest someone conniving with kidnappers and they let the person go free, we will also arm the youth to protect the citizens. Because of this unending menace, every Fulani herdsman in this state has been given 30 days ultimatum to vacate the forests. We are tired of having sleepless nights and the hunger alone in the land is enormous and we will not allow this oppression to continue. You can feel pain of the emir, his frustration, his feeling of helplessness. Of course, nobody is saying that lynch mobs should take over law enforcement in the country, but the right to self-defence in the face of certain death is universally acknowledged. No one can accuse the emir of tribalism, religious discrimination or Fulaniphobia. We are all identically robed in the garment of victimhood. The least we can do is defend ourselves. When it comes to self defence, says Kevin Shearer, it is better to have the power and not need it than to need it and not have it. Wole Olaoye can be reached through wole.olaoye@gmail.com. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Peace, Reconciliation and Outreach Committee on Saturday in Enugu held a closed-door meeting with Bianca Ojukwu. Mrs Ojukwu is the wife of the late national leader of the party, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu. She is also a former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain. The delegation, which included the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Victor Okafor, was led by a former chairman of the party, Victor Umeh. Briefing newsmen after the meeting that lasted for over four hours, Mr Umeh said that the essence of the visit was for the party to reconcile with the wife of their late leader. He said that it had become necessary to bring members of the party in Anambra together as one family in order to successfully confront the various tasks ahead. For sometime now, APGA has been operating with a missing rib. Bianca has contributed to the wellbeing of APGA starting from the time her late husband was the leader of the party, he said. The former national chairman of the party said that it was necessary to bring every member on board and to forget the past, especially, with the forthcoming November 6 gubernatorial election in Anambra. According to Mr Umeh, the party being a political organisation is bound to have its challenges. However, the important thing is that the ideals for which this party was established must be protected no matter the interest anybody is pursuing in this party. This visit is a turning point in the journey of this party to the gubernatorial election. We are satisfied that as a mother in this party, she has listened to our prayers and pleas. She should avail herself fully towards the pursuit of victory for APGA in order to deepen the hold of the party in the state and to ensure that the legacy left for us will remain intact, he said. The former senator said that APGA was the hope of the people of the area in any political dispensation. We are invoking the spirit of Chief Chukwuemeka Ojukwu as well as his fatherly guidance and blessings as we embark on this journey, he said. Mr Umeh said that the party would emerge stronger from its current challenges. In her remarks, Mrs Ojukwu said that it was sad that the party found itself in such a dilemma that could have been averted. The former diplomat regretted that previous efforts made to assuage aggrieved members of the party hit the rock. There have been to date at least two other committees that have been set up by the governor to advance the grievances of a very great number of APGA members who are dissatisfied with the party. The first and second reconciliation committees made recommendations but they never saw the light of day, she said. ADVERTISEMENT She, however, pledged to put behind the incidences of the past and contribute to the progress of the party. I am very much looking forward to putting behind the dark history of the party and the bad experiences that so many of its members have had and still experiencing. We are all looking forward to moving towards a future uncontaminated with the bad memories of the past. We believe that on November 6, we should have a new governor in Anambra under APGA and we will put behind this very sad chapter of our partys history, Mrs Ojukwu said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former ambassador lost the APGA Anambra South Senatorial ticket in 2019 in a controversial circumstance which led to division in the party. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT One of the lawyers to Nnamdi Kanu said they have been denied access to the IPOB leader. Mr Kanu, who is standing trial for treason, is detained by Nigerias secret police, the SSS, in Abuja under a court order. His lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, said the SSS, on Thursday, prevented him and two other lawyers from seeing Mr Kanu, despite a court order which permits them to visit him on Mondays and Thursdays. He said when he and the other lawyers visited the SSS facility, they were surprised that the officials could ask them to go put their request to see the IPOB leader in writing even when the officials were familiar with their previous visits. I said let me write the thing on a scrap of paper, they said it should be on a letterhead and should be addressed to the DG of SSS. So we went back to our satellite office and prepared such a letter and brought it back. They took the letter from us. We were there around 3:30p.m., so there was still an hour, thirty minutes window for us to see Kanu. They asked us to wait in the waiting area. A few minutes later they came and told us that they had taken the letter inside and that we should go and wait for confirmation, clearance, and invitation, Mr Ejimakor said. The lawyers eventually left without seeing Mr Kanu. Mr Ejimakor said he was worried about Mr Kanus wellbeing, especially since the SSS failed to produce the IPOB leader for his scheduled trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, July 26. We are very concerned, the last time I saw him was 12 days ago, he told PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday. This Saturday (July 31) will make it two weeks since I saw him with my eyes, and you know access to him is only by his lawyers. That means in the past 12 days no one has set eyes on him. I am concerned as much as the multitude of people are concerned about his wellbeing, he said. And it is not as if we are going there to see him for fun, we go there to see him physically, better prepared for his defence and to brief him on what we are doing and also to ask him questions about his wellbeing, it is the duty of every lawyer to any criminal suspect in detention. I think (the) government has an obligation to make that happen. So this thing they are doing is interfering with his constitutional rights and is fueling legitimate speculations and concerns about his wellbeing. Since the courts in Nigeria are on vacation, Mr Kanus lawyers are thinking of approaching a vacation judge to make the order compelling for the SSS to allow access to the IPOB leader. I am very sad, Mr Ejimakor said. The spokesperson for the SSS, Peter Afunanya, did not respond to calls and a text message seeking comment from him. ADVERTISEMENT Two suspected drug dealers were arrested at Dantata area, Mile 2-Badagry Expressway, by the police in Lagos on Friday. The suspects were arrested following an information received by the police, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday. The first suspect, Rabiu Mohammed, was arrested and he led the police to his supplier, Sanni Audu, who was also arrested, Mr Adejobi said. Mr Adejobi said the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Area E Command, Festac, and material suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit substances were recovered from them. The police had been intimated of the activities of the drug peddlers who were displaying drugs for sales with impunity around the area. The policemen, as a follow up to the tip off, raced to the scene where one Rabiu Mohammed, m, was arrested. The suspect confessed that one Sanni Audu, m, was the major dealer/supplier. The police went after Sanni Audu and arrested him with some qualities of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp and illicit substances, the spokesperson said in the statement. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Hakeem Odumosu, directed the officers to arrest other members of the drug syndicate and other criminal elements in the state. The police boss added that illicit substances in the custody of the suspects and in any part of the state be recovered. The arrested suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti, Yaba, for proper investigation and possible prosecution, Mr Adejobi said. President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with governors to discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen wildfire prevention, preparedness and response efforts, and hear firsthand about the ongoing impacts of the 2021 wildfire season in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House Campus in Washington, Friday. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) GAC Group embraces and encourages extensive technological innovation in its vehicles, and Huawei is a global leader in many types of technology. This strategic cooperation will allow them to build a new generation of intelligent vehicles and digital platforms. This SUV and multiple other future models will utilize GAC's GEP.30 chassis platform and Huawei's CCA (Computing and Communication Architecture), as well as carrying Huawei's full stack of intelligent vehicle solutions. Since signing a strategic cooperation agreement in 2017, GAC and Huawei have worked together in the fields of intelligent connected electric vehicle technology. In September 2020 in Guangzhou, the two firms signed an agreement to further deepen cooperation, with a focus on computing and communication architecture in accordance of the development trend towards software-heavy vehicles. In the last few years, GAC has seen significant success in realizing vehicle electrification and in various areas of new energy technology. GAC Group is highly committed to research and development, demonstrated by the billions of yuan funneled into the GAC R&D Centers across the world. The global market for electric vehicles is only growing. Data predicts that the EV global market will expand almost fivefold between 2016 and 2027; an annual increase of 20%. GAC Group is positioned to fully embrace this trend towards creating cleaner, greener, better cars, with GAC MOTOR aiming to produce an entirely electrified lineup of vehicles by 2025. This rapid growth demonstrates a new demand in the automobile market for intelligent cars, and for Chinese craftsmanship. With new technologies, new processes and new materials, as well as the use of intelligent manufacturing and comprehensively improved production capacity, GAC and Huawei aim to produce eight models and multiple series of cutting edge electric vehicles, that provide a new driving experience at ever lower costs. SOURCE GAC MOTOR DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Aug. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A.R.M. Holding, the private investment firm and multi-focused economic enabler, announced today that 19 artworks from the A.R.M. Holding Art Collection were selected earlier this month to join Dubai Collection. The recently launched corporate collection brings together pieces from a wide range of geographies, media, and subject matter, while featuring works by Middle Eastern as well as international artists from established and emerging art hubs. "It is our distinct pleasure to see our own new corporate collection accepted into Dubai Collection. History is best told through art, and we see no better way of keeping record of Dubai's history than through this most noble medium of human expression," said Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO of A.R.M. Holding. "Reflecting our brand identity and values, A.R.M. Holding Art Collection is a testament to our commitment to cultivating a human-centric, quality-driven and future-thinking culture. Art is unifying, universal and unequivocally curious. Where there is curiosity there is innovation, where there is innovation there is progress," he continued. The A.R.M. Holding Art Collection echoes the corporation's own ethos of enabling prosperity through multicultural dialogue and innovation, carrying artworks by leading artists like Lamya Gargash (UAE, 1982), Tammam Azzam (Syria, 1980), Moath Alofi (Saudi Arabia, 1984), Hamra Abbas (Kuwait, 1976), Ishamel Randall Weeks (Peru, 1976), Rathin Barman (India, 1981), Kristoffer Ardena (Philippines, 1976), Timo Nasseri (Iran/Germany, 1972), Mouteea Murad (Syria, 1977) and Katsumi Hayakawa (Japan, 1970). Curated under a central theme, 'Constructing Identities', the collection examines the role that art plays in influencing identities and the impact of architecture on defining and building communities. While each artwork in the collection is entirely unique, thematic threads of memory, materiality, and urbanism weave together to present a coherent expression of community and humanity. Commenting on the A.R.M. Holding Art Collection, Pablo del Val, Artistic Director at Art Dubai added, "The A.R.M. Holding Art Collection is a premier example of the universality of patronage. Often seen as an exclusive domain of private collectors, A.R.M. Holding quite beautifully demonstrates the value of corporate art patronage - from supporting talent by collecting their work, to making art accessible to a wide audience. Its strong curatorial concept closely reflects A.R.M. Holding's core mission; as a multi-focused developer, the company aims to build and serve communities, in front of the dynamic, multi-cultural and ever-changing backdrop that is the emirate of Dubai." The A.R.M. Holding Art Collection is on display at the H Quarter in Al Wasl, Dubai, where A.R.M. Holding is headquartered, and is virtually hosted on the corporation's website. Dubai Collection features leading modern and contemporary artists from across the UAE, the region and beyond. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the collection is developed with the counsel of expert Curatorial and Steering committees composed of UAE-based and international cultural leaders. MEDIA CONTACT Dina Taylor, [email protected] Related Images moath-alofi-the-last-tashahhud.jpg Moath Alofi, The Last Tashahhud 2014-ongoing series, Framed Photographs, Dimensions variable SOURCE A.R.M. Holding Lucknow, Aug 1 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lay the foundation stone of Rs 150 crore Vindhyachal Corridor Project (VCP) in Mirzapur on Sunday afternoon. He will also inaugurate a ropeway costing Rs 16 crore in Vindhyachal. The Vindhyachal Corridor project is being built on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor project in Varanasi. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will accompany the Union Home Minister. Divisional Commissioner Mirzapur, Yogeshwar Ram Mishra, said, "The Union Home Minister and Chief Minister will land at Devri airport around 2.40 p.m. From the helipad, they will go to Vindhyachal temple. After offering prayers at the temple, they will perform the rituals of 'bhumi pujan'. They will then reach the Government Inter College ground to address a public meeting following inauguration of the ropeway for Vindhya circle and laying of foundation stone of other projects." According to Mishra, the construction part of Rs 150 crore Vindhyachal Corridor Project will be started immediately after the 'bhumi pujan', as removal of identified 92 buildings, which were surrounding the Vindhyachal temple, has already been done after their purchase. The project will result in creation of space for 50-ft-wide Parikrama (circumambulation) route while visitors will get a full view of the holy shrine, known as one of Shaktipeeths. The roads leading to the temple are also being widened as a part of the project. Improvement of basic infrastructure and introducing modern facilities, including parking zones, guest houses, shopping complexes, retiring rooms for pilgrims, are also proposed. Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath will also inaugurate the first ropeway of east UP, for thousands of pilgrims who flock Ashtabhuja and Kali Khoh hills of holy Trikon (triangle) of Vindhyachal. The ropeway, which will be first in east UP, will be started in two phases as the only one ropeway line connecting Kali Khoh and Ashtabhuja project is in finishing state. The second line from Ashtabhuja to the terminal (parking site) is still under construction and expected to be completed by December end. UP tourism joint director (Varanasi) Avinash Mishra said, "Under Rs 16 crore ropeway project, a 199-metre first line ropeway linking Kali Khoh and Ashtabhuja and other the 102-metre second line, which will take visitors from Ashtabhuja hill to terminal (parking point), has been created. Being initiated on a public private partnership (PPP) model, this project will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of the forest area between two hills from the height of over 260 metres." The Union Home Minister is also expected to visit former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh who is hospitalised in Lucknow. Before proceeding to Mirzapur, the Union Home Minister will also lay the foundation of the state's first-of-its-kind forensic institute in Lucknow on Sunday. According to UP DGP, Mukul Goel, the institute will be affiliated to the Gujarat based National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and will function under the ministry of home affairs. Spread over 50 acres in Piparsand locality of Sarojini Nagar, the institute has been named Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS). The institute will offer studies in the field of police administration and forensic science. A Centre of Excellence is being set up by NFSU to provide modern infrastructure and technology in scientific crime investigation, which will be a separate unit on 5-acre land on the campus. "The idea to set up an institution, which will not only produce world-class forensic experts, but also have our own centre of excellence to carry out research in crime investigation, cyber security, behavioural sciences and criminology," the DGP said. To improve policing in Uttar Pradesh, an MoU was inked between Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science and APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University in May this year to introduce artificial intelligence and its applications in digital forensics. Ex-Maoist teenaged girl, who hunted cops - now aspires to be one!. Image Source: IANS News Ex-Maoist teenaged girl, who hunted cops - now aspires to be one!. Image Source: IANS News Ex-Maoist teenaged girl, who hunted cops - now aspires to be one!. Image Source: IANS News Ex-Maoist teenaged girl, who hunted cops - now aspires to be one!. Image Source: IANS News Ex-Maoist teenaged girl, who hunted cops - now aspires to be one!. Image Source: IANS News Gondia : , Aug 1 (IANS) In a strange twist of fate, cops who once hunted this dreaded girl are now her jealous and zealous guardian angels -- and that same gun-wielding 19-year-old girl, who used to target cops and the security forces once, now aspires to be one of them. The teenaged tribal girl is Rajula Hidami, barely 13, and studying in Class VII in the village school, when she was unwittingly forced into bloody Maoist activities as a Dalam Member, in 2016. However, in 2018, while on 'lookout duty', she escaped their clutches to officially surrender before the then Superintendent of Gondia, Harish Baijal, and Additional SP, Sandeep Atole, as part of the policy to bring the waywards into the societal mainstream. Then, she expressed a desire to resume her interrupted studies from Class VIII onwards, which the police wholeheartedly facilitated, and this year, she cleared her SSC exams with 50.80 per cent through the Manoharbhai Patel High School & Junior College, ably guided by the principal K. C. Sahare. Buoyed by her academic success, Rajula now aspires to be a police-woman to serve the society, said her local guardian (LG), a serving policeman who declined to be identified in view of security concerns for his ward (Rajula). Hailing from the Gond tribal community in Lavhari village of the Maoist-infested Gadchiroli district, the LG said Rajula's story of being coerced into the Maoist hellhole and then emerging unscathed is an inspiration. "One day, when she was barely 13-14, she grabbed her basic mobile phone and went to the jungles to graze her herd of sheep-goats... That afternoon, some killer Maoists lurking there espied her and suddenly confronted her," the LG said. Unwilling to take risks -- in case she was a police informer -- the Maoists coaxed her to show them some spot in the jungle, but when she refused, they grabbed her mobile. Reluctantly, she guided them for at least 4-5 km into the deep forests, and then demanded her phone back to return home. However, the rebels gently explained that it would be dark soon, she could be attacked by wild animals and coaxed her to spend the night in their hidden camp. That was Rajula's error, she slept in the camp and the next morning, they practically made her captive, deaf to all her cries and pleas for release over the next three years. "Rajula was studying in Class VII when she suddenly disappeared from sight...Later, the villagers and her family got the shocking news that she had become a gun-toting Maoist," the LG said. After her escape and surrender, the police were stunned to find that she had acquired other types of 'education' through the Korchi-Khobramenda-Kurkheda Dalam, that operates in the adjoining Gadchiroli district. "She was a genius at handling the most modern mobile phones, tabs, laptops and communication networks, using any sophisticated weaponry from an AK-47 to pistols and rockets to grenades, planning and executing ambushes for the security forces -- skills that people take years to master," the LG told IANS. Rajula recounted how, whenever the Maoists killed security forces, there were boisterous celebrations in the jungle camps, free-flowing liquor, singing-dancing, with a sumptuous feast of sweet 'rava halwa', 'pakoras', stolen domestic animals or wild creatures butchered for a tangy stew, served alongside rice and vegetables. Luckily, she was spared of any kind of physical torture, but the Maoists seemed to be fond of her and trained Rajula for a long gun-toting career in the wilds. Post-surrender, Rajula was given a compensation of Rs 3.50 lakh for her rehabilitation, but since her father had passed away and her mother remarried, and her two elder sisters were also settled in marital life, the police department took over her responsibility. "I feel that the rehab which has been initiated must reach its logical conclusion with cooperation of all to make the huge efforts worthwhile," Baijal told IANS. Baijal recalled how, when the Anti Corruption Bureau laid successful traps to catch corrupt officials, the complainants later suffered hugely with the entire department ganging up to block all the works/documents of the poor man who dared to challenge their graft-dom, thus defeating the very purpose of the traps. "She has been showing good progress...Since she is quite an athlete, she is keen to join the police force, though we would be happy even if she pursues higher studies," Atole said. Presently, Rajula lives in Deori, with the LG's family, learning new tricks of the trade on how to manage the household, kitchen, basic sewing etc. Occasionally, she travels to visit her mother in a village around 40 km away, but accompanied by "someone responsible" -- to ensure she doesn't get 'carried away' by the fuming Maoists, perhaps forever. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at q.najmi@ians.in) New Delhi, Aug 1 : Raj Singh Gehlot, Chairman of the Ambience Group of Companies who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last week and sent to ED custody for seven days, will be questioned about how money was routed to different companies and how he made the J&K Bank settle for Rs 128 crore in place of Rs 289.08 crore. Gehlot was arrested by the ED on July 28 and produced before a PMLA court via video conferencing on July 30. He has been sent to ED custody by the court for seven days. An ED official related to probe said that during the money laundering investigation, it was found that Gehlot had entered into a criminal conspiracy to fraudulently siphon off the loan amount by diverting the funds for other purposes, such as to settle the loan of other group companies and making Fixed Deposits as well as diversion of materials to other projects of the Ambience Group. "An amount of Rs 469 crore was found to be diverted to entities and individuals, controlled by Gehlot and for which he is the authorised signatory," he said. The official said that during the course of investigation, Gehlot had mislead the ED and continuously tried to show that he did not make any diversion of the sanctioned loans. "Whereas the documentary evidences collected during the search revealed that the submissions made by Gehlot were false and misleading," the official said. The ED official also pointed out that the agency will question Gehlot to understand how the layering and integration of money was done to siphon the loan amount. He said that the J&K Bank manager in his statement to ED had said that the loan to Gehlot was released in "deviation" of rules. "Further, against the outstanding liability of Rs 289.28 crore, the bank officials attempted to settle the account with accused for a paltry sum of Rs 128.94 crore," the official said. The ED will question Gehlot as to how he made the bank to settle the loan of Rs 289.28 crore to Rs 128.94 crore and who all were the persons who benefitted from it. The official said that the agency sleuths will also confront Gehlot with documents, including in the digital form, such as transaction details. He further said that the agency will also confront Gehlot with the statements of several accused. The ED had registered a money laundering case on the basis of an FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Jammu and Kashmir Police, against officers of J&K Bank and others in respect of loan sanctioned to Aman Hospitality Pvt Ltd (AHPL). The ED said that AHPL had taken a loan amount of Rs 810 crore from a consortium of banks led by the J&K Bank. The official said that the loan was sanctioned for the purpose of construction and development of a five-star hotel at CBD, Shahdara, in New Delhi. The loan amount, along with interest totalling to the tune of Rs 902 crore, has been declared as NPA, he added. Besides ED, the Ambinece Group Chairman is also being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the CBI to probe the case for the alleged illegal construction of a commercial building on approximately 18.98 acres of land in Gurugram by blatantly flouting the building by-laws and statutory provisions in collusion with others. It was alleged that the land where the Ambience Mall was built was meant for a housing project. The CBI has registered a case against a private person, Gehlot, Ambience Ltd and Ambience Developers and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and unknown officials of HUDA, and unknown private persons on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. (Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in) Shimla, Aug 1 : Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh, one of India's major apple-producing regions, are upbeat that increased rainfall activity would result in sufficient moisture to help the fruit to gain optimum size. This would also raise overall apple production after a lean season. The state Horticulture Department said harvesting of the fruit has just begun in low apples belts, mainly in Shimla district, that alone accounts for 80 per cent of the state's total apple production. A total of 6,60,000 apple boxes have been sent to different markets of the country till July 30, said the Horticulture Department. This year's production of apples in the hill state is estimated at 40 million boxes with an improvement over last year's 30 million boxes, Horticulture Director J.P. Sharma told IANS. More than 90 per cent of Himachal Pradesh's apple produce goes to the domestic market. Apples constitute 49 per cent of the total area under fruit crops and 85 per cent of the state's fruit economy comes to Rs 4,000 crore. The Economic Survey of 2020-21 stated that the area under apple production in the state had increased from 400 hectares in 1950-51 to 1,14,144 hectares in 2019-20. The production was normal with 70 million boxes in 2019-20. Currently, the harvesting of apples is going on in areas like Jubbal, Kotkhai, Rohru, Kotgarh, Nerva and Karsog. These early-season varieties normally fetch anywhere between Rs 2,200 and Rs 2,400 per 20-kg apple box. Superior grades like Royal Delicious, Red Chief, Super Chief, Oregon Spur and Scarlet Spur will start arriving by the middle of August. The major markets for apples are in Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi, with Narkanda town, some 65 km from the state capital, being a major hub for the fruit trade. S.P. Bhardwaj, former joint director at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Solan, told IANS that this season the crop is expected to be 25-30 per cent less than the normal production of 70 million boxes. The main reason for the decline in the crop is lack of winter snow and then scanty rainfall till mid of July. "The crop in June and July needs the moisture for the fruit and colour development. Water stress during the maturing season not only impacts the fruit quality and production but also results in fruit drop," he said. "Now with the enhancement of rainfall activity, the crop will gain in size wherever harvesting is yet to start," he added. According to Bhardwaj, the fruit is sold on the basis of weight. The gaining of optimum size means overall increase in quantity. Trader Gian Thakur at the apple market in Dhalli near the state capital said a 20 kg box fetches Rs 2,400 in Delhi's Azadpur market with the onset of the apple season. A large consignment is heading to the wholesale market in Delhi and Panchkula in Haryana where they are getting good prices. "Like last year, this time too traders from Gujarat and Maharashtra, have not arrived owing to the pandemic. The farmers are taking their crop directly to Delhi and Panchkula markets," he added. According to the local meteorological office, despite an early monsoon the hill state received 16 per cent less precipitation in June. It was as high as minus 80 per cent in February. In July, the state saw 289.1 mm of rain against the normal of 273 mm, which was six more than the normal. Shimla district alone experienced 15 per cent more rains in this period. The rainfall activity in the state was enhanced with the onset of widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall after July 8, a Met official told IANS. The rainfall activity in the state was enhanced with the onset of widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall after July 8, a Met official told IANS. In July, the state saw 373 mm of rain against the normal of 289.2 mm. The rainfall activity in the state was enhanced with widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall after July 8. In the state about 81 per cent of the total cultivated area is rain-fed. Farmers say April and May saw damage to the crop due to unseasonal snow and frequent hailstorms. According to Horticulture Department estimates, lack of cold chains causes the decay of 25 per cent of the fruit produce. Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry's Department of Fruit Science last week addressed the queries of 100-odd farmers who have raised high-density plantations in 2016 under the World Bank-funded Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project. The high-density varieties, comprising Jeromine, Red Velox, Red Cap Valtod, Scarlet Spur-II, Super Chief, Gale Gala, Redlum Gala and Auvil Early Fuji, were grafted on M9 and MM106 rootstocks. The government is promoting new low-chilling and early maturing varieties in the lower-altitude hills that are facing the brunt of climate change. Farmers and trade insiders say the overall apple production in the state has been erratic since 2010. Horticulture experts believe changes in precipitation patterns like frequent extreme weather events both in summer and winter have impacted the taste, colour and texture of apples. Fluctuation in temperatures from December to February, for example, have preponed flowering in apple trees in spring and altered the timing of key plant physiological events like early bud break and full bloom period. Changes in taste, colour and size due to weather fluctuations and lower overall productivity are noticeable in orchards located at 1,500 m, said Bhardwaj. Himachal Pradesh's apple boom is credited to Samuel Evans Stokes (later named Satyanand Stokes), an American missionary who first introduced the high-quality apples in the mid-altitude hills in the second decade of the previous century. From a small orchard in Kotgarh in Shimla district, Stokes promoted apple cultivation in other areas too, especially in upper Shimla. Before opting for apple cultivation, the locals were planting mainly wheat, maize and pulses. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) Jaipur, Aug 1 : At a time when parents and schools are at loggerheads over the fee issue in many parts of the country, a few institutions in Rajasthan are trying to make it a win-win situation for both the parents and themselves. Working on a corporate methodology, they have offered discounts and other attractive offers to generate revenue for themselves and benefit parents. DPS Jaipur had announced a 10 per cent fee waiver if the parents deposit the entire term fee by July 31 this year. A circular sent to parents on behalf of Aditi Misra, School Director, and Rita Taneja, Principal, had said: "A 10 per cent concession in the school fees if the entire year's fee is paid for the academic session 2021-2022, latest by July 31, 2021. We wish to inform that parents willing to avail the concession can do so as the last date is non extendable." Another private institution, Seedling School, is giving 10 per cent concession to parents on depositing the complete school fee for the 2020-21 session. Vidhyashram has declared 10 per cent waiver on school fees for the year 2021-22. Besides the schools, there are private universities that are giving benefits to the parents during the ongoing pandemic. One such university is JK Lakshmipat University which started giving admissions to undergraduate students on the basis of Class X results when Class XII results had not been declared. They are giving 100 per cent undergraduate scholarship to students that covers academic and hostel fees based on Class X marks. Their message says: "Don't let the financial constraints be a hurdle to your global education. JKLU encourages talent with 'Education at no cost' for deserving students. Also, meritorious students can avail a 15 per cent to 100 per cent fee waiver (academic and hostel fees) under UG scholarship in the first year of the programme." A parent, Pawan Kumar, whose son got 75 per cent fee waiver on admission, said: "This is a guiding light for other universities. My son scored 92 per cent in Class X and he got a 75 per cent fee waiver. Imagine how relieved a parent will feel if other universities too follow the same model". While these educational institutes are setting an example by caring for parents during the pandemic, there are other institutions that have hiked fees, creating challenges for parents. Jayshree Periwal has increased school fee by 29 per cent for 2021-22. Meanwhile, several parents' associations have raised a demand to implement Fee Act 2016 in the state and make fee concession mandatory in Rajasthan on the lines of other states. Sunil Yadav, president, All Rajasthan Parents Forum, said: "We thank all those institutions who are thinking about parents in these testing times. However, we simultaneously want the state government to intervene when institutions increase tuition fee exorbitantly." School education minister Govind Singh Dotasara told IANS that the parents should give a written complaint in this matter and action will be taken. New Delhi, Aug 1 : The Centre has proposed a crackdown on insolvency professionals that develop nexus with companies facing bankruptcy proceedings thereby delaying the resolution process. Bankruptcy regulator, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has tightened disciplinary proceedings for insolvency professionals (IPs), instituting heavy penalties for violations of laid down code of conduct with possibility of erring professionals also losing their licence to practice. The IBBI had decided that misconduct or violations by IPs would attract a penalty that will up to 25 per cent of the fee charged by professionals for their services in a resolution process. The regulator has instituted a system of maximum and minimum penalty with minimum not being less than Rs 50,000 and maximum being Rs 2,00,000 or 25 per cent of fee, whichever is higher. Under the new system, penalties would be imposed by insolvency professionals agencies (IPAs) for violations found in the conduct of their members. The IBBI circular said that IPAs will have the flexibility "to impose a graduated system of penalties, where minor non-compliances will result in monetary fines, and major violations will result in expulsion from the agency." So the fine will be up to Rs 1,00,000 or 25 per cent of fee, whichever is higher, if IPs fails to submit disclosures, returns, etc. to IPAs or submits inadequate or incorrect disclosures, returns, etc., relating to any assignment, as required under the Code. Penalty will also be imposed if IPs accept an assignment having conflict of interests with the stakeholders or fail to maintain records. Under the new regulations, fine has also been proposed if IPs rejects a claim without giving any proper reason while undertaking an assignment, fails to give notice about meeting of creditors, fails to reject resolution plans from ineligible applicants, etc. IBBI has set a benchmark for penalties so that IPAs or self-regulators impose penalties in a uniform manner. The IPAs enrol, educate, monitor and regulate insolvency professionals who come from different backgrounds. Chartered accountants, cost accountants, company secretaries and lawyers are usually enrolled as IPs. The new system of penalties has been introduced in the interest of objectivity and uniformity so that there are no cases of conflict of interests and the resolution process is undertaken in a free and fair manner. (Subhash Narayan can be reached at subhash.n@ians.in) Tokyo, Aug 1 : Star American gymnast Simone Biles on Sunday pulled out of the floor exercise final, scheduled for Monday, after having opted out of the vault and uneven bars finals in artistic gymnastics a day earlier. USA Gymnastics tweeted early on Sunday that, "Simone has withdrawn from the event final for floor and will make a decision on beam later this week. Either way, we're all behind you, Simone." The 24-year-old's Instagram stories had suggested on Friday that she is still not ready to compete as she is dealing with 'the twisties'. Twisties are defined as a sudden inability to feel comfortable while twisting in mid-air. It means that the rhythm is off and the gymnast's mind won't allow the body to complete a particular trick. On Saturday after Simone had pulled out of the vault and uneven bars finals, USA Gymnastics had said in a statement that, "After further consultation with medical staff, Simone Biles has decided to withdraw from the event finals for vault and the uneven bars. She will continue to be evaluated daily to determine whether to compete in the finals for floor exercise and balance beam. We remain in awe of Simone, who continues to handle this situation with courage and grace, and all of the athletes who have stepped up during these unexpected circumstances." For Sunday's vault final, Simone has been replaced by her team-mate MyKayla Skinner. MyKayla was fourth in qualifying for the vault. But with Simone and Jade Carey ahead of her in scores and a two-gymnasts-per-final rule meant that she missed out on the final. With Simone's withdrawal, MyKayla gets a chance to end her gymnastics career on a high on Sunday. "Looks like I get to put a competition Leo on just one more time. Can't wait to compete in vault finals. Doing this for us @Simone_Biles (red heart emoji) It's go time baby!" wrote an excited 24-year-old on Twitter. Simone's spot in the uneven bars final has been filled by the first reserve Melanie de Jesus dos Santos of France. Projected as the biggest star of the Tokyo Olympics, Simone was tipped to be at her best after winning four gold medals in the 2016 Rio Olympics. But the six-time Olympic medallist sat out from the final of the team event on Tuesday and the individual all-around final on Thursday due to mental health concerns. Kabul, Aug 1 : A total of 37 militants were killed as Afghan fighter planes targeted a convoy of Taliban militants in Dasht-e-Lili area of Jawzjan province, a local official said. "Acting on a tip-off, the fighter planes struck a convoy of Taliban rebels in Dasht-e-Lili area and Murghab village on Saturday, killing 37 insurgents and injuring 14 others," the official told Xinhua news agency. A number of arms and ammunition as well as 13 motorbikes and some vehicles of the militant group were also destroyed in the sorties, the official said. Without providing more details, the official added that the fighting planes would continue to target the insurgents elsewhere in the country. Hyderabad, Aug 1 : Ahead of the by-election to the Huzurabad Assembly constituency, Telangana is witnessing an intense political bickering between ruling TRS and the opposition parties over an ambitious scheme announced by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to woo Dalits. The Dalit Bandhu scheme, aimed at providing financial assistance to identified Dalit families and promote entrepreneurship among them, has raised the political temperature in the state even before the announcement of the bypoll schedule by the Election Commission. With the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government going ahead with the launch of Dalit Bandhu as a pilot project in the Huzurabad constituency, the opposition parties have dubbed it as a poll stunt and questioned KCR's concern for Dalits. The Chief Minister has defended his move for implementation of the scheme on pilot basis in Huzurabad saying there is nothing wrong if TRS was looking to derive political mileage from this. Citing the Chief Minister's statement, some NGOs have moved the Election Commission of India and even the high court seeking directions to stop the scheme. Social activist Akkala Suresh Kumar has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Telangana High Court challenging Dalit Bandhu's implementation in Huzurabad. He argues that the government should start implementation of the scheme in any the 16 Assembly constituencies reserved for Scheduled Castes in the state. By-election to Huzurabad, which is an open Assembly seat, is likely to be held soon. The seat fell vacant last month with the resignation of former minister Eatala Rajender. He also quit TRS to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has already decided to give him the ticket for the bypoll. Rajender's resignation from TRS and Assembly came after he was dropped from the Cabinet by KCR following allegations of land encroachment. The Forum for Good Governance, an NGO, recently urged the Election Commission of India to stop the implementation of the Dalit Bandhu scheme in Huzurabad. Forum secretary M. Padmanabha Reddy, in a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, stated that due to various reasons, the by-election has become a prestige issue for the ruling party. There is a general feeling that the result of this by-election will have an impact on the next Assembly elections. "I am not a saint living in Himalayas. I am a politician and I am introducing this scheme in Huzurabad for electoral gains only - what is wrong with it," the letter quoted the Chief Minister as saying at a recent party meeting. Last week, KCR held a day-long meeting with 450 Dalit representatives from Huzurabad to discuss the implementation of the scheme He stated that by making the scheme a success in Huzurabad, it should be made a torchbearer for the Dalit community in the entire country. He claimed that the Telangana Dalit Bandhu Scheme is being implemented to remove economic disparity and also social discrimination of the Dalits. KCR desired that with the financial assistance given under the scheme, the Dalit community should develop itself as a business community by selecting industries, employment, and business of their choice. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each will be provided to eligible beneficiaries from Dalit community. Under the first phase, 100 families from each of the 119 Assembly constituencies will be identified. The government has announced an allocation of Rs 1,200 crore for the scheme. At a meeting to welcome some leaders of the BJP and the Congress into the TRS on July 30, KCR had reiterated that the government would implement the scheme at any cost. "Opposition parties are worried about their fate as the scheme will be implemented all over the state. It was supposed to be launched last year, but got delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic," he had said, adding that the government is ready to spend Rs 1 lakh crore on the scheme. He attributed the birth of several schemes in Telangana to the deep study of the lives of sections that could not benefit from development in the past. "You need a heart to understand their plight and how they missed out," he argued. Over the last 2-3 weeks, the Chief Minister held a series of meetings to discuss the modalities for 'Dalit Bandhu'. The opposition parties, however, questioned KCR's concern for Dalits. Both the Congress and the BJP reminded him of his promise made before 2014 that a Dalit will be the first Chief Minister of Telangana. "Why not a single leader from the 18 per cent strong Dalit community was considered for the CM's post," asked state BJP chief Bandi Sanjay. He also wanted to know what happened to KCR's promise of 3-acre land for every Dalit family and to solve the issue of 'podu' lands tilled by the tribals. Congress leader Dasoju Sravan wants to know what KCR did for Dalits in last seven years. "This scheme has been announced with an eye on the by-elections. If he is really sincere in improving the socio-economic conditions, why the government is failing every year to spend the funds allocated under the SC ST Sub Plan," asked Sravan. This Dalit outreach by the TRS chief comes at a time when there is a feeling that the backward classes are moving closer to BJP. Rajender, who was associated with TRS since its inception, is a leader from the Mudiraj community, a backward class. Given the huge popularity he enjoys in Huzurabad, he is likely to pose a big challenge to the ruling party in the by-election. Bandi Sanjay and another BJP MP D. Arvind are from Munnuru Kapus, one of the BC communities KCR relied for support over the last seven years. Some political analysts also see this Dalit outreach in the context of two other key political developments -- Revanth Reddy taking over as the president of Congress party in the state and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's daughter Y.S. Sharmila launching her political party in Telangana. "Dalit Bandhu has surely made heads turn in Telangana and across the country. Proposal to allocate Rs 10 lakhs per family might surely help alleviate poverty from those selected families. However, there are potential risks associated due to political implications," said political analyst Palwai Raghavendra Reddy. He is of the view that selecting only 100 families per village will surely alienate other Dalits and economically backward sections. Unless KCR and TRS culls potential risks, road ahead will be filled with many political potholes, he observed. Opposition parties, on the other hand, are pushed on to the backfoot on the issue of Dalit welfare. "Both the BJP and Congress will have to make extremely convincing arguments for them to counter the advantage KCR and TRS has with Dalit Bandhu," he added. New Delhi, Aug 1 : Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, who resigned within four months, has said that he took the decision to avoid a constitutional and legal crisis in the state after consulting the BJP central leadership and no one asked him to put in his papers. In an exclusive interview with IANS, he also said that when he was appointed Chief Minister of the state, "some people" started a conspiracy to malign his image. Q: What would you say about your short tenure as chief minister of Uttarakhand? A: No one asked me to resign. After consulting the party central leadership, I took the decision to resign from the office of chief minister to avoid a constitutional and legal crisis. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J.P. Nadda and all the central leadership for showing faith and trust in me for giving me an opportunity to lead Uttarakhand. It all happened suddenly in the middle of the budget session when the party leadership asked me to take over as the chief minister of Uttarakhand. But due to some constitutional provisions a crisis was in the making. To avoid the constitutional and legal crisis, I decided to resign after consulting the party leadership and they supported my decision. Q: At the start of your tenure as Chief Minister, lots of statements made headlines due to wrong reasons. What would you say about those controversial comments? A: All the statements, which made headlines, were taken out of context and it was done in a well planned strategy by some people as part of a conspiracy. I come from an ideological background and spoke about what is good for Janta (people), Keshtra (region) and Pradesh (state). I did my 'mann ki baat' but some people had created mann- bhram (confusion) by showing edited and manipulated statements. Q: You faced lots of criticism for being allowed to hold Kumbh, which was termed as one of the main reasons for the second wave of Covid. Now, do you feel it was a wrong decision? A: Kumbh was held once in 12 years. On the second day as chief minister I took the decision to hold kumbh on a grand scale as it is a matter of people's faith and sentiment. Later, on Prime Minister's appeal, heads of akhada did not participate in the last shahi snan. An atmosphere was created against the Kumbh to hurt people's sentiment, which was held following all the Covid protocol and SOP (standard operating procedure) laid down by the union government. We even returned many people in absence of Covid negative report. It was one of the best Kumbh ever organised. People, who were blaming Kumbh for the spread of the second wave, can they tell if there was any Kumbh held in Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi from where Covid started? Haridwar is never among the top three infected districts during Kumbh, or peak of the second wave or even now in terms of daily case count. An atmosphere and propaganda was created against the Kumbh by people who are against Hindus and Hindutva. Why isn't anyone questioning Kerala, which reports more than 50 per cent of total daily case count, for allowing relaxation for bakrid festival despite the Supreme Court. Blaming kumbh and saying nothing about Kerala model of appeasement during pandemic shows anti Hindu mindset of these people. Q: How do you see BJP's prospects in next year's assembly polls? A: Assembly polls will be held in five states --Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa and Manipur -- in February-March next year. BJP will win all the state polls including Uttarakhand with two-third majority and the only reason is the 'vikas' (development) model of Narendra Modi. Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has connected the common man with the development and Uttarakhand has reached a new height of development. While taking the country to the new height of development, Prime Minister Modi has also taken care of people during the pandemic by providing rations to 80 crore people under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana and Uttarakhand also provided suger under the scheme. India under the leadership of Prime Minister became the only country to provide free vaccines to citizens and Uttarakhand is vaccinating elderly and divyang people at their doorstep. In the last five years under the guidance of the Prime Minister, Uttarakhand ensured regular electric supply to all the villages, working on providing tap water, roads networks from rural to national highways have been strengthened and increased. Rail connectivity has increased in the state. Once the people of Uttarakhand who used to demand for roads are now demanding for rail connectivity. Based on the work, I am saying that the BJP will win the assembly polls with two third majority in Uttarakhand and other states. Q: Arvind Kejirwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced to contest the Uttarakhand Assembly polls. Do you see any challenge from AAP? A: In democracy everyone has the right to contest elections. But I want to know what he (Kejriwal) will say about his government's achievements in Delhi. His much hyped 'Delhi Model' has failed and was exposed during the first wave of the Covid when Union Home Minister Amit Shah had to step in to control the situation. Kejriwal's world class 'Mohalla Clinics' failed during the pandemic, while the BJP government in Uttarakhand provided the health facility at door steps making 'Ghar- Ghar Clinic'. While he is promising free electricity everywhere, people in Delhi are getting inflated bills. While AAP and Kejriwal misled the people, BJP did what it said. People of Uttarakhand are of different nature, they are nationalist and are with Modi. People are not misled by the false promises of Kejriwal. Q: So, you think the BJP is in direct fight with the Congress? A: We are not facing any challenges from any party, people are with us. The Congress leaders are fighting among themselves and losing ground in the state and across the country. First they should put their house in order before taking on the BJP which has made place in the hearts of people. (Shashi Bhushan can be reached at shashi.b@ians.in) Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Beijing, Aug 1 : The 44th session of the World Heritage Committee of Unesco has wrapped in Fuzhou, capital of China's Fujian province, with a total of 34 new sites inscribed on the World Heritage List. AS the session ended on Saturday, the latest inscriptions, which include 29 cultural sites and five natural ones, bring the total number of sites on Unesco's World Heritage to 1,154, reports Xinhua news agency. Among the newly added sites is "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" in Fujian, which brings the number of world heritage sites in the country to 56. The Chongqing Wulipo National Nature Reserve officially became part of the Hubei Shennongjia World Heritage Site after a minor modification to Shennongjia's boundaries during the session. The Committee reviewed over 200 state of conservation reports of world heritage properties, and recognised three properties, namely the Great Wall of China, and Tai National Park and Comoe National Park, both in Cote d'Ivoire, as the model cases of conservation and management, said Tian Xuejun, chair of the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee. The Committee decided to remove the Liverpool -- Maritime Mercantile City of Britain from the world heritage list. It was the first world heritage site deleted in the past 10 years. The Fuzhou Declaration was adopted during the session, reiterating the principle of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and calling for scaling up support to developing countries, especially to African countries and Small Island Developing States. Tian said the session implemented Unesco's global strategy of Priority Africa, as two properties from Africa were newly inscribed on the list. The Committee also fully recognised the achievements and progress made by the Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in eliminating threats of war and illegal poaching, and unanimously agreed to remove it from the List of World Heritage in Danger. Tian said the session has made significant headway in the reform of application procedures of properties. Starting in September 2023, pre-evaluation will be required to facilitate the communication between the committee and advisory bodies at an early stage of a nomination. Chennai, Aug 1 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is likely to call a meeting of all political parties having representation in the state Legislative Assembly to hit common ground against the proposed draft Bill on Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations. Stalin on Saturday wrote a strong letter to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya objecting to the draft on the grounds that they would undermine the role of the states. Sources in the DMK told IANS that the Chief Minister is planning an all-party meet against the draft in the first week of August to follow up on his letter to the Union Health Minister. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had in the letter said that the proposals of the draft would undermine the role of the states in the admission of students under their own state quota. Stalin in the letter said, "It is unfortunate that such draft regulations have been formulated without a proper understanding of the current predominant role of state governments in this domain". Sources in the DMK also said that after the all-party meeting, the Chief Minister wishes to have a meeting with non-BJP ruled state Chief Ministers to bring up a common platform to raise objections against the draft on Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations. The Chief Minister's office will circulate a copy of the draft and the objections against it to all the political parties and will prepare a ground for the parties to reach a consensus on the issue. The DMK will also raise the issue politically and would conduct a campaign among the public that the Central government was trying to take away the state's powers. Lucknow, Aug 1 : To counter the Samajwadi Party campaign against the Yogi Adityanath government, the Uttar Pradesh BJP will now use incidents of crime in the Akhilesh government to highlight the 'anarchy in the SP regime'. The infamous Jawahar Bagh incident of Mathura, which saw a violent clash between a self-proclaimed revolutionary group led by one Ram Vriksh Yadav and the UP Police in 2016, is a part of the BJP campaign for the state Assembly elections, scheduled early next year. The party has portrayed the incident as an example of the support extended by Samajwadis to squatters and land mafia. This is being contrasted with the 'anti land mafia task force' set up by the Yogi Adityanath government to bring the land grabbers to their knees. The campaign material titled, 'Farq Saaf Hai' (the difference is clear) depicts a picture of a burning Jawahar Bagh on one side, and the Yogi Adityanath government's determination to take on accused land grabbers on the other. The posters that carry photographs of the Chief Minister and state BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh, are being distributed to party cadres. In June 2016, the Jawahar Bagh violence had rocked the state after two police officials, including the then Mathura Superintendent of Police Mukul Dwivedi was killed when a police team went to the park to clear out the squatters. The Swadheen Bharat Vidhik Satyagrah (SBVS) led by Ram Vriksha Yadav had been illegally occupying the sprawling over 100-acre campus of Jawahar Bagh since 2014. The SBVS was a breakaway group of followers of religious leader Jai Gurudev, who died in 2012. The SBVS members, armed with guns and bombs, launched a brutal attack on police force. Yadav was also killed in the violence along with other members. Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said the depiction of Jawahar Bagh in the campaign material was important to contrast it with the BJP government's bold and daring moves to bring land grabbers and mafias to book. "The Jawahar Bagh incident was a model of the Akhilesh Yadav government in which people of certain caste groups were allowed to encroach the government land," he said. He further said that there was no doubt that the squatters who encroached the Jawahar Bagh since 2014 had the backing of top SP leadership. BJP sources said that the party planned to showcase more such incidents to highlight the lawlessness that prevailed in the SP regime. "We are going to give it back to them in their own coin," said a BJP functionary. Kabul, Aug 1 : Flights in Afghanistan's Kandahar airport were suspended on Sunday after rockets struck the nation's second main international airport. Xinhua news agency said that there were no immediate information on casualties or injuries. United Nations, Aug 1 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the official opening of the coastal road in Libya, in the presence of the UN Support Mission in Libya. Through a statement attributable to his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, the UN chief said on Saturday that "this is an important and long-awaited development for the people of Libya", reports Xinhua news agency "He welcomes in particular the crucial efforts of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and extends his appreciation to the Presidency Council and the Government of National Unity for their support in securing this critical step," said the statement. The Secretary-General renewed his call to all concerned national and international stakeholders to expedite the implementation of the October 2020 Libyan Ceasefire Agreement, and to work together to implement the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum Roadmap and hold national elections on December 24, 2021. "The Secretary-General reiterates the support of the UN to the people of Libya in their efforts to advance peace and stability," said the statement. The Libyan coastal road is a highway that is the only major road that runs along the entire east-west length of the country's Mediterranean coastline. In the 2011 Libyan civil war the highway was a strategic and symbolic element, as the main route through the contested coastal region between Sirte and Benghazi. The coastal road was closed in April 2019 when the east-based army launched a military campaign against the former UN-backed Government of National Accord in and around Tripoli, which lasted more than a year. In October 2020, the rival parties signed a UN-sponsored ceasefire agreement that ended the war. Tokyo, Aug 1 : Australian Emma McKeon's success in the pool left the world in awe of the 27-year-old athlete on Sunday as she became the most successful swimmer from her country at the Olympics, winning a whopping seven medals, including four gold and three bronze, in Tokyo. On Sunday, at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, Emma first beat world record holder Sarah Sjoestroem of Sweden in the women's 50m freestyle final, sprinting to a 23.81-second finish to clinch gold and later in the day helped the team edge defending champions the United States for the women's 4x100m medley relay gold. Kaylee McKeown, Chelsea Hodges, Emma McKeon and Cate Campbell concerted their efforts to win Australia's third Olympic gold in the event in 3:51.60, a new Olympic record. With the two gold medals on Sunday, Emma propelled her country to 20 medals overall -- nine of them gold -- which is their best performance ever in the Olympic pool. Emma's list of achievements in Tokyo include gold in 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay, 4x100m medley relay and women's 50m freestyle, while she also won three bronze -- in mixed 4x100m medley relay, 100m butterfly and 4x200m freestyle relay. Australia's nine gold in Tokyo is one better than Melbourne 1956 and in terms of individual medals won, they pushed their total up to 20, equalling the performance of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Emma not only became the greatest medal winner in Australian Olympic history, surpassing Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones, but the first Australian ever to win four gold at a single Olympics. If one includes her 2016 Rio Olympics relay gold, she joins Thorpe as the only Australian ever to win five career gold. Emma's two gold on Sunday elevated her to 11 medals in Olympic history, making her the greatest non-American swimmer of all time in Olympic history and the greatest female swimmer ever at a single Games, according to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). "Only Americans rank above her on career medals -- Michael Phelps (28), Jenny Thompson, Ryan Lochte, Dara Torres and Natalie Coughlin with 12. She has drawn level with the greatest swimmers of their day, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi with 11. And just remember that the American depth runs so constantly deep through the sport that every relay those swimmers contested carried an almost certain gold, at worst a silver or bronze," said the AOC website. "I can't believe the week I've had. I never thought I would win the 50m freestyle. I had trained for the 200m instead (the only event she cut from her programme to make it more manageable). But when I went out there this morning, I had the belief I could win," said Emma. "It is very surreal. The whole week I have been keeping my emotions at a certain level. I don't usually say this but I wanted to win here." Latest updates on Tokyo Olympics 2020 Kabul, Aug 1 : Flights in Afghanistan's Kandahar airport were suspended on Sunday after rockets struck the nation's second main international airport, a local official confirmed. "The initial information found Taliban militants fired three rockets at the Kandahar International Airport and two of them struck the runway late Saturday night," the official told Xinhua news agency. "Local authorities were inspecting and trying to repair and reopen the runway as soon as possible," the official said, adding that there were no casualties. Kandahar city, the capital of the southern namesake province, has been the scene of fierce clashes recently as Afghan government security forces continued heavy fighting to prevent Taliban militants from advancing. The militants have been trying to overrun the city after capturing several suburban districts in the province in recent weeks. On Saturday, three civilians were killed and 10 civilians, were wounded during heavy battles in Kandahar city, according to officials on Sunday. New Delhi, Aug 1 : Earlier this year when Cyclone 'Tauktae' and 'Yaas' hit the western and the eastern coastal states, scores of people, including those not even living in the path of the two cyclones, shared either a screenshot or a link that showcased the strong wind currents on the Windy.com app. The easy-to-understand imagery made it go almost viral on WhatsApp and young or old alike, people wondered and shuddered at the intensity of the cyclones. The smartphones have indeed changed life for many, but it is the weather Apps that are making the real difference. There are lots of weather-related mobile applications (Apps in common parlance) in use, some of them are from the government and some from private players. A list of some of the most common Apps -- India Meteorological Department's (IMD) 'Mausam' (general weather information app), 'Damini' (for lightning alerts) and 'Meghdoot' (for farmers); SkyMet's 'Skymet Weather', 'Mumbai Rains' and 'Kerala Rains'; AccuWeather, YahooWeather, 'IndiaWeather', 'WeatherBug', 'RainAlarm' and BBC's 'BBC Weather'. And then there are some by state government's such as Maharashtra's 'MahaVedh' and Tamil Nadu's 'N Smart'. Almost all the information that is available on these Apps, and much more, is available on the respective websites too. But with the proliferation of smart phones not just in urban areas but also in peri-urban areas, the use of Apps has increased. Unfortunately, most government apps tend to ignore aesthetics even when they are rich with data. Aesthetics are a very key component in the success of websites / apps in today's world. Ideally, an App should have adequate bandwidth and rich data from many sources and something that is presented for easy understanding. The users of smartphones today are interested in or look at how they can reach a certain information as fast as possible. "They are not interested in too many unwanted information while searching for what they want. The smart phone user does not like more than couple of clicks. IMD Apps tend to add more clutter," a private blogger who runs a website and an App called 'ChennaiRains', K Srikanth told IANS. Srikanth and his team take data from IMD -- radar, satellite images and model data. But, he claims, there is a difference between the way they present the radar images and the IMD does it. "Our all-India radar image section is a mosaic of all the radar images from IMD's own radar images. Very easy to understand, it is overlaid on Google maps so that people can relate to it better. But, IMD's App does not have this feature, although IMD's website does." Chennai Rains had its first App in 2015 and have come up with better versions from time to time. Srikanth's suggestion is very simple. The information disseminated on the Apps needs to be so easy, it is to be aimed at the, if it can be called so, the lowest common denominator user. (And) therefore, having a good website is not a guarantee that the App by the same owner will be good. "Mobile Apps are a completely different ball game. It is not just replicating a website into an App. The issue with IMD is that its Apps are not created as mobile Apps but a mobile version of website. That is why IMD's mobile Apps are not aesthetically appealing," he pointed out. Another example is a private App called 'WeatherBug' which takes data from Earth Network and gives lightning alert. IMD has its own lightning sensors that feeds the 'Damini' App. But if one looks at the two Apps, one realises the generational difference in terms of how the presentation is done. Biggest advantage of the smartphones is that the content is by the minutes, unlike olden times when the alerts came only two or three times a day. User of smartphone wants customised information and not something generic, for example, it will rain in a state. A major private player SkyMet has a notification system to alert for rain or lightning strikes anywhere between 10 minutes to sometimes even an hour before. It has its own 6500-off weather stations across India. That helps it with precipitation forecasts, hourly, and the NowCasts (telling people what is going to happen in the next one to three hours) based on SkyMet's own instrumentation around the country. But, what Skymet also has, SkyMet's founder and director Jatin Singh, said, "are our maps, news stories, videos and other visual content such as radar imaging. etc. The 'Mumbai Rains' has high-resolution satellite images too." Admitting that his website is more popular than the 'SkyMet Weather' App, SkyMet's Jatin Singh told IANS, 'Damini' is a good App but lacks the provision of searching warnings by location." For instance, sitting in Delhi, one should be able to search for, say, a place in Bihar. Location and content are important, but presentation is what matters. Pointing out that visualisation needs to be aesthetic based for easy assimilation, it should be in common people's language, Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC) chairman Col. Sanjay Verma, gave an example of 'TN Smart' not just pushes alerts, there is a PopUp message, but it also has an IVR (voice alert). "One or two minutes of warning in some cases is enough time to escape from the disaster," Verma said. Two other apps which have a very robust alarm system are 'Weather Bug' and 'Rain Alarm', both of which are based on radar output. CROPC is running a 'Lightning Resilient India Campaign' jointly with IMD and hence, Verma pointed out how the already versatile Damini App can incorporate changes to further refine output. "There needs to be a combination of Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) and short-range X-band radars superimposed with HF (high frequency) detectors and electric field meters, the forecast will be refined better and would cover all parameters." That is the reason why user interface testing / developments are also a very key component in the overall software development cycle. For instance, as mentioned in the beginning, Windy is the best example for presentation. "Majority Apps are based on location where the user is present and most of these Apps are complicated for the end-user. But I find Windy gives very easy graphical representation," said Rahul Patil, an engineer by training but who runs a weather literacy campaign for farmers in Maharashtra in Marathi. IMD provides warnings to GMHAS -- Global Multi-Hazard Alert System, through which, anyone can use it. IMD's website also has RSS/API feed, which can be used by any private user. Further, IMD has a collaboration with Google to disseminate the warnings generated from IMD in their App and similarly with Apple. AccuWeather also takes the information from IMD. All free of cost, as the government believes the dissemination of early warnings is a public service and should not be charged. But IMD's own Apps leave much to be desired on user-friendly aspects and aesthetics. IMD's Director General (Meteorology) Dr Mrutyunjay Mahapatra said, "We are aware of the issues, and we are already planning to improve the existing 'Mausam' and 'Damini' mobile apps. "The new versions of the IMD Apps are expected in six months," Mahapatra added. Damascus, Aug 1 : A deal to end the recent tension in Syria's southern province of Daraa has been reached under a Russian mediation, a war monitor reported. The deal, reached on Saturday, will see an end to the military showdown in Daraa, where the army and local armed men have been engaged in heavy battles over the past few days, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights in a statement. The UK-based watchdog group said 130 wanted armed men will depart to rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib under the deal, reports Xinhua news agency. Also, the Eighth Corps, which is backed by Russia, will enter areas in Idlib and assume military positions. Meanwhile, civilians who fled their homes as a result of the violence, returned and exams were resumed. The observatory said the recent showdown killed 12 civilians, 11 armed men, and nine government forces. Tension in Daraa has been brewing for a month, resulting in a blockade imposed by the Syrian army. On Sunday, a deal was supposed to end the tension but it failed as clashes flared up. The Syrian army entered Daraa in 2018 after the rebels there were dislodged to rebel-held areas in Idlib. However, the tension continued in Daraa and security incidents and attacks continued to take place every now and then. Chennai, Aug 1 : The Tamil Nadu leaders of the Congress party would tour each district of the state and meet grassroots leaders including block and mandalam committee office-bearers to chalk out political strategy. The AICC leadership has already directed the state Congress to provide detailed feedback on the performance of the state government, the union government, and local issues before August 15. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K.S. Alagiri told IANS, "We are into a detailed study on the issues plaguing the society and would get a feedback from the grassroots party workers. State office bearers of the party will travel in all districts of the state and get reports on the performance of the state and central governments and will work out strategies and plans after this." A two day meeting of the TNCC office bearers attended by the AICC general secretary in charge of Tamil Nadu, Gundu Rao has decided that the party has to get a proper feedback. Other than state office bearers, party district office bearers and office-bearers of feeder organisations of the party participated in the two day meeting. Several leaders who participated in the meeting had called upon the party-state leadership to chalk out series of agitations against the anti-people policies of the central government including the unabated rise in fuel prices. The Congress state leaders also took stock of the party's performance in the 2021 assembly elections as well as on the performance of the TN state government led by M.K. Stalin. The Congress state leadership will chalk out further strategies after the detailed feedback on the policies to be adopted for the local body polls to be held soon in the state. K.S. Alagiri while speaking to IANS said, "The state government is doing good and we have met the Chief Minister and congratulated him and his team for the excellent start they have given to the state on the path of progress and development." Mumbai, Aug 1 : Foreign portfolio investors (FPI) pulled out net investments worth Rs 11,308 crore from Indian equities in July. Investors turned cautious amid concerns of rising cases of Covid-19 in several countries. High oil prices also weighed on the investor sentiments, analysts said. The outflow comes after net FPI investment in June stood at Rs 17,215 crore. Post the outflow last month, the net investment into the equities segment in 2021 stands at Rs 49,036 crore. On Friday, the BSE Sensex closed at 52,586.84, lower by 66.23 points or 0.13 per cent from its previous close of 52,653.07 points. The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange closed at 15,763.05, lower by 15.40 points or 0.1 per cent from its previous close. According to analysts, the upcoming monetary policy review coupled with the ongoing financial results season will influence the trajectory of key equity indices in the week ahead. New York, Aug 1 : When former US President Donald Trump issued an executive order in 2017 banning Muslims from select countries from travelling to the US, the sweeping decree quickly rippled down to affect health outcomes for Muslim-Americans, say researchers, including one of Indian-origin. The researchers, including Pooja Agrawal from Yale University, indicated that a significant number of people in the Muslim community in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area skipped their primary care appointments after the ban. There was also an increase in their visits to the emergency department, found the study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. "This offers support to the thesis that the Islamophobia fostered by former President Trump affected the health of Muslim-Americans in the US and that immigration policies can have indirect and unexpected consequences for those targeted by such actions," said researcher Gregg Gonsalves from the varsity. Before the ban, primary care visits and diagnoses of stress for individuals from Muslim-majority nations were on the rise, the researchers said. In the year following the ban, however, there were approximately 101 missed primary care appointments beyond what would have been expected among people from Muslim majority countries not named in the ban. Trump had issued Executive Order 13769 ,"Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the US", shortly after his inauguration to limit the travel of refugees from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan and Yemen. The ban was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018, only to be revoked by incumbent President Joe Biden in January 2021. For the new study, the researchers examined more than 250,000 adult patients treated at a Minneapolis-St. Paul HealthPartners primary care clinic or in emergency departments in 2016 and 2017.A These patients belonged to one of the following three groups -- born in a Muslim nation targeted by the ban, born in a Muslim-majority nation not listed in the ban and non-Hispanic and born in the US. Dublin, Aug 1 : Over 72 per cent of adults in Ireland have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said. "The vaccine rollout (in Ireland) is continuing at great pace. Today we edged ahead of our nearest neighbours, a brilliant effort by everyone involved," he said in a tweet on Saturday. The Prime Minister said that 72.4 per cent of adults in Ireland have been fully vaccinated, while the figure in the UK is 72.1 per cent. On Saturday, a number of walk-in vaccination clinics have opened across Ireland. People aged 16 and over can now receive a first dose of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at these clinics without appointment. Last week, Karina Butler, chair of Ireland's National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), said that the NIAC had recommended the use of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for the 12-15 year olds. The online vaccination registration for this age group has reportedly started. Ireland on Saturday reported another 1,427 confirmed Covid-19 cases. "Today we have reached the milestone of 300,000 cases reported in Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic," said Tony Holohan, chief medical officer of the Irish Department of Health in a statement issued on Saturday. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Kabul, Aug 1 : Four Afghan civilians were killed after a mortar shell fired by Taliban militants struck a house in the country's eastern province of Kapisa, local police confirmed on Sunday. "The incident occurred late on Saturday in Nijrab district. The victims were part of a family, and a wounded civilian was shifted to a district hospital," provincial police spokesman Abdul Shaeq Shurash told Xinhua news agency. The district has been the scene of heavy clashes between the Taliban militants and the security forces in recent days. The government security forces evicted the Taliban from Nijrab after the militants briefly overran the district in late July. Afghan civilians continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts as more than 1,650 civilians were killed and over 3,250 others wounded due to fighting in the first six months of 2021, according to a report of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). New Delhi, Aug 1 : Actress Priyanka Chopra is currently in London shooting for her upcoming film 'Citadel'. She took to Instagram to share her stunning selfie in which she can be seen flaunting a gorgeous wavy hairstyle and white dress along with nude make-up. The 39-year-old actor used the hashtag 'Citadel' and 'selfiemode' so that her fans could know that she is busy with the project. Image Source: IANS News After she posted her picture, makeup artist Paul Gooch commented with a laughing emoji: "Who did your hair? It's amazing!" To this Priyanka replied back saying: "Hahaha funny guy! Thx for the hair". Her Instagram account was flooded with comments. One fan wrote, "Gorgeous" while another called her "Queen". -- Syndicated from IANS Chennai, Aug 1 : Coimbatore administration will bring in new restrictions from Monday onwards to bring Covid cases under control. The Coimbatore district administration will enforce the restrictions strictly as the state government does not want a spike in cases in the district which has regularly shown an increase in the number of active cases as well as fresh cases when compared to other districts of the state, said an official. All shops except those selling essential commodities like milk, medicines and vegetables will be allowed to function from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from August 2. However, shops on Cross cut road, Gandhipuram 5, 6 and 7th streets, Oppanakara street, Saramedu, Ramamurthy Street, Elai Thottam Junction, Thodiyur Junction, Rice mill road and NP Itteri road will not be allowed to function on Sundays. The district administration said the functioning of shops selling milk, medicines, and vegetables in these streets will be allowed all days. Coimbatore, being the largest industrial area of the state after Chennai, has a large number of labourers and workers from other states. The movement of workers from the district to other districts and other states could be one reason for the hike in cases in Coimbatore, said the official. Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian told IANS, "The government is not taking any chances and we will enforce some restrictions from August 2, Monday so that the disease doesn't spread to other areas. The district administration and the health department are monitoring the situation properly and as of now, there is nothing to be afraid of." Phnom Penh, Aug 1 : Cambodia on Sunday launched a Covid-19 vaccination drive for adolescents aged from 12 to 17, using the Chinese Sinovac jab. Prime Minister Hun Sen and other senior leaders brought their grandchildren to get the jabs at an inoculation site in the Peace Palace in the capital Phnom Penh, reports Xinhua news agency. Addressing the media at the launch event, Hun Sen said the Southeast Asian nation has about 2 million adolescents and called on all parents and legal guardians to take their children for the vaccination. "The vaccination for children today is another important step to achieve herd immunity," he said. "Covid-19 has seriously affected the development of human resources, and almost all of the countries have closed schools." Hun Sen said the vaccination for the adolescents will pave the way for the kingdom to reopen schools at least from the secondary schools upwards after being shut down since late February. The Prime Minister said the right to life is the first priority and all tough measures taken by the government are to protect lives. The country first launched an inoculation campaign for adults on February 10, with China being the key vaccine supplier. As of July 31, some 7.3 million adults, or 73 per cent of the 10 million targeted adult population have received at least one dose of the vaccine, Hun Sen said. He added that the kingdom is aiming to vaccinate 12 million people -- 10 million adults and 2 million adolescents -- or 75 per cent of its 16 million population by November. Cambodia confirmed 671 new Covid-19 infections on Sunday, pushing the national infection tally to 77,914, the Health Ministry said, adding that 23 new fatalities were recorded, bringing the death toll to 1,420. Another 758 patients recovered, taking the total number of recoveries to 70,754, it added. Hyderabad, Aug 1 : Bonalu, which symbolizes the unique culture of Telangana, was celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety in the old city of Hyderabad on Sunday. Large number of devotees thronged Sri Simhavahini Mahakali temple in Lal Darwaza, Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahakali temple in Haribowli and other Mahakali temples in the old city. The main celebrations were held at Lal Darwaza temple where endowment minister Indrakaran Reddy and animal husbandry minister T. Srinivas Yadav offered 'Bangaru Bonam' and silk robes to the deity on behalf of the state government. Speaking on the occasion, Srinivas Yadav said devotees from other states were also participating in Bonalu celebrations. He said for the first time the state government has provided funds to private temples on the occasion of Bonalu. Earlier, donors were giving money to the private temples but now the government has come forward to help them. Home minister Mahmood Ali, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president A. Revanth Reddy, BJP state president Bandi Sanjay, veteran actor and BJP leader Vijayashanti, and leaders of various political parties participated in the festivities. Thousands of devotees including women offered prayers. Authorities made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the movement of devotees. Special queues were arranged for women, who were seen carrying pots on their heads, to make the offerings to the goddess. Police diverted vehicular traffic at several points to ensure smooth conduct of the festivities. More than 8,000 policemen were deployed as part of the massive security arrangements. Police were keeping a tight vigil in the communally sensitive pockets of the old city. The festival will conclude on Monday with famous 'Rangam' where predictions about the State's future will be made by an unmarried woman, followed by the Ghatam procession. This will be followed by a procession of a caparisoned elephant carrying a portrait of the deity. Smeared with turmeric and vermilion, potharajus dance to rhythmic drumbeats in the procession that will pass through various areas including Charminar. Authorities have ordered closure of all liquor shops in the city on Sunday and Monday in view of the festival. Bonalu in the old city is the third phase of the nearly month-long traditional festival. It began on July 11 at the Jagadambika Temple on Golconda Fort here while on July 25 the celebration was held in Secunderabad. Public events during Bonalu were cancelled by the state government last year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with the lifting of Covid-19 related restrictions last month, the government allowed people's participation this time. This year the festivities are being organised with mass gatherings and traditional procession. The organizers have been directed to ensure adherence to Covid-19 protocol, including wearing of masks and social distancing. Ashada Bonalu is a festival held in the month of Ashada, according to the Hindu calendar, celebrating goddess Mahakali. Devotees, especially women make offerings in the form of food to goddess Mahakali in specially decorated pots. During the nearly month-long festival, people also hold 'rangam' or forecasting the future, organise processions and cultural events. After the formation of Telangana State in 2014, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had declared Bonalu as the state festival. The festivities reflect Telangana culture with performances by the artistes. This year, the government has allocated Rs 15 crore for the celebrations. The money was spent to spruce up the temples for the celebrations and for making all necessary arrangements for the devotees. It is commonly believed that the festival was first celebrated over 150 years ago following a major cholera outbreak. People believed that the epidemic was due to the anger of the Mahakali and began offering Bonalu to placate her. Wellington, Aug 1 : New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Sunday formally apologised to Pacific communities affected by the Dawn Raids in the 1970s. Between 1974 and 1976, a series of rigorous immigration policies were carried out that resulted in targeted raids on the homes of Pacific families, reports Xinhua news agency. The raids to find, convict and deport overstayers often took place very early in the morning or late at night. "Today I offered, on behalf of the government, a formal and unreserved apology to Pacific communities for the discriminatory implementation of immigration laws that led to the Dawn Raids," Ardern said at Auckland's Town Hall. "Expressing our sorrow, regret and remorse for past actions is the right thing to do and provides an opportunity for closure and reconciliation," she said. Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio said looking back it was clear that the immigration laws were discriminatory. "Pacific peoples, Maori and other ethnic communities were specifically targeted and racially profiled, which was wrong and should have never happened," William Sio said. "In 1986 the Race Relations Conciliator found that between 1985 and 1986, while Pacific peoples comprised roughly a third overstayers, they represented 86 per cent of all prosecutions for overstaying. Racially targeting Pacific communities created a decades long false impression of the status of Pacific New Zealanders. "During the same period overstayers from the US and Britain who also comprised roughly a third of overstayers made up only 5 per cent of prosecutions," William Sio said. Kabul, Aug 1 : The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Sunday called on the Taliban to undertake a full investigation and provide answers concerning a recent attack on its compound in Herat province. As the Taliban engaged in fierce clashes with Afghan security forces in Herat on July 30, the UN's main compound in the city came under attack by rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire, according to the UNAMA. "So-called 'anti-Government elements' targeted entrances of the clearly marked UN facility with rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire just hours after Taliban fighters penetrated Herat city and clashed with Afghan security forces near UNAMA's provincial headquarters," the mission added. The mission wrote on Twitter that perpetrators for "the attack that killed an Afghan guard needs to be held accountable". Herat has been the scene of heavy fighting since early July 28 after Taliban launched a massive attack and tried to overrun the Afghan city. On Sunday, battles in the city resumed and entered its fourth day after reinforcement joined Afghan security forces and local Public Uprising Forces to prevent Taliban from advancing. New Delhi, Aug 1 : The Congress on Sunday questioned the shortage of vaccines in the country amid claims by the government that 47 crore people have been vaccinated so far in the country. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a tweet on Sunday said, "July has also gone but vaccine shortage has not gone." Echoing Rahul Gandhi's views, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh too attacked the government and said, "To vaccinate fully all adults by year end, at least 85 lakh doses/day must be administered. Highest we've achieved for a 30 day period so far is 45 lakh doses/day. Capacity to ramp up vaccination exists in many states. The only problem is vaccine supply." The Congress has been targeting the government over the vaccination supply shortage, while the government has been blaming vaccine hesitancy in the country. The government on Sunday claimed that India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed the landmark of 47 Cr. as 60,15,842 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. The government said, more than 49.49 crore (49,49,89,550) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far, through all sources and a further 8,04,220 doses are in the pipeline. Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 46,70,26,662 doses (as per data available at 8 a.m. on Sunday). More than 3 Cr (3,00,58,190) balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs and private hospitals to be administered. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on July 20 in the upper house had said that soon they will have vaccines for children and the clinical trials are ongoing. Mandaviya said, "Zydus Cadila has applied for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for its Covid-19 vaccine and Hyderabad-based Biological E will enter the market with 7.5 crore doses of its Covid-19 vaccine by September-October." Nay Pyi Taw, Aug 1 : Myanmar is likely to hold new general elections in the second half of 2023, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chair of the newly-formed State Administration Council, said on Sunday. "The constitution states the limitation for the duration of the state of emergency. According to subsection (b) of Section 421, if one cannot accomplish the duties within one year of the emergency period, it permits only two extensions of the prescribed duration for a term of six months for each extension," Xinhua news agency quoted min as saying in a televised address to the nation. "In the meantime, we have to do the things that should be done. Then, we will take six months by August 2023 to prepare for the election according to the law," he added. Min's announcement came after the Myanmar junta on July 27 announced the cancellation of the results of the 2020 general elections which were won by ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party. According to the announcement, the results were cancelled as the polls were not held in line with laws and were not fair, the very reasons of the February 1 coup. Since then, Min has held the state power. In his address on Sunday, he also pledged to hold the multi-party general elections without fail, stressing the need to create conditions to hold free and fair polls. "We will hold briefings on findings of the previous general elections to international delegates in the near future." He also pledged to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In a related development also on Sunday, the country formed a Republic of the Union of Myanmar Caretaker Government, according to an order by the State Administration Council. Under the order, the new caretaker government will be led Min as Prime Minister and Vice Sen-Gen Soe Win as his Deputy. The caretaker government body comprises union ministers, union attorney-general and permanent secretary of office. Hyderabad, Aug 1 : Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday visited GMR Varalakshmi Centre for Empowerment and Livelihoods at Shamshabad here. He was received by GMR Group Chairman G.M. Rao, along with senior officials from the Group. The Centre offers vocational training to under-privileged dropout youth and supports them with employment opportunities. Naidu interacted with the trainees undergoing various courses at the Centre such as for electricians, hotel management, two-wheeler technicians, welding technicians, false ceiling, AC technicians as well as women associated with the jute bags initiative of GMRVF. He also distributed tool kits to the trainees of electrical course. Noting that the Indian youth are very talented and they should sharpen their abilities with skill development, he advised youth to make their future bright by acquiring new skills. He said the youth should make use of the available resources and adopt the culture of working hard. Later, the Vice President also made a visit to GMR Chinmaya Vidyalaya, a CBSE English medium school run jointly by GMR Varalakshmi Foundation and Chinmaya Mission in the Airport campus at Shamshabad. The school offers quality English medium education at highly subsidised fees for the children from neighbouring villages of the airport. GMRVF also sponsors about 100 children to this school under its Gifted Children Scheme. Naidu interacted with the principal and teachers at the school and observed the facilities being provided to the students at the school. GMR Group, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, carries out community-based development initiatives at over 20 different locations across India. GMRVF has been involved in skill training for over 15 years and is now associated in running 15 centres in different parts of the country, including one at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. New Delhi/New York, Aug 1 : Taliban forces in Afghanistan are targeting known critics for attack despite claiming that they have ordered their fighters to act with restraint, Human Rights Watch said. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating allegations of war crimes and serious human rights abuses by all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan, including the Taliban. Taliban commanders who knew or should have known about abuses by forces under their control and took no action to prevent or stop them are culpable as a matter of command responsibility, Human Rights Watch said. In Kandahar, the Taliban have been detaining and executing suspected members of the provincial government and security forces, and in some cases their relatives. Activists in Kandahar said that in villages surrounding the provincial capital, Taliban commanders have detained scores of people associated with the government or police. In one case, on July 16, Taliban fighters abducted two men whose brothers had worked with NDS 03, a CIA backed strike force that has been responsible for summary executions and other abuses, from their homes in the Qasam Pol area, Dand district. Their relatives say that they have not heard from the two men since. Also in mid-July, a report said Taliban fighters detained Ahmadullah, a former police officer, in Spin Boldak. His family has not heard from him since. His uncle said that the Taliban had sent letters saying that anyone who had worked with the government or foreign forces would not be harmed so long as they reported to the Taliban leadership. Among recent cases, the Taliban executed a popular Kandahari comedian, Nazar Mohammad, known as Khasha Zwan. "Taliban forces apparently executed Khasha Zwan because he poked fun at Taliban leaders," said Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "His murder and other recent abuses demonstrate the willingness of Taliban commanders to violently crush even the tamest criticism or objection." "Advancing Taliban forces have no blank check to brutally target their critics," Gossman said. "The Taliban leadership usually denies the abuses, but it's their fighters carrying out these attacks and their responsibility to stop the killings." International humanitarian law prohibits summary executions, enforced disappearances, and other mistreatment of anyone in custody, which are war crimes. It is unlawful to detain civilians unless absolutely necessary for imperative security reasons. Retaliatory attacks are a form of collective punishment and are also prohibited. Chennai, Aug 1 : As Kerala shows no respite in the number of fresh Covid-19 cases for the past several days with the number of cases on Saturday touching 20,624 and test positivity rate at 12.31 per cent, the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have taken tough measures for passengers coming from Kerala. Karnataka, according to a statement from the state Health department, will allow passengers from Kerala if they have an RT-PCR negative test done within 72 hours of the journey. Karnataka Health department clearly said the state would not allow passengers without a negative RT-PCR test even if they have taken two doses of vaccines. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has, however, allowed passengers who have either a negative RT-PCR report or have taken a single dose of vaccine. Both the neighbouring states -- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu -- are conducting checks on passengers coming from Kerala at railways stations, airports and bus bays where inter- state buses arrive. Karnataka has deployed a huge police posse in all the check posts in the state under the leadership of Deputy Superintendent of Police. Tamil Nadu has also deployed a large police force in the borders at Walayar and Kaliakkavilai. Tamil Nadu Health Minister, Ma Subramanian, told IANS, "The Tamil Nadu government is taking strict measures to bring down fresh Covid-19 cases and hence, the passengers who visit the state from other states will have to adhere to the strict protocols enforced here. "We are insisting on the RT-PCR negative certificate within 72 hours of the journey or a Covid certificate with at least one dose of vaccine for the passengers who reach Tamil Nadu from states where the Covid-19 cases are high." Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had directed state officials to strictly monitor the number of Covid-19 cases and take measures to contain the infection. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hyderabad, Aug 1 : Telugu actress Lakshmi Manchu is enjoying every moment of hosting the Telugu cookery show 'Aha Bhojanambu'. A foodie herself, she says there have been days when she has just gone out of her way to taste a delicacy. "I love food and don't have any favourites. I love Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian. I like my big meals. I love travelling for food. I have sometimes just travelled for food and come back. So, the foodie in me just loves different flavours, tastes and method. Though I am still getting accustomed to the French cuisine," Lakshmi tells IANS. The eight-part series comes with an interesting twist. Lakshmi invites a celebrity guest, who has to cook with whatever ingredients are provided to them on the show. Talking about hosting a cookery show, Lakshmi says: "My daughter (Nirvana) and I are big fans of cooking shows. I love watching 'Australian Top Chef' and other cooking shows. Being able to host a show with a twist to our regular foods is very exciting. To be able to do it with my peers is even more fun," she says. The series is currently streaming on a Telugu OTT platform. Gurugram, Aug 1 : A joint team of the Gurugram Health department and the Gurugram Police has busted an illegal sex determination test racket and arrested three people from Ghaziabad's Kamla Nagar area on Sunday, said a Gurugram Health department official. This was the 14th raid conducted by the Gurugram Health department this year. The joint teams have also recovered Rs 35,000 and a portable ultrasound machine from the possession of the accused persons. The officials said Gurugram Civil surgeon Virendra Yadav received secret information about an illegal sex determination racket operating in Gurugram. Following this, Yadav authorized Anil Gupta, the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Nodal Officer, to follow the lead. "Through a decoy, a contact was established with a tout identified as Gautam, a resident of Bhondsi village in Gurugram and after negotiations, a deal was fixed for Rs 35,000. Gautam asked the decoy to meet him at Rajiv Chowk, Gurugram, at 6.30 a.m. on Sunday with the deal amount. After getting money the tout started to move towards Delhi in a car with the decoy," Yadav said. Thereafter, Anil Gupta along with team members Dipanshu Saini, Harish, Umang and Sub-Inspector Paramjeet followed the decoy. After the tout reached Kamla Nagar in Ghaziabad, the decoy was taken to a tent house shop. After a while, the decoy came out of the shop and signalled the raiding team which immediately nabbed Gautam. The decoy informed the police team that ultrasound has been done and the sex of the foetus has been disclosed as female. "The raiding team then entered into the shop and found two persons identified as Prem Chand of Aligarh and Jaipal sitting near portable ultrasound machines. The local PNDT team also arrived at the spot. The team recovered Rs 20,000 from Gautam and Rs 15,000 from Prem Chand. The local police were called who arrested the trio and seized the machine and cash amount," Yadav added. A case under relevant sections of the IPC, including the PNDT Act, was registered against the accused trio at the Sihani police station in Ghaziabad. New Delhi: Women celebrate after the passage of Triple Talaq bill in Parliament, at BJP headquarters in New Delhi on July 31, 2019. The Bill outlawing Triple Talaq was on Tuesday passed in the Rajya Sabha. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Ma Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Aug 1 : 'Muslim Women Rights Day' was observed on Sunday by different organisations across the country to mark the second anniversary of the enactment of law against the 'triple talaq'. Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani and Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav attended the programme to mark the occasion where the Muslim women wholeheartedly thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing the law which made the practice a criminal offence. On August 1, 2019, that the Modi government passed the Triple Talaq bill in Parliament abolishing the practice of triple talaq in the Muslim community. Since then, the day is celebrated as Muslim Women Rights Day. The Union Ministers also interacted with several Muslim women who were triple talaq victims. The women told the ministers that the Modi government has strengthened 'self-reliance, self-respect, self-confidence' of Muslim women and protected their constitutional rights by bringing a law against the cruel social evil of triple talaq. Addressing the participants of the programme, Yadav said the Modi government has been working to ensure dignity and empowerment of women of every section of the society. "The Modi government has ensured dignity of Muslim women by bring law against social evil of triple talaq. The government's policy of development without discrimination has created an atmosphere of trust across the country," Yadav said. "Our government believes in decision delivery and that's why we have seen such historic steps. Not just abolishing triple talaq, we also saw how 'mehram' was done away with and women can go for Haj," Naqvi said. Naqvi pointed out that there is a significant decline in triple talaq cases after the law came into effect and said that Muslim women across the country have overwhelmingly welcomed this law. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Irani said: "August 1 is a day to salute struggle of Muslim women against triple talaq. Ministry of Minority Affairs; Ministry of Women and Child Development, and Labour Ministry will work united to encourage entrepreneurship among Muslim women." Jaipur, Aug 1 : Jaipur's historical Amagarh fort and the Amba Mata Temple situated inside the fort has triggered a community war in Rajasthan. On Sunday, BJP Rajya Sabha member and veteran Meena community leader, Dr Kirorilal Meena, was arrested after he unfurled a Meena community flag on the fort, but was released later in the afternoon. His arrest immediately brought strong reactions from veteran leaders like former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Former union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore and many more who accused the Congress government of playing politics to divide the community. Raje said, "The arrest of Dr Kirori Lal Meena, who gave a befitting reply to the Congress, is condemnable. Dr Meena should be released immediately." Former union minister Rathore also accused the state Congress unit of dividing the society and said, "Rajasthan Congress has been doing continuous politics to divide the society. Dr Kirori Lal Meena ji answered their divisive politics and hence was arrested. His arrest is very unfortunate. He should be released immediately." Looking at the growing demand on social media, police released the veteran leader who had smartly managed to ditch the enhanced security to scale the fort's wall in early morning hours while crossing the jungles through the hill-secretly "to hoist the community flag". Amagarh Fort in Jaipur, in fact, has been a centre of conflict for the last few months. While a section of tribal Meena community has claimed ownership over the fort, the Hindu groups too have staked claim and hence the conflict. Meanwhile, Kirorilal Meena, a strong community leader of Rajasthan, started a fresh war by claiming, "Tribal Meenas are Hindu, Tribal Meenas were Hindu and Tribal Meenas shall remain Hindu. Those who don't consider themselves as Hindu don't deserve reservations!" He also announced that he shall hoist a flag of the community at the disputed site and accused the independent MLA Ramkesh Meena, MLA Gangapur city and State President of Rajasthan Adivasi Meena Seva Sangh of distorting the peace and harmony of the community. Ramkesh said that people from the community used to worship Amba Mata and other deities in the fort which was later converted into Ambika Mata Temple and a saffron flag was unfurled there by hindu activists. In June, a few reports said that idols were vandalised in Amagarh Fort. Meena community members then started accusing Hindu groups of trying to appropriate tribal symbols into the Hindutva fold, and of changing the name of Amba Mata to Ambika Bhawani. On July 21, a video of saffron flag getting torn in the process went viral on the social media. While Hindu groups accused Meena community members of tearing the flag in presence of Ramkesh Meena, the other Meena leaders said that the Hindu groups had agreed to take down the flag after discussions, and that it got accidentally torn while members of the Hindu groups were pulling it down. Soon after, a Brahmin group too joined the debate and its leaders said that Ambika Bhawani near the fort belongs to a family of priests conducting rituals here for generations. New Delhi, Aug 1 : After taking feedback from Rajasthan leaders and MLAs, Congress General Secretary Ajay Maken has returned to Delhi and will meet top party leaders in a few days to discuss the issue and adjustments to be made in the state unit and the government. The Congress top brass is keen to resolve the issue of Rajasthan after the changes in Punjab where Navjot Singh Sidhu has been made state chief. Congress sources say that there will be major rejig in the Ashok Gehlot government and the state organisation. Sources say that after Maken submits his report, a final call will be taken by interim party chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and the General Secretary entrusted to implement the decisions. Former Deputy Chief Minister and state chief Sachin Pilot is in New Delhi and has been meeting party leaders to push for Cabinet expansion and appointments in boards and corporation in the state to adjust his loyalists, a year after he revolted. Maken, before returning to Delhi, had one-on-one interaction with all 115 Congress MLAs, and senior party leaders. Indicating changes, he had said that some ministers have expressed their willingness to resign and work for the party. "Some people want to leave cabinet positions and work for the organisation. We are proud of such people." Asked about the possible role of Pilot, Maken had said: "Everyone trusts the high command and all have said in a united voice that they shall accept any role given by the high command." Following Maken's meeting with the MLAs, Chhattisgarh Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, who chairs the Congress manifesto implementation committee, and MP Amar Singh were in Jaipur on Saturday to evaluate the status of promises made in the party manifesto, as per the directions given by the Congress high command. The meeting of the committee was held at the Chief Minister's residence, where Gehlot said that 64 per cent of the promises, or 321 out of 501, have been fulfilled. Washington, Aug 1 : NASA on Sunday announced the launch of its Boeing Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) second mission to the International Space Station on August 3. OFT-2 is the second uncrewed flight for Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft as part of the US space agency's Commercial Crew Programme. The mission is targeted to launch at 1.20 p.m. EDT on August 3, NASA said in a statement. Starliner will launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. About 30 minutes after launch, Starliner will perform its orbital insertion burn to begin its daylong trip to the space station. Scheduled to dock at the space station at 1.37 p.m. on August 4, the spacecraft will carry more than 400 pounds of NASA cargo and crew supplies to the space station. It will return to Earth with more than 550 pounds of cargo, including the reusable Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System 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 with a desert landing in the western United States. The uncrewed mission will provide valuable data toward NASA certifying Boeing's crew transportation system for regular flights to and from the space station," NASA said. Boeing had signed a contract with NASA's Commercial Crew Programme to fly operational missions to and from the space station with Starliner in 2014. However, a series of setbacks have thus far prevented the Starliner from reaching the ISS. Its debut uncrewed orbital flight mission in 2019 did not go exactly as planned, requiring it to make another try before putting astronauts on board for the crewed flight test. The second launch has been held up since late last year due to ongoing software checks. It was earlier scheduled for Friday, but was pushed for August 3 after the thrusters on the ISS' new Russian module Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module unexpectedly fired hours after docking, causing the station to move out of orientation. The space station was shoved 45 degrees off track. However, it was repositioned back to normal. "NASA and Boeing have decided to stand down from Friday's launch attempt of the agency's Orbital Flight Test-2 mission," NASA said. "The move allows the International Space Station team time to continue working checkouts of the newly arrived Roscosmos' Nauka module and to ensure the station will be ready for Starliner's arrival," it added. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 1 : A group of Congress workers blocked the central team of health officials which is touring eight districts of Kerala since Saturday to study the reason behind the surge in Covid-19 cases following the directive from the union health ministry. The Congress workers bloacked them at Chaliyam in Kozhikode on Sunday. The Congress workers blocked the Central health delegation citing the discrepancies in vaccine allocation. They alleged that at the Primary Health Centre at Chaliyam in Kozhikode, vaccines are given only to CPM workers. The central health ministry delegation patiently heard the complaints raised by the Congress workers who were around 30 in number and noted down their suggestions. Later the Chaliyam Village officials called up the Police and it was only after the intervention of the police team that the Congress workers allowed the central team to move ahead. A six-member central team led by Dr S.K. Singh, Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)since Saturday is touring eight districts of the state where most of the Covid cases are being reported. The union health ministry has deputed this multidisciplinary team to collaborate with the state health department for effective controlling and managing Covid-19 situation in the state. The team is split into two with Dr S.K. Singh, Dr S.K. Jain, advisor, public health NCDC, New Delhi, Dr Pranay Varma, deputy director, NCDC and Dr Ruchi Jain, public health specialist are touring the southern districts of the state -- Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram. The second team of Dr P. Raveendran, Deputy Director-General, DM cell, ministry of health and family welfare, Dr K. Reghu, additional director, Kozhikode branch, National Centre for Disease Control is touring the northern districts of Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod. The two teams are specifically looking at areas like testing, contact tracing, surveillance and containment operations. The teams will work closely with the state health department to take stock of on-ground situation and recommend necessary interventions. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Kolkata, Aug 1 : Four days after the late CPI-M politburo member and party's state General Secretary Anil Biswas' daughter Ajanta Biswas' article appeared in Trinamool Congress' daily 'Jago Bangla', CPM West Bengal State Secretary Surya Kanta Mishra said that there is no reason to take the issue lightly and a decision will be taken following the disciplinary action of the party. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Mishra said, "What she (Ajanta Biswas) has done cannot be taken lightly but she is the member of the unit and the unit will take their decision primarily. They can serve her a show-cause and allow her to vindicate her stand. The matter will then come to the Kolkata district committee and then to the state committee". "So long it doesn't come up to the state committee we cannot take any decision on our own. We have discipline in the party and the rule is the same for everyone. We are waiting for the report from the unit. Let the report come then only we will be in a position to take any decision," Mishra added. Trinamool Congress, however, stood behind Ajanta Biswas. Trinamool Congress minister and previously a member of CPM, Sujit Bose said: "Every person should have the right to express himself or herself. This is the person's democratic right. I believe she has written something which is factually and historically correct". On Wednesday, Ajanta Biswas, who is also a member of the Left party, created a buzz not only inside the party but also in the political circles of the state as she highlighted women's participation in West Bengal politics in the mouthpiece of Trinamool Congress. Biswas, who teaches history in Rabindra Bharati University as Assistant Professor wrote the article titled "Bongo Rajnitite Narishakti' (Women power in Bengal Politics) wherein she discussed the contribution of women politicians in West Bengal from pre-independence up to the present times. The article divided into several series -- which are yet to appear consecutively -- started with Basanti Devi -- wife of famous Bengali nationalist leader and advocate Chittaranjan Das, who made a huge contribution in Indian Independence movement along with her husband. The series will end with Mamata Banerjee -- her rise and her contribution in Indian politics. Lucknow, Aug 1 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday laid the foundation for the Vindhyachal Corridor project and congratulated Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for ensuring all round development of the places of religious significance. "Previous governments did not show any interest in developing these places because they were concerned about vote bank politics. Yogi Adityanath went ahead and ensured development of all religious places, including Ayodhya, Chitrakoot Dham, Kashi Vishwanath Dham and other places. During the Kumbh, the Yogi government made the best possible arrangements. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has revived religious tradition and glory," Shah said. Shah said Uttar Pradesh should get the credit for ensuring the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre with full majority in 2014 followed by 2019. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a Member of Parliament from Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and he understands what the state needs and what it must get. After centuries, people will finally see a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya," he added. He said it was the BJP that announced reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in medical courses while other parties used them only as a vote bank. Shah sought people's blessings for the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, adding that Yogi Adityanath has already fulfilled the promises made in the party manifesto and is now working towards making Uttar Pradesh a one trillion dollar economy. Meanwhile, the construction of the Rs 150 crore Vindhyachal Corridor project will be started immediately since removal of identified 92 buildings, which were surrounding the Vindhyachal temple, has already been done after their purchase. The project will result in creation of space for a 50-ft-wide Parikrama (circumambulation) route while visitors will get a full view of the holy shrine, known as one of Shaktipeeths. The roads leading to the temple are also being widened as a part of the project. Improvement of basic infrastructure and introducing modern facilities, including parking zones, guest houses, shopping complexes, retiring rooms for pilgrims, are also being proposed. The first ropeway of east Uttar Pradesh for thousands of pilgrims who flock Ashtabhuja and Kali Khoh Hills of holy 'Trikon' (triangle) of Vindhyachal was also inaugurated on Sunday. The ropeway, which will be first in east Uttar Pradesh, will be started in two phases as the only one ropeway line connecting Kali Khoh and Ashtabhuja project is in the finishing stage. The second line from Ashtabhuja to the terminal (parking site) is still under construction and expected to be completed by December end. Sydney, Aug 1 : Covid-19 cannot enter a person's DNA, say Australian researchers refuting claims of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the infectious disease, integrating its genetic material into the human genome. The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, showed there was no evidence of Covid-19 -- or the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines -- entering DNA. The claims have led to "scaremongering" and people should not hesitate to be vaccinated, said researchers from University of Queensland. The research confirmed there was no unusual viral activity and the Covid-19 behaviour was in line with what was expected from a coronavirus. "The evidence refutes this concept being used to fuel vaccine hesitancy," said Geoff Faulkner, Professor at the varsity's Queensland Brain Institute. "We find no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 integration suggests such events are, at most, extremely rare in vivo, and therefore are unlikely to drive oncogenesis or explain post-recovery detection of the virus. "From a public health point of view, we would say that there are no concerns that the virus or vaccines can be incorporated into human DNA," Faulkner said. In his previous research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Faulkner suggested that positive Covid-19 tests long after recovery are due to the virus being incorporated into DNA. "We looked into their claims that the human cells and machinery turned Covid-19 RNA into DNA, causing permanent mutations. "We assessed the claims in cells grown in the laboratory, conducted DNA sequencing and found no evidence of Covid-19 in DNA," he added. In May, researchers from the Purdue University in Indiana, US, showed that although throughout human history there have been viruses capable of integrating their genetic material into human genes, the Covid virus lacks the molecular machinery to integrate its RNA into human DNA. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) New Delhi, Aug 1 : Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya on Sunday advised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi "to feel proud at the tireless efforts" of health workers who have administered over 13 crore vaccine doses in July. In a series of tweets, he also said that the vaccination drive will get accelerated from August and "we must feel proud of our health workers" for this feat, asking the Congress leader to express similar sentiments. Earlier on Sunday, Gandhi took a dig at the alleged deficiency of Covid vaccines and slammed the government for not providing adequate stocks to the states and UTs. In a tweet in Hindi, he said: "July is gone, and vaccine shortage hasn't gone away" and used the hashtag 'WhereAreVaccines'. To this, Mandviya responded: "India has administered over 13 crore vaccines in July. The vaccination drive against corona will be expedited from this month. We are proud of our health workers for this achievement. You also feel proud of India and health workers' achievement." "I have heard that you are one in those 13 crores people who were vaccinated in July. But you did not speak a word for our scientists, did not appeal to the public to vaccinate. It means you are doing petty politics in the name of vaccination." "Actually there is no lack of vaccines, you lack maturity," he claimed. Meanwhile, Health Ministry data showed that a total of 60,15,842 Covid vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hrs, taking the total to 47,02,98,596 so far. In a tweet, the Health Ministry said that India has achieved the landmark in vaccination drive against the Covid pandemic, successfully having administered the vaccine to over 47 crore people across the nation. New Delhi, Aug 1 : As the online and technology space witnessed great strides amid the Covid-19 pandemic, sector stakeholders are of the view that India-US relations, in terms of information technology, have scope to grow further at a much greater pace. Speaking at the 2nd Indo-US Services Summit organised by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce-NIC on Information & Technology (IT) and digital transformation, STPI Director General Omkar Rai noted that technology is a major binding force in the Indo-US relations. "India and US relationship is so complementary. Their interest is also technology-based. Our cultivation, collaboration lies in technology," he said. Saying that amid the lockdown, India witnessed transformation and disruption, he added that the digital readiness of the nation was tested during the time. The leap in terms of digital economy and online processes which India has achieved in the past one month is because of the robust IT services sector in India, he added. "As we saw the pandemic's impact in hospitality, tourism, we also saw great progress in other sectors such as education as we started online classes immediately," he said, adding that going ahead, much more immersive and animated content will have to be created. Such efforts are going to create a lot of opportunity in technology space to digitise the entire ecosystem. US Embassy's Director, North India, Michael Rosenthal, noted that IT is a vital sector as digitalisation has become important for inclusive and sustainable development of both the Indian and the US economies. Noting that India's digital economy annually generates $20 billion dollar, he said: "In the US Embassy, it is considered that in terms of business, US is the largest partner of Indian IT players." Stressing on India's standing in the global front in terms of IT, Rosenthal added that India offers major scope for global players. Highlighting India's booming digital technology space, IACC Regional Vice President, Arun Karna, observed that since the pandemic started, there has been seen rapid adoption of digital technology. Bengaluru, Aug 1 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday met former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda whom he considers his "political mentor" and sought his blessings. After his cordial meeting at Padmanabhanagar, where Deve Gowda lives, Bommai told reporters that he knows him from the early days of his political career, while his father and former Chief Minister S.R. Bommai was alive. "I started my political journey with him (Deve Gowda). I had always been on good terms with him and my mother-like Chennamma (Deve Gowda's wife). Their blessings do matter to me," he said. Bommai said that Deve Gowda's experience in handling critical issues like water and border disputes are noteworthy. "I need his support in dealing with such critical issues. I had been meeting him and sought his advice time and again on such issues even when I was Irrigation Minister of this state. Our personal relations are above political relations," he said. He stressed that his intention is to take everyone, including opposition parties, along to take up welfare measures and fight against any injustice to the state. Deve Gowda's elder son, H.D. Revanna, described Bommai as his own younger brother. "We have known each other for many years. Our friendship goes beyond our politics. We are happy that person known to us for many years has become Chief Minister," he said. Cairo, Aug 1 : The Egyptian Army said on Sunday that it has recently killed 89 "highly dangerous extremists" in the country's North Sinai province. The military also detected and destroyed 404 improvised explosive devices and four explosive belts, seized 73 machine guns and destroyed 52 vehicles used by the extremist militants "in carrying out their terrorist operations", the Egyptian army said in a statement, without identifying the exact period of the recent raids, Xinhua news agency reported. The statement also noted that "eight soldiers were killed or wounded in the confrontations". Bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, North Sinai has for years been a hideout for militants loyal to the Islamic State regional terrorist group. Guwahati/Aizawl, Aug 1 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke to the Chief Ministers of Assam and Mizoram and requested them to resolve the inter-state border issue amicably through meaningful dialogue. Following the Home Minister's call, the two Chief Ministers agreed to resolve the border crisis through discussions. After holding the telephonic conversation with Shah, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga tweeted: "As per the telephonic discussion with Union Home Minister and Assam Chief Minister, we agreed to resolve the Mizoram-Assam Border issue amicably through meaningful dialogue. "In the meantime, in order to prevent any possible escalation of the situation, I request the people of Mizoram to avoid posting sensitive messages and make judicious use of their social media platform," he said. Zoramthanga's Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma also responded positively. "Our main focus is on keeping the spirit of the North-East alive. What happened along the Assam-Mizoram border is unacceptable to the people of both states. Hon'ble CM Zoramthanga had promised to call me post his quarantine. Border disputes can only be resolved through discussion," he tweeted. An official in Aizawl said that the Mizoram Chief Minister, maintaining the Covid-19 protocols, is now under quarantine since his return to the state capital from a meeting with Union Home Minister and Chief Ministers of other northeastern states in Meghalaya capital Shillong on July 25. According to officials, Sunday's telephonic discussion cooled the "scorching situation" that arose following the July 26 border clash and firing that left six Assam policemen dead and around 100 security personnel and civilians of the two states injured. Though no fresh incident has since then happened along the 164.6-km inter-state border between Assam and Mizoram, tension has been prevailing, and no "normal" movement of people and vehicles has taken place between the two northeastern states in the past one week. The Central government has deployed eight companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) comprising around 800 para-military jawans led by senior officials along Assam's districts of Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj and Mizoram's Kolasib, Mamit and Aizawl districts. A CRPF official said that they would work along the border of the two states under the advice and instructions of the Union Home Ministry. Cachar District Superintendent of Police Ramandeep Kaur said that after the deployment of the CRPF, both the states have pulled out their state forces as per the tripartite agreement held in Delhi last week when the Union Home Secretary held a meeting with the Chief Secretaries of Assam and Mizoram. "The situation is more or less normal along the inter-state border. However, we are closely monitoring the situation," Kaur told IANS over phone. Bengaluru, Aug 1 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday evening left for New Delhi to discuss his cabinet expansion plans with the BJP high command on Monday. Before leaving for the national capital on the 5.55 p.m. flight, Bommai told reporters that as he has received a call from central leaders, he was going there to discuss various issues, including his cabinet expansion, with them. With his departure, speculations rife that the cabinet expansion is likely to take place in a day or two with at least 10 or 12 ministers, a source close to Bommai told IANS. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister had stated that the cabinet expansion would take place in a day or two once the list gets a formal nod from the party's central leaders. Bommai was sworn-in as Chief Minister on July 28 after BJP veteran B.S. Yediyurappa resigned from the post on July 26, on completing two years in office. At present, there is no other minister, even as the state is reeling under a spate floods in its north region, while the threat of a possible third wave of the Covid pandemic is looming large in the state. Even as Bommai left for Delhi, ministerial aspirants are continuing lobbying to secure a berth in the new cabinet. While several legislators, including some former ministers, are shuttling between Delhi and Bengaluru to make it to the new cabinet, some have openly expressed their aspirations to become Ministers. Ramesh Jarkiholi, M.P. Renukacharya, Munirathna and several of 12 of the Congress-JD-S defectors who joined the BJP to topple the Congress-JD-S coalition government in July 2019 and became ministers, are lobbying hard to get into the cabinet. Besides these leaders, several old-timers in the BJP are seeking to use their RSS connections to secure a berth for themselves. Supporters of BJP leader and Haveri MLA Neharu Olekar had been staging protests and demanding that he should be given an opportunity in the new cabinet as it is the wish of party workers from the constituency. Even though senior BJP leader and former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa has been constantly maintaining that he would listen to party central leaders' decisions, he has been constantly making statements on why he should be in the cabinet too. Senior leaders V. Somanna, and Umesh Katti have been saying that Bommai is close to them, and expressed that he would not form his cabinet without them. New Delhi, Aug 1 : The Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) have established a hotline in the North Sikkim region on Sunday to avoid any kind of skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control. The Indian Army in a statement said that a hotline was established between Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim and PLA at Khamba Dzong in Tibetan Autonomous Region to further the spirit of trust and cordial relations along the borders. "The event coincided with the PLA Day on August 1, 2021," the Indian Army stated. The force stated that the Armed forces of the two countries have well established mechanisms for communication at ground commanders level. These hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing the same and maintaining peace and tranquillity at the borders. The inauguration was attended by ground commanders of the respective armies and a message of friendship and harmony was exchanged through the Hotline. Earlier this year on January 20, Indian and Chinese troops physically clashed in the high-altitude area of Naku La in north Sikkim with several soldiers being injured on both sides after Indian troops repelled an attempt by the Chinese troops to enter Indian territory. The PLA has been showing assertiveness all along the Line of Actual Control even as Indian Army remains in a state of high alertness to respond to aggressive actions. The minor face-off was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols. Last year on May 9, both the countries troops had also clashed at Naku La, which had left several soldiers on both sides injured. It happened just after the violent clashes on the north bank of in eastern Ladakh on May 5-6 when PLA was making multiple attempt of incursions into the Indian territory. Later, a deadly physical clash at Galwan on June 15, 2020 night claimed 20 Indian lives and four Chinese soldiers. For India, the Sikkim border, including the tri-junction, is extremely critical and sensitive. It is because if a Chinese breakthrough happens here, they can reach, and block, the Siliguri corridor -- a narrow, 27-km wide strip of Indian territory that connects India's entire northeastern region with the rest of the country. The Chinese control over the Siliguri corridor could cut off the entire northeast. To prevent this, India guards Sikkim heavily with two mountain divisions. The Indian army has safeguarded the Sikkim border, even through a major firefight in the nearby Nathu La in 1967. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 1 : The Lakshadweep administration is engaged in the development of high-end eco-tourism projects at Kadamat, Suheli, and Minicoy Islands, officials said on Sunday. A statement from the Lakshadweep administration said that it has proposed high-end eco-tourism projects in order to establish a robust base for maritime economic growth with tourism development as its core. The projects are to be implemented under the aegis of NITI Aayog and taking into account the protection of the fragile coral's ecosystem. Three water villa projects which are of the first in the country will be opened in the Islands. The three water villa projects will come up at Minicoy at a cost of Rs 319 crore, Suheli islands at a cost of Rs 247 crore and Kadamat at Rs 240 crore. National Centre for Sustainable Social Management (NCSCM), MoEF&CC and NITI Aayog have conducted a joint survey during November 2018 for site assessment and confirmation. Lakshadweep administrator, S. Asker Ali, (IAS), told IANS: "All the mandatory clearances are given for the projects are given upfront including the CRZ clearances." He also said that National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) was engaged to prepare the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report which is required for CRZ clearance. The administrator said that before finalizing the projects, the administration has conducted meaningful consultations with all the concerned stakeholders including public representatives and the concerned panchayats of Kadamat, Kavaratti and Minicoy. The local panchayats concerned have issued NOC for the proposed eco-tourism projects at Kadamat, Minicoy and Suheli islands in totality even for bar license in the project. The administrator said that Global tenders for the three projects have been floated and can be downloaded with effect from August 1, 2021. New Delhi/Kabul, Aug 1 : Findings by a parliamentary committee indicate that the newly appointed chief of army staff for Afghanistan, Gen. Wali Ahmadzai, has been focusing on rivalries with corps commanders instead of managing the fight against the Taliban, as per local media reports. The army general was appointed to the post a month ago, replacing former chief of army staff Gen. Yasin Zia, as the Taliban was taking over as many as a dozen districts each day. He was expected to lead the fight against militants, focus on training and equipping Afghan forces and to implement major military plans. The internal security committee of the Wolesi Jirga, the lower house of Parliament, said that Gen. Ahmadzai has fallen short of fulfilling his responsibilities and that during his time he has been focused on rivalries with members of the army corps instead of managing the war, reports said. "We hoped that the appointment of the army chief would lead to some progress, but unfortunately, he is focused on rivalries against those who replaced him in (previous positions). This is not the time for rivalry," said Khan Agha Rezaee, the head of Parliament's internal security committee, reports said. Sources said that Gen. Ahmadzai has not maintained effective relationships with army corps commanders who replaced him in his previous posts. After taking charge, Ahamdzai vowed to fix the fragile security situation in the country. "We accept that the situation has deteriorated," Ahmadzai said last month. "We lost some territory but we continue discussions about our next plans and programmes." A military analyst said that rifts between the army chief and commanders of the army corps will cause the situation to further deteriorate. "We will face defeat if we don't have at least common views on the management of the war," military analyst Jawed Kohistani said, as per the reports. The Ministry of Defence, however, denied the findings. "The army chief, in line with the prevailing laws of the country and the military principles, is working day and night for the better management of the war. There are no rivalry or rifts against anyone," said Defence Ministry spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai. United Nations, Aug 1 : India took over the presidency of the Security Council on Sunday with a pledge to work for entire humanity while bringing a focus to the challenges of terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message on India's presidency, said: "We must think of the entire humanity and not only of those who are on our side of the border. Humanity, as a whole, must be at the centre of our thinking and action." External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that, at the Council: "India will keep the international spotlight firmly focused on the task of combatting terrorism, the pandemic and climate change, which are global challenges that transcend national boundaries." India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti will preside over the Council this month in a chamber where the iconic painting of a rising Phoenix, symbolising the UN's endeavour to bring the world out of the chaos of war, looms over the horseshoe table for the 15 national representatives. India took over the presidency of the Council, which rotates alphabetically every month, from France and will hand off to Ireland next month. Tirumurti said that India will be organising three high-level signature meetings focusing on its priority areas -- maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism. Modi is expected to preside virtually over one of the high-level meetings on August 9 -- the first Indian Prime Minister to take the chair -- according to Syed Akbaruddin, a former Permanent Representative of India. The high-level meetings are organised by the country presiding over the Council each month to highlight the issues most important to it. "India will also be organising a solemn event in the memory of peacekeepers," Tirumurti said. The UN peacekeeping operations, for which India has been historically the biggest contributor, have claimed the lives of 174 Indian peacekeepers. In addition, Tirumurti said the Council's agenda will include current global hotspots Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, and the Middle East and it is expected to adopt resolutions on Somalia, Mali, and the UN interim force in Lebanon. "I'm confident that India's presidency will contribute to strengthen international peace and security further," he said. The first meeting of the Council with India wielding the gavel will take place on Monday with a closed session at 11.30 a.m. New York time (9 p.m. IST) to hash out the month's agenda. It will be followed by the presentation of Secretary General Antonio Guterres's report on Sudan and South Sudan in a open meeting. Tirumurti is scheduled to hold a news conference at 12.30 p.m. local time (10 p.m. in India) on the Council's programme for the month. The news conference, like all the open meetings of the Council, will be videocast on the internet by the UN (at media.un.org/en/webtv/). As president, India will have the tough task of dealing with the acrimonious divide between veto-wielding Russia and China on one side, and the US, along with its allies, on the other. Their intransigent postures have led to impasse on important issues like Syria, which is coming up again this month. Shashi Tharoor, a Congress Party MP and a former UN Under Secretary General, retweeted comments he had made earlier to a media outlet: "India may have certain intentions, but who knows what will happen in the world between now and at the end of the Indian presidency in August end." Other hotspots may yet emerge during India's presidency - for example, if the situations in countries like Cuba, Myanmar and Haiti turn more volatile or crises arise elsewhere. Tharoor added: "Whatever happens, we have to have diplomats who are capable, alert, and nimble enough to cope with it, to respond to it, and to give the world a certain leadership in the matter." India last presided over the Council in November 2012 when Hardeep Singh Puri, now the Minister for Petroleum, Housing and Urban Development, was India's Permanent Representative. Recalling in a tweet his tenure as president, Puri pointed to the difficulty of leading a permanent member-dominated Council: "Ten years ago this day, India had last assumed presidency of the UNSC. I was privileged to preside over the horseshoe. We specifically cautioned against 'use of force' in Libya & failure to act in Syria." On the challenges of leading a fractured Council where the five permanent members wield supreme power through their vetoes, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said: "We've always endeavoured to be a voice of reason and understanding, a voice of the underrepresented developing world, a bridge-builder for narrowing the divides and for fostering consensus." The External Affairs Ministry said in a tweet that India will be guided on the Council by "5S" principles -- 'samman (respect), samvaad (dialogue), sahyog (cooperation), shanti (peace) and samriddhi (prosperity)". Introducing a note of realism in the midst of celebratory statements and social media posts, Tharoor said in one of his retweets, "Assumption of the UNSC Presidency is a routine thing; it goes in alphabetical order and this month, it's India's turn." (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis) Guwahati/Aizawl, Aug 1 : The Mizoram government on Sunday said that it is considering withdrawing the FIR lodged against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in connection with the July 26 border clash that left six Assam Police personnel dead and scores of others injured. Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said in Aizawl that following the advice of Chief Minister Zoramthanga, the administration would "relook" the FIR registered against the Assam Chief Minister. He said that Zoramthanga did not approve of the inclusion of Sarma's name in the FIR, adding that he too was not properly aware of Sarma's name being included in the FIR before it was lodged. Chuaungo also said that the state government had taken up the issue of "economic blockade in Assam", which stopped supplies, including transport fuels, with the Union Home Ministry. "We have understood that the MHA would be able to convince the Assam government to lift the blockade in southern Assam. "Mizoram's 95 per cent supplies come through the National Highway-306, which is the lifeline for our state," he told the media. Besides Sarma, who is accused of "attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy", six other officials, including an Assm IGP, DIG and the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Cachar district, were named in the FIR lodged at the Vairengte police station in Kolasib district on July 26. In Guwahati, in response to the Mizoram Police's FIR against him in connection with the inter-state border skirmish, Sarma on Sunday said that he is ready to join any probe on the issue. In response to the FIR, which also included 200 unidentified Assam Police personnel, he said: "Will be very happy to join in any investigation. But why the case is not being handed over to a neutral agency, especially when the place of occurrence is well within the constitutional territory of Assam? I have already conveyed this to CM Zoramthanga. "If necessary, I would go on foot to Vairengte police station. If my arrest solves the problem, I am ready to be arrested. I am not going to seek interim bail from the Gauhati High Court. But I would never allow any one to encroach an inch of Assam land by any one." "I have to protect my officers. I would not allow my officers to be arrested or taken away. We would not accept the summons to six Assam officers by Mizoram Police." The Assam Police has also issued summons to Mizoram's Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena and six state officials for their alleged role in the July 26 violence. New Delhi/Kabul, Aug 1 : Social media is abuzz with reports of 50 Pakistanis who went to fight as part of Taliban and have been killed. "Lists of people who went to fight Afghan army and were killed in the last few months. All are Pakistani nationals and there is no Afghan refugee. Yes Mr. @ImranKhanPTI, Pakistan is not a sanctuary, Pakistan is waging this war by itself against Afghanistan. #SayNoToTerrorism," said Sohail Noor Khan in a tweet. Khan has pointed out that Pakistani nationals are fighting the Afghan army and Pakistan is waging a war against Afghnaistan. Khan added in another tweet a madrassa head in Peshawar is given 10 commandos for his security and this man is goading youngsters to carry out terrorism in Afghanistan. "The man dressed in white is not a scientist or a politician but the superintendent of a madrassa in Peshawar's Taj Bazaar, named Rahimullah Haqqani, which encourages the Taliban to carry out terrorism in Afghanistan. Pakistan has given him 10 commandos his his security." In another tweet, he said that Taliban are amassing its new fighters near Durand line. "They're waiting for the authorisation from Pakistani military to open secret doors in the fences. These new fighters will reinforced the Taliban in front line," Khan said. New Delhi, Aug 1 : Two months after the 'extremely severe cyclonic storm', cyclone Tauktae ravaged several districts in Gujarat, experts have suggested building 'pucca' structures for 'gaushalas' should be taken up as a mitigative exercise on institutional level for saving cows and other live stocks during cyclones, frequency for which is set to increase due to climate change. In Gujarat, 67 people had lost life, 88,910 houses/huts were damaged and as many as 8,629 cattle were lost due to cyclone Tauktae, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai had said in a written reply to a question about 'Loss of Life and Property Due to Cyclone Tauktae and Yaas' in the Rajya Sabha on July 28. An NGO has offered financial help to dozen-odd gaushalas (cow-shelters) from Saurashtra-Bhavnagar region for rebuilding pucca structures to avoid future damage in view of the cyclone's intensity. Managing trustee of a Mumbai-headquartered NGO Samast Mahajan, Girish Jayantilal Shah, told IANS during his visit to Delhi that as many as 19 gaushalas suffered major damage due to cyclone Tauktae and Samasta Mahajan has already offered Rs 50 lakh for reconstruction to 12 of them. Samast Mahajan's assessment of these 19 gaushalas had shown that the damage was worth Rs 5 crore. The NGO could afford to donate Rs 50 lakh, which was already handed over to these gaushalas. "Several of these gaushalas were old, dilapidated structures. There were no efforts ever at serious repairs as all of these are run by charitable trusts and were short of funds. When we offered monetary help, we have categorically told them to construct pucca buildings. This will help in future cyclones too," Shah, who is also a member of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, said. The NGO has now requested the Gujarat Gaushala Ayog (GGA), a government agency, to help re-build these gaushalas. The GGA has an annual budget of Rs 100 crore. Earlier this year in March, the government, in reply to a Parliamentary question, said: "Studies show a decreasing trend in the frequency of formation of Cyclonic Storms over the Bay of Bengal and an increasing trend over the Arabian Sea, based on the data during 1965-2020." Not just this. Experts point out that even the intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea has increased in recent years. The phenomenon has been ascribed to the rapid warming of the relatively cooler Arabian Sea (as compared to the Bay of Bengal) that suits cyclone formation. As many as 29 districts in Gujarat, especially those in Saurashtra region, are vulnerable to intensified cyclones and storm surges, which have increased three-fold between 1970 and 2019, an independent analysis released in May this year by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) had said. Experts lauded the effort by Samast Mahajan and said, just as there are earthquake-resilient buildings, the need now is to have cyclone-resilient structures. "This can indeed be a good mitigative step in view of the increasing frequency of cyclones on the west coast. There should be guidelines on the structural designs in view of the safety of the structure," retired professor from MS University, Vadodara, KC Tiwari told IANS over phone. Tiwari, had conducted courses on disaster management before retiring last year, said, it is important to have proactive measures and steps such as these (building pucca structures for gaushala) can well be carried out as an institutional efforts to prevent damage in the long term. Farming, both agriculture and horticulture along with the animals are key aspect of livelihood protection, especially in rural areas, and must be part of plans before, during and after disasters, experts pointed out and said, this is not new and has been practiced on the east coast by Odisha as part of the 'Animal inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR)' practices. "Odisha has already been doing a lot of cow protection and other measures for livestock in general. This is something that needs to be replicated elsewhere too," said head of the geo-meteorological hazards department at the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), New Delhi, Dr. Surya Prakash. It is for the district level and/or the veterinary department to plan and implement it, he suggested. Thanks to the early warning system and a standard protocol followed by Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, millions of cattle are saved by relocating it before a cyclone strikes the east coast. This kind of mitigation action becomes imperative in view of the economic losses suffered due to cyclones. However, not all states have made it institutional. According to NIDM literature, during disasters, most evacuation centres do not accept animals in the absence of guidelines/laws for that or for the reason of scarce resources/infrastructure. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction moved its focus from 'disaster management' to 'disaster risk management', with the priorities for action converging on reducing risk, enhancing resilience and preventing disaster-related losses. The Sendai Framework recognizes that effective DRR requires expanding the focus to include the protection of livelihoods and productive assets, and this includes livestock, working animals, tools and seeds. Phnom Penh, Aug 2 : A plane carrying a new batch of China-donated Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine touched down in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Sunday, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said. A new batch of vaccine arrived on Sunday morning, he said that during the launch of a vaccination drive for the adolescent group aged from 12 to 17, the Xinhua news agency reported. Hun Sen said that China is the key vaccine supplier to Cambodia and expressed his sincere thanks to China for donating and selling vaccines to the Southeast Asian nation regularly and timely. The Chinese Embassy to Cambodia confirmed the vaccine's new arrival, saying that it was the fifth time that China had donated the jab to Cambodia. "China and Cambodia are good brothers and friends in a community with shared future," the embassy said. "China will continue to provide unswerving support to Cambodia in its vaccination drive and fight against the Covid-19." On Saturday, a shipment of 300,000 Covid-19 rapid test kits that China donated to Cambodia also arrived in the kingdom, the embassy said. Cambodia launched an anti-Covid-19 inoculation drive for adults on February 10 and for the adolescents in the 12-17 age cohort on August 1. As of July 31, some 7.3 million adults, or 73 per cent of the 10 million targeted adult population, had received at least one dose of the vaccines, the health ministry said. Hun Sen said that the kingdom is targeting to vaccinate 12 million people, including 10 million adults and 2 million adolescents, or 75 per cent of its 16 million population by November. Cambodia logged 671 new Covid-19 infections including 265 imported cases on Sunday, pushing the national total caseload to 77,914, the health ministry said, adding that 23 new fatalities were reported, taking the overall death toll to 1,420. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) You are the owner of this article. Ahead of and after the 2020 presidential election, a number of my friends who also are Republican women engaged in what came to be known as "The Conversation." As special House Committee hearings on the Jan. 6 Capitol attacks have begun, there's a new conversation in the air. In 2016, many Republican women I know -- men, too -- told each other they didn't vote for Donald Trump because they didn't like the way he talked and tweeted. But also, they weren't sure Trump would govern from the right. Some voted for Libertarian Gary Johnson. Others wrote in the names of whomever they'd prefer as the GOP nominee. But in 2020, we voted for Trump. We liked his Supreme Court picks, his foreign policy and his approach to economics. I especially appreciated how he ignored the experts and pushed for rapid vaccine development. We voted for Trump because, unlike Trump, we didn't let our egos dictate our politics. I told myself that I would vote for Trump but would not change my standards for him. After he lost in November, Trump kept bumping up against those standards. During the infamous Jan. 6 rally, Trump told supporters to "demand that Congress do the right thing and only count the electors who have been lawfully slated" (according to his definition) and "get rid of the weak" members of Congress. His definition of "weak" naturally meant: strong enough to stand up to Trump. After supporters stormed the Capitol and attacked police, America found out how many Republicans are "weak": 139 House Republicans and eight senators cast votes against certifying President Joe Biden's victory. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy was one of the 139, because he is not so much a leader as the head hostage. Every time the California Republican shows any distance from Trump, the former president yanks the leash and brings the leader to heel. On Tuesday, a small tear in Trump's hold on the GOP came to light when his chosen candidate lost a primary battle in Texas. Also Tuesday, four heroes -- Washington, D.C., police officers Michael Fanone and Daniel Hodges, as well as Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn and Sgt. Aquilino Gonell -- testified about the physical and verbal abuse they endured at the hands of the Trump mob. Fanone found mercy only when he told his tormentors he had children. Dunn, an African American, testified that it was the first time anyone called him the n-word while he was in uniform. The decent response would be to voice sympathy with these four officers. McCarthy instead spoke as if he were the victim when he claimed he couldn't put in solid Republicans such as Rep. Jim Jordan on the panel. Jordan, you see, challenged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats for not providing sufficient security. "On Jan. 6, these brave officers were put into a vulnerable and impossible position because the leadership at the top failed," McCarthy told reporters. GOP strategist Alice Stewart likened that criticism to "arsonists blaming the firefighters for not bringing enough water." If party leaders aren't doing everything possible "to win back the white suburban voters, we're not going to win," Stewart told me. So, here's The Conversation going forward. For 2022 and 2024, support for Trump is optional, but blind obedience is over. Or the GOP can get used to losing. It's a choice. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM 84, of Traverse City, died August 2, 2021. He is survived by sons, Patrick, Tim and Mike Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor "Ellie" Smith. He was a former firefighter, deputy sheriff and retired as a Traverse City police officer. Services will be announced at a future date. Traverse City, MI (49684) Today Cloudy with occasional light rain...mainly in the morning. High around 80F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Low 66F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Greenville, NC (27833) Today A mix of clouds and sun with a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. High 84F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. In this Oct. 14, 2020, file photo, housing activists erect a sign in Swampscott, Mass. A federal freeze on most evictions expired on Saturday. 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. General Assignment Reporter Chris Mays is a general assignment reporter for the Brattleboro Reformer. He has been with New England Newspapers Inc. since 2012. Brattleboro swimmers compete in their first home meet, an inter-squad competition, at Living Memorial Park, in Brattleboro, Vt., on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. The other meets have been canceled because of weather and then the other two teams pulled out because of growing COVID-19 numbers. Archie "Charlie" Green, 90, of Coal City, passed away, Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Funeral Services will be held 2:00PM Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley. He will be laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may gather with the family from 12:00PM until tim Currently Reading Alert: US confident Iran was behind attack on oil tanker in Arabian Sea (CORRECTS tanker site and that Israel didn't own ship) JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Philip Gunn each stood on stage at the Neshoba County Fair last week and pledged to prevent schools from teaching critical race theory, even though there's no evidence of concerted efforts to make that part of the K-12 curriculum. Critical race theory is an academic framework that examines how racism has shaped public policy and institutions such as the legal system, and how those have perpetuated the dominance of white people in society. Given the amount of attention the topic has received in several Republican-led states the past few months, it was a predicable that at least one Mississippi politician would talk about it during speeches at the Neshoba County Fair, where audiences tend to be mostly white and conservative. In what world are we living in where its OK to teach children that theyre born racist? Reeves said. In what world is it OK to teach children that theyll be judged by the color of their skin, not by the content of their character? Reeves continued: That is not the education that we need for the next generation of Americas leaders. ... They should be learning the truth about the United States that we are blessed to live in the greatest nation in the history of mankind." Many critics say Mississippi is already doing too little to teach about the horrors of racism. The stage at the Neshoba County fair is just a few miles from where Ku Klux Klansmen buried three civil rights workers after kidnapping and killing them in June 1964. FBI agents recovered the remains of Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman more than six weeks later, after a massive investigation that drew international attention. A week after the bodies were found, Klan imperial wizard Sam Bowers had a plane fly over Neshoba County and drop leaflets that claimed, Schwerner, Chaney and Goodman were not civil rights workers (but) Communist Revolutionaries, actively working to undermine and destroy Christian Civilization, according to a 2019 article in The Journal of Mississippi History. Castigating outside agitators is nothing new in Mississippi politics. Gunn who's widely seen as a possible challenger to Reeves in the 2023 governor's race said Thursday that critical race theory is a socialist agenda item. This an attempt to introduce racism into our schools, Gunn said. Reeves attributed critical race theory to Ivy League people and said they are some of the dumbest smart people in the world. Corie Jones, marketing director for the Mississippi Department of Education said Friday in response to questions from The Associated Press: We are not aware of critical race theory being taught in any Mississippi schools, and it is not a part of Mississippis college and career ready standards. Gunn led the 2020 legislative effort that retired the 126-year-old state flag that featured the Confederate battle emblem a change that happened amid widespread protests over racial injustice after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. In denouncing critical race theory Thursday at the fair, Gunn said every society that has embraced racism has failed. We know the devastating effects that racism can have on a society. We in Mississippi know firsthand how that can be, what the devastating effects will be, Gunn said. "Thats exactly why we must fight against this attempt to reintroduce racism back into our schools and undo all the progress that weve made. ... What we should not allow our education system to do is teach that one race is better than another. Those days in Mississippi are behind us. Such teachings have no place in our school. Mississippi Public Broadcasting reported that when Gunn responded to reporters questions after his speech, he acknowledged he was unaware of any schools in Mississippi teaching critical race theory. Mississippi lawmakers had already left the Capitol this spring before efforts to ban teaching of the theory gained momentum in Republican-led statehouses around the United States. Gunn said House members will introduce such legislation once the next session begins in January. ____ Emily Wagster Pettus has covered Mississippi government and politics since 1994. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus. SHELTON - The bald eagle rescued Saturday on the Housatonic River by Shelton firefighters has died. Christine Peyreigne of Christines Critters said that the eagle, rescued in the river near Wooster Island, died Sunday as they were preparing to administer medicine. When the eagle was rescued, Peyreigne said it had no broken bones, but the bird had a heart murmur and slightly enlarged heart. All symptoms being exhibited point to a high probability of lead poisoning, Peyreigne said, so the eagle is being preemptively treated here with chelation therapy while further blood tests are being run. Deputy Fire Chief Paul Wilson said firefighters from Pine Rock Park, onboard Marine 1, assisted the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in recovering an injured bald eagle from the river. Wilson said onlookers recognized the bald eagle was in distress and contacted emergency officials. Under the guidance of DEEP officers, Wilson said, firefighters were able to package the eagle and safely transport this majestic bird back to shore. DEEP officials then transported the eagle to Christines Critters for treatment, Wilson said. We are so grateful for the efforts of the concerned citizens who alerted authorities, the Shelton Fire Department and the ENCONN Police for her discovery, rescue and quick transport to us for care, Peyreigne said. It truly takes a village to help our wildlife. brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com MAHANOY CITY There is a misconception that when a vehicle is reported to police as abandoned it will be removed immediately. That is not the case. Mahanoy City and other communities throughout Schuylkill and surrounding counties are seeing more vehicles parked on streets and other properties that not only have expired registration plates and inspection stickers but are clearly not capable of being driven under their own power. Police Chief Mark Wiekrykas said his department acts on complaints of abandoned vehicles and has officers keep an eye out for them. But the process of having a vehicle believed to be abandoned removed from a street or property can take more than a month. Although Mahanoy City has an ordinance for dealing with abandoned vehicles, Wiekrykas said his department treats the cases in accordance with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. For vehicles with inspection or registration expired less than 30 days, a letter is sent to the registered owner, giving them five days to correct the matter, after which officers place a tow away sticker on the vehicle and the owner then has an additional five days to act. Vehicles in violation for fewer than 30 days receive a $50 parking ticket in addition to the letter and a $50 fine as a citation through the local magistrate if the vehicle is towed. The owners of vehicles beyond the 30 days can face fines of between $200 and $500, the chief said. Its a 10-day process. Even if they did not get the mail, the sticker serves as the notice, the chief said. For vehicles discovered with expired documents of more than 30 days, a letter is sent to the registered owner and a tow sticker placed on the vehicle immediately. Since state law supersedes the local ordinance, Wiekrykas said the letters sent to registered owners of abandoned vehicles have to be done through certified mail with a return receipt. Wiekrykas said the U.S. Postal Service attempts to deliver a certified letter three times in a 21-day period, and if no one accepts the letter, the return receipt card is returned as undeliverable. When either the signed return receipt or one marked undeliverable is received by the department, the clock starts, giving the owner five days to make the vehicle legal or remove it. What this does is make it close to a month for each vehicle, he said. People who dont sign for the mail delay the process. After receiving a notice or seeing a tow sticker, most owners either get the vehicle into compliance or remove it. Wiekrykas said some simply choose to sell the vehicle to a family member, neighbor or friend. But with the change of ownership comes a whole new delay. Wiekrykas explained that police now have to wait until PennDOT processes the title, and then notify the new owner of the violations. When this happens, the clock starts over, the chief said. There are times that this could take months. People think were not doing anything about it, but we are. Its just that it can be time consuming. In Mahanoy City, the chief said that so far this year, Cpl. Charles Kovalewski, who handles abandoned vehicles, has several dozen cases processed and is working on about a dozen more. It takes work and it takes time, the chief said. Wiekrykas said police act on every complaint about an abandoned vehicle even if the person who made the complaint thinks nothing is being done. We get a lot of anonymous complaints that we are not able to check back with the person making the complaint because we dont know who they are, he said. Once a vehicle is towed, the owner has an additional 30 days total to get it back. Adam Slavinsky, manager of Steves Towing in Shenandoah, said his company tows abandoned vehicles for Mahanoy City, Girardville, Shenandoah, Frackville, Mahanoy Township and West Mahanoy Township. He said that once a vehicle is towed, the owner is notified and given 30 days to get the vehicle back after paying the associated towing and storage fees. If no one comes forward, an Application for Salvage Title is submitted to PennDOT and, after 30 days, the towing company takes possession of the vehicle, which is more often than not disposed of at a salvage yard. With three separate lots, Slavinsky said, Steves Towing has enough space to store vehicles, but some other towing companies may not have that luxury. Were lucky we have the space, he said. When they call us we go and get them and never turn anybody down. The chief said not every towing service is certified by PennDOT to remove abandoned vehicles; a salvage license is required. Wiekrykas stressed that it is important to remove abandoned vehicles from the streets not only to get rid of the eyesores but to allow for additional parking for residents parking that is at a premium in the borough. We have to keep on top of it, he said. The space taken up by an abandoned vehicle is a space that can be better used by residents. With the heated back and forth of Marvel star Scarlett Johansson and media conglomerate Disney over a legal battle, fans might have to forgo their wish to see the former in a different superhero avatar. On July 29, the American actor filed a lawsuit against Disney in LA for breaching her contract after releasing Black Widow simultaneously in theatres and on Disney Plus. This action has, reportedly, caused the actor over USD 50 million of the revenue from the movie. Marvel to avoid Scarlett Johansson in future? Amidst the ongoing legal battle of the actor with the media house, a report from We Got This Covered revealed that Disney has asked the President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige to avoid the 36-year-old actor for the future Marvel projects. Johansson has appeared in dozens of Marvel movies from Iron Man to Avengers over the decade. The reports came following Disney's dismay over Johansson filing the lawsuit during an 'especially sad and distressing' times of the pandemic. Earlier, the actor revealed in an interview with Fatherly that she was officially done playing the decade-long role. Especially after the character was shown dead in the last movie of the Avengers franchise. However, she expressed her wish to work again with Marvel in future projects if given the chance. Scarlett Johansson's character Black Widow was introduced a decade ago in Iron Man 2 movie after which the superhero established her place in the universe. After years of requests and petitions, the superhero bagged her stand-alone movie titled Black Widow which was on June 29, after undergoing numerous postponements due to the pandemic. The movie grossed over $320 million worldwide and made $60 million in Disney+ global revenue. Black Widow controversy For the unversed, Johansson's lawyer, John Berlinski, in a statement said: ''Its no secret that Disney is releasing films like Black Widow directly onto Disney+ to increase subscribers and thereby boost the companys stock price and that its hiding behind Covid-19 as a pretext to do so. But ignoring the contracts of the artists responsible for the success of its films in furtherance of this short-sighted strategy violates their rights and we look forward to proving as much in court. This will surely not be the last case where Hollywood talent stands up to Disney and makes it clear that, whatever the company may pretend, it has a legal obligation to honor its contracts''. Disney fired back stating, ''There is no merit whatsoever to this filing. The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Disney has fully complied with Ms. Johanssons contract and furthermore, the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date''. IMAGE- AP Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday that India looks forward to "working productively" with other members of the United Nations Security Council. India on Sunday took over the presidency of the 15-nation UN body. Jaishankar conveyed through a tweet that New Delhi will always be a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law. Jaishankar tweeted, "As we take over UNSC Presidency for August, look forward to working productively with other members. India will always be a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law." India on Sunday assumed the rotatory presidency of the UNSC and will be hosting signature events related to important matters like maritime security, peacekeeping and counterterrorism during the month. As we take over UNSC Presidency for August, look forward to working productively with other members. India will always be a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law. pic.twitter.com/kPRGnFOz87 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 1, 2021 Before India, France had the presidency of the UNSC. TS Tirumurti, Ambassador of India to United Nations, said that India was thankful to France Permanent Representative to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere, for hosting the UN Security Council for the month of July. This will be India's first-ever presidency stint at the UNSC during its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the year 2021-2022. Indias two-year tenure of being a non-permanent member of the UNSC started on January 1, 2021. After becoming the interim president, India said that it will focus on maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism. India will be hosting another event to pay tribute to the memory of peacekeepers. Tirumurti suggested that at the UN Security Council, important international issues will be discussed like Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, and the Middle East. He further said that the UN Security Council are also looking to adopt a set of important resolutions on Somalia, Mali, and UN Interim Force in Lebanon. How did Russia and France react? Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev tweeted, "Congratulations on #India's taking over the #UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful & effective work. Wishing many happy returns & all the success!" Congratulations on #India's taking over the #UNSC presidency! Truly impressed with the agenda, which embraces pressing global issues including maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism. Expecting fruitful & effective work. Wishing many happy returns & all the success! pic.twitter.com/1f8tDfbxel Nikolay Kudashev (@NKudashev) August 1, 2021 While the Ambassador of France to India Emmanuel Lenain tweeted, "Delighted that India is today taking over #UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face todays many ongoing crises." Delighted that India is today taking over #UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping & counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face todays many ongoing crises. pic.twitter.com/f91aWoBjUQ Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) August 1, 2021 (With ANI Inputs) Pakistan's August 5 'Kashmir Toolkit' Exposed, Anti-India Voices Hired To Amplify Hate In an exclusive investigation, Republic Media Network on Sunday unearthed Pakistan's 'toolkit on Kashmir', which the Imran Khan-led nation has prepared ahead of the 2-year completion of the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. According to the details accessed by Republic TV, the 'toolkit' has been designed by Pakistan to mobilize global forces and lobby an anti-India agenda worldwide through the use of candle marches, protests outside Indian embassies across the world, and a massive Twitter storm. PV Sindhu On 'cloud Nine' After Winning Bronze At Tokyo 2020; 'Thankful To Family & Fans' India's star shuttler PV Sindhu on Sunday scripted history after she defeated world no.9 He Bing Jiao of China in the badminton women's singles third-place play-off at Tokyo Olympics. Following the match, PV Sindhu expressed her feelings and said that she is on 'cloud nine', however added that she cannot understand whether to celebrate this feat or be sad about losing the opportunity to go into the finals of the Tokyo Olympics. PV Sindhu Wins Bronze Medal: PM Modi, President Kovind & Others Congratulate Star Shuttler Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind have expressed their happiness after Star Indian Shuttler PV Sindhu clinched Bronze for the country in the women's singles badminton event at the ongoing 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. PV Sindhu defeated He Bing Jiao of China by 21-13 and 21-15 in the bronze medal match. On Saturday, Sindu had suffered a heart-drenching loss against World No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying in the semi-finals. Post Political Exit, Babul Supriyo Requests 'dignity Of Silence'; Thanks BJP Leadership After announcing on social media that he is quitting politics, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Babul Supriyo that he has written what he needed to write. Stating that he should be allowed "dignity of silence" on the matter, Babul Supriyo said that there was a difference of opinion between him and the West Bengal BJP leaders. This latest development comes after Suprio in a Facebook post on Saturday had said that the difference of opinion among the senior leaders of BJP was "harming the party". In the post, he had also said that he will resign as an MP as well. Amit Shah Praises CM Yogi, Says He Took UP To 'top-spot' And Fulfilled Every Promise Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday showered praises on the Yogi Adityanath-led UP government for taking the state of Uttar Pradesh to the "top spot" in terms of law and order. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the State Institute of Forensic Sciences, Shah said the BJP government works for the development of the poorest people. US Aides Afghanistan Military With Finances & Weapons As It Goes All Out Against Taliban Despite pulling back its troops from Afghanistan earlier this year, the United States continues to fight alongside the Afghan forces in its crackdown against terrorism. The Afghanistan military has stepped up its attacks on the Taliban, as fighting intensifies across the country between the two sides. Assam-Mizoram Border Row: Govt Tasks NESAC To Demarcate Borders Through Satellite Imaging In a major development, the Central Government has decided to use satellite imaging to demarcate boundaries of the Northeastern states. This move will settle inter-state violence that sometimes leads to violence. According to government officials, the task has been given to NESAC (North Eastern Space Application Centre), a joint initiative of the North Eastern Council and the Department of Space. Assam-Mizoram Dispute: Centre Has No Plans For CBI Probe; Looking For Peaceful Resolution Amidst the ongoing Assam-Mizoram dispute, two senior government functionaries said that the Centre has no plans to order an inquiry by a neutral agency like the CBI into the recent fatal clash between the two northeastern states at the border. While stating that the Centre is trying to defuse the situation as early as possible in a peaceful manner, they said that the government does not want to take any decision that may further escalate the ground situation. 'PM Material': JD(U) Leader Says Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Has Potential To Hold Top Post Janata Dal (United) leader Upendra Kushwaha on Sunday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is "Prime Minister material." While stating that CM Nitish Kumar has the potential and all qualities to become the Prime Minister of the country, the JD(U) leader said that people made Narendra Modi Prime Minister and today he is doing good work. However, he further said that there are other leaders in the country, who have the potential to become the PM. Tokyo Olympics: Archer Deepika Kumari Shares Experience, Says 'ups & Downs Part Of Life' Following her defeat at the Tokyo Olympics in the Quarterfinals, Archer Deepika Kumar on Sunday spoke exclusively to Republic Media Network. When asked about how hard is the situation to deal with, in which, you are not able to fulfil anyone's expectations, Deepika Kumari said that "victory and defeat are both challenging in their own ways." (Image: Republicworld.com) PV Sindhu Scripts History At Tokyo Olympics, Wins Bronze For India; Beats China's Jiao In a proud moment for India, star shuttler PV Sindhu fought defeated world no 9 China's He Bing Jiao and bagged a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the women's badminton singles. With this bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics, PV Sindhu has now become the first woman athlete to win two medals at the Olympic event in a row. Before Sindhu, wrestler Sushil Kumar had won two Olympics medals in individual events - Bronze and Silver medals in Wrestling. Previously, PV Sindhu had won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Read Full Story Here Ebrahim Raisi, Iran's President-elect, To Focus On Economic Revival And Nuclear Deal Ebrahim Raisi, an ultraconservative in Iran, will be sworn in as the Islamic republic's new president on Tuesday which is August 3, despite the country's dire economic crisis and crippling US sanctions. He succeeds Hassan Rouhani, who is best known for the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six international countries. Read Full Story Here India Assumes UNSC Presidency; Maritime Security, Counter-terrorism Key Priorities As India took over the leadership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Sunday, Russia welcomed the country on gaining the UNSC presidency saying it is very impressed by New Delhi's agenda, which "embraces critical global concerns" such as maritime security, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism. Read Full Story Here Tokyo Olympics: Korean Shooter Calls Gold Medal-winning Rival A 'terrorist' The most successful individual in Olympics shooting history has labelled it pure nonsense that a member of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been allowed to compete in Tokyo Olympics, as per a report by Business Insider. Jin Jong-oh, a Korean shooter who, in 2012, won gold and recently competed at Tokyo, reckoned that it was ludicrous that an IRGC member was allowed in the summer games. Jin did not stop at it and went on to label Javad Foroughi as a terrorist. Read Full Story Here Kerala's Kuthiran Tunnel Opened For Traffic, Will Ease Travel To TN & Karnataka: Gadkari Following the central government's direction, the Kerala government has finally opened one of the twin tunnels in Kuthiran on Saturday, July 31. The tunnel stretching from Palakkad to Thrissur district was open at 7:30 PM on Saturday by Thrissur District Collector Haritha V Kumar. Read Full Story Here Amit Shah Praises CM Yogi, Says He Took UP To 'top-spot' And Fulfilled Every Promise Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday showered praises on the Yogi Adityanath-led UP government for taking the state of Uttar Pradesh to the "top spot" in terms of law and order. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the State Institute of Forensic Sciences, Shah said the BJP government works for the development of the poorest people. Read Full Story Here Akhilesh Yadav Slams BJP On Rising Criminal Cases In UP, Demands Asha Jyoti Kendras Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav attacked the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, on August 1. Yadav questioned the rise in criminal activities and the lack of determination towards solving the crime problem in the state of Uttar Pradesh. He put up a tweet saying, "The public is asking that why the BJP government is not starting the forensic lab formed in the SP government to punish the criminals and bring justice to the victim and also by when will the 'Asha Jyoti Kendras' be established from the Nirbhaya Fund?. Not being serious about crimes is also a form of criminal involvement. Read Full Story Here Tokyo Olympics: Organizers Revoke Accreditation Of 6 People For Violating COVID Protocols The Tokyo Olympics organizing committee on Sunday informed that a total of six people have had their accreditation revoked for egregious offences at the event. The CEO of the organizing committee confirmed that the person has lost accreditations for reasons ranging from violation of COVID-19 protocols to drug abuse. Read Full Story Here US Aides Afghanistan Military With Finances & Weapons As It Goes All Out Against Taliban Despite pulling back its troops from Afghanistan earlier this year, the United States continues to fight alongside the Afghan forces in its crackdown against terrorism. The Afghanistan military has stepped up its attacks on the Taliban, as fighting intensifies across the country between the two sides. Read Full Story Here Afghanistan: Taliban Terrorists Kill 4 Civilians In Nijrab, Police Confirm Mortar Shelling As Afghanistan is reeling under war, bomb blasts killing hundreds of innocent people have become a new normal after the US troops left the country at its fate. On Saturday, Taliban terrorists killed at least four civilians by firing mortar shells in the eastern province of Kapsia. According to the Spokesman Abdul Shaeq Shurash of the provincial police, the incident occurred late on Saturday in Nijrab district. "The family household was damaged due to mortar shelling, and the wounded was shifted to a district hospital. Those who were killed included two women," said the provincial police spokesman. According to a report by RT News, several rockets struck Afghanistan's Kandahar airport overnight. However, no casualties have been reported so far. Read Full Story Here On Saturday, South Africa's environmental authorities reported a setback in attempts to save the country's rhinos, as the country commemorated World Ranger Day. Barbara Creecy, the minister of environment, forestry, and fisheries stated that from January to the end of June 2021, 249 rhinos were poached in South Africa for their horn. This number is larger than the number of animals poached in the same time period in 2020. For much of that time, the country was under a strict curfew due to COVID-19. Authorities have noticed an increase in poaching activity as the lockdown limitations have been removed. 132 rhinos were slaughtered in The Kruger National Park South Africa is fighting poaching gangs that operate in the country's massive national parks. The Kruger National Park, where 132 rhinos were slaughtered, accounted for a substantial percentage of the carnage. Rangers from the South African National Parks are fighting a low-level war against armed poaching groups operating across huge territories. There have been some achievements in the fight against poaching using police, the army, and other specialist groups, according to South Africa's environmental ministry. So far this year, forty accused poachers have been apprehended in the Kruger National Park alone. Officials reported that there have been numerous rhino horn seizures in addition to the 125 arrests. There has also been a growing relationship with Southeast Asian countries, where criminal syndicates traffic a large amount of rhino horn. It is utilised in traditional medicines and other applications. Scientists are trying to save northern white rhinos Scientists are frantically trying to save the northern white rhino from extinction as South Africa continues to strive to save its imperiled southern white rhinos and critically endangered black rhinos. Three more embryos from the species have been successfully created, according to a group of worldwide specialists. The BioRescue Consortium, chaired by Thomas Hildebrandt of Germany's Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, has announced that they have 12 viable embryos. The eggs were taken from one of Kenya's two remaining northern white rhinos. Despite the fact that the species is functionally extinct, embryos will be harvested every three to four months. Surrogates for those embryos will be southern white rhinos, who will give birth to northern white rhinos. Albania is repatriating five Albanian women and 14 children from Syria's troubled Al Hol camp who were related to Albanians who joined Islamist extremist groups fighting in Syria and Iraq, the country's prime minister announced Saturday. Speaking at a news conference organized for the handover, Albanian Ambassador to Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Mark Gharib said "our kids suffered" and added that they have been "in the camps for years without knowing why they are there". This is the third effort repatriating Albanians from the fighting territories in Syria. In October last year, five Albanians were repatriated and an Albanian child was repatriated a year earlier. A few hundred Albanian men joined the Islamic State and other groups fighting in Syria and Iraq in the early 2010s. Many were killed, and their wives and children are stuck in Syrian camps. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Five Albanian women and 14 children related to Albanian nationals who joined Islamist extremist groups fighting in Syria and Iraq returned to their homeland on Sunday after being repatriated from Syria's Al Hol camp. They were brought from Lebanon accompanied by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Bledi Cuci. "It is a very positive event, I believe, and, of course, we shall not stop here," said Rama at a news conference at Tirana international airport. The prime minister highly evaluated assistance from Lebanese Gen. Abass Ibrahim and intelligence services from other countries in the repatriating efforts. The 19 women and children will be taken to a shelter in western port city of Durres where police and social experts will "make all the necessary medical and psychological examination, to be followed by a quarantine period," after which some may be taken from their families. He did not say whether the women would be prosecuted. This was the third effort repatriating Albanians from the fighting territories in Syria. In October last year five Albanians were repatriated and another Albanian child a year earlier. A few hundred Albanian men joined the Islamic State and other groups fighting in Syria and Iraq in the early 2010s. Many were killed, and their wives and children became stuck in Syrian camps. About 30 other children and women are believed to be in Syrian camps but Rama said that number is unclear, adding that two women had refused to get in contact for repatriation fearing their lives. About two-thirds of Albania's 2.85 million people are Muslims. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) India assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council on August 1, following which Uzbekistan Ambassador to India, Dilshod Akhatov voiced his support to Indian candidature to obtain the status of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Earlier in the month, the President-elect of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Abdulla Shahid during his visit to India affirmed his support to the ongoing campaign for UNSC reform, in a bid to ensure India a permanent seat at the UNSC. Currently, the process is stalled at the United Nations General Assembly in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN). "India is one of the biggest members of the United Nations. Of course, it plays a really big role in Southeast Asia. India's non-permanent membership tenure will be an important event for the world community for such key body for the United Nations." Akhatov told ANI. "Generally, Uzbekistan supports Indian candidature to obtain the status of a permanent member of UNSC and we, of course, have always been supported the candidature of no permanent members in the UN," he added. The envoy further acknowledged India's work to tackle terrorism and issues concerning the ongoing development in Afghanistan. On Sunday, India assumed the rotating presidency of the UNSC and is set to host signature events related to maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism during the month. India took over the presidency from France. Ambassador of India to United Nations, TS Tirumurti thanked France Permanent Representative to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere, for steering the UN Security Council in the month of July. India will also be organising a solemn event in memory of peacekeepers. Tirumurti apprised that the UN Security Council will also have on its agenda several important meetings including Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, and the Middle East. This is India's first presidency in the UNSC during its 2021-2022 tenure as a non-permanent member. The two-year tenure of India as a non-permanent member of the UNSC began on January 01, 2021. UNSC intends to adopting important resolutions on Somalia, Mali and UN Interim Force in Lebanon, he added. The powerful UN body aims to take a holistic approach to the issue of maritime security to safeguard common prosperity and other security interests. Dozens of Israelis gathered late Saturday in Tel Aviv's Habima Square to protest against calls by the authorities for all citizens to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Last week, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett urged hundreds of thousands of citizens who've not yet been inoculated to get the shot or face consequences such as not being able to attend public events without negative test results that they'll have to pay for themselves. "No government, no health official, no-one can tell a person what to do with their own body," insisted protester Efrat Fenigson. "It's our own right. It's our freedom and we will decide." Israel has seen coronavirus cases rise in the past month, even though over 56% of its 9.3 million population has received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Most of the new coronavirus cases are of the fast-spreading delta variant, which has also spread among the vaccinated. Israeli health authorities have also began administering coronavirus booster shots to people over 60 who've already received two jabs, in a bid to combat a recent spike in cases. The decision, announced earlier in the week, makes Israel the first country to offer a third dose of a Western vaccine to its citizens on a large scale. It comes following rising infections caused by the delta variant, and indications that the vaccine's efficacy drops over time. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Islamic Sate group militants ambushed a checkpoint in the restive northern part of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Saturday, killing at least five troops from the security forces, officials said. At least six other troops were wounded in the attack in the town of Sheikh Zuweid and taken to a military hospital in the Mediterranean city of el-Arish, they said. Security personnel killed three militants in the firefight, and the area was reinforced, the officials added, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Egypt has been battling militants in the northern part of Sinai Peninsula for years. Violence and instability there intensified after the 2013 military ouster of Mohammed Morsi, an elected but divisive Islamist president, amid nationwide protests against his brief rule. The militants carried out numerous attacks, mainly targeting security forces, minority Christians and those who they accuse of collaborating with the military and police. The pace of IS attacks in Sinais main theater and elsewhere has slowed to a trickle since February 2018, when the military launched a massive operation in Sinai as well as parts of the Nile Delta and deserts along the countrys western border with Libya. The fight against militants in Sinai has largely taken place hidden from the public eye, with journalists, non-residents and outside observers barred from the area. The conflict has also been kept at a distance from tourist resorts at the southern end of the peninsula. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Amid the COVID-19 situation in Pakistan, the Imran Khan-led government has blamed India for the virus spread in the country. In a baseless allegation, Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry has blamed India for the COVID-19 situation in Pakistan. Moreover, as many countries around the globe struggle to contain the Delta variant, Chaudhry has also claimed that the world 'was close to victory' against the pandemic. Imran Khan's Minister blames India for COVID-19 spread in Pakistan Taking to Twitter, Fawad Chaudhry asserted that the Modi government's 'irresponsible' handling of COVID-19 has impacted Pakistan's efforts to tackle the pandemic. He added that the situation in India has pushed Pakistan into deep trouble. Moreover, he also attacked the Indian government for failing to tackle the Delta variant spread and said that 'Pakistan is again at the mercy of virus'. At the time when the world was close to victory in its war against #Corona irresponsible handling of #ModiJanta has again pushed us into a deep trouble, Indian extremist Govt failure led to #DeltaVariant spread and we are again at the mercy of Virus Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) July 31, 2021 However, Fawad Chaudhry soon received flak from netizens and they attacked him for his irresponsible statements. The Imran Khan minister was also schooled by people for his claims. People attacked him in response and also questioned his stand on Pakistan's all-weather ally China, which many believe is the source of the original outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Pakistan government remains mum on China and has not taken a stand against it. Here are some reactions by netizens following Fawad Chaudhry's baseless comment: Labeling a country for a new variant isnt justifiable. If that is the case, can you do the above tweet for china and its communist party as original covid virus originated from ? With certain passage of time new mutations of virus can emerge and that was understood. Ali Iqbal (@AliMomin2274) July 31, 2021 Stop blaming others for your short coming. You opened pilgrimage at the border, you allowed the positive people in. It is your Pakistani qoum that are not following SoPs and others are suffering! And please watch the news the world is still struggling with covid!! Sophia (@Sophia83267586) July 31, 2021 Grow up Science Minister. Covid mutant takes multi varients, there are 100's of varients accross globe now and Delta is one among those. However - tropical conditions and human discipline decides the severity of the mutant. Happy weekend by the way.! Bharani - Lost in Space (@bharanitarimana) July 31, 2021 How about your other close friends contribution to the whole world? China virus sorry Covid/Corona virus!! Did you send same warning to China too ? dilip bhunya (@dilip_bh) July 31, 2021 COVID-19 in Pakistan As the Imran Khan administration blames India for the COVID-19 situation in Pakistan, the country recorded over 5000 cases in the last 24 hours. According to the National Command and Operation Centre ( NCOC), the positivity rate in Pakistan has surged to 8.46 per cent, up from 2.2 per cent which was recorded at the start of July. The NCOC added that fresh cases pushed the country's overall tally to 1,029,811. In addition, a total of 65 COVID deaths have been recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatality tally to 23,360. A total of 58,479 tests have been conducted in the country. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is backing a former Taliban terrorist for a seat in the PoK assembly, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari alleged on Sunday. Addressing a press conference, the PPP Chairman said that nominating a Taliban terrorist from PoK sent the 'wrong message' abroad, and demanded that the candidate be refrained from entering politics in the region. According to news reports, PTI is fielding former head of Afghanistan Taliban- Mazhar Shah Saeed- for the reserved seat of Ulema-e-Mashaikh. Saeed alias Abdullah Shah Mazhar filed a nomination along with PTI's POK secretary-general Abdul Majeed Khan on the party's ticket on July 30. I want to bring it to your notice that (Imran) Khan Sahib has nominated a former office-bearer of the TTP for a reserved seat of Ulema in AJK (Assembly). We condemn it, Dawn News quoted the PPP chairman as saying. We demand that such people should not be brought into politics. We will contest them in this election and the process. But (Imran) Khan Sahib should think about it as to what message he is sending (abroad). The people of Azad Kashmir are peace-loving people and they believe in peaceful resistance. And you are presenting them before the world as terrorists and the PPP condemns it, he added. Apart from raising objections on the nomination of Mazhar Shah Saeed, Bilawal Bhutto also lashed out at Imran Khan for making a mockery of the election process in PoK and rigging the polls at every platform. "Elections in the history of Azad Kashmir have not been rigged as much as this time, and we will expose this incompetent rigging on every platform. It is Pakistan's failure that we could not conduct free and fair elections," he said. Only 45 members are directly elected out of a 53-member PoK assembly. Polling for the election against 8 reserved seats is scheduled to be held on August 3. @BBhuttoZardari 2/4 pic.twitter.com/Jo9PXDqhgN PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 31, 2021 PTI has issued a ticket 2 a former taliban commander against the seat of Ulema/Mashaikh in the Kashmir assembly. Mazhar Saeed Shah, was member of banned Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, later he joined Jaish-e-Muhammad of Maulana Masood Azhar. Yet we say #FATF is a #conspiracy Asghar Zaidi (@AsgharZaidi_PK) July 30, 2021 Outrage over PoK polls Imran Khan's PTI won the elections bagging 25 out of the 45 seats that went to the polls. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has won 11 seats, the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) 6 seats, and two regional parties, 1 seat each in the polls. After the results were announced, a large number of citizens from PoK gathered to protest against the Pakistan Army accusing them of interfering in the election process and rigging the results in favor of PTI. Apart from the citizens of PoK, the election verdict in favor of Imran Khan has also been rejected by the Opposition. Several parties such as Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) have claimed that the process was 'rigged'. In an exclusive investigation, Republic Media Network on Sunday unearthed Pakistan's 'toolkit on Kashmir', which the Imran Khan-led nation has prepared ahead of the 2-year completion of the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. According to the details accessed by Republic TV, the 'toolkit' has been designed by Pakistan to mobilize global forces and lobby an anti-India agenda worldwide through the use of candle marches, protests outside Indian embassies across the world, and a massive Twitter storm. India would be targetted and 'gheraoed' over the abrogation of Article 370 using both physical protests and social media handles of various agencies, as per the toolkit. The country is roping in scores of influencers, activists, NGOs, government agencies, and diplomats who would peddle the nation's propaganda on Kashmir. A major part of Pakistan's agenda is to also demand the release of 'political prisoners' in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan's 'Kashmir toolkit' exposed With Pakistan's infiltration in J&K and its attempts to peddle terrorism onto the Indian soil being countered strongly by Indian security forces after the abrogation of Article 370, the country has resorted to unleashing disinformation campaigns across the globe in a desperate attempt to defame India. Even as it continues to be listed on FATF's 'grey-list' for terror funding repeatedly, Pakistan via its toolkit is attempting to paint a picture of 'oppression' in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the details of the toolkit, a hashtag called 'RedKashmir' has been formulated for this disinformation campaign which will be launched on August 5, on the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. An organization named "Stand With Kashmir' created in October 2019, immediately after the revocation of Article 370, is being used for this purpose. Its website is already ready with scores of material for the anti-India campaign ranging from pictures, videos, posters to others. A part of Pakistan's toolkit reads, "On August 5, 2021, activists around the world will turn their social media profiles 'red', post messages, posters, photos, and videos in solidarity with Kashmir. There will be a Twitter storm for Kashmir and petitions will circulate demanding the release of Kashmiri political prisoners. There will be candlelight vigils and in cities where prohibited by the pandemic, there will be public rallies including one outside the White House in Washington." Pakistan rejected in PoK The official account of the Government of Pakistan has already begun its Tweet storm as a part of this campaign using hashtags such as -- 'KashmiriLivesMatter' and 'IIOJK Under Seize.' On July 29, the handle tweeted there would be no negotiations with India until it restores pre-August 5, 2019 status of J&K. This comes even as the country's agenda of conducting polls in PoK was rejected by the civilians who rallied against the Imran Khan-led PTI and the Pakistan Army for 'rigging' polls in the region. Moreover, the country has now fielded a former Taliban terrorist for a seat in the PoK assembly. "There would be no negotiations with India until it restores pre-August 5, 2019 status of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK)" ~Prime Minister Imran Khan#KashmiriLivesMatter#IIOJkUnderSiege pic.twitter.com/BrvpHrPoJa Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 29, 2021 The Narendra Modi government on August 5, 2019 revoked Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Both the upper house and the lower house of the Parliament approved the resolution abrogating Article 370 and Article 35 which paved the way for the bifurcation of the state into two union territories-- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Unidentified gunmen have shot dead a policeman escorting a team of polio workers in northwest Pakistans restive Khyber Pakthunkhwa province, police said on Sunday. The bike-borne gunmen fired at the police constable in the Daudzai area of Peshawar district and fled from the scene. The policeman was returning home after being with a polio team when he came under fire, police said. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway. Polio health workers and law enforcement officials who are tasked with providing security have often been targetted by militants and miscreants. Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan are the only two remaining countries in the world where polio is endemic after Nigeria was last year declared free of poliovirus. The Pakistan government suspended the anti-polio drive and post-campaign evaluation in the past following the increasing number of attacks on polio workers in different parts of the country. Attempts to eradicate the crippling disease have been seriously hampered by deadly targeting of vaccination teams in recent years by militants, who oppose the drives, claiming that the polio drops cause infertility. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) After Afghanistan shared that it has killed over 200 Talibani insurgents in the last 24 hours, the central Asian country's Deputy Spokesperson of Ministry of National Defence Fawad Aman on Sunday spoke exclusively to Republic Media Network. While stating that fortunately, the number of Taliban casualties is increasing every day, Fawad Aman said that hundreds of Talibani terrorists have been killed and wounded during Afganistan forces operation. The Deputy Speaker of Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence said, "Apart from launching air strikes, we are also launching offensive operations against Taliban in northern provinces, southern region and the eastern region of the country. Our security forces are advancing on the battlefield." On Republic TV: We can say for sure that the Taliban will be defeated for 4 reasons: 1-ANDSF are well-equipped, professional and motivated 2- The ANDSF are right and TB are wrong 3- Afghans support ANDSF and hate the TB 4-The international community strongly supports ANDSF pic.twitter.com/hFAkD8FFbv Fawad Aman (@FawadAman2) August 1, 2021 Afghanistan: 'Pakistan is supporting Taliban' Remarking that unfortunately the Taliban is implementing the agenda of other foreign countries like Pakistan, Aman said that the Pakistani terrorists are present in the Taliban group and they are fighting against Afghanistan. He said that the Pakistani terrorists are not only destroying Afghanistan's infrastructure but also killing the country's innocent people including women and children. Asserting that Afghanistan is trying to protect its people by defeating the Taliban, the Deputy Speaker said that Afghanistan will not allow the Taliban to repeat its regime in the country. When asked to speak in detail about the presence of Pakistani terrorists and elements alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan, Fawad Aman said that most of the foreign countries across the globe now know that Pakistan is supporting the Taliban in the country. "It's not a new issue and everyone knows that Pakistan supports Taliban," he added. Fawad Aman said, "Pakistan not only supports Taliban but also provides weapons and ammunition to the terror group. Just today, 4 Pakistani terrorists have been killed in the east of Afghanistan during today's military operation. The number of Pakistani terrorists supporting the Taliban in our country is very high." While hitting out at the Pakistan government and its Prime Minister Imran Khan for supporting and fighting along with the terror outfit, Taliban, Aman said that if Pakistan is rejecting this blame, then it should now prove it on the ground. Demanding that Pakistan should now provide that it does not support the Taliban in Afghanistan, he said, "We can prove it with the evidence and on the ground by using credible evidence that Pakistani fighters are supporting the Taliban in our country." The Deputy Speaker from Afghanistan further said that by now, most of the countries know that Pakistan is the "sponsor" of terrorism in Afghanistan. On Afghanistan demands, the other countries will now change their policies towards Pakistan and also pressurise it to stop supporting terrorism in the country, he added. (Image: Republicworld.com, AP, ANI) Tensions escalated in Aghanistan's Herat over the weekend as the Taliban continued its offensive operations to take control of the region. According to the Provincial Governor's Office, reinforcements have arrived in the city and the region has been secured. The battle for the western city is crucial since it guarantees the Taliban militants easy access into the Southern regions of Kandahar and Lashkargah. According to Republic TV's Senior Correspondent from Kabul, Shershah Nawabi, both sides are engaged in an aggressive clash on ground. The initiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government have failed to reach any conclusion and both sides continue to maintain an aggressive stance to establish their geographical reach. The situation on ground significantly deteriorated after the Taliban launched a grenade attack at the UN's office in Herat, which emerged as a flashpoint in the violence. As per the latest reports, out of 419 districts in the country, more than 190 districts are under the Taliban's control. The Afghanistan government has regained control over Herat's crucial Karokh district killing at least 152 Taliban terrorists. Taliban strikes UN Office in Herat Amid international pressure over the violence unleashed in Afghanistan, the Taliban on Friday attacked the United Nations office in Herat with rocket grenades and gunfire. The attack on the UN compound left one Afghan security guard and wounded several other officers. The United States has strongly condemned the attack and called for an immediate reduction in violence in the country. "The United States strongly condemns the attack on the United Nations compound in Herat, Afghanistan that resulted in the death of an Afghan guard. The United Nations in Afghanistan is a civilian entity focused on supporting peace efforts, promoting the rights of all Afghans and providing humanitarian and development assistance. Attacks against civilian UN personnel and facilities are prohibited under international law," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani held a meeting with prominent Afghan political/jihadi leaders, women, and civil society/youth representatives to discuss the ongoing turmoil in the country. During the meeting, leaders also convened and unanimously declared their unwavering support for Afghanistans sovereignty and territorial integrity, said President Ashraf Ghani. "These leaders also declared their full support for the Afghan Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF) in the presence of the countrys security leadership. While stressing the urgency for peace, all agreed that defending Afghanistan is our fundamental right, "tweeted President Ghani. This came as a follow-up after the Afghan government met the Taliban. The Afghanistan government was accused of not being willing to establish peace with the Taliban. Today was a proud day. Under the rubric of the Islamic Republic, prominent Afghan political/jihadi leaders, ulemas, women, and civil society/youth representatives convened and unanimously declared their unwavering support for Afghanistans sovereignty and territorial integrity. pic.twitter.com/unNN7XutTV Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) July 31, 2021 Afghanistan internal consensus After the US army pullout, Afghanistan has been consistently facing violence and terrorist attacks by the Taliban as the terror outfit of Afganistan has gained power and has captured major areas of the country. In order to restore peace in the country, the Afghan government had earlier signed a peace agreement with the Taliban. However, the agreements have been violated by the Taliban. During the meeting, the leaders agreed upon several issues raised by the Afghan government. The internal consensus presented by Afghanistan President highlighted the demand to end the ongoing war and sought durable peace in the nation. The government also pointed out the need to protect territorial integrity, infrastructure, and women's safety reported, The Khaama Press. During the meeting, the leaders praised the efforts made by the people in mobilization and the Afghan security forces for strongly dealing with the terror attacks in the country. Meanwhile, all the politicians and Jihadis confirmed their support for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. Violence in Afghanistan Human Rights watchdogs also accused the Taliban of violating human rights in the country. Since the time when the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) stepped back the country has been witnessing a spike in terrorist activities. A couple of days ago, a popular comedian in Afghanistan was brutally killed by alleged Taliban militants in the Kandahar province of the country. A week ago Indian Journalist Danish Siddiqui was also murdered in Afghanistan, as per the reports the militants first verified his identification and then brutally executed him. The Taliban has been consistently conducting barbarous activities in the country, including killing innocent people and forcefully abducting girls from their homes. IMAGE: @ASHRAFGHANI/TWITTER (With ANI Inputs) As Afghanistan is reeling under war, bomb blasts killing hundreds of innocent people have become a new normal after the US troops left the country at its fate. On Saturday, Taliban terrorists killed at least four civilians by firing mortar shells in the eastern province of Kapsia. According to the Spokesman Abdul Shaeq Shurash of the provincial police, the incident occurred late on Saturday in Nijrab district. "The family household was damaged due to mortar shelling, and the wounded was shifted to a district hospital. Those who were killed included two women," said the provincial police spokesman. According to a report by RT News, several rockets struck Afghanistan's Kandahar airport overnight. However, no casualties have been reported so far. Taliban further deepens its roots in the war-torn country Earlier on July 20, three rockets hit near the presidential palace shortly before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was scheduled to give an address to mark the major Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. In recent weeks the Taliban have stepped up their pressure on several cities. It has seized several districts in Afghanistan including Takhar, the country's northeastern province. The war-torn country has further deepened the roots of terrorism after the United States withdrawn almost 90 per cent of its troops from Afghanistan. However, the withdrawal comes with many uncertainties as a resurgent Taliban captures ground and fears mount that the country could soon fall into civil war. According to the reports, at least 190 out of 419 districts in Afghanistan have fallen to the Taliban. In a reply, the US military launched four airstrikes in support of Afghan government forces targeting Taliban insurgents at Kandahar province. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said that the United States has acted upon the request of the Afghan government. Taliban demands withdrawal of President for securing peace in Afghanistan Earlier, in an interview with The Associated Press (AP), Taliban spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, who is also a member of the group's negotiating team, said that the Taliban never want to monopolize power. However, he added that there wont be peace in the war-led country until there is a new negotiated government in Kabul. He also demanded the removal of President Ashraf Ghani. "I want to make it obvious that we do not believe in the monopoly of leadership because any governments who (sought) to monopolize power in Afghanistan in the past, were not successful governments," said Shaheen, apparently including the Talibans own five-year rule in that assessment. "So we do not want to repeat that same formula." (With inputs from AP) (Image Credit: AP) Nearly a week after the Afghanistan Government and the Taliban issued a joint statement on the violence and agreed to prevent civilian casualties, country's Vice President Amrullah Saleh said that the terrorist outfit has 'no intention to engage in meaningful negotiations'. In a major allegation, the Vice President also asserted, "Talibs use Doha office for deception." It is significant to mention that earlier, the insurgent group had announced that it was willing to follow a ceasefire if 7,000 militants that have been imprisoned in Afghanistan are released. Meanwhile, in his Twitter post, VP Saleh again accused Pakistan of backing and sponsoring 'a full-scale invasion of Talib terrorists'. Afg is under a full scale invasion of Talib terrorists who have an organized backing & sponsorship in Pakistan. It has to be tackled. Talibs use Doha office for deception. They have no intention to engage in meaningful negotiations. https://t.co/5thRvRr1Ir Amrullah Saleh (@AmrullahSaleh2) August 1, 2021 While speaking at the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB), the Vice President raised the question of who is assisting the Taliban. 'Lets call a spade a spade,' added Vice President Saleh. First VP @AmrullahSaleh2 at JCMB: US-NATO are assisting the republic. Who are behind the Taliban? Who matches the NATO supply on the other side? Lets call a spade a spade. We are under invasion & that has a sponsor on the other side of the line: Pakistan. https://t.co/CueTc9N7M5 Office of The First Vice President (@FVP_Afghanistan) August 1, 2021 Afghan peace talks On July 18, a senior delegation of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Taliban held a meeting in Doha for the second day over the high-stake negotiations as violence rages in the country. Former Afghan chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah was also present in the government delegation. "The high-level meetings between the Republic & the Taliban negotiation teams continue in Doha for the second day. We are looking forward to a positive & constructive outcome," Abdullah tweeted. Later, it was decided that the next meeting between the Deobandi Islamist movement and the Afghan government will take place in the next month. According to a report by TOLO news, both sides had agreed to continue their conferences and promote peace efforts in the war-led country. It is worth noting that this was the first such meeting after the US military launched four airstrikes in support of Afghan government forces targeting Taliban insurgents at Kandahar province. According to TOLO sources, the main agenda of the next meeting would revolve around making the framework to achieve long-awaited peace talks before the August 31st deadline that US President Joe Biden had announced earlier this year regarding the withdrawal of the US troops from the war-torn country. Afghanistan's allegations against Pakistan Meanwhile, Afghanistan Vice President has been accusing Pakistan of supporting the Taliban. The ties between the two nations deteriorated further after the kidnap of the daughter of the Afghan ambassador to Pakistan. The tensions further escalated with Pakistan official's statement which mentioned that no evidence was found regarding the abduction of Afghan Envoy Najibullah Alikhil's daughter Silsila Alikhail. Meanwhile, Afghanistan Vice President had also dragged India into a war of words with Pakistan by sharing the historic picture of 1971 post-war where the Pakistan Army had surrendered to India. Hundreds of young Cambodians confronted their fear of needles on Sunday as a nationwide drive to vaccinate minors against the coronavirus got underway. At one hospital in the capital they sat patiently in rows, waiting their turn to receive the Sinovac vaccine, while parents watched on. The country aims to inoculate about two million of people aged between 12 to 17 years before November of this year, beginning in Phnom Penh Municipality and three nearby provinces. Prime Minister Hun Sen urged all parents to have their children vaccinated as the only sure way to protect them from COVID-19 and to reduce the number of infections and deaths. He said he expects schools to reopen once the vaccination drive is completed. Like its neighbours in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is struggling with a surge in cases. The Health Ministry reported 658 new cases on Saturday and another 22 deaths. It has confirmed a total of 77,243 cases and 1,397 deaths. The national vaccination rollout, which began in February, has been picking up recently. Nearly 50% of the population has now had at least one shot. The Health Ministry said earlier this week that it now allows private companies to import approved vaccines as well. Cambodia plans to vaccinate at least 12 million of its approximately 17 million people. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shukry on Saturday met with his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra in Cairo. Speaking at a joint news conference, Shukry told reporters that Egypt is closely following the political turmoil in Tunisia in the wake of its president's decision to seize exceptional powers. President Kais Saied suspended parliament, lifted the immunity of parliament members, fired the prime minister and took control of the executive branch, arguing the need to save the country amid public anger at the government over joblessness, rising prices and one of Africas worst coronavirus outbreaks. Autocratic leaders from Egypt to Saudi Arabia hope the power grab spells doom for the regions Islamists, but they also fear a reignited Arab Spring, like the region-wide uprisings kindled by Tunisia a decade ago. Shukry said Egypt "completely trusts" the Tunisian leadership, but called it an "internal affair." Lamamra, meanwhile said that the dispute between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt over the Nile dam is "passing through a critical stage." He urged for the three nations to come to an agreement. Egypt argues a decade of negotiations over the hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile have failed to ensure that water will continue to flow downstream in sufficient amounts to Sudan and to Egypt, where 100 million people are dependent on the river as their sole source of water. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Sea-Watch, a German NGO, claims to have rescued approximately 100 migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean during the night, many of whom were injured, with several suffering from serious "fuel burns" produced by exposure to gasoline mixed with seawater. The vessel Sea-Watch 3 rescued 33 migrants and refugees from two boats captured by the Libyan coast guard in the Mediterranean search and rescue zone allotted to Malta late on Thursday, as per the tweet of the organisation on Friday morning. Nine unaccompanied children, three of whom were quite small, seven months pregnant woman was also among them. #SeaWatch3 rescues boat in distress in Maltese SAR zone during attempted illegal pullback by so-called Libyan Coast Guard. Several people were in the water and rescued by our crew. More were put back into their boat from aboard the Libyan vessel and left behind. pic.twitter.com/FzOx0TCxGu Sea-Watch International (@seawatch_intl) July 29, 2021 Those rescued came from South Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, the Ivory Coast, and Mali. According to the witness, many migrants and refugees were already on a coast guard ship when they saw the NGO vessel approaching. The crew of the Sea-Watch 3 got them all aboard. Sea-Watch 3 rescued more than 60 people from an overcrowded wooden boat within the Libyan search and rescue zone in a second operation early Friday. Six people are in critical condition, three of them are children Six people are in "critical condition," according to Sea-Watch, which has demanded that Italian and Maltese officials organise an immediate medical evacuation for the victims and their families. According to the NGO, three of those injured were children who had severe burns. It was unclear whether officials in Italy or Malta had replied to the NGO's demands. With better weather, migrant boat movements from Libya and Tunisia to Italy and other parts of Europe have increased in recent months. Approx 1,100 people have died in the Mediterranean this year According to the United Nations' migration agency, more than 1,100 people escaping conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East have died in the Mediterranean this year. With 741 deaths so far this year, the Central Mediterranean route between Libya and Italy has been the worst. For years, Italy and the European Union have been funding, training, and assisting Libya's coastguard in their efforts to prevent traffickers from transporting migrants and refugees across the Mediterranean in flimsy boats to Europe. However, the coastguard has been accused of abhorrent maltreatment of asylum seekers, and charities and human rights organisations have slammed the deal. Image- @seawatch_intl/Twitter The owner of a private hospital in Afghanistan said the Afghan air force bombed the facility on Saturday, killing one person and injuring three others. He said the hospital was targeted because the military erroneously believed Taliban fighters were being treated there. Dr Mohammad Din Narewal, the owner of the 20-bed Afghan Ariana Specialty Hospital, told The Associated Press that provincial government officials informed him his hospital in Lashkar Gah was targeted based on the information from the defense ministry. "But there were no Taliban in the hospital," said Narewal. The defense ministry did not immediately respond to multiple attempts by the AP to contact them. "I was told there had been a mistake because they had been given the wrong information that Taliban were inside the hospital," he said, explaining that the Taliban were, in fact, receiving treatment in another hospital in the city. Provincial council chief Attaullah Afghan confirmed that the hospital was struck by the Afghan air force and that one person was killed. The air strike came as the Taliban made a push for the southwestern city, waging fierce battles with the Afghan National Security and Defense Forces. Residents reported see-saw battles in several neighborhoods. Narewal said doctors had performed two surgeries a day earlier, but as fighting intensified, the hospital had reduced their staff to a minimum. Currently two patients are still in the hospital along with several nurses and attendants for the patients. Late on Saturday, Afghan security forces reportedly pushed the Taliban out of the city, with reports of heavy air attacks on their positions. In recent weeks the Taliban have stepped up their pressure on several cities, including Herat in western Afghanistan, where a United Nations office was attacked as battles raged nearby. One guard was killed, and the United Nations is investigating who was responsible for his death. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) After being severely hit by the pandemic, the Singapore Aviation Industry is planning to fly again. The latest data released by Singapore airlines reveals that the COVID marred airlines, had been able to reduce its net loss to $302 million, in the first quarter of this financial year. The airline has seen a significant improvement in its revenue generation, as the loss percentage has been reduced by over 63.6% as compared to the last year. Last year, as the COVID pandemic was on its top, the company has faced losses mounting over 1,123 million SGD. As tourism embarked in the country with Singapore reopening its borders, the airline is making most benefit. Singaporean airlines are one of the most esteemed airlines in the world. In its business update published on July 29, Singapore's flag carrier revealed that for the quarter that ended in June, revenue rose to SGD 1,295 million from SGD 852 million in the corresponding quarter last year, an improvement of 52.2 per cent. The airlines explained that this was mainly led by "robust cargo performance" and the absence of impairment charges. Expenditure fell by SGD 319 million or 16.9 per cent to SGD 1,569 million. Revenue of the Singapore Airlines revived by 32.4% The airline said in its statement that, "Cargo flown revenue grew by SGD 214 million (+32.4 per cent), as the calibrated resumption in passenger flights contributed to an increase in cargo capacity (+46.9 per cent) and loads carried (+68.2 per cent). Cargo load factor increased 11.3 percentage points to 89.1 per cent, while yields moderated from the exceptionally high levels during the same period last year. Overall, the strong cargo revenue performance for the first quarter reflected the healthy demand fundamentals and an ongoing capacity crunch in the sector." SIA has no domestic routes and with cross border travel restrictions around the world still, very much in place, passenger load factor increased at a more modest pace of 4.6 percentage points year-on-year to 14.8 per cent. Passenger capacity at the end of the reporting quarter rose to 28 per cent of pre-coronavirus pandemic levels resulting in passenger flown revenue of SGD 318 million, up by SGD 277 million compared with the same period (April to June) last year when almost all flights were grounded. The number of passengers carried by the group for the quarter, which included low-cost carrier Scoot was 362,000, up from 38,000 a year earlier. The airline added three new Airbus A350s into service in the quarter that just ended and removed two Airbus A330s that were on the lease. As of June 30, the groups' fleet consists of 164 passenger aircraft and seven freighters. With an average age of five years and 11 months, it has one of the youngest fleets in the airline industry. SIA projects that passenger capacity will reach 33 per cent of the pre-coronavirus pandemic level and that it would serve at least 50 per cent of locations it did before the pandemic by the end of September. (With ANI Inputs) Image: AP Three rockets hit the Kandahar airport in Afghanistan, an airport official confirmed on Sunday. The rockets reportedly struck the Kandahar airbase overnight, two of which landed on the runway. After the rocket attacks in Kandahar, all flights from the airport have been canceled, a civil aviation official confirmed. The latest attacks come as the Taliban attempts to push further and gain control of the three major cities in Afghanistan. Work to repair the runway is currently underway and the Kandahar airport is expected to be operational later on Sunday. No casualties have been reported from the incident. Rockets hit Kandahar airport in Afghanistan, airport official: AFP pic.twitter.com/sRtxK5Rm0t ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2021 Taliban strikes UN Office Amid international pressure over the violence unleashed in Afghanistan, the Taliban on Friday attacked the United Nations office in Herat with rocket grenades and gunfire. The attack on the UN compound left one Afghan security guard and wounded several other officers. The United States has strongly condemned the attack and called for an immediate reduction in violence in the country. "The United States strongly condemns the attack on the United Nations compound in Herat, Afghanistan that resulted in the death of an Afghan guard. The United Nations in Afghanistan is a civilian entity focused on supporting peace efforts, promoting the rights of all Afghans and providing humanitarian and development assistance. Attacks against civilian UN personnel and facilities are prohibited under international law," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement. Meanwhile, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani held a meeting with prominent Afghan political/jihadi leaders, women, and civil society/youth representatives to discuss the ongoing turmoil in the country on Saturday. As per the latest reports, out of 419 districts in the country, more than 190 districts are under the Taliban's control. The Afghanistan government has regained control over Herat's crucial Karokh district killing at least 152 Taliban terrorists. (With Agency Inputs) Islamabad, Jul 31 (PTI) Senior officials from Pakistan, the United States, Russia and China will meet in Doha on August 11 as part of the efforts to prevent Afghanistan from slipping into another civil war, according to a media report on Saturday. The meeting of the so-called extended Troika comes against the backdrop of the Afghan Taliban making rapid inroads in the war-ravaged country since the start of the US and Nato forces withdrawal and the lack of any headway in the intra-Afghan talks. The special representatives of these four key players last met in April in Doha, Qatar, and previously also held unannounced sessions in what appeared to be an effort to develop regional consensus on the Afghan endgame, The Express Tribune reported. Although the US has serious differences with China and Russia on many issues, Washington is now keen to take Beijing and Moscow onboard on the current Afghan situation, it said. Both Russia and China have criticised the US for hasty withdrawal and declared that Washington has failed to bring about peace in the war-torn country. The US has already pulled back the majority of its forces from Afghanistan and is looking to complete the drawdown by August 31, ending nearly two-decade of its military presence in the country. Pakistan also expressed similar views as Prime Minister Imran Khan recently blamed the US for leaving behind a mess in Afghanistan. Pakistan, Russia and China are increasingly worried that the renewed unrest in Afghanistan will be destabilising for these three countries. Afghanistan has been witnessing a series of terror attacks since the US began withdrawing its troops on May 1. An Afghan Taliban delegation, which earlier this week visited China, was told by Beijing to make a clear break from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), an UN-designated terrorist outfit seeking an independent state for Chinese Muslims in Xinjiang. Pakistan, also concerned at the growing unrest in the neighbouring country, is pushing the Afghan Taliban to take action against the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan would attend the extended troika meeting in Doha. Pakistan considers Troika Plus an important forum to facilitate the Afghan Peace Process." Pakistan has been participating in the format regularly, Zahid Hafiz Chaudhri, a foreign office spokesperson said in a statement. Pakistan looks forward to the Troika Plus meeting in Doha. The meeting will review the current situation in Afghanistan, the spokesperson added. He said Pakistan would continue to support efforts to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The extended Troika on the Afghan peaceful settlement will hold its next meeting in Doha in early August, Special Russian Presidential Representative for Afghanistan, Director of the Second Asian Department at Russias Foreign Ministry Zamir Kabulov told an online briefing on Thursday. Russian Special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov also confirmed the Doha meeting and said he was in contact with his US, Pakistani and Chinese counterparts on the issue. US President Joe Biden announced on April 14 that he had made a decision to complete the operation in Afghanistan that has been the longest overseas military campaign in US history. The situation in Afghanistan has started to deteriorate in the wake of the US decision as the Taliban are intensifying their offensive in many areas of the country. The Taliban movement has claimed that it has gained control of about 85% of the country's territory, including the border regions with five countries Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday that the situation in Afghanistan was quickly degrading and had gone out of the authorities control, according to the paper. PTI SH AMS AKJ AMS (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Despite pulling back its troops from Afghanistan earlier this year, the United States continues to fight alongside the Afghan forces in its crackdown against terrorism. The Afghanistan military has stepped up its attacks on the Taliban, as fighting intensifies across the country between the two sides. Amid the ongoing crisis, the US Military is providing all possible help to Afghanistan forces, in the form of arms, ammunition, as well as finance, to push back the terrorist activities, said Fawad Aman, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, Afghanistan. Speaking exclusively to Republic TV on the current situation in Afghanistan, Aman said that American officials, including those from the US Defence Force and the Security General, had a meeting with Afghanistan Defence Minister Bismillah Khan Mohammadi and reiterated their commitment to support the Afghan forces. "The US will provide financial help, they will provide weapons, ammunitions to us. They pledged that they will not leave our side and fight against international terrorism. Just last week, some of the US Congressmen stated that the Taliban do not believe in peaceful settlement and they will try to win militarily," Fawad Aman said. The official further exuded confidence that the Taliban will never win Afghanistan militarily because the people are against the insurgent group and the majority of them have taken up arms to fight in the favour of the forces. Taliban has seized several key Afghani border areas and posts, launching a major offensive after the complete drawdown of the US-led coalition forces from the region since May, ending the 20-year cold war between war-torn Afghanistan and President Joe Biden-led State. However, the withdrawal comes with many uncertainties as a resurgent Taliban captures ground and fears mount that the country could soon fall into civil war. According to the reports, at least 190 out of 419 districts in Afghanistan have fallen to the Taliban. In a reply, the US military launched four airstrikes in support of Afghan government forces targeting Taliban insurgents at Kandahar province. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said that the United States has acted upon the request of the Afghan government. 'Over 200 Talibani insurgents killed in 24 hours' The Afghanistan military has also stepped up its attacks on the Taliban. In its latest operation against the insurgent group, the forces have eliminated 51 Taliban terrorists including two commanders in the outskirts of Afghanistan's Lashkargah, Helmand provincial centre. Other casualties among the Taliban include 40 wounded terrorists. The AAF (Afganistan Air Force) also targeted the Taliban hideout in the Zherai district of Kandahar province and destroyed some amount of weapons and ammunition in the Lashkargah operations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will join the five online ministerial meetings within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The US Department of State said that Blinken would discuss regional and international issues with leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region. The department said in a statement, "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will participate in five virtual ministerial meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from August 2-6 EDT. These will be the U.S.-ASEAN, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Mekong U.S. Partnership, and Friends of the Mekong ministerial meetings. Other issues to be discussed by Blinken Apart from regional and international issues, it is expected that Blinken will also discuss the situation in Myanmar and the climate crisis across the world. The statement stated that Blinken will urge ASEAN to try to convince the country's military to put a full stop to violence and release all the people who were unjustly arrested. Further, he stated that he would request the military to "restore Burma's path to democracy." Myanmar's humanitarian situation has deteriorated after the military seized control of the country. Demonstrators protested in several parts of the country and the military killed hundreds of civilians including children. The killings of civilians had drawn international condemnation, with multiple diplomatic missions to Myanmar releasing statements which mentioned that killings also included children. In a joint statement, the Chiefs of Defence from Australia, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom condemned the military-sponsored violence and use of lethal force against unarmed civilians. They called out the army in Burma to follow international standards of military professionalism. Joint Statement of Chiefs of Defense Condemning Military-Sponsored Violence in Myanmar. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/DB6aFi0PJM U.S. Embassy Burma (@USEmbassyBurma) March 28, 2021 The US department informed, "the secretary will also raise the importance of taking bold action to address the climate crisis. He will reiterate that the United States stands with the international community in defence of freedom of the seas and international laws, including The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)." Recently, a group of scientists recalled the warning given earlier for the global climate crisis on Earth and stated that urgent actions should be taken to address the root cause. (With ANI inputs) (IMAGE: ANI) The US Navy is assisting an Israel-managed petroleum products tanker that was attacked off Oman, the US Defense Forces said on July 31, adding that the ship was most likely hit by a drone strike. On Thursday, Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged Japanese-owned vessel, was targeted whilst it was on its way from Tanzania to the United Arab Emirates. The attack led to the death of two crew members and an allegation on Iran from Israels newly formed government. In the statement, US Central Command asserted that the partially obliterated ship was being accompanied by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. "U.S. Navy explosives experts are aboard to ensure there is no additional danger to the crew, and are prepared to support an investigation into the attack," said Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia."Initial indications clearly point to a UAV-style (drone) attack," it added. It is imperative to note that while the ship is owned by a Japanese, it is managed by an Israel-based Zodiac maritime. Israel blames Iran While Israel and Iran have already been trading barbs pertaining to the maritime attacks on each others ships and carriers, the Israeli foreign minister, on Friday, stepped ahead to accuse Tehran of perpetuating terrorism. Speaking to US Secretary of States Antony Blinken on Saturday, Yair Lapid stressed that Jerusalem was working to find a solution to Iranian terrorism by formulating a real and effective international response. "We are working together against Iranian terrorism, which poses a threat to all of us, by formulating a real and effective international response," Lapid said. Lapid added on Twitter: Iran "repeatedly errs in understanding our commitment to protecting ourselves and our interests." Earlier this month, Israels Defense officials were checking whether Iran was behind a possible attack on a cargo ship that is partially owned by Zionists. CSSAV Tyndall was on its way from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates when it was possibly hit by a projectile. In the aftermath, authorities confirmed that the attack did not cause any casualties or major damage to the vessel and it continued its journey. Image: AP Kosovo has awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal on the Rule of Law to Beau Biden -- the late son of U.S. President Joe Biden for his work helping to strengthen the Balkan country's justice system. In a ceremony in Pristina hosted by Kosovar President Vjosa Osmani on August 1, U.S. Ambassador Philip Kosnett received the medal on behalf of Bidens family. Beau Biden worked in Kosovo after the 1998-99 war with U.S. military forces and also with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to help train local prosecutors and judges. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46. In a prerecorded message that was aired during the event in Pristina, President Biden described the award as a a great honor to recognize the legacy of our son. He said his son fell in love with the country when he spent time there. That's why he was so committed to working with the people of Kosovo to make sure that the war crimes were thoroughly investigated and professionally prosecuted, to help Kosovo build a fair judicial system capable of bringing justice and reconciliation to the country," Biden said. Biden visited Kosovo as vice president in 2016 when the country named a street after Beau Biden. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 with Western backing, but Serbia still refuses to recognize it and considers Kosovo part of its territory. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and CNN When ethnic Uzbek activist and rights defender Azimjon Askarov was arrested after the interethnic violence in southern Kyrgyzstan in June 2010, there were questions about the motives for charging Askarov with serious crimes connected to that violence. Later, many more questions arose about the trial process, which saw Askarov convicted, as well as his treatment in prison amid reports of his deteriorating health. July 25 marked one year since Askarovs death in prison. Attempts to exonerate Askarov posthumously have so far failed. But a Kyrgyz court on July 27 did overturn a decision that had halted an investigation into whether prison authorities were negligent in providing health-care treatment to Askarov. On this week's Majlis podcast, RFE/RL media-relations manager Muhammad Tahir moderates a discussion about Askarovs case and also the recent passing of a controversial new Kyrgyz bill that lawmakers say is aimed at stopping the spread of fake news online but which activists say is merely an attempt to muzzle free speech. This week's guests are, from Bishkek, Syinat Sultanalieva, a Central Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch who focuses on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan; and, from Prague, Bruce Pannier, the author of RFE/RL's Qishloq Ovozi blog. Listen to the podcast above or subscribe to the Majlis on iTunes or on Google Podcasts. Lilly King echoed fellow U.S. swimming medalist Ryan Murphy's criticism of the presence of Russian athletes at the Tokyo Olympics and raised it a notch on August 1 by saying, "There are a lot of people here that should not be here." She was the third prominent American to publicly question the stringency of ongoing penalties for Russian national programs found to have doped extensively. The head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Travis Tygart, blasted "the Russian state and sport officials" in an e-mail to Reuters, saying they "put the dark cloud over themselves and, in the process, tragically, pushed their athletes out in the storm." Russia is still serving a multiyear ban on international competition after Russia was found to have a massive, state-sponsored cheating program ahead of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics that helped evade anti-doping rules in a wide array of sports. It has sent depleted squads under Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) banners to the past two Olympics. Tygart said the "rebrand" of Russia makes "a mockery of the games by their thirst for medals over values" and challenged the ROC to make its athletes' test results public if it wants to end the doubts. "They should put their money where their rhetoric is by making individual tests by athlete name public and allow a transparent international accounting of the reality of whether things have changed within Russia, as the evidence of the last years is that nothing has, unfortunately," Tygart told Reuters. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach repeated his defense of Russian participants, 335 of whom are competing in Tokyo. "They have all gone through the qualifications and appropriate tests like all other athletes participating here. Therefore, they have the right to be treated accordingly," Bach told dpa. The winner of a silver and a bronze this week in the 200- and 100-meter breaststroke events, King was responding on August 1 to the president of the ROC saying his squad's medals are the "best answer" to critics. Russian athletes deemed clean from doping are competing under the ROC team banner at these games, although they can't use the Russian name, flag, or anthem. ROC President Stanislav Pozdnyakov tweeted this week that critics supposed that as a matter of fact our athletes cant compete without doping" but said Russians in Tokyo proved the opposite, not just with words but with their deeds and results. Tygart said Russian officials "want to continue to lie, deny, and attack those with the courage to stand up to their deceit and blatant disregard for the rules and the truth." Without mentioning Russia by name, Ryan this week suggested after finishing behind Russian swimmer Yevgeny Rylov in two medal races that those events were "probably not clean." He later said he wasn't targeting Rylov but the sport. I was asked a question about doping and swimming and I answered honestly," Ryan said. "I do think theres doping in swimming. King was more direct concerning Russia's history of cheating. I wasnt racing anyone from a country who should have been banned and instead got a slap on the wrist and rebranded their national flag, Lilly said, sitting next to Murphy. So, I personally wasnt as affected. But Ryan was. Russian athletes have won 40 medals in Tokyo, 11 of them gold. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and dpa Boris Vishnevsky is a known figure in St. Petersburg. An opposition politician who heads the liberal Yabloko party's committee in the local legislature, he is also a man known locally as a defender of the city's cultural heritage and as a columnist in the independent newspaper Novaya gazeta. But ahead of elections in September, the number of public figures named Boris Vishnevsky appeared to suspiciously multiply. In May, Vishnevsky announced his candidacy for both the St. Petersburg legislative assembly and the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, representing two districts in the center of his native city. The tactic has been a familiar one in Russia since the 1990s. In early July, Russia's Greens party announced its own candidate for the State Duma. His name? Boris Vishnevsky. And 11 days after that, Vishnevsky learned that the other Boris Vishnevsky was also running against him in the legislative assembly election -- along with another new competitor also named Boris Vishnevsky. That made three candidates with the exact same first and last names competing for a single seat. "This is the only way these crooks can fight against me," Vishnevsky tweeted in reaction to the news, using part of a phrase -- "the party of crooks and thieves" -- commonly used by the opposition to refer to the Kremlin-controlled ruling party, United Russia. The tactic has been a familiar one in Russia since the 1990s. Minor officials or citizens unknown to the general public are approached with an offer to adopt the name and surname of a popular opposition candidate, usually changing their passport details to make the change official and then registering as rival candidates in their own right. Occasionally, spoilers who already bear the same name as an opposition candidate are found. The hope of those behind such machinations is that a substantial number of voters who support the opposition candidate in that district will cast their ballots for the namesake candidate purely through oversight. An investigation by Novaya gazeta found that the two other Boris Vishnevskys are a low-level official tied to United Russia and a salesman for a large car repair company, both of whom officially changed their names ahead of the vote. And the curious case of the two namesakes might just be one among many in this year's elections, which are slated for September 17-19 and will come against the backdrop of a concerted crackdown on opposition candidates, civil society activists, and investigative journalists -- many of whom have left the country instead of staying to face harassment, pressure, and possible criminal charges related to their work. In Russia's Mari-El region, Communist Party candidate Sergei Kazankov last month suddenly found himself facing a man with the same name as his father, Ivan Kazankov. To add to the potential confusion among voters, Ivan Kazankov is a candidate from a small party called the Communists of Russia, whose four-letter acronym, KPKR, has the same two first letters as the much larger Communist Party, or KPRF. For its part, Russia's Central Election Commission has indicated that it's working to clamp down on the practice of registering spoiler namesakes to confuse voters -- a seemingly intractable problem that Russia has failed to root out. "We've already received several complaints, and we can see how this dirty technology of cloning various namesakes is being used in several regions. We have reports from party leaders who are concerned," the state news agency TASS quoted Ella Pamfilova, the election commission head, as saying. The Greens party leader in St. Petersburg, Andrei Nagibin, did not seem concerned at all. Contacted by a journalist from the St. Petersburg media outlet Fontanka.ru, he claimed to be unaware of the Boris Vishnevsky who has been active in politics since the Soviet era and a member of the city legislature for almost a decade. "I know our Vishnevsky, but who are you talking about?" Nagibin asked, later adding: "I don't know a Vishnevsky from Yabloko. Who is that?" RFE/RL's Russian Service and Dmitry Lyubimov of the Idel.Realities desk of RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service contributed to this report. Christian Schmidt of Germany takes over as the United Nations' top official in Bosnia-Herzegovina on August 1 amid recent pressure inside and outside the country over the fate and direction of the post of the UN's high representative. Schmidt replaces outgoing Austrian diplomat Valentin Inzko, who as high representative has safeguarded civilian and rule-of-law aspects of the 1995 Balkan peace agreement for 12 years. The 63-year-old Schmidt brings a reputation as a tough regional and federal politician who doesn't shy away from controversial decisions. The outgoing Inzko has recently been forced to pushed back against critics of UN oversight of Bosnia, including Russia and China, which last month failed with a joint proposal to phase out the high representative's position. The most strident domestic voice against international oversight is the secession-minded leader of the mostly Serb entity that, along with a Bosniak and Croat federation, makes up Bosnia: Republika Srpska's Milorad Dodik. Bosnia is still governed under the 25-year-old Dayton peace accords that helped end ethnic violence following the breakup of Yugoslavia and which included the post of high representative, with its power to impose decisions or dismiss officials. Inzko has suggested that the international community "changed gears too quickly from...a robust, strong, international presence -- to domestic responsibility [and] domestic institutions" in Bosnia. Inzko told AP last week that, going forward, "the new approach should be more prescriptive; it should be more robust, and there must be a sense of urgency." The country faces an array of problems that arise from parallel structures of regional and executive power. Dodik and his allies on July 30 approved two new laws to block a decision last week by the outgoing Inzko to ban genocide denial. Inzko has warned that there is no reconciliation without the recognition of crimes and without responsibility. The wars that accompanied the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s are estimated to have killed at least 130,000 people and displaced millions. Schmidt was appointed in May to succeed Inzko by the ambassadors of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, the international body that still guides Bosnias peace process. With reporting by AP and Reuters News featured popular urgent Design changes concern for residents opposed to truck stop in Newton County Special This is the third site plan submitted for a travel center at Interstate 20 and Ga. Highway 11. COVINGTON Residents of an eastern Newton County neighborhood are bracing for battle over a controversial truck stop development that they thought had been put to rest. Homeowners in River Cove are concerned that the developer, Jones Petroleum/JPC Design Construction, has submitted a third site plan for the project that expands the development from a compromise they had reached earlier. Under that compromise, the project had been scaled down to include a smaller convenience store with two restaurants but no tractor-trailer fueling and no overnight truck parking. Don Hadyk, treasurer of River Cove Civic Association, said neighbors are concerned that if the larger scale project is approved, theyll be one step closer to the truck stop development. The basic layout is the same as the original truck stop site plan, with some changes to it, said Hadyk. Basically it is still the same plan. They could go ahead and expand this in the future. Thats the concern, and we want to put a stop to that. Hadyk also pointed out that the property lies within the Brick Store Overlay zoning, which allows a convenience store and gas station, but not a truck stop. Opponents of the truck stop thought they had put the brakes on the project in May after negotiating with JPC to reduce the scale of the project. Bill Jones, owner of Jones Petroleum, had asked the Board of Commissioners in February to rezone 36 acres of the 46-acre subject property to CH (highway commercial) from AR (agricultural) for the truck stop development. The remaining 10 acres are already zoned CH. The BOC unanimously rejected the rezoning request, citing that the development was not in keeping with the objectives of the Brick Store Overlay. Jones subsequently filed an appeal in Newton County Superior Court. With the court case pending, residents of eastern Newton County said they worked with JPC to come up with an alternate plan for the property. In May, JPC submitted a request for a Conditional Use Permit that would allow development of a convenience store with fuel pumps and two restaurants on the 10 acres already zoned CH. The CUP is required because the land is located in a protected watershed area, and the convenience store would have underground fuel storage. With the agreement of area residents, the Planning Commission recommended approval and sent the request to the BOC. However, when JPC attorney Richard Milam presented the CUP request to the BOC in June, he included changes that had not been previously discussed. He also denied that, contrary to the understanding of Commissioner Stan Edwards and County Attorney Megan Martin, Jones Petroleum had agreed to drop the lawsuit if the CUP were granted. The Board of Commissioners then voted to table the CUP request until Aug. 17. LeAnne Long, also a River Cove Civic Association board member and a former member of the Board of Commissioners, said residents now believe JPC should be required to submit a new letter of intent and begin the rezoning process again. Long said residents of River Cove became aware that JPC had submitted a new site plan expanding the development when they met with Development Services Director Judy Johnson on July 12 to discuss the tabled CUP request in advance of the Aug. 17 meeting. To our surprise, a new, third site plan dated July 8, 2021, was presented by Ms. Johnson, Long wrote in an email. JPC had completely changed the site plan back to the original truck stop plan. Hadyk said community residents continue to hope for an agreeable resolution to the development dispute and will continue to work with Development Services. My thoughts are, if we cant go back to the set of conditions we agreed to then they need to resubmit their letter of intent and their permit application so we know what the heck we are dealing with here, he said. Rocky Mount, NC (27804) Today Sun and clouds mixed. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 85F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Rain showers in the evening with thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. A mixed-use project with 106 apartments got the all-clear this week from the Carlsbad City Council for construction on Carlsbad Village Drive just west of Interstate 5, a key entrance to the city. Part of the 2.23-acre site is vacant, where a Chevron service station was razed years ago, and the rest is an aging Dennys Restaurant that will be demolished to make way for the Carlsbad Village Lofts development. This will make a very nice gateway project for the city, Councilman Michael Schumacher said just before the council unanimously approved the project Tuesday. We are seeing a nice blend in the Village of some old and some new, and I think this project contributes nicely to the new. Construction is expected to begin in about a year and take roughly 18 months to complete, said the projects applicant, Evan Gerber of the San Diego-based Gerber Group. Advertisement Several people at Tuesdays meeting praised the buildings design and its adherence to smart growth principles. The location is near public transportation, with easy pedestrian access, and nearby jobs, retail shops, parks and other services needed by residents. Though the project is close to Interstate 5, its designed to shield residents from traffic noise, with an access hallway to serve as a sound barrier between the apartments and the freeway, Gerber said. One downtown resident objected to the increased traffic the project would bring, but a traffic expert said there will be only a slight increase over the daily trips now generated by the Dennys. Plans call for three retail shops, a small office and one live-work apartment on the ground floor. All the parking for the project is included on the site, with most of it, 173 spaces, in an underground structure. The upper three stories will have one-, two- and three-bedroom rental apartments, with a rooftop deck, all served by an elevator. The residential lobby will be at the northwest corner of the building. Also included will be 16 apartments designated for qualified low-income residents. The architectural style of the building is described as an incorporation of two different styles of California Craftsman, with the southern portion topped by a butterfly roof thats lowest in the center and pitched up on the sides. It also incorporates solar panels and solar hot water heaters in efforts to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases. Advertisement The buildings height reaches 45 feet, which is the citys limit for the village, and two features the butterfly roof and the top of the elevator shaft extend above the limit. In January the city Planning Commission, concerned about the height of the 59-foot elevator shaft, asked Gerber and his staff to look for ways to lower it. The teams architect, Doug Austin, said Tuesday they could only lower it a little more than one foot, but any more than that would be unsafe. Councilman Keith Blackburn said the height creep is a concern, but its outweighed by the projects many benefits. That entrance of our city has looked very poorly for so long, Blackburn said, and the building is going to be a great addition. Advertisement The site is historically significant to Carlsbad. Before the gas station was built there, that lot was home to one of Carlsbads early mayors, Jane Sonneman, in a house built about 1919. philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Advertisement Twitter: @phildiehl The tech industry has changed the face of American cities like Seattle, and it's doing so again with a new housing concept that basically breaks all the rules we've come to associate with leasing an apartment. Aimed mainly at tech workers, nomadic independent contractors and other folks whose work is no longer tied to a specific location, the Sentral model leases its units through two programs. First, the LIVE program, which leases units which can come furnished or unfurnished for one month or more in amenity-rich buildings. Such amenities might include workspaces offering private and collaborative office space. Inside the units themselves, residents might find work-from-home perks like adjustable height desks and ergonomic chairs. And let's not forget that work-life balance: Sentral buildings offer rooftop pools, outdoor kitchens and fire pits, gyms, photo booths, theaters, and more as well as offering a plethora of curated events to its residents. Sentral Within the LIVE program, another program ends one of the more quarrelsome tenets of leasing: Qualifying LIVE residents can also participate in a "managed homeshare program" coined HOME+ which allows them to sublet their homes while traveling. This concept capitalizes on the long-term renters' occasional desire to sublet, a desire that formerly might have resulted in eviction. Now, subletting is encouraged. However, due to Seattle's short-term rental ordinance, this aspect of Sentral living is not currently available in Seattle. Short-term renters can take advantage of the second program, Sentral's STAY program. Here, bookings from one night to up to 29 days give people temporary refuge in fully furnished apartments, and access to the suite of amenities the building offers all folks staying within its walls. The folks behind the idea are savvy: CEO Jon Slavet is formerly of WeWork and Rodan + Fields. Michael Curtis, formerly VP of Engineering at Airbnb is now a strategy advisor at Sentral. Living a flexible lifestyle is becoming much more common and the rise in working from home over this past year has accelerated that trend. Its becoming the preferred way to live for people from all walks of life who arent tethered to a single location for work, Curtis said. Sentral Sentrals Seattle locations are both up and running, Sentral SLU and Sentral First Hill. The price to lease at Sentral, given the amenities, isn't much higher than regular rent prices in the major cities it serves. The LIVE program offers designer-furnished homes for stays over 30 days starting at $2,500 a month. For comparison purposes, a studio in downtown Seattle listed on Craigslist (with none of the bling offered at Sentral) is asking $1,890 a month. Sentral operates now in seven cities: LA, Austin, Chicago, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Miami. An Atlanta location is next up, with more growth planned. Anna Marie Erwert writes from both the renter and new buyer perspective, having (finally) achieved both statuses. She focuses on national real estate trends, specializing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Northwest. Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaMarieErwert. 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. Bay Area schools are expected to fully reopen this month to in-person learning throwing open their doors to excited students eager to end months of social distancing and academic isolation and get back to friends, football games, science fairs and rites of passage like prom. But that long-awaited return wont be what many experts, education officials and families had hoped it would be: normal. In addition to an ongoing indoor mask mandate for schools, the return to classrooms this fall will also come with a sense of uncertainty about whether they remain open as the proliferation of the delta variant sparks new worries. After fits and starts related to reopening last year, families want nothing more than predictability this year. Yet this year is different from last year in at least one way. Theres nearly universal agreement from the governors office to the principals office to family dinner tables that the impact of distance learning was devastating mentally, emotionally and academically for too many, with increases in obesity, depression, anxiety and more. Getting students back into classrooms is critical, health and education officials say, and it would take an unexpected and devastating development to stop students from going back to class or to return them to distance learning later in the year. So far, all signs point to a full reopening despite the delta surge, said Dr. Jeanne Noble, director of the UCSF emergency departments COVID-19 response. It remains that COVID is really not the threat to children that it is to adults, she said. Getting kids back to school is critically important and is not something that should be compromised. County superintendents in Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Alameda counties, as well as from the city of Berkeley, reiterated their support Friday for full, in-person learning for this school year. San Francisco Mayor London Breed weighed in as concerns mounted over the delta variant, saying Friday on social media, Our public health experts are clear it is safe and necessary for our kids to be back in the classroom. When Californias public schools reopen given current conditions classrooms are likely to be full, quarantine very limited and much of social distancing by the wayside. Oakland will be among the first on Aug. 9, with San Francisco a week later. Thats because, even with the delta, there has been strong consensus that transmission in schools is extremely low, and that proper precautions can likely keep students and staff safe. Still, new data is emerging almost daily. On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report that found the delta variant is extremely contagious, can be spread even by fully vaccinated people and is causing more breakthrough infections than anticipated. What that means for schools, if anything, isnt yet clear. San Francisco health officials wrote in updated school guidance Wednesday before the CDC report that mitigation measures make in-person learning not only possible, but safer than many other settings. During the past school year, San Francisco had less than five cases of COVID transmission with in-person learning among 48,000 students and teachers. The citys health officials also reiterated that the past year has reinforced the importance of in-person learning to students physical and mental health, as well as their learning. Many parents agree. Its not good to be isolated, said San Francisco parent Elena Chavez Quezada, whose two children are already back at Argonne Elementary, a year-round school in San Francisco that reopened for the new academic year in July. This is absolutely the right thing for our kids. The school was among those partially reopening in the spring under a hybrid program. Like many parents, Quezada watched her childrens spirits lag and their academics suffer over the past 18 months. After two weeks back in school, their reading and writing are much better, she said. Its been so long without the structure and socialization they need, she said. Theyre happier. Argonne is offering a preview of what schools will look like when kids head back to class in the coming weeks. After morning student health checks on a recent day, the playground started to fill with laughter as children lined up to head inside. Inside Erin Flathers colorful fourth-grade classroom, the students, all masked, sat knee to knee to talk about their weekend before returning to desks for a writing assignment. Im so happy to be back in person, Flathers said later. Its been super fun. The children are so excited to learn that she doesnt have to call for quiet. The masks are normalized, she said, and she rarely has to remind students to keep them over noses. Flathers student 8-year-old Alani Wannaviroj said she felt protected. Not all parents or students feel the same way, but those hesitant families cant go back to full distance learning at their schools now. The state authorization for online learning or hybrid schedules expired this summer and has not been renewed. Many districts, including San Francisco, are still negotiating with labor unions over health and safety practices for the fall including ventilation, testing, social distancing and other issues which could be different from state or federal health guidelines. Still, those negotiations cant hold up reopenings. Others are taking a more conservative approach, including Los Angeles, where all students and staff must be tested before school starts on Aug. 16 and then tested weekly thereafter, according to new advice from the countys health officials. San Jose Unified officials announced this week that they will require teachers and staff to be vaccinated or be tested twice a week. In the meantime, amid a delta-fueled fourth wave, there is concern that districts could see outbreaks, leading to quarantines or even temporary school closures. If districts follow the state guidelines, however, quarantines would primarily affect unvaccinated students those under 12 are not yet eligible who are in close contact with the infected person for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period and within 6 feet indoors. Still, some families are considering home schooling or independent study. With more contagious strains, quarantine measures might be too onerous and yet not enough to contain spread, said Lian Chikako, a Bay Area mom who was a key figure in the pandemic pod movement, offering families alternatives to distance learning. Theres worry that well see a lot of unpredictability. Thats one reason Janet Gershman is not sending her three kids back to in-person learning when San Francisco public schools reopen on Aug. 16 and is looking at other options, including homeschooling. Of course there will be an outbreak, she said, which would lead to lengthy quarantines. Why would I put my kids through that? Gershman had hoped the district would offer a distance learning option, but per state guidelines, San Francisco public schools will provide only independent study, with a weekly student-teacher check-in. In San Francisco, the district has repeatedly committed to a full in-person reopening this fall. Last spring, when we reopened to in-person learning for nearly half our students, we did not have any confirmed cases of school transmission, Superintendent Vincent Matthews told The Chronicle. UCSFs Noble said she sees very few children with COVID-19, and those who have it often coming in with unvaccinated and very ill adults dont even know it. Given that adults have access to vaccinations and kids arent facing a significant threat, there would be no public health justification to remain in distance learning and not go back, she said. Knowing how much many children have suffered the past 18 months, Noble cant wait for fully reopened schools. I still walk by a playground and hear kids laughing and playing together, and it brings tears to my eyes, she said. Its been a very long road. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker The Dixie Fire sprawling across Butte and Plumas counties grew by 3,600 acres Sunday, propelled by an abundance of dry fuel and west winds, but fire crews managed to make progress on containment, Cal Fire said. Firefighters began to gain a little more control over the blaze, inching up on containment to 33%, from 32%, as of Sunday evening, officials said. Some of the smoke was dissipating also, and the clearer air allowed fire personnel to use aircraft, which they had not been able to do for a couple of days, East Zone operations chief John Goss said in a virtual news conference Sunday evening. For the first time in at least four to five days, were seeing some blues sky in Quincy. So thats a good thing cause it got rid of the smoke but it presents some challenges because fire activity increased as well, Goss said. Quincy is the Plumas County seat, to the south of the Dixie Fire. After lifting evacuation orders and warnings in severak communities, Butte and Plumas counties still had widespread evacuation orders in place. The Dixie Fire has become the 11th largest wildfire in California history at 248,570 acres. More than 5,400 personnel were fighting the blaze, which has been active for 18 days. The wildfire ignited July 13 and is still under investigation. Extreme drought conditions have created historically dry timber and brush that is feeding the fire, which is burning south of Lake Almanor, to the northeast of the Chico area. Containment efforts are hampered by steep terrain, and dry conditions are expected to feed the blaze. Firefighters were working to protect several cabins in the Red Hill area. So far the blaze has destroyed 67 structures, including residential and commercial buildings, and damaged nine others. Fire officials reported no fatalities or injuries. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California National Weather Service meteorologist Ryan Walbrun noted that the drought has created dry, dangerous fuel conditions across California but said firefighting should benefit from somewhat moderate weather over the next couple of days. At least for the next two days, we see a pretty seasonable weather pattern, similar to what we see today. Which is good. Emma Talley and Shwanika Narayan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: emma.talley@sfchronicle.com, shwanika.narayan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EmmaT332, @shwanika After a year fraught with uncertainty and disappointment, the Feather River Camp community was eager to return to the mountains. With the worst of the pandemic seemingly behind, the camp was ready even if it meant fewer and smaller sessions, social distancing, no indoor activities and no camp songs at Feather River. The family camp has operated in Quincy (Plumas County) since 1924. But as raging wildfires threatening the region started getting closer, it seemed like the parade of disruptive disasters would never end. Last week, Oaklands Feather River Camp had to close again this time in a frenzy. The family camp was forced to evacuate its campers, staff and horses as the Fly Fire, which later merged with the Dixie Fire, inched closer to the camps borders late last month. Now the potential for yet another missed year is already looming. This is a camp directors biggest fear, said the camps executive director, Mark Olson. This is such a special place to hundreds of thousands of families and Oaklanders. Now, another year of lost revenue is financially threatening the future of the camp, which was founded by the city of Oakland to give residents a low-cost opportunity to enjoy the Sierra. Oaklands park department ran the camp until 2003, when it was handed over to a nonprofit group in the face of budget constraints. The camp is funded largely by registration fees and contributions. In 2019, it served 2,700 campers an increase of 38% over the prior year. The camp was planning to serve over 3,000 campers before the pandemic hit. The day the shelter-in-place order was issued in the Bay Area, camp administrators printed 35,000 brochures for distribution in Oakland public schools. Canceling the 2020 season was a challenging decision for the camp and its community, Olson said, especially as they managed refunds, fundraising and securing eligibility for Paycheck Protection Program loans. No employees were laid off, but many seasonal positions were left vacant, he added. In the fall, the camp operators started to plan for the 2021 season, and in March, they opened registration. In May, they welcomed their first campers over the Memorial Day weekend. For campers like Jessica Russell, 49, who first started going to camp with her husband and twins 8 years ago, even a modified return to camp was a salve. It was one of the hardest things to give up during the pandemic, she said, and to come back after almost two years felt like a return to normalcy, if only briefly. You feel like youre a million miles away, but it also has this uniquely Oakland vibe, Russell said. Its just the perfect opportunity for families with kids to take them someplace where they can have that sense of independence, but still have time with their family. In normal times, a typical stay at Feather River consists of swimming, horseback riding, and themed weeks that include activities like astronomy, music, dance, storytelling, mountain biking and more. Theres archery, line dancing, campfires, talent shows, and arts and crafts. But two weeks later, when Russell was already home, she saw that the fires were getting closer to the camp. That moment was painful, she said. Due to the unstable situation with the wildfires, the camp canceled its last two sessions of family camp, but is hoping to open back up in time for August activities and Labor Day. Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California But with no end to Northern Californias wildfire season in sight, the future seems more uncertain than ever. The thought of losing the camp to wildfires or financial hardship feels, for many campers, like a piece of Oakland would be lost, too. For East Oakland native Lukas Brekke-Miesner, whose family has been going to the camp since the 1970s, Feather River is more than just a connection to earth or nature its a true legacy of Oakland, he said, and one that was inspired by the notion that working-class people deserve vacations as well. Over the years, its always felt like Feather River has been one of the best-kept secrets of Oakland, Brekke-Miesner said. Theres this deep, historical connection to Oakland ... but with the express design of Oaklanders in mind. Brekke-Miesner said he brought his 1-year-old daughter to the camp for the first time, where she spent time with her extended family for what seemed like the first time after the pandemic. With the camp forced to lurch from one calamity to the next, Brekke-Miesner said he hopes Oakland officials will consider greater financial support for the camp. Legacies dont live on by themselves, he said. They need to be sustained. I would love for (the City Council) to go up and experience it and talk to folks for whom its been a lifeline, and think about what a gift it could be, and how it could keep going. Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @annievain Coronavirus cases are surging in San Francisco and infections among adults aged 25 to 39 are the main driver of the increase. In May, 25- to 39-year-olds accounted for just over 35% of monthly new cases, but in July, theyre up to 50%. This surge is part of a general spike in the number of coronavirus cases in San Francisco, which has outpaced the statewide infection rate. Its a perfect storm, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine specializing in infectious diseases at UCSF. That storm, he said, is a mix of the relatively lower rate of vaccination among those age groups and their general tendency to be social, combined with the proliferation of a the extra-contagious delta variant. The delta variant began spreading like wildfire in the state soon after the state reopened June 15, eliminating or relaxing virus-related restrictions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending once again that all people wear masks indoors. With this variant, the same old precautions dont work as well, Chin-Hong said. This is a less forgiving virus. The current monthly totals of coronavirus cases among the 25 to 39 age groups have exceeded July 2020 levels, with more than 1,400 new cases as of Friday, compared with just over 1,200 last year. The people who are in this age group, 25 to 29 and 30 to 39, theyre moving around more for social as well as potentially work reasons, the doctor said. The San Francisco Department of Public Health also pointed to the relatively low vaccination rates among adults in those age groups as the likely reason for their high infection rates. The citys vaccination data shows adults aged 25 to 34 had the lowest rate of any eligible age group at just over 72% with at least one dose and 66% for those who are fully vaccinated. We know the delta variant is much more likely to infect and spread in the unvaccinated, hence we would expect case rates to increase in that age group as well, the department said in a statement. Chin-Hong of UCSF said there may be some 25- to 39-year-olds who feel healthy and invincible, or otherwise reluctant to get vaccinated, but the lower vaccination rate among that population can also be explained by the fact that older and more vulnerable people were prioritized in governments vaccination efforts. Public health authorities have been trying to catch up, often offering incentives, including cash prizes, for people to get vaccinated, but with mixed results, he said. With the delta variant as strong and infectious as it is, there may have to be more drastic measures, such as employers, bars and restaurants requiring proof of vaccination or negative test results, as many now are. Its super inconvenient to keep on doing tests all the time, Chin-Hong said. Some people might want to do it, but I would be surprised if people would want to continue to do that, particularly if they like to go hang out with their friends in a bar setting. Yoohyun Jung is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: yoohyun.jung@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @yoohyun_jung Such is the ignominious record of criminal recidivism and financial insolvency compiled by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. that all feasible alternatives to the utility must be regarded seriously, if not enthusiastically. San Franciscos so-far-frustrated bid to take its portion of the utilitys power grid public easily qualifies for that consideration. City Attorney Dennis Herrera this week fired the latest shot in San Franciscos long-running insurgency against the privately owned utility, asking the California Public Utilities Commission to determine the value of the small part of PG&Es distribution system lying within its headquarters city. San Francisco has repeatedly tried to buy the lines for $2.5 billion, a price that the utility, despite having gone bankrupt twice in as many decades, haughtily dismissed as pennies on the dollar. Herrera, not coincidentally, is the incoming general manager of San Franciscos Public Utilities Commission and a veteran of the citys skirmishes with PG&E. His appointment by Mayor London Breed speaks to the citys determination not just to do battle with but to become the local utility. Its an effort rife with complications and questions, most of which can be countered by pointing to a status quo that cries out for any substantive attempt at improvement. San Francisco made its offers after PG&E entered and then emerged from a bankruptcy precipitated by its responsibility for catastrophic wildfires in 2017 and 2018. Its role in the 2018 Camp Fire, which all but destroyed the Sierra Nevada town of Paradise, also forced the company to plead guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter while still on probation for the deadly San Bruno gas explosion in 2010. And yet PG&Es criminal, cash-strapped past may not even be past. The company is still facing criminal charges in Sonoma County for the 2019 Kincade Fire, which injured six firefighters. Shasta Countys top prosecutor said Thursday that she expects to charge the company in last years Zogg Fire, which killed four. On the same day, the company warned of the financial threat of its implication in the still-raging Dixie Fire, Californias largest this year and 11th most extensive on record. San Francisco isnt wildfire country, but officials have leveled a list of complaints about the companys safety record within the city, among them explosions and equipment fires leading to outages and, in a few cases, serious injuries. The city also takes issue with the pace of PG&Es progress toward cleaner energy as well as its rates, which are about 80% higher than the national average. But local officials most persistent gripe concerns a long series of standoffs with the utility over connecting public works such as schools, shelters and even streetlights to the grid. Echoing wildfire victims, city officials describe the utility as intransigent and obstructionist. Its one of the most contentious relationships that we have had, Herrera said. Company officials, among other objections to San Franciscos proposal, note that it would remove the grid from state oversight. While Sacramento has a checkered regulatory regime, the city will have to reassure regulators and the public about its own record, including a continuing federal corruption investigation that has yielded charges against the former head of San Franciscos Public Utilities Commission. Herrera, whose office has headed a parallel investigation of city corruption, could be well positioned to answer such concerns. Even after a state rescue and court reorganization, PG&E remains mired in a cycle of catastrophe and distress with horrendous consequences for the public. Under legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year, the state Public Utilities Commission has begun a lengthy review process that could lead to a state-authorized takeover by a nonprofit public benefit corporation. San Francisco, meanwhile, is already in the business of generating electricity, and public utilities in both Sacramento and Los Angeles operate more extensive power distribution systems than the city would. PG&E, despite its dire circumstances, appears unwilling to take the city seriously. State regulators should. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle The recall attempt against Gov. Gavin Newsom is being widely and wrongly dismissed as a peculiar and illegitimate consequence of Californias strange direct democracy. The truth is that the recall is very much a piece of a large and desperate global search for tools to hold powerful elected leaders accountable. You can see the hunger for methods any methods to remove faltering officials in every corner of the world. Recently, for example, a leading Nigerian scholar, Maduabuchi Ogidi of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education in Owerri, wrote in infuriating detail how the democratization of his country has produced ceaseless corruption, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of public office and books worth of unfulfilled electoral promises. How, he asked, might everyday Nigerians end this cycle and bring accountability to their democratically elected leaders? Unlike many academics, Ogidi was brave enough to answer his question with a detailed proposal for the establishment of the National Electoral Campaign Promises Commission, an official body of regular citizens with the legal power to require politicians to fulfill their promises, or remove them from office. That suggestion may sound fanciful, but it fits a worldwide 21st century revolution in democratic practice. People are inventing tools and processes that allow citizens to intervene and participate directly in governance, with the goal of both collaborating with elected officials and keeping them in check. San Francisco is a city more serious than most about excising its monuments to racism. No historical figure is above scrutiny. The Christopher Columbuses of the world dont stand a chance here. The city stripped the genocidaire from his pedestal at Coit Tower last year before protesters could do it first. Even Abraham Lincoln doesnt get a pass around these parts. This civic impulse for historical reckoning, however, is about to be put to the test. A bill introduced this week by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has given San Francisco the chance to remove what is arguably the citys most toxic monument to racism and segregation. And its one that many city residents have proved themselves aggressively attached to: single-family zoning. Most people think of zoning as a tool to protect residents from the toxic byproducts of industry and other dangerous nuisances. And, indeed, so-called modern zoning was imported here from Europe around the turn of the 20th century largely to do just that in response to the Industrial Revolution. American zoning is mostly modeled on the German idea of separation of use. Single-family zoning, however, is something distinct; Germany has nothing like it. Nor does the rest of Europe. Thats because its a unique product of American racism. More specifically, its a product of Bay Area racism. The concept of single-family zoning was born in Berkeley in 1916 and its intentions were nakedly segregationist. The idea was conceived largely as a tool for white homeowners to eject Asian laundries from an otherwise segregated neighborhood, and to stop a negro dance hall from setting up shop on a prominent corner. You may ask: What do single-family homes have to do with any of this? Why would planners not just ban Black dance halls or Asian laundries outright if their intent was outwardly discriminatory? Well, planners across the Bay Area, especially in San Francisco, had been trying to do just that for decades. Courts wouldnt let them. After years of targeting Chinese laundries with race-based regulations with mixed success, San Francisco went full apartheid in 1890 by passing the Bingham Ordinance, a measure that explicitly banned Chinese residents from certain areas of the city under penalty of jail. It was thrown out almost immediately by the courts, as were subsequent efforts at openly racialized zoning. The 14th Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law, and, despite the racism of the day, courts generally refused to allow out-and-out apartheid when it came to land use. But that didnt stop Bay Area planners from racialized scheming. In 1917, the Supreme Court officially outlawed racial zoning in its Buchanan vs. Warely ruling. Cities in the Deep South like Birmingham, Ala., openly ignored that ruling for decades. But planners in San Francisco and other Bay Area cities, chastised by decades of legal defeats in their anti-Chinese efforts, had already resigned themselves to obeying court orders. By the time of Buchanan, they had long settled on a strategy of finding more subtle approaches to segregation that would hold up in court. Single-family zoning was the culmination of that strategy. Since detached homes in 1916 were almost exclusively owned by white men, single-family zoning allowed planners to craft a discriminatory ordinance masked in race-neutral language. In effect, protecting detached homes from other incompatible uses meant protecting white people from people of color and their businesses. Planners across the country got wind of the ruse and followed suit. Not everyone fell for this deceit. In 1924, powerful lower court Judge David Westenhaver, citing Buchanan, found the single-family zoning plan of Euclid, Ohio, to be discriminatory a ruling that could have and should have been the end of single-family zoning in America. But in a surprise 1926 ruling, the Supreme Court overturned the lower court in its Amber vs. Euclid decision, ignoring the obvious racial implications at play to assert that apartments were a parasite sucking resources from taxpaying homeowners. Anyone wishing to gauge the courts racial temperament at this time should note that months before Euclid, these same justices ruled that racially restrictive covenants which allowed property owners to insert racial bans into their property deeds to keep them white-only in perpetuity were constitutional. A year later, the justices upheld separate but equal by ruling that a 9-year-old Chinese American girl named Martha Lum could be banned from a white school because she was of the yellow race. In short, they were racist. These legal tools empowered older white communities to stay segregated while facilitating the rise of generations of new whites-only suburban enclaves across America. And the Bay Area was no exception. Separate but equal was eventually overturned. Racial covenants were banned permanently by the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Single-family zoning as established by Euclid vs. Amber despite barely surviving legal scrutiny in the 1920s is somehow still the law of the land. Other places dont do this. Single-family zoning is almost nonexistent in cities in other developed parts of the world. There is no reasonable professional planning rationale for this type of zoning, says Brent Toderian, a Canadian planning consultant who helped unravel exclusionary zoning in Vancouver and has worked in municipalities across the globe, including California. I defy any planner to explain why residences of various sizes and types need to be physically separated or protected from one another. Racial, classist or economic segregation is always a factor. Berkeley City Councilmember Terry Taplin, who spoke eloquently earlier this year about the history of racism in persuading his reluctant city to eliminate single-family zoning, agrees. The only real reason to preserve single-family zoning is if you intentionally want to plan an exclusive, wealthy, homogenous community. In a real city, with dynamic populations, I see no utility. Its neither sustainable nor ethical to engineer demographics and property values. Both Toderian and Taplin are insistent that the removal of single-family zoning cant be done in a piecemeal way. Its all or nothing. This is about changing a system of oppression, says Taplin. It cant just done in certain neighborhoods. Every neighborhood needs to be held to the same standard. To be clear, ending single-family zoning does not mean bulldozing every detached house in the city. Nor does it mean that everyone who prefers living in a detached house is racist. We also need to set reasonable expectations for what it will accomplish. Ending single-family zoning isnt a panacea for the housing crisis. Nor is it reparation for past ills. It doesnt even guarantee racial equity in housing. It is a symbolic and pragmatic first step toward righting a historical wrong. It is both moral and essential. And it is long overdue. Matthew Fleischer is The San Francisco Chronicles editorial page editor. Email: matt.fleischer@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MatteFleischer Will Forests battle with an unclassified motor neuron disease progressed far more quickly than anyone expected. The 65-year-old Santa Cruz resident was still playing disc golf last December; by the spring, his bodily function was diminishing so rapidly that he feared he might suffocate or choke on his own saliva. Not wanting to spend his final months in terror, his wife said, Forest turned to Californias 5-year-old assisted death law, which allows terminally ill patients to obtain a lethal prescription and end their lives on their own terms. But as provisions of the law designed to prevent misuse turned into obstacles for Forest, he nearly missed his chance, as potentially thousands of other Californians also have. We barely got this right, said his wife, Catherine Sonquist Forest, herself a physician who has trained doctors across the state in the assisted death law. Forests primary doctor was part of a Catholic health care network that, due to religious objections, does not offer assisted death under the law, which is voluntary. Though Forest eventually connected to a different physician through the specialized care he received at another clinic, the wait for each appointment took weeks. During his second visit to the doctor in May, further delayed by a mandatory 15-day waiting period, Forest made a final request for the lethal medication. That was the last time he left the house; he ingested the pill a month and a half later. How cruel at the end of his life, and for me to be spending my time, and his precious time, on this, his widow said. Provided by Catherine Sonquist Forest 2017 Once unthinkable, assisted death has established itself as a widely accepted option at the end of life since first becoming available to Californians in June 2016. But it remains a rare act: Only about 400 people on average die each year in the state by taking the doctor-prescribed drug. Now, halfway through a decade-long trial run, state legislators are moving to streamline the assisted death process and remove some of the barriers that advocates say have prevented the law from becoming more widely used, particularly among low-income residents and people of color. Currently, California adults seeking the lethal medication must confirm with two doctors that they have less than six months to live and are mentally capable of making their own medical decisions. They must make two spoken requests, a minimum of 15 days apart, and submit a written request, signed and dated by two witnesses, to the physician who will write them a prescription. Then they must fill out a final attestation, 48 hours before ingesting the drug, that they are doing so voluntarily. The stringent rules were put in place to assuage concerns raised by Catholic groups and other religiously-affiliated organizations, as well as advocates for disabled people and some lawmakers that vulnerable patients might be coerced into ending their lives prematurely or change their minds after initially seeking a lethal prescription. Opponents also worried that the high cost of medical care could pressure some patients into choosing death instead. But six years after the issue dominated Capitol debate, passing only with last-minute political maneuvering and hours of emotional hearings, a follow-up measure has generated relatively little controversy. The new legislation, SB380, would make several revisions most significantly, reducing the 15-day waiting period to just 48 hours and eliminate a 10-year sunset for the assisted death law, which will expire in 2026 unless extended. The bill won overwhelming approval in the Senate in May and is moving through the committee process in the Assembly, even picking up support from a few lawmakers who opposed the original law. There were a lot of fears, as there always is when you try something new. None of the fears has been realized, said state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, a Democrat from Stockton who is carrying the bill. It has been a real sense of comfort for a lot of people. Opponents say it is too soon to enshrine the law permanently, especially before the full effect of the proposed changes is understood. They argue that California does not yet know enough about who is using the law and why, because the state collects less information than some others with similar policies. (Assisted death is now legal in 10 states and Washington, D.C.) The California Department of Public Health tracks the demographics of who obtains lethal prescriptions, what their underlying illnesses were and where they took the drugs, but not their end-of-life concerns, whether they were referred for a psychiatric evaluation or how long it took them to die after taking the medication, as Oregon and Washington do. Sawait Seyoum, a senior policy advocate for Disability Rights California, said shortening the waiting period to 48 hours, and other changes sought in the bill, limit the opportunity for doctors to identify potential abuse. The state does not require physicians to be present when their patients swallow the lethal drug. Proposed changes to California law A bill moving through the Legislature would make several changes to California's assisted death law. Here are key provisions of SB380 by state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, D-Stockton: The current law expires in 2026, unless extended. The new bill would make the right to assisted death permanent in California. Terminally ill patients who want a lethal prescription are now required to make two separate spoken requests to their doctor, at least 15 days apart. SB380 would shorten the mandatory waiting period between those requests to 48 hours. The new bill would eliminate a requirement for patients to fill out a final attestation, 48 hours before they take the lethal medication, that they are doing so voluntarily. Under SB380, doctors who do not want to provide assisted death would still have to document a patient's request for a lethal prescription and transfer their medical record to another physician if the patient asks. See More Collapse Theres no oversight of the fatal dose once its been dispensed, Seyoum said. Theres no way to know if the patient has changed his or her mind. Critics cannot point to any specific cases of abuse, however. Eggman said the law has clearly been working and there is no reason to wait five more years to make it permanent. She said she is pursuing changes to the process in the same bill to give opponents fewer opportunities to challenge the law, which survived a lengthy legal fight that ended in the California Supreme Court. Other provisions of Eggmans measure would eliminate the final attestation for patients before they take the lethal medication and require doctors, even if they refuse to participate in assisted death, to document a patients request and transfer their medical record. Supporters say the most important change is to shorten the waiting period between the two spoken requests, which they say prolongs the anxiety and pain of patients who have little time left without providing any apparent additional safety benefit. It just makes no sense. Its arbitrary, and its an undue burden to the patients. And they suffer for it, literally, said Ryan Spielvogel, a family medicine physician in Sacramento. Over the past five years, 21 of Spielvogels patients have died by ingesting the lethal medication. He said hearing about their goals for the end of their lives, and from appreciative families who were able to memorialize their loved ones while they were still around, has changed his whole perspective on what death can and should be like. But dozens more who have come to his practice, seeking to die on their own terms, never made it that far. While Spielvogel supports patients making two separate spoken requests, since it gives him multiple opportunities to touch base with them about their decision, he estimates that about a quarter of those he has worked with died during the 15-day wait. When you see patients fall into those holes, its heartbreaking, he said. Its unknown exactly how many people who want to access the law are unable to. A 2018 study by Kaiser Permanente Southern California found that of 379 patients who inquired about assisted death during its first year of availability, a third died before completing the process or became too ill to continue, including 39 who had made their first spoken request to a physician and were waiting for the second. Fewer than a quarter of the patients ultimately received the lethal prescription. That means there could be thousands of Californians in recent years who have unsuccessfully pursued assisted death, though the number taking advantage of the law remains low: Only 2,858 state residents obtained a prescription and 1,816 died by ingesting the medication between June 2016 and the end of last year, according to recently released state data. In 2020, 435 people died by taking the lethal drug, among nearly 315,000 deaths in the state. Nearly nine in 10 were white, and more than three-quarters had at least some college education, disproportionate for the population. The push to expand use of the law, including outreach to raise awareness in communities of color, infuriates some opponents of assisted death. Serena Alvarez, executive director of Salvador E. Alvarez Institute for Non-Violence, which advocates for low-income Latino families in Santa Clara County, said making it easier to die would be recklessly ignorant when the poorest and most marginalized patients lack proper care. She worries about financially burdened families choosing assisted death because they do not feel they have any other options. Alvarez urged assisted death advocates to turn their attention instead to raising provider rates for Medi-Cal, the states health insurance program for the poor, which serves a third of Californians. Many doctors decline to participate in Medi-Cal because reimbursements from the state are so low, she said, leaving patients without adequate services. If they really had compassion, they would come hear what our communities need, Alvarez said. People are fighting for their lives and you think what people want is faster access to suicide? Lea Suzuki/Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Eggman, who is Latina, said the Legislature is working on both issues simultaneously and has taken steps in recent years to extend health care to as many people as possible. She believes that lingering resistance to the assisted death law is rooted not in policy but in grief many opponents are still mourning loved ones they lost and cannot imagine having had less time with them at the end. That idea is so quite culturally backwards for people. They cant get their arms around it, Eggman said. Catherine Forest said her husband chose assisted death not out of a desire to die, but because knowing he could end his life before the suffering got unbearable allowed him to make the most of his final weeks with his family. Provided by Catherine Sonquist Forest 1985 As he lay in bed, barely able to speak above a whisper, Forest put together a list of books that had influenced his perspective on how the world works and a Spotify playlist of his favorite music for his children. He had hoped to make it at least until mid-July, when his son would compete in his first disc golf tournament. But at the end of June, it became clear that Forest would soon lose the physical ability to administer the lethal dose himself, a requirement of the law. He took it surrounded by his family, his wife said, a peaceful death that spared him further deterioration. He so desperately wanted to live, she said. But her husband took solace in a lyric from a favorite song by the rock artist Bruce Cockburn: Anyone can die here, they do it every day. It doesnt take much effort, though it goes against the grain. Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff CORONA, Calif. (AP) A young man who had been on life support after being shot inside a Southern California movie theater has died, police and his family said Saturday. Anthony Barajas, 19, was watching The Forever Purge at a theater in Corona with Rylee Goodrich, 18, on Monday when they were shot in the head. They were found by an employee after the last showing of the night. Goodrich died at the scene. Barajas was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was placed on life support. Police said the shooting appeared to be random and unprovoked. They were working with Riverside County prosecutors to add a second murder count against the suspected shooter, Joseph Jimenez. "Theres no information the suspect and victims had any prior contact before these crimes took place," Corona Police Cpl. Tobias Kouroubacalis said a press conference. Jimenez, 20, appeared in Riverside County Superior Court on Friday after being charged with murder in the death of Goodrich and attempted murder of Barajas. But he didnt enter a plea, and his arraignment was postponed to next week. Prosecutors also had charged Jimenez with a special circumstance of lying in wait that makes him eligible for the death penalty if convicted as charged. Investigators served a search warrant at his El Cerrito home, where they say they found a firearm and evidence related to the double slaying. Based on the evidence provided to our office, this appears to be a random and unprovoked attack, the Riverside district attorneys office said in a statement. Jimenez has been jailed since his arrest. Its not clear whether he has retained an attorney who can speak for him. Barajas was a high school honor student and had nearly 1 million followers on TikTok, where he posted lip-sync videos and skits, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. From his quick smile to his compassionate heart, Anthonys presence was a gift to all who knew him, his family said in a statement. - See incident reports from the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency's website. - Maps: View fire perimeter maps here. - Evacuations: Find the latest information from Hawaii County Fire. A large wildfire is ripping through thousands of acres of dry brush in Hawaii County, prompting evacuations and threatening structures. More for you Travel This is what you need in your wildfire preparedness kit,... The 40,000-acre fire began on Friday morning near Mana Road in Waimea on the island of Hawaii. By Saturday, it had consumed over 10,000 acres and the Pu'u Kapu Hawaiian Homestead and Waiki'i Ranch areas were ordered to evacuate immediately. Hawaii Fire Department Volunteer Captain John Bertsch told West Hawaii Today that at one point on Friday, one front of the fire reached four miles in length. Two homes in the Department of Hawaiian Homelands Puukapu Subdivision were destroyed. The evacuation order in Waikoloa Village was lifted Sunday, but fire officials are cautioning residents and tourists to stay vigilant. The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency tweeted Sunday morning warning South Kohala and Waikoloa Village to "prepare your homes for fire prevention." "The fire area is moving west, north, and south due to wind conditions," the agency wrote in its Sunday incident report. "Please prepared your properties and remove any debris or exposed fuels to prevent ignition. Fire crews are actively back burning and creating fire breaks in the area." High winds are pushing the flames across fire breaks, and thick smoke inhibiting visibility forced the closure of Old Saddle Road between Highway 190 and Daniel K. Inouye Highway. The National Weather Service's Honolulu office forecasts strong trade winds, with conditions improving starting Monday. Conditions are so dry on parts of the island that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed Hilina Pali and Mauna Loa roads to vehicle traffic to mitigate fire danger. "Staying safe while protecting the natural and cultural resources of the park is our top priority," said park fire management officer Greg Funderburk. "Fire danger indexes in both areas are above the 90th percentile and any ignitions that occur would be difficult to suppress and likely to result in a large fire." SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) An altercation in the parking lot of a Tennessee water park led to a shooting that killed one woman and wounded another, police said. Officers responded Saturday evening to a report of shots fired at the Soaky Mountain Waterpark and found two females from Loudon with gunshot wounds, Sevierville Police Department spokesman Bob Stahlke said in a statement. TIRANA, Albania (AP) Five women and 14 children who were the families of Albanian nationals who joined Islamic extremist groups fighting in Syria and Iraq on Sunday returned to their homeland from Syrias Al Hol camp. Flying from Lebanon they were accompanied by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Bledi Cuci. It is a very positive event, I believe, and, of course, we shall not stop here, said Rama at a news conference at Tirana international airport. The 19 women and children will be taken to a shelter in the western port city of Durres where police and social experts will make all the necessary medical and psychological examination, to be followed by a quarantine period, after which some may be allowed to rejoin their families. He did not say whether the women would be prosecuted. This is the third effort at repatriating Albanians from the fighting territories in Syria. In October last year five Albanians were repatriated, while a child returned to the country a year earlier. A few hundred Albanian men joined the Islamic State and other groups fighting in Syria and Iraq in the early 2010s. Many were killed, and their wives and children are stuck in Syrian camps. About 30 other children and women are believed to be in Syrian camps but Rama said that number is unclear, adding that two women had refused to get in contact for repatriation, fearing their lives. About two-thirds of Albanias 2.85 million people are Muslims. ___ Follow Llazar Semini at https://twitter.com/lsemini ALBANY, Ga. (AP) Eight alleged gang members have been indicted on a variety of gang-related and human trafficking charges in southwest Georgia. A Dougherty County grand jury on Wednesday returned the 54-count indictment against alleged members of the Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods in Albany, state Attorney General Chris Carr announced Thursday. Gangs are behind the crime wave that is affecting Georgia communities, and members are willing to commit horrific acts to help fuel their illegal activities, Carr said in a news release. Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the attorney general's human trafficking unit found evidence that a victim was physically and sexually assaulted, drugged and made to perform sex acts by known gang members to generate money for their gang, the release says. The charges in the indictment include racketeering, gang charges, sexual crimes, assault and trafficking. The Inglewood Family Gangster Bloods is also known as the Inglewood Family Gang and The Family and is a subset of the Bloods criminal street gang, the release says. Conducting human trafficking and criminal street gang investigations are top priorities for the GBI, GBI Director Vic Reynolds said. We are committed to investigating crimes that affect the safety of our communities. No human should be subjected to sexual servitude or labor trafficking." MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) Two Alabama colleges are among six nationally that have been awarded grants by NASA to expand minority engineering programs and research. Alabama State University in Montgomery and J.F. Drake State Technical College in Huntsville are part of a program totaling $7 million under NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Louisiana received hundreds of millions of dollars in federal cash to assist renters struggling with job losses and slashed paychecks because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the aid has been slow to reach tenants and landlords. Across two federal relief packages from Congress, Louisiana is receiving $550 million to help tenants and landlords. Only about $50 million in rental and utility assistance has been paid out so far, according to data provided by Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration, which is in charge of administering much of the aid. Getting the money out has a new urgency as the federal ban on evictions in place since September expired over the weekend, raising worries that thousands across Louisiana who fell behind on rent payments during the COVID-19 outbreak could soon be homeless without assistance. Welcome to my nightmare, said Andreanecia Morris, president of the advocacy organization HousingLOUISIANA. Theres no excuse for this. Theres no rationalization for this. Its about helping people meet a basic need under the worst set of circumstances. And if you didnt have the money, it would be one thing. But you do." Of Louisiana's federal rental aid allocation, about $350 million is earmarked to programs overseen by the Louisiana Housing Corporation and the governors Division of Administration, with a contractor hired to manage the effort. The remaining dollars are going directly to the seven largest parishes Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans and St. Tammany to run their own programs. Rental assistance can go toward past-due rent and utility fees, along with some future rent payments. Information about the state-run program across 57 parishes is available at LAStateRent.com or by calling 877-459-6555. The other seven parishes have different websites and portals. Through July 26, $17 million in rental and utility assistance had been paid through the state-administered program, according to the Louisiana Housing Corporation. Nearly 24,000 tenants started applications for the aid, but only 3,100 have been approved. Across the seven parish-run programs, $33 million in aid was disbursed through July 23, according to data from the Edwards administration. Of more than 36,000 applications received by parishes, 7,400 have been approved. Edwards, a Democrat, released a statement last week urging people who might be eligible to apply: It is important that our residents know that there are resources available to them. Desiree Honore Thomas, an assistant commissioner with the Division of Administration, believes many people were able to pay their rent with the boosted federal pandemic unemployment benefits that Edwards ended Saturday. She expects demand to now increase for rental aid. But she also suggested the program has been difficult to administer because it's managed through a federal agency that doesn't traditionally run housing programs, with new sets of guidance released monthly. Edwards administration officials said they're working to advertise the assistance, with radio spots, outreach to landlord organizations and teams attending public community meetings, COVID-19 vaccination events and other gatherings to provide information. Workers at a call center are reaching out to people who started but did not complete applications for aid, to try to help them finish the submission. I think weve gotten into a rhythm of making it a lot easier. Certainly, I would want to see more money on the street today, and I think as you are watching the pandemic soar again, I do think you will see more utilization, Thomas said. Morris believes the governor should have done more personally to promote the assistance and fix problems when it became obvious money was moving too slowly. She said state and local officials have provided too little support to help people navigate the application. And she argues a bias against the poor, often minority communities that need rental help, is worsening the sluggish pace of aid. This isnt complicated. But you have to believe at your core that this is important, not as rhetoric, not as platitude, not as pandering, she said. Edwards briefly enacted a state halt on eviction proceedings that expired in June 2020. The longer federal ban ended Saturday. Advocacy organizations urged Edwards to enact another state moratorium until the pace of rental assistance improved. But that didn't happen. Recent U.S. Census data showed more than 62,000 Louisiana residents expressing concern they could be evicted over the next two months and more than 97,000 households saying they were behind on rent payments. ___ EDITORS NOTE: Melinda Deslatte has covered Louisiana politics for The Associated Press since 2000. Follow her at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte. BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) Binder Parks childrens zoo is getting a new look this summer. The zoo was selected as one of 100 impact projects across the country for Lowes 100 Hometowns project. The initiative, which awarded 100 grants totaling $10 million, is part of the home improvement stores centennial celebration. The project, a new exhibit called Zoorassic Park, is currently under construction on the site of the former childrens zoo, the Battle Creek Enquirer reports. Binder Park will introduce life-size dinosaur displays in addition to the brachiosaurus dinosaur that has been part of the childrens zoo for more than 30 years. There will be close to 20 replica statues for people to learn from, interact and take photos with. People will be allowed to climb some of them. Theres just something about dinosaurs, said Leslie Walsh, manager of marketing and development for Binder Park Zoo. Theyre a timeless fascination...Theyre a mystery. Theyre fun, but theyre kind of scary. The exhibit will introduce hands-on activities and educational programs based on science, technology, engineering, art and math. Community events will be hosted within the exhibit space too, providing people with the opportunity to learn and tap into their imaginations. People will learn principles of technology and engineering from the way dinosaurs moved around, Walsh said. The diversity of dinosaurs will provide lessons in adaptation. Binder Park plans to offer story times, summer day camps and overnight stays in the childrens zoo in the future, Walsh said. Zoorasic Park will transform the former childrens zoo in prehistoric ways, Binder Park Zoo President and CEO Diane Thompson said in a statement. At the new center, families also will learn about the importance of nature conservation from a zoorassic point of view as they explore prehistoric life. The extinction of dinosaurs, we can tie that to modern-day conservation, said Leslie Walsh, spokesperson for Binder Park Zoo. We can draw these parallels using this exhibit...that will maybe help us to shine a light on things we can do now, today. Delivering a message about preserving and protecting nature through programs and fun experiences is at the heart of what the zoo does in the community, Walsh said. This is just another angle to teaching conservation, which is sometimes hard to do, she said. The project was nominated by the Battle Creek Lowes Home Improvement Store on B Drive North. Being nominated and selected for this amazing opportunity is truly a testament to the support the zoo receives from Lowes and the surrounding community, Thompson said. The Binder Park childrens zoo is one of three projects in Michigan to be selected for the Lowes 100 Hometowns project from more than 2,200 entries across the country. We are inspired by the nationwide response to 100 Hometowns, which brought people from all across the country to share with us their remarkable stories and hope for how their community might be made a little better, Lowes chairman and CEO Marvin R. Ellison said in a press release. The Zoorasic Park exhibit is expected to open to the public later this summer. Binder Park Zoo, which is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is a nonprofit organization. To learn more about the zoo or to plan a visit, go to binderparkzoo.org. TOKYO (AP) Japan's government said a Belarus track sprinter was safe Monday after she alleged her Olympic team tried to remove her from Japan in a dispute that led to a standoff at Tokyos main airport. An activist group supporting Krystsina Tsimanouskaya said she believed her life was in danger in Belarus and she would seek asylum with the Austrian Embassy in Tokyo. Japanese government spokesman Katsunobu Kato told reporters that Japan was cooperating with other organizations to take appropriate measures, and confirmed that Tsimanouskaya was safe. The Foreign Ministry said Japan was working with the International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo Olympics organizers. Tsimanouskaya said in a filmed message distributed on social media that she was pressured by Belarus team officials and asked the IOC for help. I was put under pressure and they are trying to forcibly take me out of the country without my consent, the 24-year-old runner said. Tsimanouskaya, who is due to run in the Olympic 200-meter heats Monday, criticized Belarus team officials on her Instagram account. She said shed been put in the 4x400 relay despite never racing the event. The Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation said government supporters targeted the athlete, and Tsimanouskaya contacted the group for help to avoid what she feared was a forced deportation to Minsk. The campaign was quite serious and that was a clear signal that her life would be in danger in Belarus, Alexander Opeikin, a spokesman for the BSSF, told The Associated Press in an interview. Tsimanouskaya summoned Japanese police at Haneda Airport and did not board a flight departing for Istanbul. Foreign ministry officials arrived later at the airport, Opeikin said. In a statement released by the BSSF, Tsimanouskaya said she was in a police station early Monday morning. "I explained the situation to a police officer of how I was taken from the Olympic Village," she said. Now I am in a secure situation and am figuring out the question of where I will spend the night. The IOC, which has been in dispute with the Belarus National Olympic Committee ahead of the Tokyo Games, said it had intervened. The IOC is looking into the situation and has asked the NOC for clarification, it said in a statement. Belarus' neighbor, Poland, where many critics of the Minsk regime have come to live, offered help to Tsimanouskaya. Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz said on Twitter that Tsimanouskaya has been offered a humanitarian visa and is free to pursue her sporting career in Poland if she so chooses. The Belarus National Olympic Committee has been led for more than 25 years by authoritarian state president Alexander Lukashenko and his son, Viktor. Both Lukashenkos are banned from the Tokyo Olympics by the IOC, which investigated complaints from athletes that they faced reprisals and intimidation in fallout from protests since last August after the country's disputed presidential election. A spokeswoman for the Belarus Olympic team did not respond to a request for comment. Tsimanouskaya was taken to a safe place and would ask for asylum from the Austrian embassy, Opeikin said. Tsimanouskaya already competed for Belarus on the first day of track events Friday at the National Stadium in Tokyo. She placed fourth in her first-round heat in the 100 meters, timing 11.47 seconds, and did not advance. ___ Kozin reported from Moscow. ___ More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2020-tokyo-olympics and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports ROME (AP) Charity ships rescued nearly 450 migrants from a wooden boat that was taking on water in the Mediterranean Sea, aid groups said Sunday, while dozens of mostly Tunisian migrants reached the Italian island of Sardinia unaided. The French humanitarian group SOS Mediterranee tweeted Sunday that its rescue vessel Ocean Viking, along with Sea-Watch 3, a ship operated by a German charity, and well as another German humanitarian boat Resqship, had worked together in a five-hour long rescue attempt. CHICAGO (AP) Chicagos top doctor said Sunday that there are no current plans for again imposing pandemic-related closures, despite a spike in COVID-19 cases. Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady urged people to get vaccinated and to wear masks indoors, no matter their vaccination status. MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) A squabble over decaying chicken carcasses in Mason City is drawing attention to a larger struggle between some Iowa homeowners and farms. Local officials say they aren't optimistic about stopping cases where homeowners complain about smells from nearby farming operations, according to the Mason City Globe Gazette. The problem is the state of Iowa is predominantly an ag state so when it comes to ag-related issues its tough for us to do much, said Cerro Gordo County Public Health Director Brian Hanft. Dan Breyfogle of Mason City has experienced the problem firsthand. He said that in July, two trucks deposited loads of chicken manure and carcasses on a farm property adjacent to his. The smell was overpowering, and Breyfogle and his wife complained to county officials, public health officials, elected officials and officials from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Breyfogle said the case meandered its way through several agencies, who couldn't do much. Eventually, officials from an Iowa DNR field office contacted the offending party and got them to remove the chicken parts. But the DNR only had regulatory control over the chicken remains. Hanft said his department does two things when they get a complaint: Send the offending property owner a notice, and reach out to the DNR. he acknowledged that, often, the DNR has little more authority than his agency to deal with such problems. He said complaints are somewhat common this time of year because chicken materials can work as well as a fertilizer. "Its an unfortunate sidebar that people who live out in the country and dont farm are at the mercy of property owners who decide to have that dumped on their ground, he said. John Robbins, the planning and zoning administrator for Cerro Gordo County, said officials there take a similar approach when they receive complaints. Really the only authority we have is to respond to complaints and forward it on, Robbins said. State Rep. Sharon Steckman, a Mason City Democrat, said lawmakers may want to take a look at existing Iowa laws. Many of us in the statehouse have considered revisiting this situation trying to balance the farmers needs with those of the rural homeowner, Steckman wrote in an email. DENVER (AP) In September, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., will become a sea of white one flag for each American who has died from the coronavirus. President Joe Biden will see it from the Truman Balcony of the White House, and from a distance, it will seem like it snowed in the nations capital. Up close, visitors will see the names and personal messages on at least 610,000 individual flags whether they are walking the pathways through the three-week art installation or viewing the digital version on their computer screens in a faraway state. In America: Remember the largest participatory public art installation on the National Mall since the AIDS quilt in 1987 will come together because of the efforts of three key people. The artist from Maryland. The anthropologist at a university in D.C. The software engineer from Colorado. People will come and they will be astounded by the visual immensity, said Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg, the artist behind the project. This is an opportunity for a nation to pause and to really think about what it means to be an American. The country is people. If we dont care for all of them, if we are going to discount lives of color, the elderly and pretty much anyone we dont know, thats not a country. The flags will go up in mid-September, arranged in 142 sections, divided by 3.8 miles of walking paths. The design, all in white, is intended to evoke Arlington National Cemetery. More than offering a bold visual, the art will connect people who have grieved the deaths of loved ones in isolation, perhaps without an in-person funeral, Firstenberg said. Its visualizing the vastness of loss. And its allowing people to participate digitally or in person whether or not they know someone who died of COVID-19. Relatives and friends can enter messages into the project website, and visitors to the National Mall can write a message on a flag and plant it in the grass. Volunteers will use a geolocation app on their smartphones to map the flag, and relatives and friends of the dead who cannot travel to Washington can zoom in online to see their personal message. The person at the space can take up the responsibility only for a few minutes to write out that personalized message and to plant that flag, said Sarah Wagner, a sociocultural anthropologist and a professor at George Washington University. And maybe, for a moment, shoulder a little bit of that burden, partake in a total strangers mourning. The technical support for the memorial comes from the Lakewood office of Esri, an information technology company that makes maps for cities and counties across the world. Some of the companys workers are volunteering their time to create the online version of the installation, plus provide the app that will allow on-site volunteers to geolocate each flag so that family members can find it. A collective sigh Esri software engineer Jeremiah Lindemann had been working on a COVID-19 memorial project of his own when he got the call from artist Firstenberg about her idea for a massive, in-person memorial on the National Mall. In April 2020, a month into the pandemic, Lindemann built the Coronavirus Lost Loved Ones map, accepting photographs and entries from across the globe. But the effort didnt take off as he had hoped, with only a few hundred entries. Lindemann figures it was too soon, that people were still in shock at that point in 2020 and unsure how long the pandemic would last, and that his website got lost in a wave of online memorial projects nationwide. Four years earlier, Lindemann created an opioid overdose map to memorialize victims of the opioid epidemic. The first entry was for his younger brother, J.T., who died at age 23 after struggling with an addiction to Oxycontin. When Lindemann heard about the Washington, D.C., project, he revamped his coronavirus map and notified the families who had already uploaded photos and messages about the upcoming memorial on the National Mall. About 300 people signed up within the first day. The whole intention of this is that the whole country needs a collective sigh, Lindemann said. Lets turn the corner on this, yes, but there were some who never had a chance to grieve. Draw the person in and deliver the message Firstenberg, too, tried to memorialize coronavirus victims earlier in the pandemic, in a way she now realizes was premature the largest mass casualty event of our lifetime wasnt nearly over, she said. Last fall, Firstenberg planted 267,000 flags on 4 acres outside Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., one flag for each death from COVID-19 so far. I ran out of time and space, she said. Deaths were mounting so rapidly in September and October that I had no space. We had to deinstall. The work felt unfinished, and Wagner, who was leading a research project on mourning and rituals at George Washington, thought so, too. Wagner drove to the field of flags to volunteer and gather information for her research on the pandemics effect on collective mourning. The anthropologist and the artist sat on benches 6 feet apart next to the swath of white flags and discussed how this should not be the end. People craved a place to share in the sorrow. Firstenberg recalled how a woman in an SUV drove by one day and shouted out her window, Whats all this for? And when Firstenberg explained that each flag represented a person who had died from COVID-19, the woman stared at her for a moment and then burst into tears. One of those 267,000 deaths was her mothers, just two weeks earlier. Something magical in a way happened at the art, Firstenberg said. It was heartening to see strangers being validated by others in that space. Compassion and empathy really are at the core of rebinding us as a society. Before Bidens inauguration, Firstenberg had applied to the inaugural committee and the National Park Service pitching her idea for a sea of flags on the mall. She didnt hear back before the inauguration. But later, the National Park Service got in touch to ask whether Firstenberg was still willing to create her memorial art project. Wagner, at George Washington University, had told Firstenberg about the Colorado software engineer who had created a COVID-19 memorial map online. Firstenberg quickly called both of them with the news that the National Park Service had OKd the project. Shell begin planting flags Sept. 14, and expects that several thousand will already have messages from the website. The rest will be blank, until people come. Visitors also can help plant the flags of those who die while the exhibit is ongoing. Walking among the flags, people who lift their gaze will see the immensity of death, but when they look down, will notice a single flag and its message that reminds them of the humanity of that person, Firstenberg said. I try to create aesthetics that are either unique or utterly beautiful, to draw the person in and deliver the message. Suspended grief Before she studied pandemic grief, Wagner worked in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the families of some of the 8,372 missing at the end of the war in 1995. They were lost, victims of genocide who were executed and left in mass graves. Wagner also worked with the U.S. military as it tried to identify remains of soldiers killed in the Vietnam War. All of her previous research with families of the missing has similarities to the suffering of those who have lost relatives to coronavirus their loved ones are not missing, but they missed their opportunity to mourn them through the typical rituals of funerals and gatherings. Without closure, their grief is suspended. Also, like the families in Bosnia and Herzegovina who fight for recognition that their loved ones were victims of genocide, families who lost relatives during the pandemic have had to grapple with a politicized country in which some people do not acknowledge their deaths or their cause, Wagner said. The anthropologist was struck by how Firstenbergs smaller field of flags last fall embodied that reality. This is white. This is ordered. This is overwhelming in its numbers, Wagner recalled thinking at the time. The memorial will have a much greater impact in the heart of D.C., she said. That its on the National Mall is a forceful act, not a gesture, that the nation seeks to remember, Wagner said. Its an opportunity for us to reckon with loss on that scale, in a physical way, a tangible way, one flag for each life. The exhibit will run from Sept. 17-Oct. 3. KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) A wind-driven wildfire destroyed more than a dozen homes, outbuildings and other structures around northwestern Montana's Flathead Lake after the flames jumped over a state highway, authorities said Sunday Evacuations had been ordered by the Finley Point/Yellow Bay Fire Department about 1 a.m. Sunday as winds pushed the fire across Highway 35 north of Polson and toward the lake. People living in the fire's path safely escaped, and no injuries were reported, said spokesperson C.T. Camel with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes fire division. As many as 20 structures were destroyed, Camel said. High temperatures had contributed to the fires overnight expansion across an area of almost two square miles (five square kilometers), Camel said. It was 90 degrees at midnight, Camel said. We still had day-like fire behavior all through the night. The evacuation order included Finley Point, the Skidoo Lane area and houses along a seven mile stretch of Highway 35 north of Polson. The fire was detected on Saturday morning eight miles east of Polson and is believed to be human-caused. A chance of heavy rain in the area was forecasted for Sunday. In southeastern Montana, a fire that began last week in the Poverty Flats area northeast of Hardin grew to 103 square miles (267 square kilometers). The fire was burning in grass, sage brush and cottonwood trees along the Bighorn River and was about 20% contained Sunday. Authorities believe the blaze was started by a burning coal seam. Underground coal seams can smolder for years if they are ignited by lightning or other causes. On the Crow Indian Reservation, authorities said a person would be charged with arson in connection with a fire east of Lodge Grass. The fire threatened multiple homes and burned 24 acres (9.7 hectares) of grass and brush and destroyed a shed. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) A former employee at a game room and arcade has been arrested after police said he shot three people when he returned to rob the Charlotte business. Officers called to Fish House North, a game room and arcade, for a report of a robbery, found three employees had been shot, news outlets report. They were taken to a hospital with injuries that werent life-threatening, police said. ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) A German couple have been detained in Croatia for leaving their two children and a dog in a locked car with closed windows in sweltering heat, police said Sunday. A statement said that citizens in the northern coastal town of Porec on Friday evening alerted police after seeing the children and the dog in the car with German license plates. WASHINGTON, N.Y. (AP) A house fire has destroyed a New York home a day before a couple was scheduled to close on the property. Authorities in Dutchess County said the house in the Millbrook section of Washington, about 15 miles northeast of Poughkeepsie, burned to the ground last Sunday. SCHRIEVER, La. (AP) Residents relocating from an eroding island off Terrebonne Parish will move into homes built and designed to help weather hurricanes. Officials involved with the project toured the New Isle development Wednesday in Schriever to examine and highlight the stricter building standards being used to make the homes more resilient. Roy Wright, president and CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, said the houses will follow the groups FORTIFIED standards. The voluntary standards have been developed by the insurance industry research group over years of experience on what works to reduce damage. Walking through the construction site, Managing Director of FORTIFIED Products Fred Malik pointed out features that make the houses more secure and qualified for affordable insurance. For example, ring shank nails offer stronger holding power. A continuous load path system secures the house from the roof all the way down to the foundation. Roofing, doors and windows are also strengthened to help withstand wind. Also on the tour were representatives of Smart Home America, a group that works with communities and home and business owners on similar resiliency issues, and officials with the Louisiana Office of Community Development. Wright and Smart Home President and CEO Julie Shiyou-Woodard said future resettlement projects can learn from the local effort. There are not a lot of resettlement programs in this country, Wright said. Its a proposition, and the country is still figuring out how to do it. Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes agrees. Well never figure it out unless its here, Forbes said. The state received $48.3 million to resettle current and former residents who volunteer to move. About $11.7 million of was used to purchase the 515-acre property, on higher ground about 40 miles north of the island, which over the years has withered into the Gulf of Mexico due to storms, sinking land and rising seas. The plan calls for current island residents or those who moved away after Hurricane Isaac in 2012 to have houses built for them using the grant money. Those who lived on the island but moved away before Isaac will get lots on which they can build their own homes. So far, 37 of the islands 42 households have decided to move to New Isle, with one choosing to resettle independently by purchasing a Louisiana home in a non-flood zone with the states assistance. That accounts for more than 90% of the remaining permanent island residents. Relocated residents are able to retain ownership of their property on the island. Forbes said rain has delayed construction, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays for building materials. However, construction is expected to be complete by summer 2022. Wright said he hopes that when the resettlement is completed it will encourage other homeowners to become interested in using the FORTIFIED standards to secure their houses against storms. These are small changes that add up, Wright said. PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) Kosovo on Sunday awarded a presidential medal on the rule of law to U.S. President Joe Bidens late son Beau. In a ceremony held in front of the presidential office, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani handed over the medal to the U.S. Ambassador to Pristina, Philip S. Kosnett. Beau Biden was in the Balkan country 20 years ago to help establish the rule of law there as it became independent from Yugoslavia. In a pre-recorded speech, Biden described the medal as incredible and a great honor to recognize the legacy of our son. Beau Biden worked in Kosovo after the 1998-1999 war with the military forces and also with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He died in 2015 of brain cancer at 46. Thats why he was so committed to working with the people of Kosovo to make sure that war crimes were thoroughly investigated and professionally prosecuted, said Biden. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, a decade after a 1998-1999 war with Serb forces. The war ended after a 78-day NATO air campaign drove Serb troops out and a peacekeeping force moved in. Most Western nations have recognized Kosovo, but Serbia and its allies Russia and China do not. Tensions over Kosovo remain a source of volatility in the Balkans. Llazar Semini reported from Tirana, Albania. Follow him at https://twitter.com/lsemini BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) Maine's independent senator is advocating for the federal government to follow his state's lead in making sure patients aren't subjected to surprise medical bills. Sen Angus King has made the case to Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He cited the fact Maine patients have been able to compare prices for some healthcare services since October 2015. EASTON, Pa. (AP) A man prosecutors said baked and took cookies to the home of a 97-year-old bedridden woman before killing her and her adult son and setting fire to their eastern Pennsylvania home has been sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole. Drew Rose, 39, of Bethlehem pleaded guilty Friday in Northampton County Court of Common Pleas to criminal homicide, burglary, arson and robbery in the January 2019 slayings of Virginia Houck and 61-year-old Roger Houck in Palmer Township. Prosecutors earlier announced plans to seek capital punishment but took the death penalty off the table as part of the plea agreement. Authorities said Houck, son of a former caretaker of Virginia Houck, needed rent money and hatched a scheme to rob the woman. Police say his ex-girlfriend told a grand jury that Rose arrived at the house with the cookies and told her son he was a family friend who had worked for his mother, but once inside, ordered the man to buy items online for him and have them shipped to the residence. When Roger Houck refused, prosecutors allege, Rose assaulted and strangled him, fleeing with $280. Prosecutors allege that he returned in the early morning hours, tied up the woman and threw her down the basement steps before setting the home on fire. A coroner said Virginia Houck was found still bound and died of smoke inhalation and burns, while her son, also bound at the feet, died of homicidal violence. This is one of the most monstrously evil cases I have ever witnessed, said District Attorney Terry Houck, who is not related to the victims. Although the plea agreement spares Rose the possibility of a death sentence, the prosecutor pointed out that Pennsylvania hasn't carried out a death sentence in decades. He said he didnt want to depreciate one iota what these people went through before they died." Judge Jennifer Sletvold sentenced Rose to two consecutive life terms without parole plus 9 1/2 to 60 years, saying he had demonstrated layer upon layer of human depravity." You took their lives in the most violent, inhumane and despicable way," she said. You could have stopped and found your soul, and found your humanity, and you never did," she added. "You never showed an ounce of remorse for those people. Stephanie Redding, who considered Virginia Houck her grandmother Houck took in Reddings father after his parents died called her one of the most amazing people God has put on this earth. A devout Catholic, Virginia Houck would tell her family to forgive and pray for Rose, something Redding said they were still struggling to do. Thats the kind of person she was ... I dont know how long that takes, Redding said. Rose told the court it was hard to accept his actions that day, but that he regrets all of it, lehighvalleylive.com reported. He said he wasn't taking the plea deal to avoid the death penalty but to spare his daughter the trauma of having to testify. I just dont have two lives to give, I have one life, he said. I know I'm never getting out. GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) Hundreds of Mississippi middle school students in Harrison County will be learning from home at the start of the school year while work is being completed on their new building. New Superintendent Mitchell King told the Sun Herald that construction has been delayed on the new middle school building and it won't be complete in time for the first day of school on Aug. 5. That means 650 students will have to learn virtually. FLORENCE, S.C. (AP) Students in five more school districts in South Carolina are starting back at school this week. Students in Florence Districts 1 and 4 return Monday. Pickens County students return Tuesday. Oconee County schools are back Wednesday. And the Kershaw County School District opens its doors Thursday. GROTON, Conn. (AP) The U.S. Navy on Saturday christened one of its newest Virginia-class attack submarines, the future USS Hyman G. Rickover, in honor of the Father of the Nuclear Navy." The ceremony marked the first submarine christening at the General Dynamics-Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's also the second submarine to be named after Rickover, the late four-star Navy admiral who served 63 years in the Navy on active duty. His team of engineers designed and constructed the first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus. The first Hyman G. Rickover was commissioned at Submarine Base, New London, in Groton, on July 21, 1984. Undersecretary of the Navy James F. Geurts said construction of the new submarine during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a testament to the dedication of Americas shipbuilders and sailors. We did not close a shipyard, public or private, for one day during the pandemic, Geurts said. The sustained commitment to excellence displayed by this workforce shows in the construction of this boat and adheres to the culture of excellence promoted by Hyman G. Rickover." Construction of the Navy's 22nd Virginia-class submarine began in September 2015. Electric Boat President Kevin Graney said despite the pandemic, shipbuilders at the company's Quonset Point facility in North Kingston, Rhode Island, constructed the engine room deck in 12,000 fewer hours than five previous ships, The Day of New London reported. Also, the welded pipe joints were completed in Groton earlier than two previous ships. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A Kansas animal welfare group has created a new program to reduce animal violence in 23 Kansas counties. The project, Cruelty Stoppers, opens the door to care for abused animals that can be linked to domestic violence cases while trying to create better relationships between Topeka police and local shelters, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal. It was developed by the Northeast Kansas Animal Welfare Foundation. Bill Acree, the foundation's new president and CEO, said the project was created because there wasn't adequate follow-up on cruelty cases. The Cruelty Stoppers program was modeled after Crime Stoppers on TV. Those who report animal cruelty cases that lead to a conviction are eligible for a reward. Acree said the Shawnee County district attorney and sheriff and the Topeka interim police chief acknowledged the need for the program. He said many animals are abandoned or neglected across Kansas. We would need a bigger staff, Acree said. Statewide, it would be wonderful if we could stop animal abuse. But he said the abuse cant stop without the public informing authorities about a crime. Thats where we step in and say: We would like to reward you for the word you gave that led to this (arrest), Acree said. Obviously, to arrest and convict a dog-fighting ring would be worth a lot more money than someone who tied up their kitty in a sack and threw it over the bridge. Kerry Crotinger, the foundation's chairman, said people who mistreat animals sometimes move on to abusing other people. Now that people are aware, Crotinger said, when they know that there is a program like this out there, they are better able to assist a local shelter. Everything goes back to attacking the innocent or the ones not willing to speak for themselves because that dog or cat cant make a phone call. NEW ORLEANS (AP) Police said five people were shot and wounded early Sunday morning in New Orleans' historic French Quarter, an area usually packed with tourists visiting the city. The New Orleans Police Department said it has detained one person in connection with the shooting and described the investigation into the gunfire near the intersection of the city's famous Bourbon Street and Orleans Avenue as active and ongoing." SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) More than 100 people on Saturday marched six miles, from Onondaga Nation to downtown Syracuse, to honor the Indigenous children who were taken from their communities and forced into boarding schools that focused on assimilation. The marchers left toys, flowers and children's shoes at a statue of Christopher Columbus to commemorate the children who did not survive the schools, the Syracuse Post Standard reported. Dressed in orange to support the Every Child Matters movement, they also acknowledged the trauma that these schools caused. My mother came back from the boarding schools, she never hugged me, Tadodaho Sidney Hill, leader of the Onondaga Nation, told the group. I guess thats what they taught her in that school. U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced in June the federal government will investigate its past oversight of Native American boarding schools and work to uncover the truth about the loss of human life and the lasting consequences of policies that over the decades forced hundreds of thousands of children from their families and communities. The recent discovery of childrens remains buried at the site of what was once Canadas largest Indigenous residential school has magnified interest in the troubling legacy both in Canada and the United States. Earlier this month, the disinterred remains of nine Native American children who died more than a century ago while attending a government-run school in Pennsylvania were sent home to Rosebud Sioux tribal lands in South Dakota Virgil Brave Rock, 62, a member of the Blackfeet Nation who now lives among the Onondagas, spoke Saturday of his experiences at St. Marys Residential School in Alberta, Canada, one of several schools where graves were discovered. He described being forced to leave his family and live at the school where children were stripped of their names and given an assigned number. I am 266, Brave Rock said. Bishop Douglas J. Lucia of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse told the marchers he felt the need to apologize for what had been done and he condemned the actions of the church at those schools. Part of my being with you today, Lucia said, is simply to stand with you and weep. WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sat motionless Sunday as members of the Pacific Island community pulled a large white mat over her head, completely covering her. Moments later they removed it and embraced her. It was part of a emotional ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall during which Ardern formally apologized for a racially charged part of the nations history known as the Dawn Raids. Its when Pasifika people were targeted for deportation in the mid-1970s during aggressive home raids by authorities to find, convict and deport visa overstayers. The raids often took place very early in the morning or late at night. By being covered in the mat, Ardern was taking part in a traditional Samoan ritual known as an ifoga, in which the subject seeks forgiveness by exposing themselves to a kind of public humiliation. Ardern told a tearful crowd of several hundred that the government was offering a formal and unreserved apology. The government expresses its sorrow, remorse, and regret that the Dawn Raids and random police checks occurred and that these actions were ever considered appropriate, Ardern said. At the time of the raids, many Pacific people had come to New Zealand on temporary visas to help fill a need for workers in the nation's factories and fields. But the government appeared to turn on the community by deciding those workers were no longer needed. People who didnt look like white New Zealanders were told they should carry identification to prove they werent overstayers, and were often randomly stopped in the street, or even at schools or churches. Even though many overstayers at the time were British or American, only Pacific people were targeted for deportation. Ardern said that while the raids took place almost 50 years ago, their legacy continued. It remains vividly etched in the memory of those who were directly impacted. It lives on in the disruption of trust and faith in authorities. And it lives on in the unresolved grievances of Pacific communities that these events happened and that to this day they have gone unaddressed, she said. Ardern said that as a gesture of goodwill, the government would fund new education and training scholarships for Pacific communities and would help compile an official account of the raids from written records and oral history. As part of this, the community will have the opportunity to come forward and share their experiences, Ardern said. Tongan Princess Mele Siuilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili said the impact of the Dawn Raids had haunted her community for generations. We are grateful to your government for making the right decision to apologize, she said to Ardern. To right the extreme, inhumane, racist and unjust treatment, specifically against my community, in the Dawn Raids era. The princess said that while some members of her Tongan community might have been on the wrong side of the law at the time, it didn't warrant the extreme measures taken against them. But the princess said the government could do a better job of responding to current immigration needs, a comment which drew sustained applause. She said petitions had been submitted to find pathways and residency for overstayers and visa-holders. This is a new dawn for my community and the Pacific community at large, she said. Sunday's ceremony had originally been scheduled for June but was delayed due to coronavirus measures. The apology didn't come with any broader financial compensation or legal changes, but many Pacific people say it represented an important first step. WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Friday put the onus on state and local governments to stem the impacts of evictions, hours before a late push led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for Congress to extend a federal evictions moratorium collapsed. Biden urged those governments to use funds granted in earlier coronavirus relief bills more quickly as the federal moratorium on evictions expires at midnight Saturday. "State and local governments began receiving Emergency Rental Assistance funding in February and were eligible for an additional $21.5 billion passed in the American Rescue Plan," Biden said in a statement. "Five months later, with localities across the nation showing that they can deliver funds effectively - there can be no excuse for any state or locality not accelerating funds to landlords and tenants that have been hurt during this pandemic." Biden's plea came as House Democratic leadership tried to corral support among their caucus to push the eviction moratorium deadline until October, an effort that turned into a Herculean task as leadership tried to whip support at the 11th hour before the House started its nearly two-month recess. The effort ultimately failed. About 20 moderate Democrats were against the extension because they were concerned it was too long to allow the federal moratorium to continue without oversight of how efficiently money previously approved to stem the evictions is being distributed to tenants, several Democratic aides said on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing internal negotiations. Democratic leaders and Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., huddled in Pelosi's office for over two hours Friday afternoon where they launched another effort - including Pelosi making personal calls to members - to twist arms and get support for the legislation. Even so, the chance for progress looked slim as hours ticked by and members were seen leaving Capitol Hill after receiving little guidance about whether a vote could happen Friday evening. Knowing they didn't have the votes, Democratic leadership stilltried to pass the compromise by unanimous consent request Friday evening. It failed on an objection by Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., and the House commenced its August recess. Afterward, Pelosi cast blame on Republicans for not supporting the extension and urged local governments to "take whatever steps are necessary" to distribute the rental assistance funds allocated by Congress. "We are proud and pleased that, overwhelmingly, House Democrats have understood the hardship caused by rental evictions and support extending the eviction moratorium to October 18, 2021. Unfortunately, not a single Republican would support this measure," Pelosi said in a joint statement with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C. Pelosi had pushed the compromise that would have extended the moratorium until Oct. 18, after anoriginal proposal by Waters pushing the moratorium to December had faced opposition. That would have allowed more time for state and local governments to dole out money from the $46 billion in emergency funds passed in December, while giving Congress more time to pass legislation that would ensure that the money is given out faster and more efficiently. The extension also faced strong head winds in the Senate. "An eviction moratorium is a bad idea," Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa., said when asked if he would support an October extension. On Thursday, Biden called on Congress to act "without delay" to extend the eviction moratorium, which applies to renters who have fallen behind on their monthly payments as a result of financial hardship. Top White House aides fretted that the administration could not act on its own, as it has in the past, as a result of a recent Supreme Court ruling. The moratorium was last extended one month ago, and little has been done in recent weeks to advance another extension through Congress. Many Democratic lawmakers and aides from the highest rungs of leadership down to the rank-and-file are pinning blame on the administration for such a last-minute ask, especially when they could have started to draft an extension shortly after the last one passed Congress to avoid the scramble of whipping support hours before they could begin their August recess. While Pelosi indicated that the issue would be addressed, she seemed to indicate a Plan B scenario which would kick the responsibility back to the Biden administration. Leaving a news conference Friday morning, Pelosi pointed out that the Centers of Disease Control could extend the moratorium until Congress returns to Capitol Hill in September. Still, Biden's request prompted House and Senate Democrats to begin exploring whether they could rally enough votes to approve the new protections for renters. As the Rules Committee meeting got underway Friday, Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., the panel's chairman, said of Biden, "I quite frankly wish he had asked us sooner." McGovern said that an increase in evictions would lead to "supercharged" spread of the coronavirus, as displaced renters move into tighter quarters with other family members. "We need to get this bill to the president's desk, and every hour is of the essence," he said. Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, the top Republican on the committee, said Democrats were to blame for allowing the problem to "fester." "The administration and the majority knew very well that the end of the eviction moratorium was coming," he said. "This issue could and should have been resolved weeks ago." In a statement Thursday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden would have "strongly supported" a move by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to extend the moratorium, particularly given the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus. "Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has made clear that this option is no longer available," Psaki said, referring to the court ruling last month. That order allowed the latest extension of the moratorium enacted by the CDC to remain in place for another month. But Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who supplied the controlling vote, said that in his view congressional action would be needed to extend it beyond Saturday. Despite that, Biden has faced pressure from some Democrats to act unilaterally. "In light of the Supreme Court's ruling, the President calls on Congress to extend the eviction moratorium to protect such vulnerable renters and their families without delay," Psaki said.,She called the ban on evictions "a critical backstop to prevent hard-pressed renters and their families who lost jobs or income due to the COVID-19 pandemic from being evicted for nonpayment of rent." After a congressional moratorium on evictions expired last summer, President Donald Trump ordered the CDC to step in. It issued an order in September, citing its power to take emergency actions to stop the infection's spread. It said its moratorium applied to tenants who, if evicted, would probably become homeless or be forced to live in close quarters in a congregate or shared-living setting. "Extending the eviction moratorium is a moral imperative - and one that is simple and necessary," Pelosi said in a letter to colleagues Thursday night. "We in Congress have the opportunity - and the responsibility - to respect the dignity of those who have suffered so much in terms of their health, financial security and well-being." Pelosi said the situation has been made more urgent because little of the more than $46 billion approved by Congress for emergency rental assistance has yet been distributed to renters by state and local governments. On Friday, Cole blamed the "mismanagement" of the Biden administration for delays in distributing the money. Waters, meanwhile, appealed to her colleagues not to play the blame game but to address the issue at hand. "The fact of the matter is children and families are going to be on the street," she said. "It's going to be in everybody's district one way or another." In the Senate, Democratic lawmakers led by Majority Leader Charles Schumer of New York and Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, the leader of the chamber's top housing panel, started preparing their own last-ditch attempt to extend the moratorium on Thursday. They seek to approve it under unanimous consent, according to two senior Democratic aides, a tough proposition given potential Republican objections to the idea. Brown "supports an extension of the eviction moratorium and will work with Leader Schumer to pass legislation that will allow our nation's renters to stay in their homes during this crisis," a spokesman for Brown said Thursday. - - - The Washington Post's Mike DeBonis contributed to this report. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Authorities say a 5-year-old girl died in an accidental shooting in Ohio over the weekend. Columbus police said the child was shot in the head after apparently getting hold of the weapon in an apartment on the city's north side. TRACYS LANDING, Md. (AP) The 23-year-old son of a Maryland cybersecurity executive is facing murder charges in his mothers death, police said. Anne Arundel County police announced Saturday that Andrew Weylin Beavers was arrested Saturday in Leesburg, Virginia, and is awaiting extradition. A warrant was issued charging Beavers with first and second-degree murder in the death of his mother, Juanita Koilpillai, 58, who was found dead from multiple sharp force injuries on July 25, police said. DOVER, Del. (AP) Police say a woman was robbed at a Delaware motel when two suspects approached her with knives and demanded money. The Dover Police Department said the early Sunday robbery occurred at a room in a motel room off DuPont Highway. The woman gave the suspects an undisclosed amount of cash before the pair fled in car, according to police. WASHINGTON (AP) After much delay, senators unveiled a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package Sunday night, wrapping up days of painstaking work on the inches-thick bill and launching what is certain to be a lengthy debate over President Joe Bidens big priority. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act clocked in at some 2,700 pages, and senators could begin amending it soon. Despite the hurry-up-and-wait during a rare weekend session, emotions bubbled over once the bill was produced. The final product was not intended to stray from the broad outline senators had negotiated for weeks with the White House. We havent done a large, bipartisan bill of this nature in a long time, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. He said a final vote could be held in a matter of days. A key part of Bidens agenda, the bipartisan bill is the first phase of the president's infrastructure plan. It calls for $550 billion in new spending over five years above projected federal levels, what could be one of the more substantial expenditures on the nations roads, bridges, waterworks, broadband and the electric grid in years. Senators and staff labored behind the scenes for days to write the massive bill. It was supposed to be ready Friday, but by Sunday even more glitches were caught and changes made. To prod the work, Schumer kept senators in session over the weekend, encouraging the authors to finish up work. Late Sunday night, most of the 10 senators involved in the bipartisan effort rose on the Senate floor to mark the moment. We know that this has been a long and sometimes difficult process, but we are proud this evening to announce this legislation, said Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., a lead negotiator. The bill showed we can put aside our own political differences for the good of the country, she said. Republican negotiator Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio said the final product will be great for the American people. Over the long weekend of starts and stops, Schumer repeatedly warned that he was prepared to keep lawmakers in Washington for as long as it took to complete votes on both the bipartisan infrastructure plan as well as a budget blueprint that would allow the Senate to begin work later this year on a massive, $3.5 trillion social, health and environmental bill. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, predicted: Its going to be a grind. Among the major new investments, the bipartisan package is expected to provide $110 billion for roads and bridges, $39 billion for public transit and $66 billion for rail. Theres also set to be $55 billion for water and wastewater infrastructure as well as billions for airports, ports, broadband internet and electric vehicle charging stations. The spending is broadly popular among lawmakers, bringing long-delayed capital for big-ticket items that cites and states can rarely afford on their own. Paying for the package has been a challenge after senators rejected ideas to raise revenue from a new gas tax or other streams. Instead, it is being financed from funding sources that might not pass muster with deficit hawks, including repurposing some $205 billion in untapped COVID-19 relief aid, as well as unemployment assistance that was turned back by some states and relying on projected future economic growth. "Ive got real concerns with this bill, said Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. Bipartisan support from Republican and Democratic senators pushed the process along, and Schumer wanted the voting to be wrapped up before senators left for the August recess. Last week week, 17 GOP senators joined all Democrats in voting to start work on the bipartisan bill. That support largely held, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., voting yes in another procedural vote to nudge the process along in the 50-50 Senate, where 60 votes are needed to overcome a filibuster an advance legislation. Whether the number of Republican senators willing to pass the bill grows or shrinks in the days ahead will determine if the presidents signature issue can make it across the finish line. Cornyn said he expects Schumer to allow all senators to have a chance to shape the bipartisan bill and allow for amendments from members of both parties. I hope we can now pump the brakes a little bit and take the time and care to evaluate the benefits and the cost of this legislation," Cornyn said. The bipartisan bill still faces a rough road in the House, where progressive lawmakers want a more robust package but may have to settle for this one to keep Bidens infrastructure plans on track. The outcome with the bipartisan effort will set the stage for the next debate over Bidens much more ambitious $3.5 trillion package, a strictly partisan pursuit of far-reaching programs and services including child care, tax breaks and health care that touch almost every corner of American life. Republicans strongly oppose that bill, which would require a simple majority for passage. Final votes on that measure are not expected until fall. ___ Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Brian Slodysko contributed to this report. PHOENIX (AP) More than 500 seniors who live in a mobile home park near Scottsdale on the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community will have to find a new place to live when the park shuts down in 2026. Ric Olsen, who retired and moved into Shadow Mountain Village mobile home park about 10 years ago, planned to spend the rest of his life at the park. Now, he and his neighbors are scrambling to find a place to move their homes. Their options are limited. Mobile home parks once a popular, affordable option for low-income families, local retirees and winter visitors are disappearing across metro Phoenix. Rising land values in the region have led some park owners to redevelop the parks into pricier real estate options, like apartments or condos. Parks still operating have raised rent prices and stopped accepting older mobile homes like Olsens. What am I supposed to do? Olsen said. When parks close, residents often have a short amount of time to find a new place to live. The high demand for a dwindling number of mobile home lots has left some people with no choice but to abandon their homes. This most definitely affects peoples lives, and its most likely affecting those who are most vulnerable and have the least alternatives, said Mark Stapp, executive director of the Master of Real Estate Development program at Arizona State Universitys W.P. Carey School of Business. Residents at Shadow Mountain Village said they thought the company that manages the mobile home park had a long-term agreement with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to operate the park for decades. Actually, the companys lease with the community ends in October 2026. The community initially leased the land near Loop 101 and McKellips Road to a developer in 1976 for 25 years. It renewed the lease for another 25 years in 2001. The developer of the 55-and-older Shadow Mountain Village mobile home park leased lot spaces to more than 500 individual renters. The renters own their mobile home but lease the land. A California-based company called Wenner Management took over the lease and operation of the mobile home park more than a decade ago. The renters have to renew their leases with Wenner Management annually, but the company must renew unless there is just cause not to. Several renters at Shadow Mountain Village, including Olsen, told The Arizona Republic the management company verbally told them it had a 99-year land lease with the Salt River-Pima Maricopa Indian Community, which led them to believe theyd be able to live the rest of their lives at the park. The community told Wenner Management it did not plan to renew the companys lease for Shadow Mountain Village and another park it operated on the reservation in 2015 or earlier, according to court documents. Wenner Management did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community confirmed the community does not plan to renew the lease with Wenner Management but did not say why. Benjamin Anton, a real estate agent in the East Valley and Salt River member, said it is unusual for non-Native people to live on the reservation and he believed the community never intended for the parks to operate in perpetuity. He noted that the mobile home parks led to many unanticipated challenges. For instance, if a crime was committed at the park, the community couldnt try the suspect in tribal courts even though the crime occurred on the reservation. Thats probably the main reason why they dont want to do it, just because of the headache that comes along with it, Anton said. Roadrunner Lake Resort, the other mobile home park Wenner Management operated on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, closed in 2019. Residents living at that park only had about two years notice that they would have to leave. More than two dozen Roadrunner Lake Resort residents sued Wenner Management, claiming the company withheld information about the length of its lease with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Some residents of the park incurred unexpected costs to move their homes. Some couldnt find a place to move and abandoned their homes. Others couldnt move expensive decks and other immovable structures they had built on their lots and had to leave them behind. The case settled for an undisclosed amount in 2019. Shadow Mountain Village residents have more time to prepare to leave but, Olsen said, the challenges are the same. Many homes in the park, including his, were built before 1976 and require significant updates before they can move to a new park. Some manufactured housing communities wont accept homes that old, Olsen said. The state offers some assistance for mobile home owners who have to relocate. The state will pay up to $12,500 to relocate a double-wide home within 100 miles. It will pay an owner $3,125 to abandon a double-wide home. It will also pay to rehabilitate a mobile home built before 1976 if the owners household income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $26,500 for a family of four in 2021. The relocation reimbursement is often not enough to cover all moving expenses. And if a mobile home owner cant find another park to move to, its a moot point. Olsen is trying to convince the state or federal government to provide a long-term, low-cost loan to purchase 40 acres in Surprise that could be split into 100 lots. Each mobile home owner would own their own lot. Olsen said he doesnt want to deal with a land lease again for fear of another surprise forced move. I dont trust anybody else anymore, Olsen said. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) A group of South Carolina state senators will continue to travel around the state this week with three more public hearings about how to draw new districts for South Carolina House and Senate seats as well as the U.S. House. Joining the redistricting work this week is a House committee holding an organizational meeting Tuesday at the Statehouse. Both the House ad hoc committee and Senate subcommittee will use the new 2020 U.S. Census data to draw maps for the 46 state Senate districts, 124 state House districts and seven U.S. House districts. The House committee has five Republicans and three Democrats. The two chambers usually dont alter the other chambers map. Both chambers will work together on the U.S. House map. The Senate subcommittee already has held three public meetings on the maps. They are asking citizens to talk about what they want and dont want done when the maps are drawn because the detailed Census data has not been released. Senators said they expect more public hearings before their proposed maps are sent to the full Senate this fall. This weeks hearings are Monday at Greenville Technical College in Greenville; Tuesday at Florence-Darlington Technical College in Florence; and Wednesday at Technical College of the Lowcountry in Beaufort. All meetings start at 6:30 p.m. and will be streamed at the South Carolina Statehouse website. The panel of four Republican senators and three Democrats will take testimony both in person and online. South Carolina added nearly 500,000 people from 2010 to 2020 to become the 23rd largest state in the U.S. with 5.1 million people, according to the Census. THE FORKS, Maine (AP) Tree-cutting is resuming on a $1 billion electric transmission project in western Maine after a two-month hiatus over a federally protected bat. The New England Clean Energy Connect was able to resume construction beginning as early as Sunday on a key part of a 145-mile (233-kilometer) power line that would serve as a conduit for up to 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to reach the New England power grid. Tree-cutting was put on hold in June and July to protect the newly born young of a federally protected bat. Northern long-eared bats are tiny the size of a small mouse and they live in trees instead of caves. Like most hibernating bats, their numbers have been decimated by so-called white nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has killed millions of bats since it first appeared in New York in 2006. Northern long-eared bats are listed as threatened by the federal government and endangered by the state government. While tree-cutting will be suspended in June and July, other construction including the setting of poles continued. The project will be fully funded by Massachusetts ratepayers to meet that states clean energy goals. Much of it follows existing utility corridors but the new section cutting through 53 miles (85 kilometers) of woods is the subject a referendum in November. Supporters say the power line will have the effect of reducing energy prices across the region, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Critics, meanwhile, say the environmental benefits are overstated and that it will destroy woodlands and harm wildlife. The project previously received approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Land Use Planning Commission and Maine Public Utilities Commission. But opponents of the project have sued over a lease granted for a 1-mile section that crosses state-owned property. And a second referendum targeting the project will appear on the November ballot. The first referendum proposal was supposed to be on the ballot in 2020 but was tossed by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court on constitutional grounds. LONDON (AP) Black people whose right to live in the U.K. was illegally challenged by the government marked the anniversary Sunday of the act that freed slaves throughout the British Empire, drawing a direct link between slavery and the discrimination they suffered. Dozens of activists gathered in Brixton, a center for the Black community in south London, to back the international drive for reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans. They also demanded legislation to compensate legal U.K. residents who were threatened with deportation in what is known as the Windrush Scandal. The Windrush injustice would not have happened if Africans were not torn from the continent of Africa, said Kofi Mawuli Klum, organizer of the Emancipation Day event, which marked the 187th anniversary of the day in 1834 when slaves in the Caribbean and other parts of the British Empire were freed. After the gathering, some activists traveled to Buckingham Palace, hoping to deliver a written appeal asking Queen Elizabeth II to back their call for a Windrush Act to pay reparations to those hurt by the scandal. They were turned away by palace guards, who told them to send their request through the mail. The Windrush Generation refers to citizens of the British Empire who traveled to Britain between 1948 and 1973 after the government called on its colonies to send workers to help rebuild the country after World War II. It draws its name from the ship that carried the first migrants from the Caribbean in 1948. The Windrush scandal has rocked Britain since 2018, when many of these long-term legal residents were caught up in a crackdown on illegal immigration. Thousands lost their jobs, homes and the right to free medical care, many because they arrived as children and couldnt produce paperwork proving their right to live in the U.K. Some were detained, and an unknown number were deported to countries they barely remembered. A program designed to compensate victims has been plagued by complaints that it is too slow, too cumbersome and the payments offered arent high enough to make up for harm done by the British government. The Home Office, the government department responsible for the program, in December acknowledged the slow start but said the program had been overhauled to make it simpler and faster. The agency has paid almost 27 million pounds ($37 million) in compensation, up from less than 3 million pounds at the time the overhaul was announced in December, it said. Another 7.1 million pounds has been offered to victims. The rally came just days after Parliaments Public Accounts Committee sharply criticized the government for failing the victims of the scandal. Chair Meg Hillier, from the opposition Labour Party, said it was important to remember how grave the errors have been and that peoples homes, families and livelihoods were interrupted and uprooted, some were forced from the country. ___ Follow all AP stories on racial injustice at https://apnews.com/hub/Racialinjustice. CORONA, Calif. (AP) A young TikTok star who had been on life support after he and a friend were shot inside a Southern California movie theater has died, police and his family said Saturday. Anthony Barajas, 19, was watching The Forever Purge at a theater in Corona with Rylee Goodrich, 18, on Monday when they were each shot in the head. They were found by an employee after the last showing of the night. Goodrich died at the scene. Barajas was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was placed on life support. Barajas, known online as itsanthonymichael, had nearly a million followers on TikTok and more on other platforms. The suspect acted alone, and theres no indication he knew the victims or that Barajas role as a TikTok influencer played a role in the crime, Corona police Cpl. Tobias Kouroubacalis told reporters last week. It was completely unprovoked, and the victims were shot without any kind of prior contact, Kouroubacalis said during a news conference Wednesday. Police were working with Riverside County prosecutors to add a second murder count against the suspected shooter, Joseph Jimenez. Jimenez, 20, appeared in Riverside County Superior Court on Friday after being charged with murder in the death of Goodrich and attempted murder of Barajas. But he didnt enter a plea, and his arraignment was postponed. Prosecutors also had charged Jimenez with a special circumstance of lying in wait that makes him eligible for the death penalty if convicted as charged. Jimenez has been jailed since his arrest. Its not clear whether he has retained an attorney who can speak for him. Barajas had been a high school honor student, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. From his quick smile to his compassionate heart, Anthonys presence was a gift to all who knew him, his family said in a statement. San Francisco police are hoping members of the public with information will come forth as they search for clues in the Friday night shooting they say claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl and put a 45-year-old woman in the hospital. "We are still gathering evidence. We are seeking the public's help" to solve the case, SFPD Officer Adam Lobsinger said in an interview Saturday. The shootings occurred in the 100 block of Bertha Lane just before 7 p.m., police said. The two shooting victims were taken to the hospital before the officers arrived, according to police. The 45-year-old victim was treated for injuries that are not deemed to be life-threatening, and she is expected to survive, police said. Despite life-saving efforts, the 16-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries, police said. One man died and another was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Redwood Street in Vallejo early Friday morning, police said. A 59-year-old man was driving westbound in the 2600 block of Redwood Street around 5 a.m. when he made a turning movement and collided with another vehicle, according to police. The man was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said. The driver of the second vehicle was treated at the hospital, and is cooperating with officers investigating the crash, police said. Buzz the bunny, Ginger the guinea pig and other small animals at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA are now available with no adoption fees in the shelter's "Bunty Python" promotion. The program, which launched Thursday, applies to rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters and mice - no pythons, however. It's named after a legendary comedy series, "Monty Python's Flying Circus," that aired on TV from 1969-1974. The "Bunty" refers, of course, to bunnies. The small animals will be named for Monty Python characters, Buffy Martin Tarbox, spokeswoman for the shelter, said, though one would hope "Sir Robin, the Not-So-Brave-As-Sir-Lancelot," won't be among them. On the other hand, it is true that mice and rabbits are not generally known for their fearlessness, grit and daring, so perhaps the title would be appropriate after all. The bicyclist who died Friday night in Oakland after being struck on Interstate Highway 580 was an individual experiencing homelessness riding in the wrong direction, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision happened around 10 p.m. on the highway just west of West MacArthur Boulevard, the CHP said. The man was struck by one, then another vehicle while riding his bicycle westbound on eastbound Interstate 580, witnesses told the CHP. A vehicle driving on Kirker Pass Road struck and killed a pedestrian crossing the road around 5 a.m. Saturday, police said. The 25-year-old man had been walking across Kirker Pass between Clearbrook Drive and Myrtle Drive when he was hit by a vehicle heading southbound on Kirker Pass, according to police. The driver, a 30-year-old man, stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. The pedestrian died at the scene, according to police. The California Highway Patrol reported a fatal crash Saturday morning on eastbound Interstate Highway 80 in Dixon. The single-vehicle crash was first reported at 12:12 a.m. and occurred at the Dixon Avenue off-ramp, according to the CHP. Some residents of Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and the community of Canyon received an evacuation alert Saturday between 9:30 and 11 a.m. - but the "evacuation" was just a drill. The event included a virtual "fire," but there was no actual fire. Residents signed up for the Contra Costa County Community Warning System got the message. The police departments for the three cities and the community of Canyon, among others, staged the drill. They asked citizens who received the virtual evacuation drill notice to gather their families and practice loading into the car. Copyright 2021 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area. Copyright 2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A man and a woman were found dead inside a Petaluma residence Saturday afternoon, according to a police spokesperson. Petaluma police officers made a welfare check of a residence in the 1200 block of Del Sol Way to check on a husband and wife who had not been heard from for approximately one and a half weeks. When officers arrived at the residence at 3:05 p.m., they forced entry inside, locating an adult male and an adult female, both deceased. Police said Saturday evening that there does not appear to be any outstanding suspects, and there are no safety concerns for the neighborhood. A warning was issued to Rohnert Park residents from its police department Saturday, cautioning the community to be aware of fraudulent door-to-door activity in which solicitors are asking people for monetary donations. Rohnert Park's Department of Public Safety said Saturday evening that two such incidents occurred earlier in the day, in which the subjects go door to door, selling candy bars and asking for donations to benefit children's organizations. In one incident Saturday, a well-intended citizen thought they were performing a good deed by donating. But, according to police, within a few minutes of the suspect leaving their residence, their bank accounts were electronically being emptied of funds. The suspects had a credit card reader device, and police explained that the suspects showed their victims either a small charge, or advised that the charge did not get processed. Afterwards, the suspects would access the account and withdraw funds. Police investigators remain at the scene of a stabbing Saturday evening near San Jose's PAL Stadium. The incident was reported to police at 5:54 p.m. The victim, an adult male, is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. A San Jose police spokesperson said the stabbing occurred in the 1600 block of Virginia Avenue. The motive is unknown. There is no suspect in custody at this time. A search continues for an at-risk 84-year-old man who wandered away from an Antioch convalescent hospital Friday afternoon. According to the Antioch Police Department, Ramon Fernandez suffers from a variety of medical issues, including dementia. Antioch police officers were dispatched early Friday afternoon to the Antioch Convalescent Hospital, at 1210 A St., on a report of a missing patient. Officers immediately conducted a search for Fernandez in the surrounding area. A Silver Alert from the California Highway Patrol was also issued. The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department's search and rescue team has also been assisting in the search for Fernandez. San Jose police investigators said Saturday that a motorcyclist who was killed after colliding with a tree was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash. The accident happened just after 5 p.m. Friday in the 2000 block of West Hedding Street, according to police. A preliminary investigation has determined that the motorcyclist, an adult male, was riding his motorcycle at a high rate of speed while traveling eastbound on West Hedding Street. He lost control and collided with a tree. The motorcyclist was declared deceased at the scene. Police said the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet. This is San Jose's 33rd fatal traffic collision of 2021 and the 34th victim of the year. Interstate 580 through the Altamont Pass in Alameda County was snarled in both directions late Saturday afternoon following a 15-acre brush fire that burned close to the freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol. Firefighters from the Alameda County Fire Department were dispatched to reports of a vegetation fire burning alongside the eastbound lanes of Interstate 580 in unincorporated Livermore, just east of the Altamont Pass summit and east of North Flynn Road near Comstock Road. When fire crews arrived just after 1:35 p.m., about four acres had already burned. Due to high winds and light, flashy fuels, the fire was able to move fast. Fire officials said additional crews were dispatched to the scene, and forward progression of the flames was finally stopped at 2:08 p.m. Police are at the scene of a traffic fatality early Sunday morning, after a hit-and-run collision killed a pedestrian near King and Story roads in San Jose. Officers from the San Jose Police Department responded to the 12:20 a.m. report of the collision and found that a vehicle had struck a pedestrian and then fled the scene, according to a 1:11 a.m. tweet. Police said traffic in the area will be impacted during the investigation and that more information is forthcoming. Firefighters have contained a fire at an abandoned building near Kelley Park, according to a 12:28 a.m. tweet Sunday from the San Jose Fire Department. The crews are expected to be mopping up the scene for 1-2 more hours. The department first posted at 12:02 a.m. that crews were on the scene. There were no reports of injuries. Sunday's forecast for the San Francisco Bay Area from the National Weather Service calls for a subtle cooling trend to continue as the sea breeze picks up in the afternoon hours. Overnight lows Sunday morning will range from the mid 50s to the mid 60s. Highs Sunday will range from the mid 60s to low 70s along the coast to the upper 60s to upper 70s around the Bay, with inland valleys reaching the upper 70s to mid 80s. Sunrise is at 6:13 a.m., with sunset at 8:20 p.m. Copyright 2021 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area. Copyright 2021 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. 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. Chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan here on Saturday met the visiting Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, reports Xinhua news agency. Khartoum, Aug 1 (IANS) Sudan has welcomed an Algerian initiative calling for holding a direct meeting between leaders of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia to reach a solution for the differences over the disputed Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile river. "The leadership in Sudan has welcomed the Algerian initiative calling for holding a direct meeting between the leaders of the three countries to resolve their differences over the GERD," Mariam Al-Sadiq Al-Mahdi, Sudan's Foreign Minister, said after the meeting. She said the meeting also reviewed the Libyan file and the role of the neighbouring countries and their cooperation in ensuring peace, security and stability in Libya. Ramtane Lamamra, for his part, said his meetings with the Chairman of Sudan's sovereign council, the prime minister and foreign minister reviewed bilateral relations with the focus on the current challenges and the contribution of the two countries in facing them. Despite countless tripartite negotiations among experts, ministers and leaders of the three African countries, they are yet to reach a trilateral agreement regarding the dam. Ethiopia reiterates that the dam will power its development aspirations, and boost its aspirations to attain the middle-income status by 2025. Meanwhile, Egypt and Sudan frequently express their concern that the dam would affect their share of the river waters. Rising from Lake Tana some 570-km north of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, the Blue Nile or Abay River is one of the two principal headwaters of the world's longest river. --IANS ksk/ 2522429 The Malaysian Health Coalition urges that any decision to postpone the Parliament of Malaysia must consider science and public health in apolitical terms. A functioning parliamentary democracy is an essential service, especially during a pandemic. There must be appropriate public scrutiny, law-making and debates to find the broadest range of ideas to fight COVID-19. We recognize the stature and importance of the Parliament of Malaysia, and we believe it can be considered a workplace. We can draw lessons from other workplaces that deliver essential services (like offices, banks, and factories), and follow the spirit of the National Recovery Plan. Therefore, the Parliament of Malaysia can safely function if it follows the workplace SOPs recommended by the Ministry of Health, National Security Council, and Department of Occupational Safety & Health. Additionally, the majority of Members of Parliament are already vaccinated, and all entry into Parliament require a prior negative COVID-19 test; these measures provide protection for attendees. Extra preventive steps can be implemented to enable parliamentary sittings, such as virtual or hybrid meetings and to vaccinate all parliamentary staff as soon as possible. We need trust to deliver effective healthcare for all Malaysians. Trust is built when decisions are consistent and when the Ministry of Health, its leaders, and all health professionals are ring-fenced from partisan politics. Science and public health must be apolitical, to preserve the rakyat's trust. Malaysian Health Coalition PETALING JAYA, Aug 1 (Sin Chew Daily) -- The SME Association of Malaysia works with COVID-19 Immunization Task Force (CITF) to vaccinate foreign workers, including illegal ones via a mobile team. SME Association of Malaysia Datuk president Datuk Michael Kang said the collaboration would begin in mid-August. In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Kang urged small and business entrepreneurs to sign up at https://smemalaysia.org/vaccine-workers for the association to know the head count and offer vaccination as soon as possible. Kang said the response is lukewarm at the moment with only over 10,000 illegal migrant workers signing up as many employers are fearful their illegal workers might be arrested. Kang, who is also a member of the National Recovery Council, said the government had assured that action would not be taken against illegal migrant workers. He urged the employers to sign up for their foreign workers, including illegal migrant workers, for them to get vaccinated. Kang said the collaboration would start in Klang Valley. The government has sufficient vaccines for migrant workers but does not have the information about foreign workers, including illegal ones. "By providing the contact number of person in charge and name as well as the number of migrant workers including illegal ones, we will arrange for the mobile team to visit them. "We do not wish the foreign workers to be vaccinated at national vaccination centers that may affect the locals. We are also afraid of possible outbreak," he said. Kang said if the number of foreign workers was high, more than one mobile clinic bus would be arranged to vaccinate the workers. The number of illegal migrant workers in Malaysia is estimated to range between two to three million, at least half a million in Klang Valley. Most of the illegal migrant workers are believed to be employed in the agricultural sector, he said. Kang said many migrant workers were not signing up for vaccination for fear of being arrested by the authorities. One of the solutions was to offer them vaccination carried out by mobile teams. 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! Desperate Victorian micro-businesses and start-ups say they are being unfairly excluded from the state governments support efforts with many small operators falling through the cracks of the hastily assembled system. A state government hotline for struggling small operators has been taking more than 180 calls a day on average since it was launched on July 23 with more public servants being drafted in to work the phones. The Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia says the rules around the Business Assistance Package, which received a $400 million boost last week, were inequitable and unfair. Businesses that are not registered for the GST are ineligible for state support payments. Registration for the GST is optional for operations turning over less than $75,000 annually, so many sole traders and micro-businesses have failed to clear the eligibility bar for cash support. They found Burkes earliest commissions in the 1930s and early 40s were for Georges, Myer and Hicks Atkinson department stores; bolts of hand-blocked cloth worked into house brand sportswear collections (Georges swimwear models Honolulu Lass, Bags of Fun and Escape me never were hits in 1937) or sold for curtains and furnishings. Loading Her work did, however, find its sweetest spot as Australians emerged in the 1940s from decades of comfortingly claustrophobic interiors. In the post-war revolution of lightness and space we know now as mid-century modernity, Burke established her legendary credentials. She was already in her 40s, co-heading her city-based textile factory, Burway Prints. The studio had blossomed from a home workshop, and through criss-crossing partnerships had become the go-to crew for artful, upmarket textile designs that would not only NOT fade in sunlight (as others scandalously did) but were plugged thrillingly, deeply into The Now. Business was romping, as Burke always planned it would. According to Oswald-Jacobs and Carter, although Burke had formally trained at both the National Gallery of Victoria and George Bell schools and by rights should have been starving in a garret like any self-respecting artist, she had unromantically scrapped that destiny and all the trappings of her born-in-Spotswood working-class origins (including her accent) for a life plan they found scribbled into one of her old sketchbooks. She didnt want to be an artist because she didnt want that hardship, Oswald-Jacobs says. She knew money does count; it makes peoples lives easier and happier. She could see that, and thats what she wanted. Burkes early switch to commercial reality was fortuitous. When her historic shot to shine did arrive on the lip of postwar modernity, she was primed, ready, her business savvy and compelling ways with pattern and colour (she once described colour as a living joyous thing it vibrates) considered rare and right-for-the-moment by architects and private clients. Roy Grounds own flat in Tooraks Quamby apartments, with curtain covering kitchenette in Frances Burkes Rangga, 1940. Credit:The Home, March 1942, State Library Victoria Burke was friend and collaborator to a galaxy of mid-century modern architects: Robin Boyd, Roy Grounds, Guilford Bell, Bates Smart McCutcheon, and many more who consulted her on the interiors of lavish modern homes, sprawling community projects and even whole company towns. Houses until then were all crowded and stuffy, all browns and maroons, Carter says. And then this new light and space and colour Colour was always sooo important to Frances, Oswald-Jacobs adds. You can imagine, after the war when she was working with these young architects on these light-filled houses with wonderful big windows and light, open spaces flowing into one another, she picked up on that excitement and distilled it all into these fantastic colours and fabrics. Tiger Stripe, 1938. Courtesy Ararat Gallery TAMA, Ararat Rural City Council and MDP Photography and Video. Credit: RMIT University, 2021 Burke worked with a dye-chemist, nutting out the maths for her own colour formulas keyed to sky and earth, flora and fauna, rivers and seas: rock red, waxflower, Yarra green, Potatoe brown, Blue violet, Hot pink. She was inspired mostly by nature, especially loved the seaside and the beach, Oswald-Jacobs says. She built a little house at Anglesea after the war and spent a lot of time there. Like many artists and designers before cultural appropriation was a thing best avoided, Burke also harvested motifs peculiar to indigenous Australian and Pacific island cultures. [Artists] saw that simply as nationalistic, Carter says. Especially during the war years it was, Well, were fighting for Australia, its land and people and Aboriginal culture just got drawn up into that. It was part of the national identity. Architect Robin Boyd and Indigenous elder Bill Onus were among few at the time to question the appropriation in published editorials, but mostly the practice passed unremarked. Wuramu, 1945-9, screenprint on cotton, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Credit: RMIT University, 2021 Burke slithered lizards and snakes across her fabrics, framed them with distinctive dots and swirls and concentric campfire circles. The elemental graphics were already familiar among her techniques of stripping back a flower, a leaf, waved tiger-esque stripes, a stylised koala or bird and hand-blocking or screen printing them on repeat for curtains or to upholster the new leggy furniture. Quite a lot of her designs have this strong horizontal emphasis, Carter says, and that fit with the horizontal emphasis of the modern interiors at the time. The new architectures oblong elevations, long runs of landscape windows, floating stairs, stone features and slim timber or steel-rod furniture were fuss-free and serene in comparison with their predecessors. She picked up on that idea of modern interiors being a respite from the chaos of the world outside, says Carter: Calm spaces with lots of white where you could rest your eyes: white walls, white door frames, white window frames. Eve Gye Living Room, Beaumaris, with Shields curtain by Frances Burke. Credit: Australian Home Beautiful, 1961, State Library Victoria Yacht Race, 1939, screenprint on cotton, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Credit: RMIT University, 2021 Burke often printed a single dye colour directly onto base cloth, enabling its white weave to show through and become the designs negative space. She started this technique very early and it became her signature, Carter says. After so many years of very fussy interiors, lots of colours and confusion, her limited palette and use of white with white made the whole thing of decorating a modern space much easier. Burke accented the white without overwhelming the architects and craftsmens visions. Even a commissioned wall-wide run of curtains could be intuitively tempered to chime visually with the interior design elements and layout while adding Burkes unique and striking smack of nowness. Health and data experts are urging the government to release more detailed COVID-19 vaccination information amid claims the data being published is sometimes weeks late, lacking vital details and is presented mostly as spin rather than as candid, useful information. As Sydneys lockdown defies the governments best attempts at suppressing the virus, experts and community groups are calling for access to the Australian Immunisation Register to help them develop policies and suggestions for battling the pandemic. In America, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has since March made local area vaccine data available in easy-to-use formats. Australia does not release this information in any format; instead, it publishes a PDF slide deck of state by state vaccination rates. Head of Respiratory Discipline at the University of Sydney, Professor Christine Jenkins, said the vaccination rollout has been politicised and slowed by a lack of data transparency, which makes it hard to find the barriers to vaccination in communities. We need to know what proportion of people are taking up the vaccine, where vaccine hesitancy is and which cultural subgroups is it in most specifically, Professor Jenkins said. Tens of thousands of teenagers will be travelling up to 20 kilometres across Sydney when year 12 returns to classrooms in two weeks, with some schools in hotspot areas drawing students from almost 100 postcodes and suburbs where COVID-19 is rife. The amount of travel especially in and out of areas with the tightest lockdown has alarmed teachers and some medical experts, who argue students are no different to essential workers and their movement should be minimised. But others say the risk can be mitigated. The NSW Teachers Federations state executive will meet on Tuesday August 10, saying teachers are outraged by the plan. It would not rule out industrial action when asked by the Herald. The meeting would consider all options available aimed at protecting the health and safety of all members. Much of the movement will come from students at selective and private schools; Sydney Boys High draws students from 163 postcodes and a significant number of its students come from Hurstville in the hotspot Georges River LGA. Prime Minister Scott Morrisons repeated offer to deploy troops to help control peoples movements in Sydneys lockdown areas has found acceptance not by Gladys Berejiklian, but by NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller. The commissioner likes a bit of fear in the community, and with a couple of regiments of soldiers in cams, hell have it. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and the COVID-19 Taskforce Commander, Lieutenant-General John Frewen. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Many in the lockdown communities come from countries where the citizens want protection from the military, not by them. This didnt work so well in Melbourne last year. Why would anyone think its going to work in Sydney? Community resentment will outlast even the Delta variant. If the police need supplementation, why not enlist Sydneys parking inspectors or parks rangers? They all wear uniforms, right? This all seems to be part of a stealth operation to securitise major domestic policy problems and to militarise public policy management. In military parlance, we could call it Operation Khaki Creep. But we should ask ourselves whether securitising refugee policy and management, the consequences of global warming (such as the January 2020 bushfires) and most recently the national response to the pandemic makes for good public policy and good public administration. The Victorian government is about to spend $5.3 million on a plan to grow recreational hunting, a pastime in which less than one per cent of the population participate. The total taxpayer subsidy for hunting and shooting in our state is huge more than $65 million since 2014. Why isnt there similar funding for, say, golf or birdwatching? Pre-COVID, more Australian tourists birdwatched than visited the Great Barrier Reef. Hunters have access to large areas of the states public land. Credit:Jason South At a time we are concerned about community health and safety, why have there been no risk assessments done of hunting near peoples homes? Why is there no protection for the other recreational users on public land? Hunters have free and largely unmonitored access to more than 50 per cent of public land in Victoria. Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting represents those opposed to and adversely impacted by recreational shooting of native waterbirds. Poll after poll shows most Victorians, especially regional, want it banned. Theres good reason. A tree collapsed on top of a motorist travelling north along the Mitchell Freeway as wild weather wreaked havoc for large parts of WAs coast and inland suburbs. A driver walked away despite this tree falling on his car on the Mitchell Freeway on Saturday night. Credit:Jo Trilling The Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued a take action now warning for parts of the Perth metro area, the Great Southern, South West and Lower South West. The storm was a weather event only occurring three or four times a year, according to DFES, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and even hail. Western Power reported power outages to more than 1200 properties in dozens of suburbs including Kelmscott, Armadale, Scarborough, Glendalough, Mundaring, Waroona, Roleystone and Balcatta. There has been a confusing array of official messages about the AstraZeneca vaccine (which as you know is one of the most widely used vaccines around the world and for many countries their only option). And to be frank, for someone whose day job for two decades has been working in vaccines, even I was confused. The communication void was filled by whoever had the loudest voice and what was heard was AstraZeneca is not good enough and it is not safe. This was deafening. It also ricocheted around the Pacific and PNG. To be fair, AstraZeneca has 0.003 per cent chance of a serious side effect in people less than 60 years old (and the risk is less for those over 60 years). Sadly, six people have died from this. In no way do I mean to trivialise this and my heart goes out to the grieving families. But recently there have been 10 deaths from COVID in New South Wales with the latest Delta outbreak. One was an unvaccinated 38-year-old woman. And last year about 1000 people died from the virus. Nearly all of those people would be alive today had there been a vaccine available except for those who wanted to wait for Pfizer. I really dont know why they want to wait. Even one dose of AstraZeneca is 83 per cent effective and two shots is even better, providing 94 per cent effectiveness against Delta. I have had two AstraZeneca shots, so has my husband and my Mum. Australia makes up to one million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine each week. We have supply, and our excess is flown to countries in our region who are struggling with COVID-19 and for that I am truly grateful. It is likely that we may all get a booster next year anyway, at least those most at risk, but the science is not quite there yet to guide us. So what impact does waiting for Pfizer and not getting vaccinated have on all of us? We all know the family hardships of business closures and the impact uncertainty has on mental health, the empty shop fronts, the heart of Melbourne silent and grey, the Arts community beckoning us to get vaccinated so they can continue to feed our soul (and feed themselves), and the threat of the AFL Grand Final being kicked to another state. Loading But what is really cruel, in my opinion, is the one million Victorian school children who have been forgotten. In our state, weve had five lockdowns and schools have been closed for 27 weeks in the last 18 months. Adults not getting vaccinated harms our children. We cant avoid schools closures this year unless people get vaccinated. To fully thrive, children need routines, certainty and the ability to play with their friends in person. A report last week by the Victorian Commission for Children and Young People said 50 per cent of children who completed their survey felt terrible or bad because of the pandemic which has been worsened by school closures. This has got worse. And although millions of dollars have been given to mental health services, the demand is so high that some have closed their books for 2021 and as the waiting lines are so long many are turned away. Instead distressed families bring their children to already overcrowded emergency departments. Many kids will bounce back, but the long term impact of anxiety and depression on the wiring of childrens growing brains is completely unknown. So what can families do? For those less severe, the Raising Childrens network and the Australian Psychological Society has good online resources. And yet some of us continue to wait for Pfizer. Loading We can change this. The quicker we all get vaccinated, the quicker we can stop snap lockdowns and schools closures, and prevent this ongoing deterioration of what is already a dire situation for our children. But no one has really told us that this is happening or what we are aiming for (at least officially). It continues to be impossible to mute the voices that lead us astray. So we cant blame anyone for not getting vaccinated. From that point, the states have largely gone their own way. The state premiers have shown leadership but I think the problem with national cabinet has been Morrison saying one thing publicly but a different thing privately. Mr Albanese said Mr Morrison had taken sides between states in a way that undermined unity, such as by calling Ms Berejiklians measures the gold standard when Mr Andrews was imposing lockdowns. The distinction between the way that he has spoken about Victoria and NSW, for example, or Victoria and Queensland and NSW, is the most obvious, he said. Its just there for all to see. Loading Mr Albanese also criticised the way the federal government initially backed mining magnate Clive Palmer in his challenge to West Australian Labor Premier Mark McGowan over border controls. If youre going to have a national cabinet process, you cant barrack for one state, he said. The government initially joined Mr Palmers case but dropped its support in August. The High Court ruled against Mr Palmer in November. Mr Albanese did not say a Labor government would scrap national cabinet but said he would take a different approach. I would talk to the states and territories about how its going to function and try to get a genuinely more cohesive approach, he said. I think we do need more uniformity and theres a need for a better discussion about how our Federation operates in practice. Mr Morrison rarely mentions Mr Albanese by name in interviews but last month accused him of having an absurd plan for recovery that depended upon local manufacturing of messenger RNA vaccines such as Pfizer, something that could not happen before 2023. The Prime Minister has defended national cabinet by saying it has met 46 times, more than all similar federal and state leadership meetings since federation, and got things right nine times out of 10 despite occasional political disputes. Yet the criticism of the peak body has crossed party lines, with former prime minister Tony Abbott describing national cabinet as a dogs breakfast two weeks ago. At the very least, we should stop calling this a national cabinet. Because frankly, a cabinet makes decisions that bind all its members. And the national cabinet is not a cabinet in that sense, Mr Abbott told the Liberal Partys Menzies Research Centre in comments reported by The Australian. Thats a marketing ploy, calling it a cabinet. The national cabinet is a co-ordinating committee at best. So lets call it that. Mr Albanese said a lot of Mr Abbotts critique was pretty right because premiers were making their own decisions and Mr Morrison was not showing leadership. Its not a cabinet. Its not a binding process. Its not something that is bringing people together. Thats not happening, Mr Albanese said. Parliament meets on Tuesday with eight weeks of sittings before the end of the year and widespread expectations of an election in March. This Saturday is the earliest date for a standard half-Senate election, according to the Parliamentary Library. Mr Albanese defended his move to drop ambitious tax policies from the last election on negative gearing and capital gains while also accepting Coalition tax cuts for those on higher incomes, but said Labor would go to the election with measures to stop some multinational companies avoiding tax. One of the things that weve said is that we need certainty going forward. And theres no doubt that the idea that you can propose major reform from Opposition has been shown to be very difficult, whether Labor has done it or whether the Coalition has done it, he said. Asked to respond to criticism that he stood for nothing, Mr Albanese said: I want to be defined by our policies for the future, not re-litigating the past. He said he stood for a stronger economic recovery with more secure work, national reconstruction with new industries, more support for skills and training, faster adoption of renewable energy and net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Amid complaints from Labor supporters that he was taking a small target approach to the next election, Mr Albanese said his agenda included policies to tackle the aged care crisis, a $10 billion social housing plan and a path toward the universal provision of affordable childcare based on a $6.2 billion funding boost announced last October. Thats a positive agenda going forward, not being defined by a response to the governments agenda, which has already been legislated, he said. Loading Labor caucus members fear more policy retreats, however, such as a move to drop the $2.3 billion spending boost for cancer treatment unveiled by Mr Shorten in the last election campaign. Mr Albanese dismissed reports he would dump the cancer policy and said he would increase support for health as well as education. Our health policy has been focused on the pandemic and theres been no discussion about or finalisation of any other issues, he said. Therell be enough vaccines. Therell be enough pharmacies, enough GPs, enough clinics, enough of all of that to achieve that, he told Sydney radio station 2GB at the weekend. If I were to walk out here in Canberra this morning wearing nothing but my board shorts, I would freeze. But if I go out there with a big coat on, Ill be fine. Thats what getting to 70 per cent vaccination is. But the November timeline could be thrown out by tardiness among certain age groups and states. There are more than 7.2 million Australians aged between 20 and 40. Among this group, which has faced restrictions on accessing a vaccine, just 10 per cent have received two doses. Across the entire population, the number fully vaccinated is 19 per cent with the highest rates more than 40 per cent among people aged 70 and over. Among under-40s, there is a widening gap between men and women. Despite initial concerns about their hesitancy, women have substantially higher rates of first dose and full vaccination rates than men. Among the estimated 1.9 million people aged between 30 and 34, the single largest age group tracked by the federal government, 18.2 per cent have had a first dose while 10.7 per cent or 205,000 people are fully vaccinated. Women in this group are almost 50 per cent more likely to be fully vaccinated. As part of the plan, the 70 per cent target has to be met in a state or territory to start easing its restrictions. Professor Bennett said the Doherty Institute modelling that Canberra relied upon to set the 70 and 80 per cent targets was actually quite conservative. Were saying we have to get to 70 per cent before we can really do much at all, so I think that is conservative. She said that was a reality of the highly transmissible Delta variant ravaging Sydney where vaccinations were already working. Professor Bennett believes about 1000 cases may have already been prevented in Sydney, with hospitalisations and deaths dramatically reduced. Dr Stephen Duckett, health program director at the Grattan Institute, believes the phased targets are too low to safely abandon lockdowns because they do not include under 16s meaning the targets are closer to 55 and 62 per cent of the total population. He said the phased plan was almost too vague to comment on listing measures that may be used and failed to rule out lockdowns, which were up to each state anyway. It doesnt give you any specificity whatsoever but it serves the political purpose of having a plan, he said. Its a very puzzling plan, which is vague, risky, and the other point about it is theres no clear strategy to actually get there. What is the strategy to actually achieve the targets theyve specified? The Grattan Institute wants a ramped-up advertising campaign, financial incentives such as a weekly $10 million lottery, mandated vaccines in some industries, a text message campaign, and vaccinations in schools and workplaces once extra Pfizer doses arrive in October. Loading The institute has done its own modelling, released last week, that found 80 per cent of the whole population should be fully vaccinated before it is safe to give up on lockdowns and open borders. Dr Duckett said that would be achievable by the end of the year if Pfizer was approved for children under 12, or by the end of March next year if not. The reason we did the whole population is that everyone can transmit the virus. The nations smallest jurisdictions, the ACT (22.9 per cent), the NT (24.4 per cent) and Tasmania (24.4 per cent), have the highest rates of fully vaccinated residents. Victoria (19.2 per cent) and NSW (19.1 per cent) follow. But in Western Australia, the full vaccination rate is a national low of 16.1 per cent. The national average could be held back by a laggard state like WA or Queensland which has the lowest single dose rate in the country at 36.8 per cent. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the thresholds had to apply right across the country. Loading I did hear one premier basically saying, Well, well run our own race. It cant be that way, he told the ABC. Every state and every territory must get to those targets in order for that to be an effective outcome from the national cabinet, and to keep us all safe. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved the Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds. Advice from immunisation expert group ATAGI on which children should get it, and when, is expected this week. Some in the government expect the advisory group to follow the UKs stance, which is that at this stage only children with serious underlying health conditions need to be vaccinated. Australians with fiances stuck overseas have been offered some hope of reunion, with Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo working on advice to government about how to get them into the country. Sydney man Gordon Chan has already given up on being able to bring his fiancee, Svetlana Chernykh, to Australia to get married, instead putting his life and high-paying job on hold to go and live with her in Albania in the hopes of starting a family. Sydney man Gordon Chan with his fiancee, Svetlana Chernykh, who has a visa to come to Australia to marry Mr Chan but has been repeatedly denied travel exemptions. Credit: There are now 1957 prospective marriage visa holders outside Australia, data from the Department of Home Affairs shows. This has more than tripled since March. The department is also processing a further 4614 prospective marriage visa applications from people outside Australia. Sarah Coplands world transformed a year ago. Her son, Isaac Oehlers, was singing nursery rhymes as she fed him dinner when the port near their home in Beirut exploded. Now she is fighting for justice to make sure the world doesnt forget the deaths of two-year-old Isaac and the 217 other victims of the blast. Two-year-old Isaac Oehlers with his mother Sarah Copland. Isaac was the youngest victim of the Beirut blast on August 4, 2020. More than 7000 people were injured and 33,000 apartments destroyed in the explosion on August 4, 2020. Its believed there were more than 2700 tons of ammonium nitrate stored alongside other flammable items in the busy commercial port that exploded. Ms Copland wants the Australian government to back a push for the United Nations Human Rights Council to launch an international investigation into the disaster. An Indigenous Voice to government may not be legislated in time for the next federal election, despite the minister in charge of the proposal promising to do so before voters hit the polls. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt has told the Herald and The Age that while he still wants to pass legislation before the election due by May he cant guarantee that will happen. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt says he will make a call on when the Voice will be legislated after hes considered the report. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Wyatt said he would first need to consider the final report from consultations into a co-design process, led by Indigenous leaders Marcia Langton and Tom Calma. Theyve had their final meeting, so the bringing together of all that information is critical to the government and I know they want to do it to reflect what has been said with Aboriginal people, Mr Wyatt said. What sacrifice would you make to win a gold medal? Would you go six months without seeing your fiancee, and then arrive in the same city, know shes just over there and still not be allowed to simply walk over and hug her? For Matt Wearn, that was the steep price of his slice of Olympic history. The Australian sailor, who christened the countrys most successful Games day with four gold medals, hadnt seen his partner, Belgian world champion Emma Plasschaert, since January. They arrived in Tokyo and still had to stay within their own team bubbles. When Wearn had sealed the single-handed Laser gold medal on Friday, Plasschaert couldnt help herself; the temptation to embrace the Olympic champion was just too much - with masks on of course. Contracts For July 12, 2021 No applicable data. Contracts For July 13, 2021 Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $23,018,589 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract provides for the integration of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) country into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and provides country-specific program support for F-35 aircraft production, modifications, logistics, and sustainment efforts. Work will be performed in Ft Worth, Texas (58%); Nagoya, Japan (26%); Orlando, Florida (11%); Redondo Beach, California (3%); and Samlesbury, United Kingdom (2%), and is expected to be completed in March 2025. FMS customer funds in the amount of $23,018,589 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(C)(4). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001921C0037). Contracts For July 14, 2021 The Navy is awarding 600 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts (MACs) to businesses in multiple locations across 29 of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia for future competition of support service requirements to be solicited by Department of the Navy activities under rolling admissions of the SeaPort Next Generation (SeaPort-NxG) multiple-award contract vehicle for engineering support services and program management support services in 23 functional areas. The government estimates approximately $5,000,000,000 in services will be procured per year via orders issued under the SeaPort-NxG multiple award contracts. These MACs have a 2.5-year base period of performance with an additional five year ordering period option. These contracts were competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps), with 620 offers received. No contract funds will be obligated on the basic MAC awards. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00178-21-R-7000). Lockheed Martin Aculight Corp., Bothell, Washington, is awarded a $12,291,610 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a five-year ordering period for technical services, integration, test, validation, and demonstration events support for the airborne high energy laser system for the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. Work will be performed in Dahlgren, Virginia (42%); Bothell, Washington (30%); and Orlando, Florida (28%), and is expected to be completed by July 2026. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Defense) funding in the amount of $100,000 will be obligated at the time of award and not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole-source award in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations 6.302-1(a) (2) (iii)only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00178-21-D-4412). Contracts For July 15, 2021 General Electric Aviation Systems LLC, Vandalia, Ohio, is awarded a $55,364,514 modification (P00012) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001918C0004). This modification exercises an option to procure 219 generator converter units in support of the F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G aircraft for the Navy. Work will be performed in Vandalia, Ohio, and is expected to be completed in July 2023. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $23,258,152; and fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $32,106,362 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For July 16, 2021 No applicable data. Contracts For July 19, 2021 The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $24,999,480 firm-fixed-price order (N6134021F0119) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N6134019G0002). This order provides for the upgrade of the P-8A Poseidon maintenance training device suite, to include virtual maintenance trainers and related courseware and hardware in support of the P-8A aircraft platform to ensure the fleet receives training in current aircraft production baseline capabilities that align with real-life flight scenarios for the Navy and the government of Australia. Work will be performed Jacksonville, Florida (60%); St. Louis, Missouri (15%); Seattle, Washington (15%); and Edinburgh, Australia (10%), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,139,920; and non-U.S. Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $10,859,560 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For July 20, 2021 No applicable data. Contracts For July 21, 2021 Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $19,066,327 undefinitized modification (P00005) to a previously awarded, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001920C0032). This modification adds scope to procure 16 Operational Data Integrated Network Base kits, to include software installation and integration support for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program in support of the Navy, Air Force and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in January 2024. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,051,967; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $2,929,986; and non-DoD participants funds in the amount of $2,551,229 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For July 22, 2021 Stratus Systems Inc., Belle Chasse, Louisiana, is awarded a $22,036,558 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering, technical, administrative and programmatic management support for total life cycle management of the various aircrew escape systems managed under the Joint Program Office for Cartridge Actuated Device/Propellant Actuated Device Tri-Service Charter. Work will be performed in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, and is expected to be completed by September 2025. Fiscal 2021 Navy working capital funding of $500 will be obligated on the first task order at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured and in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1)only limited number of responsible sources will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00174-21-D-0023). Contracts For July 23, 2021 The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded an $11,995,313 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001921F0550) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order provides production engineering support in support of the integration and installation of weapon systems on the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft for the Navy. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (82%); and St. Louis, Missouri (18%), and is expected to be completed in July 2022. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,887,845 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For July 26, 2021 Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $62,223,278 undefinitized firm-fixed-price order (N0001921F0511) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0008). This order procures 190 parachutes and 56 drag chute systems required to meet both full operational capabilities and an urgent requirement in support of delivered air systems for F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft for non- Department of Defense (DOD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in September 2025. Non-DOD funds in the amount of $25,407,691; and FMS funds in the amount of $5,703,948 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $37,007,569 modification (P00008) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001919C0074). This modification adds scope to procure special tooling and test equipment for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter production line in support of second source canopy tooling and other known capacity gaps for the Navy, Marines, Air Force and non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in El Segundo California (41%); Sylmar, California (26%); McKinney, Texas (26%); Melbourne, Australia (5%); Montville, New Jersey (1%); various locations within the continental U.S. (0.92%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (0.08%), and is expected to be completed in August 2023. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $8,753,641; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,753,640; and non-DOD participants funds in the amount of $19,500,288 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Insitu Inc., Bingen, Washington, is awarded a $16,432,736 firm-fixed-price order (N0001921F0854) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0007). This order provides for unmanned aircraft systems intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data collection support services for the Department of Defense, other government agencies, and domestic and overseas contingency operations. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington (20%); and various undisclosed locations outside the continental U.S. (80%), and is expected to be completed in October 2024. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,432,736 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For July 27, 2021 Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, is awarded a $48,777,624 firm-fixed-price order (N0001921F0316) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0029). This order procures low-rate initial production systems, to include 11 processors and 12 infrared receivers in support of the F/A-18 infrared search and track system. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (74.8%); Ocala, Florida (21.4%); and Santa Barbara, California (3.8%), and is expected to be completed in February 2023. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $40,560,986; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $8,126,638 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Military Aircraft Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $19,721,397 cost reimbursable modification (P00028) to a previously awarded contract (N0001918C1037). This modification adds scope to provide non-recurring engineering risk reduction efforts to support the delivery schedule of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft FAA1-FAA3 for the government of France. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (43%); Syracuse, New York (15%); Dallas, Texas (12%); Orlando, Florida (11%); West Chester, Ohio (9%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (10%), and is expected to be completed by January 2022. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $19,721,397 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For July 28, 2021 Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $38,969,779 modification (P00047) to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-award-fee contract (N0001919C0010). This modification increases the scope to develop the generic net enabled weapons and improved electronic attack mechanization capabilities from system functional review to development test complete on F-35A/B/C aircraft for the Air Force and the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and United Kingdom. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (86%); and El Segundo, California (14%), and is expected to be completed in October 2024. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount $420,232; and non-U.S. Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $2,150,693 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, is awarded an $8,511,060 modification (P00022) to a previously awarded, fixed-price-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract (N0001918C1028). This modification converts the main operating base (MOB)-8 (MB-8) secondary system to a MOB primary system; incorporates engineering change proposal (ECP) NG-4288 ultra-high frequency radio removal into MB-8; and incorporates the diminishing manufacturing sources change requests/ECPs into MB-8, and forward operating base (FOB) (FB)-5, and the tooling main operating base. In addition, this modification procures and installs one MOB validation and verification kit, and one FOB validation/verification kit. Work will be performed in Chantilly, Virginia (42.28%); Kearney Mesa, California (31.21%); Patuxent River, Maryland (8.19%); Jacksonville, Florida (6.08%); Palmdale, California (4.98%); San Diego, California (4.80%); Salt Lake City, Utah (1.22%); Mayport, Florida (1.17%); and Dulles, Virginia (0.07%), and is expected to be completed in December 2022. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,511,060 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For July 29, 2021 CASS Professional Services Corp., Temecula, California (N0042121D0033); and Omega Aerial Refueling Services, Alexandria, Virginia (N0042121D0034), are each awarded a firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. These contracts provide contractor-owned, contractor-operated, air-to-air refueling services to receivers for receiver pilot initial qualifications, recurring pilot refresher readiness training and supporting fleet exercises for Department of Defense agencies, Department of Navy fleet and test customers, Foreign Military Sales customers and government contractors. The estimated aggregate ceiling for all contracts is $900,078,260, with the companies having an opportunity to compete for individual orders. Work will be performed at various West Coast fleet area control and surveillance facility (FACSFAC) training ranges (35%); various Marine Corps training ranges (35%); various East Coast FACSFAC training ranges (25%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (5%), and is expected to be completed in July 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; six proposals were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. PAE Aviation and Technical Services LLC, Arlington, Virginia, is awarded a $98,000,000 firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides organizational, selected intermediate, limited depot level maintenance and logistics support services for the F-5 F/N aircraft. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Florida (32%); NAS Fallon, Nevada (30%); Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona (25%); and NAS Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana (13%), and is expected to be completed in January 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042121D0036). General Atomics, Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, California, is awarded a $33,712,972 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract provides for logistic support, maintenance services, supply chain and spares management, and sustainment support in support of the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft and its dual control mobile ground control station. Work will be performed in Yuma, Arizona (45%); Manama, Bahrain (45%); and Poway, California (10%), and is expected to be completed in July 2022. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,799,510 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(C)(1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001921C0016). Contracts For July 30, 2021 American Systems, Lexington Park, Maryland, is awarded a $165,409,685 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides software engineering and technical support services in support of a wide range of naval air programs for aircraft systems and subsystems for the Naval Air Systems Command Software Engineering Department. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (93%); North Island, California (3%); Seattle, Washington (2%); Indianapolis, Indiana (1%); and Jacksonville, Florida (1%), and is expected to be completed in August 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; four offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042121D0035). The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $40,744,320 firm-fixed-price order (N0001921F0588) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order procures 48 F/A-18E/F and EA-18G trailing edge flap shipsets. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed in December 2023. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $40,744,320 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded an $8,875,584 firm-fixed-price order (N0001921F0024) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order procures 86 satellite communication retrofit kits for F/18 series aircraft as follows: 36 for EA-18G aircraft, 25 for F/A-18E aircraft, and 25 for F/A-18F aircraft, to include rate tooling to increase monthly kit production capacity. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California (80%); and St. Louis, Missouri (20%), and is expected to be completed in July 2024. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,875,584 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Somerset, KY (42501) Today Sunshine early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. William "Bill" Hamilton, age 64, of Somerset, KY, passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at the Jewish Hospital in Louisville. Services are pending at this time and will be announced later. You are welcome to view the obituary and send condolences to the family at our website: www.LakeCumber Washington, 31 July 2021 (SPS) - Former diplomats and human rights activists in the United States has called on the head of US diplomacy, Antony Blinken, to open an investigation into human rights violations perpetrated by Morocco in occupied Western Sahara. In a letter addressed to the US Secretary of State on Thursday, the signatories called on the State Department to denounce the Moroccan aggression against the Sahrawi population and to immediately open an investigation into the ongoing human rights violations committed by Morocco. Signatories to the letter included Suzanne Scholte, Seoul Peace Prize laureate and President of the Defense Forum Foundation, Gare Smith, President of Global Business and Human Rights Practice-Foley Hoag, Katlyn Thomas, former head of legal affairs at Minurso, Katrina Lantos Swett, daughter of the late Congressman Tom Lantos, and President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. They also included Bill Fletcher, co-chair of the campaign to end the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara, Jason Poblete, president of the Global Liberty Alliance, and Chadwick Gore, former acting deputy assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. In their letter, the signatories point out that the decision taken by former US President Donald Trump to recognise Morocco's alleged sovereignty over Western Sahara violates international law, which has been the cornerstone of US policy since the creation of the United States, and revokes the respect for international law and human rights that President Biden has pledged to uphold. The signatories called on President Biden to reverse this decision, which has received bipartisan condemnation" in the US. They warned that this decision has put the Sahrawi population in danger and requires "urgent action". The letter to the State Department recalled the statement by Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, who in July called on Morocco to stop the "systematic targeting of Sahrawi human rights defenders, who are often imprisoned and subjected to cruel and inhuman treatment for carrying out legitimate activities. Activist Sultana Khaya, president of the Association for the Defence of Human Rights and the Protection of Natural Resources, which campaigns for self-determination in Western Sahara, and members of the Sahrawi Body against the Moroccan Occupation have recently been targeted by the Moroccan security forces. The signatories deplored the number of unprecedented attacks perpetrated in recent weeks against these militants, noting that most Sahrawi activists in the occupied territories are now under house arrest and a police blockade. The letter also highlighted the millions of dollars Morocco spends every year on lobbying in the US to support its hold on the territory of occupied Western Sahara. (SPS) 062/T MACUNGIE, Pa. (AP) President Joe Biden checked out the big rigs at a Pennsylvania truck factory on Wednesday and promised workers that his policies would reshape the U.S economy for the working class a message clearly aimed at a group of voters who have drifted to Republicans. Biden highlighted new buy American rules from his administration that he said would put a new muscle behind an initiative that he argued had become a hollow promise in recent years. "They got a new sheriff in town, Biden said after touring Mack Truck's Lehigh Valley operations facility. He said the effort would help create jobs, a central thrust of his administration's build back better program. Administration officials, who have made manufacturing jobs a priority, believe Democrats political prospects next year might hinge on whether Biden succeeds in reinvigorating a sector that has steadily lost jobs for more than four decades. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump each said his policies would save manufacturing jobs, yet none of them broke the long-term trend in a lasting way. The administration is championing a $973 billion infrastructure package, $52 billion for computer chip production, sweeping investments in clean energy and the use of government procurement contracts to create factory jobs. On the visit, Biden heard about Mack's electric garbage trucks. The ability to build and sell these new trucks would be helped by the president's proposed investment in buy American production incentives for domestic electric vehicle manufacturing, said White House deputy press secretary Karine Jeanne-Pierre. The plant was neatly organized, with the thousands of truck parts organized in aisles and the hulls of half-finished trucks awaiting the president's inspection. The plant was silent other than the whir of fans. Work was halted as part of a two-week hiatus during which Biden visited. The president won Lehigh County in the 2020 election, but he is facing the perpetual challenge of past administrations to revive a manufacturing sector at the heart of American identity. Failure to bring back manufacturing jobs could further hurt already ailing factory towns across the country and possibly imperil Democrats' chances in the 2022 midterm elections. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said Biden should siphon off unspent money from his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package to cover the investments in infrastructure, instead of relying on tax increases and other revenue-raisers to do so. Hopefully, he will use his visit to learn about the real, physical infrastructure needs of Pennsylvanians and the huge sums of unused COVID funds which should pay for that infrastructure, Toomey said in a statement. Layoffs of white factory workers led communities to vote for Republican challengers and turn against Democratic incumbents, according to a 2021 research paper by McGill Universitys Leonardo Baccini and Georgetown Universitys Stephen Weymouth. They found a connection between deindustrialization and greater racial division as white voters interpreted the layoffs as a loss of social status. Areas with more factory layoffs also became more pessimistic about the entire economy. The trends documented in the research were most pronounced in 2016, when Donald Trump won the White House while emphasizing blue-collar identity and racial differences. One challenge for Democrats is that theyre not being forced to deal with the most recent manufacturing job losses, but layoffs that began decades ago. Biden would benefit from an improved manufacturing jobs outlook, Weymouth said. But a lot of economists think that many of these jobs are gone for good. And so, its an uphill battle. Theres alternatives: The president can pursue a more substantial social safety net for people who lose their jobs or investments in these communities that declined for decades. The Biden administration is trying to help domestic manufacturers by proposing to increase the amount of American-made goods being purchased by the federal government. The administration is proposing that any products bought by the government must have 60% of the value of their component parts manufactured in the United States. The proposal would gradually increase that figure to 75% by 2029, significantly higher than the 55% threshold under current law. Manufacturing has improved since the depths of more than a year ago during the coronavirus pandemic-induced recession. Labor Department data show that factories have regained about two-thirds of the 1.4 million manufacturing jobs lost because of the outbreak. Factory output as tracked by the Federal Reserve is just below its pre-pandemic levels. But the manufacturing sector especially autos is facing serious challenges. Automakers are limited by a global shortage of computer chips. Without the chips that are needed for a modern vehicle, the production of cars and trucks has dropped from an annual pace of 10.79 million at the end of last year to 8.91 million in June, a decline of nearly 18% as measured by the Fed. Analysts at IHS Market estimate that the supply of semiconductors will only stabilize and recover in the second half of 2022, right as the midterm races become more intense. For the past several decades, presidents have pledged to bring back factory jobs without much success. Manufacturing employment peaked in 1979 at nearly 19.6 million jobs, only to slide downward with steep declines after the 2001 recession and the 2007-09 Great Recession. The figure now stands at 12.3 million. VERONA, Italy (AP) Shouts of Liberty! have echoed through the streets and squares of Italy and France as thousands show their opposition to plans to require vaccination cards for normal social activities, such as dining indoors at restaurants, visiting museums or cheering in sports stadiums. Leaders in both countries see the cards, dubbed the Green Pass in Italy and the health pass in France, as necessary to boost vaccination rates and persuade the undecided. Italian Premier Mario Draghi likened the anti-vaccination message from some political leaders to an appeal to die. The looming requirement is working, with vaccination requests booming in both countries. Still, there are pockets of resistance by those who see it as a violation of civil liberties or have concerns about vaccine safety. About 80,000 people protested in cities across Italy last weekend, while thousands have marched in Paris for the past three weekends, at times clashing with police. More than 200,000 marched across France on Saturday, 14,000 of them in Paris, in the biggest show yet. European nations in general have made strides in their vaccination rates in recent months, with or without incentives. No country has made the shots mandatory, and campaigns to persuade the undecided are a patchwork. Denmark pioneered vaccine passes with little resistance. Belgium will require a vaccine certificate to attend outdoor events with more than 1,500 people by mid-August and indoor events by September. Germany and Britain have so far resisted a blanket approach, while vaccinations are so popular in Spain that incentives are not deemed necessary. In France and Italy, demonstrations against vaccine passes or virus restrictions in general are bringing together otherwise unlikely allies, often from the political extremes. They include far-right parties, campaigners for economic justice, families with small children, those against vaccines and those who fear them. Many say vaccine pass requirements are a source of inequality that will further divide society, and they draw uneasy historic parallels. We are creating a great inequality between citizens, said one protester in Verona, who identified himself only as Simone because he said he feared for his livelihood. We will have first-class citizens, who can access public services, the theater, social life, and second-class citizens, who cannot. This thing has led to apartheid and the Holocaust." Some protesters in Italy and France have worn yellow Stars of David, like those the Nazis required Jews to wear during World War II. Holocaust survivors call the comparison a distortion of history. They are madness, gestures in poor taste that intersect with ignorance, said Liliana Segre, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor and Italian senator for life. It is such a time of ignorance, of violence that is not even repressed any more, that has become ripe for these distortions. Similar comparisons during protests in Britain have been widely condemned. One of the most prominent anti-lockdown activists, Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, was arrested earlier this year after distributing a leaflet making the comparison, depicting the Auschwitz concentration camp. The French health pass is required at museums, movie theaters and tourist sites, and comes into effect for restaurants and trains on Aug. 9. To get it, people must be fully vaccinated, have a recent negative test, or proof they recently recovered from COVID-19. Italys requirements are less stringent. Just one vaccine dose is required, and it applies to outdoor dining, cinemas, stadiums, museums and other gathering places from Aug. 6. Expanding the requirement to long-distance transport is being considered. A negative test within 48 hours or proof of having recovered from the virus in the last six months also provide access. Vaccine demand in Italy increased by as much as 200% in some regions after the government announced the Green Pass, according to the country's special commissioner for vaccinations. In France, nearly 5 million got a first dose and more than 6 million got a second dose in the two weeks after President Emmanuel Macron announced that the virus passes would be expanded to restaurants and many other public venues. Before that, vaccination demand had been waning for weeks. A full 15% of Italians remain resistant to the vaccine message: 7% identifying themselves as undecided, and 8% as anti-vaccine, according to a survey by SWG. The survey of 800 adults, conducted July 21-23, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. The biggest reasons for hesitating or refusing to get vaccinated, cited by more than half of respondents, are fears of serious side effects and concerns that the vaccines have not been adequately tested. Another 25% said they dont trust doctors, 12% said they dont fear the virus, and 8% deny it exists. This leaves some hard-to-penetrate segments of the population. About 2 million Italians over 60 remain unvaccinated, despite being given precedence in the spring. Thousands remain unprotected in Lombardy alone, the epicenter of Italys outbreak. The city of Milan is dispatching mobile vans with vaccines and other supplies to a different neighborhood every day. They reach out to the reluctant with flyers and social media posts, vaccinating 100-150 people a day with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Rosi De Filippis, 68, got the shot after pressure from a daughter. In any case, it became sort of mandatory, De Filippis said. In the beginning, we didnt know everything we know today. So I decided to go ahead with it. Businesses in Italy and France are grudgingly accepting the passes, amid concern over how private companies can enforce public policy. Denmarks experience suggests compliance gets easier with time -- and rising vaccination rates. The first couple months werent good, recalls Sune Helmgaard, whose restaurant in Copenhagen serves hearty classic Danish fare. In the spring, vaccination rates were still low and customers couldnt always get tested in time. But with more than 80% of eligible Danes having received at least one shot and more than 60% fully vaccinated, Helmgaards business is back to pre-pandemic levels. People feel safer, he said, so Danes are quite happy to show their pass. ____ Associated Press reporters across Europe contributed. - More AP stories on the coronavirus pandemic: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic Alexis Gevanter, Democrat Two months ago, Alexis Gevanter was an engaged volunteer advocating for gun safety legislation as the Connecticut chapter leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. But now the 39-year-old Greenwich resident and attorney finds herself in an unexpected position. She is running as the Democratic candidate and positioning herself as a political outsider as she seeks to succeed Alex Kasser in the 36th Senate District, which includes Greenwich and parts of Stamford and New Canaan, in a special election set for Aug. 17. The winner of the three-way race will finish out the two-year term, which runs through the end of 2022. And in a race that is most decidedly a sprint, it is a new but exciting challenge that she says she is eager to tackle. Advocating for issues has always been a big part of my life, whether it has been as a business attorney, a gun violence prevention advocate or just as a mom in the community, Gevanter said. So when the seat opened up, I thought maybe this is a place where I can use my skills to create positive change by doing what Ive always done, listening, finding common ground, building coalitions and working together. Kasser unexpectedly resigned from the Senate in late June, and now Gevanter is running against Republican Ryan Fazio and petition candidate John Blankley, something she admits has been a whirlwind. It has been exciting and invigorating, Gevanter said. Its truly been an honor to run. Ive been blessed to meet so many volunteers and advocacy groups and voters, neighbors and members of our community. Ive learned whats important to them and whats on their minds and how we can best make that change in Hartford. Many residents want to hear how youre going to make their lives better, especially coming out of the pandemic, she said, and she wants to keep the state on the right path. Thats why I think I will win this seat, Gevanter said. I am going to be a champion for all of the people of the 36th District. Gevanter once worked as a legislative aide in the congressional office of former U.S. Rep. Steven Rothman, D-N.J. And despite an interest in policy, she said she never intended to run for office until the seat became vacant and she saw an opportunity to advocate for the district. The Senate seat was long held by Republicans. But when Kasser was first elected in 2018, she became the first Democrat to represent the district since 1930. In the race, Gevanter looks to focus on her platform, pointing to what she calls the three Ps prosperity, progress and public safety and health. Prosperity, she says, includes investment in education, which includes making college more accessible and offering debt-free community college. She said she would advocate for bipartisan state budgets without tax increases and supports eliminating the Social Security tax as well as fully repealing the estate tax in the state. Gevanter said she would push for more jobs in the state, an area she said her experience as a business attorney would help in attracting businesses to Connecticut. When it comes to progress, she said it is something we always need to keep our eye on and it includes expanding voting rights in the state, expanding and protecting womens rights, and protecting the environment. Gevanter called these all critical issues that require working across the aisle to accomplish, something she says she has the temperament to do. Public safety includes gun violence prevention because we need to make sure our kids are safe in schools, on the playgrounds and in their homes, Gevanter said. It also includes emerging from this pandemic by following the science and listening to the experts. And I also think we need to fully fund our police. These are things that are really important to me and to the people of the 36th District. Calling herself a Ned Lamont Democrat, Gevanter said she would want to be a partner to the governor in Hartford. Gevanter has lived in the district for three years. A former resident of New York, with a brief period going back and forth to San Francisco, Gevanter said this was always where she and her husband, who has worked in town since 2012, wanted to raise their family. Greenwich, she said, is where they chose to move after they had the first of their two children, who are now ages 4 and 2. This is an amazing, diverse community, Gevanter said. I think as a mom of young children in this community, as somebody who chose this community, I fully understand why people would come here and what they want out of here for their families and how we make sure our children move back here and this is a place where we can retire. I keep hearing from people, Alexis, I dont want to die in Florida. What are we going to do about these taxes? We want this to be a multigenerational community where our teachers can live, where our police can live, where our nurses can live as well as our executives and professionals and small business owners, she said. NASHUA, N.H. Christina Darling finally replaced her 2006 Chevrolet Equinox after it broke down several times while picking her children up from day care. But the 31-year-old mother of two was struggling to keep up with the car payments. Brianne Walker desperately wanted to take her three children and two siblings camping for the first time but wasnt sure how she could pay for it. After all, she was behind on her rent, and day care and grocery costs were adding up. Then, the two women from New Hampshire got a surprise in their bank accounts this month. They qualified for the expanded child tax credit, part of President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. Families on average are getting $423 this month; the Treasury Department estimates that 35.2 million families received payments in July. The additional money does help alleviate the pressure, said Walker, 29, who took custody of her two siblings last year after her mother overdosed. The $800 credit will help make up for losses she incurred after quitting a kitchen design job to care for the five youngsters, ages 3 to 19. Biden increased the amounts going to families and expanded it to include those whose income is so little they dont owe taxes. The benefits begin to phase out at incomes of $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married couples. Families with incomes up to $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for married couples can still receive the previous $2,000 credit. In the past, eligible families got a credit after filing their taxes either as a lump sum payment or a credit against taxes owed. But now six months of payments are being advanced monthly through the end of the year. A recipient receives the second half when they file their taxes. The credit is $3,600 annually for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. Eligible families will receive $300 monthly for each child under 6 and $250 per older child. Advocates argue the monthly payments make more sense for low-income families. One of the problems with the big check in a year, if your car broke six months before, that is a long time to wait, said Michael Reinke, executive director of the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, which serves many families making less than $26,000 a year. When people have money over a consistent period of time, its easier to make sure its going to the expenses you really need, he said. Sometimes, if you get it all at once, its hard to budget. Robin McKinney, co-founder and CEO of the CASH Campaign of Maryland, a Baltimore nonprofit organization that helps low-income residents file taxes, said the credit is providing people money in their pockets now, when they need it most. We know right now that peoples hours are down or theyre still struggling to get back to the same level of income that they had before, and this will create some stability for those families to know that over the next six months that theyre going to be getting this payment, McKinney said. If all the money goes out, the expectation is that could significantly reduce poverty with one study estimating it could cut child poverty by 45%. And it comes at a time when unemployment benefits are being phased out and the federal eviction moratorium is set to expire Saturday. The payments are also a test case of sorts. Biden ultimately would like to make them permanent and the impact they have could go a long way to shaping that debate later this year. It infuses money into the family home, said Suzanne Torregano, director of Family Services at Kingsley House in New Orleans, who estimated that 85%-90% of the parents the group serves are getting the monthly payments. Still, some advocates argue the money may never reach the neediest because their incomes are so low they arent required to file a tax return, they dont have a fixed address or bank account, or dont have the internet savvy to apply. What we are finding is that homeless families while many of them are eligible for the tax credit, they have significant barriers to obtaining it, said Larry Seamans, president of FamilyAid Boston, which serves 900 families daily. We have some counter-intuitive struggles of families who may be unfamiliar with tax forms, tax laws and the fact that by filing a tax return, you can actually get money to support your family, Seamans said. Many families ... are not on the tax rolls. They now have to find sufficient documentation to prove that they are eligible. Families who do receive the credit are mostly spending it on rent, child care and groceries, as well as catching up on cellphone and other bills. For Darling, the $550 she gets will go to car payments, more fresh produce and a babysitter so she can attend Nashua Board of Education meetings. She is running for a seat on the board. Eventually, she hopes to put money aside to save for a home with a yard. Every step closer we get to a livable wage is beneficial. That is money that gets turned around and spent on the betterment of my kids and myself, said Darling, a housing resource coordinator who had been supplementing her $35,000-a-year salary with monthly visits to the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelters food pantry. McKinney, who is married with a 5-year-old son and qualifies for the tax credit, is getting $167 a month. She said its all going to help pay for child care, which costs $288 a week. Right now, its out-of-school time because its the summer, so people have to pay for camps and babysitting support so that the parents can go to work, said McKinney, of Columbia, Maryland. I know a lot of people who are like: This money is coming at just the right time, because this summer is more expensive for me for child care. Many families in higher-income brackets who receive less money are socking it away for things like a family trip, school supplies or Christmas gifts. Carleigh Steele, who received several hundred dollars, said the money is giving her peace of mind a month after she moved into a house in Baltimore with the help of Habitat for Humanity. Its sitting in my bank account for all the home-buying things that I need, and for the rainy day fund for my house just to make sure that I can keep myself economically stable, said Steele, who has a 6-year-old daughter. Brianne Epps, a mother of four from Jackson, Mississippi, is using the money to pay bills but also to finance her dream of opening a soul food catering business. It will help me, for one, to promote my catering business to get that off the ground, she said. Molly Vigeant, of East Hartford, Connecticut, a 25-year-old single mother who works as a special needs paraprofessional in a high school, hopes to spend the money to repair or replace her car. But shes had trouble accessing a portal aimed at helping applicants and hasnt yet received anything. It doesnt hurt yet, she said of the delayed payment. But, its a 20-year-old car with over 200,000 miles on it and I make 20 grand a year. A new one is not going to fall from the sky, when your debt-to-income ratio is garbage and you know you cant finance a car. ___ Associated Press writers Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland; Rebecca Santana in New Orleans; Emily Wagster Pettus in Jackson, Mississippi, and Pat Eaton-Robb in Columbia, Connecticut, contributed to this report. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu had an exchange of views with his British counterpart, Dominic Raab, regarding the incident involving the "Mercer Street" ship incident, informs the Romanian MAE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). According to a MAE press release sent on Sunday to AGERPRES, the exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Dominic Raab, aimed at elucidating as soon as possible the circumstances in which the violent incident of July 29, 2021, in which a Romanian citizen and a citizen of the United Kingdom died, took place. The head of British diplomacy conveyed to Minister Aurescu his condolences for the death of the Romanian citizen, together with a citizen of the United Kingdom, following the violent incident on July 29, 2021 in the Hurmuz Strait area, which involved the "Mercer Street" ship, Agerpres informs. Minister Raab also expressed British authorities' readiness to coordinate with the Romanian side in order to carry out the repatriation procedures. Minister Bogdan Aurescu thanked his British counterpart for his message of compassion and in turn sent condolences for the death of the UK citizen aboard the same ship, as well as his interest in coordinating joint repatriation efforts. The two ministers held a preliminary exchange of information on the circumstances of the tragic event, and agreed to remain in close contact until the exact circumstances of the incident are established. On Saturday, Aurescu also had a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Yair Lapid, regarding the incident that involved the "Mercer Street" ship in the Arabian Sea. A Romanian Mercer Street oil crew member and a British crew member were killed in an attack on Thursday, in unclear circumstances, while the ship was moving off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea in the northern Indian Ocean, Israeli company Zodiac Maritime, which manages the vessel, told Reuters, AFP, DPA and EFE. A Romanian and a British citizen died, according to a company statement, which adds that it does not know if there are any injured people. At the time of the incident, the Liberian-flagged ship was in the northern Indian Ocean, traveling from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, without cargo on board, according to the statement. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the event. According to the British maritime operations site UKMTO, an anti-piracy body under the Royal Navy, the attack was reported on Thursday around 18:00 GMT. Zodiac Maritime had confirmed on Twitter "suspicions of piracy" aboard the M/T Mercer Street. The British Defence Ministry said it was aware of reports of an attack on a merchant ship off the coast of Oman, adding that its headquarters in the region were currently investigating. The owner of the ship is Japanese, and the ship is managed by the British base of the Zodiac Maritime company, which is owned by the Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, ranked 197th in the top of the richest people by Forbes, with an estimated fortune of 11.3 billions of dollars. The head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), Secretary of State with the Ministry of Interior Raed Arafat, that Salvamaont (mountain rescue service) has evolved a lot in recent years and is becoming more and more visible in Romania's integrated rescue system. He underscored the major role of mountain rescuers during the recent floods in Bacau County. "Their role is extremely important, whether we are talking about Salvamont or Salvaspeo - speleological rescue actions. Recently, the canine component - avalanche dogs - has been added to the mountain rescue. The collaboration with MAI (Ministry of Interior), SMURD, Gendarmerie or ambulance services has led to the improvement of activities in the mountain areas and in saving lives. On Salvamont Day, I wish the public or volunteer services 'Happy Birthday!' Arafat said in a video message posted on Facebook on the occasion of the Mountain Rescue Day, Agerpres informs. The National Association of Mountain Rescuers in Romania (Salvamont Romania), the only mountain rescue service in our country, marks 52 years of activity under the name of Mountain Rescue and 117 years since the certification of the first organized mountain rescue structures. The day chosen for this anniversary was set for August 1, the beginning of the most difficult month of the year for mountain rescuers, with the most incidents recorded during a year. Belma Givens and their son Keith pass in front of a portrait of her husband Dr. Henry Givens, President Emeritus of Harris-Stowe State University for 32 years, during home-going services on the campus Sat. July 31, 2021. Givens was 90. ST. LOUIS Maj. William Robertson, an aviation pioneer here and co-founder of Lambert Field, had a factory that built gliders for World War II. Mayor William Dee Becker was a big promoter of the airport. The unpowered Army gliders were made of steel tube, canvass and plywood, and were designed to carry soldiers and equipment. They were pulled aloft by transport planes on nylon tethers and let loose to descend into rough landings behind enemy lines. They were dangerous contraptions for dangerous missions. On Aug. 1, 1943, Becker and Robertson were among dignitaries on a demonstration ride at Lambert. The day before, reporters had asked the mayor whether he was nervous. "They're asking our boys to use these things. Why shouldn't we?" Becker said. "When our time comes to die, there isn't much we can do about it." Margaret Becker, his wife, wanted to go along, but Army regulations barred women from military aircraft. The passengers posed for photographers before a C-47 transport slowly pulled them from the runway before thousands of spectators. "Now, watch the glider," said a voice over the loudspeaker. Dr. Russell Deidiker, the pathologist who performed the autopsy on Martin, testified that the 19-year-old had died of a gunshot wound to his left temple. He said that a soot ring indicated the gun was fired at near contact to Martins head. A second autopsy, which was commissioned by Martins family, indicated the gun had been fired from a different range. Deidiker said the second autopsy had been performed after Martins body had already been cleaned and prepared. Because of this, the pathologist said it didnt change his opinion. Toxicology results also showed drugs in Martins system, Deidiker testified. The jury heard from other witnesses along with written statements from people who attended the birthday party. Some described Martins behavior as paranoid. Others claimed various people at the party may have been involved in Martins death. The party was held for the daughter of the homeowner, James Wade, who on Facebook has mocked foreign accents and defended the Confederate flag. Earlier this year, he posted a meme showing a hand flipping the middle finger. It reads: Heres my apology for being white. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) A Springfield hospital reached a sad new record on Sunday when the number of coronavirus patients in its care rose to 187, an administrator said. CoxHealth CEO Steve Edwards urged residents via Twitter to get vaccinated to protect others, to protect children, to protect our community. On Saturday, Edwards wrote on social media that the hospital had 180 infected inpatients, which at the time was a new record, according to the Kansas City Star. The number was as low as 28 patients about eight weeks ago, he said. I cant understand the motivations of people disparaging healthcare providers and diminishing the reality of this pandemic, Edwards said on Twitter, as health officials continue to urge Missourians to get vaccinated as the more aggressive delta variant added to recent spikes in infections and deaths. In Greene County, where Springfield is located, 42.5% of the population has initiated vaccination and 36.2% has completed the vaccination process. Statewide, 48.1% of the population has initiated the vaccine and 41.3% has completed it, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Yet Congress has stalled repeatedly in dealing with the issue. Obamas 2012 creation of the program was meant as a stopgap to prevent deportation of young immigrants who met certain standards, including clean criminal records and enrollment in school or the military. It protected those young people for the moment, but never relieved Congress of its responsibility to create a path to permanent status for them. U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen, an immigration hawk, ruled in favor of Texas and other states that argued Obama had overstepped his authority in creating the program. Crucially, the courts ruling leaves in place protections for the more than 600,000 immigrants currently following the rules under Obamas executive order. But the ruling, if it stands, cuts off any future enrollees, leaving the threat of deportation hanging like an anvil over their young heads. The Biden administration is appealing the ruling, as it should, and an earlier sympathetic stance toward young immigrants by the Supreme Court indicates it could well be overturned. But that shouldnt be where it stops. As controversial as immigration issues in general can be, polls show wide majorities of Americans even Republicans favor granting legal status to the Dreamers, as the programs recipients have come to be known. Bipartisan legislation that provides a path to full citizenship, if properly crafted without overreaching into other immigration issues, should be a relatively easy lift. Hopefully, the Texas ruling will add pressure on Congress and force it to do what it should have done a decade ago. FILE PHOTO: A woman holds a test tube in front of displayed Emergent logo in this illustration taken, May 21, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Drug manufacturer Emergent BioSolutions Inc said on Friday it has received inquiries and subpoenas from a swathe of U.S. authorities related to its abilities to manufacture COVID-19 bulk drug substance. Emergent came under regulatory scrutiny after an error led to millions of vaccine doses being ruined at its manufacturing facility in Baltimore, which was producing bulk drug substance for Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April halted operations at the plant after it discovered that ingredients from AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, also being produced there at that time, contaminated a batch of J&J's vaccines. Emergent in a filing https://investors.emergentbiosolutions.com/node/20661/html on Friday said it has received "preliminary inquiries and subpoenas to produce documents" from the lawmakers, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and Maryland and New York Attorneys General. The Department of Justice declined to comment on the matter. Emergent said it was producing and has produced documents as required in response and will continue to cooperate with the government inquiries. An FDA inspection in April turned up a long list of sanitary problems and bad manufacturing practices at the facility, including failure to train personnel to avoid cross contamination of COVID-19 vaccines from J&J and AstraZeneca. Emergent said on Wednesday production at the Baltimore facility will now resume, following remedial actions, additional reviews and collaboration with the FDA and its manufacturing partners. An FDA spokesperson said on Thursday the facility has not yet received any authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine, but may produce vaccine substance in advance of future inspections by the health regulator. (Reporting by Chris Prentice in Washington and Manojna Maddipatla in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernard Orr and Shounak Dasgupta) NEW YORK and LONDON and MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. ("TowerBrook"), an international investment management firm, and Further Global Capital Management ("Further Global"), a private equity firm focused on the financial services industry, announced that they have received all requisite regulatory approvals, including approvals from the New York State Department of Financial Services and the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, to complete the previously announced acquisition of ProSight Global, Inc. ("ProSight"), a domestic specialty insurance holding company. The acquisition is anticipated to close on or about August 4, 2021, pending satisfaction of customary closing conditions. TowerBrook and Further Global Receive Regulatory Approval for Acquisition of ProSight and Appoint Jonathan Ritz as CEO. Concurrently with the transaction close, Jonathan Ritz will assume the role of CEO of ProSight. He joins after previously serving as President of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, Chief Operating Officer of Validus Holdings Limited, and Chief Executive Officer of Validus Specialty. The acquisition brings together ProSight's underwriting innovation with TowerBrook and Further Global's demonstrated success investing in the insurance and financial services industries. About ProSight Global, Inc. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, ProSight is an innovative property and casualty insurance company, providing a wide range of property and liability solutions to customers across the United States. The diverse offerings include products and services that help businesses protect their assets, manage risks, and provide financial security. ProSight is rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best. To learn more about ProSight visit www.prosightspecialty.com. About TowerBrook TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. is an investment management firm that has raised in excess of $17.4 billion to date and has a history of creating value for investors. The firm is co-headquartered in New York and London and focuses on making investments in companies headquartered in North America and Europe. TowerBrook's private equity strategy primarily pursues control-oriented investments in large and mid-market companies, principally on a proprietary basis and often in situations characterised by complexity. TowerBrook's structured opportunities strategy allows access to a broad array of opportunities, principally via structured asset and structured equity investments, enabling investment companies to access funding and expertise to support growth without ceding control. TowerBrook is a certified B Corporation. B Corporation certification is administered by the non-profit B Lab organisation and is awarded to companies that demonstrate leadership in their commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and responsible business practices. For more information, please visit www.towerbrook.com. About Further Global Capital Management Further Global Capital Management is an employee-owned private equity firm that makes investments in businesses within the financial services industry. Further Global seeks to be a true partner with the management teams with whom it invests with an objective to be the "Capital Partner of Choice" to the industry. Further Global seeks out situations in which its extensive network, operational expertise and capital can drive significant value. Further Global has offices in New York and Toronto with broad support from its network of senior advisors and operating partners. For more information, please visit www.furtherglobal.com. Media Contacts TowerBrook:Brunswick GroupBlake Sonnenshein / Alex Yankus917.818.5204towerbrookcapital@brunswickgroup.com ProSight:Ric Victores818.230.8216rvictores@prosightspecialty.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" (including "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of ProSight and certain plans and objectives of the Board of Directors of the company. All statements other than statements of historical or current facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements often use words such as "anticipate", "target", "expect", estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could" or other words or terms of similar meaning. Such statements are based upon the company's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Although the company believes the expectations contained in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove correct. Such risks and uncertainties include: risks and uncertainties related to the proposed transaction including, but not limited to: the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the pending merger transaction or the reinsurance transaction; potential legal proceedings that may be instituted against ProSight following announcement of the transaction; the state of the credit markets generally and the availability of financing; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the pending transaction in a timely manner or at all; risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; the risk that any announcements relating to the pending transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of the ProSight's common stock; and the risk that the proposed transaction and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of the company to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with its customers, agents or business counterparties, and on its operating results and businesses generally. The company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information on factors that may affect the business and financial results of the company can be found in the filings of the company made from time to time with the SEC. Unless indicated otherwise, the terms "ProSight," and "company" each refer collectively to ProSight and its subsidiaries. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/towerbrook-and-further-global-receive-regulatory-approval-for-acquisition-of-prosight-and-appoint-jonathan-ritz-as-ceo-301345285.html SOURCE ProSight Global, Inc. A soldier walks through the barracks at Fort Benning, Ga., where Pvt. Felix Hall lived before his death in 1941. (Kevin D. Liles/for The Washington Post) FORT BENNING, Ga. Felix Hall was 18 years old when he left home in Millbrook, Ala., to join other young men preparing to serve in World War II. But instead of fighting in the Pacific, as his all-Black regiment would do with distinction, the Army private was abducted, bound at the hands and ankles and lynched in a wooded ravine. His killers were never brought to justice. On Tuesday, more than 80 years after Halls death, officials at Fort Benning will unveil a memorial honoring his life and service, and formally acknowledge the act of racial violence that happened on base and under the Armys watch. The memorial plaque and its affirmation that this and similar crimes eventually moved President Harry S. Truman to desegregate the armed forces will be placed at the site where Hall was last seen alive. A separate marker will be installed in the woods where Halls corpse was discovered six weeks after his disappearance. To be lynched as youre in service to the United States Army? said Richard Liebert, a retired Army officer who trained at Fort Benning in the 1970s and 80s. Liebert, who is white, has for the past five years pressed the Army to recognize this young soldier whose life was stolen from him not by an enemy abroad, but by hatred at home. It just goes right to the core of my being as so wrong, he said, and just so unjust. The dedication of Halls memorial comes as Fort Benning, one of 10 Army posts named after Confederate soldiers, remains a flash point in the broader national debate over Americas history of slavery and systemic racism; the militarys long, contentious embrace of such figures and symbols; and mounting pressure from lawmakers and others to rid its ranks of white supremacists. Congress has directed the Defense Department to rename these facilities by early 2024. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., whose congressional district includes Fort Benning, said in a statement that the Pentagon still struggles to address racial disparities and infiltration by individuals who support white supremacist ideology. This memorial, Bishops statement said, reminds us of our duty to assure equality and justice for all those who follow in Pvt. Halls footsteps in service to our nation. While historians have long highlighted the injustice Hall suffered decades ago, it wasnt until last summer, after George Floyds killing at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer and the ensuing demonstrations by millions throughout the country protesting hate and inequity, that plans for the memorial began to take shape. A digital mock-up of the plaque recognizing Felix Hall, to be unveiled Tuesday at Fort Benning, Ga. (U.S. Army) A spokesman for Fort Benning declined to comment ahead of Tuesdays ceremony, though base officials shared a mock-up of the plaque. It says that, since 1948 when Truman ordered full integration of the military, the Army has led the Nation in creating an environment for Soldiers from all races and backgrounds to serve proudly in defense of our Nation, and that the service remains focused on reflecting on the past, present and future to ensure every single Soldier is afforded an equal opportunity to excel in supporting the Armys Mission. It stops short of labeling Halls death a hate crime, noting that investigations by local military authorities and the FBI were inconclusive. As The Washington Post reported in 2016, federal investigators did identify potential suspects, all of them white, though none were ever charged. An FBI report that is available to the public remains significantly redacted, with two key paragraphs that likely detail a top suspects motive obscured. The bureau declined to lift specific redactions in 2016 when The Post published its investigation into Halls murder, citing privacy exemptions. Earlier this year, it declined a request to lift all redactions in the report. According to Northeastern University Law Schools Civil Rights and Restorative Justice project which built an archive of more than 1,100 racially motivated homicides that occurred during the Jim Crow era and was first to unearth the FBI file on Hall at least 28 active-duty African American soldiers were killed in the United States during the World War II era. During the six weeks that Halls body hung in the woods, a white military police officer at Fort Benning shot and killed another Black soldier, Pvt. Albert King. Within 13 hours of Kings death, base authorities held a trial and exonerated his killer. Working with the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project, attorneys from the firm Morgan Lewis in June petitioned the Army on behalf of Kings closest known living relative to update his service record to say he died in the line of duty. The Armys Board for Correction of Military Records has acknowledged it is evaluating the request, the law firm said. Had these men not been targeted and killed at Fort Benning, they most likely would have completed their military training and deployed to the Pacific. Halls unit, the 24th Infantry Regiment, departed in the spring of 1942, and Army officials later recognized these soldiers contributions as well worthy of emulation and praise. Jesse Windsor, who, like Hall left rural Alabama and joined the 24th Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning, survived his military service, dying this past winter at age 97. His son, Thomas Windsor, said that after the war, his dad left the South and made a life in Connecticut. He got married, had two kids, and eventually became a grandfather. Thomas Windsor was moved by his fathers war stories and, a few years ago, they traveled together to Washington with the Honor Flight Network, an organization that brings the nations oldest veterans to the capital so they can experience the memorials built in their honor. He watched his father hold court with schoolchildren full of questions, and as fellow veterans white men in their 80s and 90s approached their comrade to apologize. People just came up to him, people who were on the trip, and said, Were so sorry. We should have respected your talents, we should have respected your abilities, Windsor said. I dont know if they were just prisoners of the context, or time or what. But you could I mean, some of this was very sincere. I just sat back and listened. And he just took it. Army veteran Kenneth Thomas, 31, shares a personal connection to Hall his late grandfather was Halls younger cousin and often reflects on what happened to him. Thomas said he sees racism as ubiquitous in the United States a poison that extends into every neighborhood and field of work. If that happened to Felix, I felt like that could happen to me, and it could happen to my kids, he said. Thomas, who joined the service at 19 and pulled a tour in Afghanistan, grew up with Halls story. His grandfather, Judge Hall, would often recount how he overslept the morning his cousin left home for the last time and the heartache he carried for the rest of his life having never said goodbye. He felt so bad, and he never got any closure, Thomas said. He never forgave himself. He always thought he could have done something to save Felix. Thomas said he wished his grandfather was alive to see the memorial dedicated. The justice he wishes for, at this point, is a country that acknowledges its history, punishes those who commit such crimes and eradicates racial violence. The Washington Posts Alice Crites in Washington contributed to this report. Demonstrators walk along Bismarckstrasse in Berlin, Sunday Aug. 1, 2021, during a protest against coronavirus restrictions. (Fabian Sommer/dpa via AP) BERLIN Thousands turned out in Berlin on Sunday to protest the German government's anti-coronavirus measures despite a ban on the gatherings, leading to clashes with police and the detention of some 600 protesters. Local authorities had banned several different protests this weekend, including one from the Stuttgart-based Querdenker movement, but protesters in Berlin defied the ban. Berlin's police department deployed more than 2,000 officers to try and disperse the protests, but it said officers who sought to redirect protesters or disband larger groups were "harassed and attacked." "They tried to break through the police cordon and pull out our colleagues," Berlin police said, adding that officers had to use irritants and batons. As the crowds made their way from Berlin's Charlottenburg neighborhood through Tiergarten park toward the Brandenburg Gate, police warned via loudspeaker that they would use water cannons if protesters did not disperse. By Sunday evening, police had detained about 600 people, according to German media, and protesters were still marching through the city. Germany eased many of its coronavirus restrictions in May, including reopening restaurants and bars. Still, many activities, such as dining indoors at restaurants or staying in a hotel, require proof that an individual is either fully vaccinated, has recovered from the virus or can show proof of a recent negative coronavirus test. Although the number of new coronavirus cases in Germany remains low compared with neighboring countries, the delta variant has sparked an increase in new infections in the last few weeks. On Sunday, Germany reported 2,097 new cases, an increase of more than 500 over the previous Sunday. The Querdenker movement, the most visible anti-lockdown movement in Germany, has drawn thousands to its demonstrations in Berlin, uniting a disparate mix on both the right and the left, including those opposing vaccinations, coronavirus deniers, conspiracy theorists and right-wing extremists. Earlier this year, Germany's domestic intelligence service warned the movement was becoming increasingly radical and put some of its adherents under surveillance. Wolfgang Schauble, president of Germany's parliament, sharply criticized the Querdenker movement Sunday, encouraging people not to be fooled by "cheap slogans." "If practically all experts worldwide say the coronavirus is dangerous and vaccination helps, then who actually has the right to say, 'Actually, I'm smarter than that?'" he told the Neue Osnabrucker Zeitung. "To me, that is an almost unbearable level of arrogance." The protests follow other demonstrations against coronavirus measures around Europe. More than 200,000 people turned out Saturday in France to protest vaccination requirements for the third straight weekend, at times clashing with police. Some 80,000 others protested in cities across Italy last weekend. previous coverage Germany to recommend coronavirus vaccines for those 12-17 Soldiers from 1st Special Forces Group and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Group parachute during a joint airborne operation on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 30, 2021, during Exercise Forager 21. (Daniel Proper/U.S. Army) Joint U.S. Army and Air Force exercises centered on Guam are intended to keep adversaries guessing about how Americas armed forces would defend and attack during a conflict, a top Pacific Air Forces official said Sunday. We know one thing for sure is that they've studied the way that the U.S., our allies and partners have employed force when it's been necessary, Lt. Gen. Jon Thomas, deputy commander of Pacific Air Forces, told reporters during a conference call that also included Gen. Charles Flynn, commander of U.S. Army Pacific. [Adversaries] believe that we'll concentrate and will build large mountains of sustainment and supply, and then we'll wait to go forward, Thomas said. We know that we can't wait to do that, nor can we give them that opportunity, and so thus we're preparing to operate in a different way. This summers exercises are doing just that. The Army is now in the midst of the Guam-based Pacific Forager 21 exercise, which involves about 4,000 U.S. personnel who rapidly deployed to the theater. 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 multidomain 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. The Air Force is wrapping up the Pacific Iron exercise, during which aircraft and about 800 airmen from Pacific Air Forces and the Air Combat Command deployed quickly into the Indo-Pacific region under the Air Forces new operational concept called agile combat employment. The concept employs a hub-and-spoke system of established and remote air bases and prepositioned equipment that allows quick and unpredictable deployment of air assets. Thomas described Pacific Iron as our largest and our most comprehensive exercise to date to exercise agile combat employment. We've demonstrated the ability to move forward to the second island chain 26 F-22s, 12 F-15Es and four C-130s here on Guam or nearby, Thomas said. Meanwhile, the Army is honing its own operational concept, multidomain warfare, during Forager, Flynn said. Under the concept, the Army is part of a joint force with the Air Force, Marines and Navy that is capable of engaging and defeating adversaries in all domains air, land, sea, space and cyberspace in both gray area competition and armed conflict. Both generals emphasized that the exercises taking place demonstrate the services concepts at scale. There's a whole host of work that gets done as concepts are being developed, Flynn said. But when you actually bring real forces together in real time, and they really have to sustain and they really have the command and control and they really have to conduct operational maneuvers at distance and at scale I think that's where their greatest incremental learning goes on. One reporter pointedly asked Flynn whether the U.S. Army could rapidly deploy in case Taiwan is invaded by China. The Army is always able to rapidly deploy, Flynn said. And we have a range of forces out here in the Pacific from forcible entry forces, to motorized forces to sustainment, communications, cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, security-force assistance all ranges of capabilities within the Army, that can move at speed and at scale, to conduct operations across the region. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, and North Korea's nominal head of state Kim Yong Nam, wait for the start of the preliminary round of the women's hockey game between Switzerland and the combined Koreas at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Feb. 10, 2018. (Felipe Dana/AP) SEOUL, South Korea The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned Sunday that next month's annual military drills between South Korean and U.S. troops will undermine prospects for better ties between the Koreas, just days after the rivals reopened their long-dormant communication channels. Kim Yo Jong's statement carried by state media targets only South Korea, and this could add credence to a theory that North Korea's decision to restore the communication lines is mainly aimed at pushing Seoul to convince Washington to make concessions while nuclear diplomacy remains deadlocked. "For some days I have been hearing an unpleasant story that joint military exercises between the South Korean army and the U.S. forces could go ahead as scheduled," Kim Yo Jong said. "I view this as an undesirable prelude which seriously undermines the will of the top leaders of the North and the South wishing to see a step taken toward restoring mutual trust and which further beclouds the way ahead of the North-South relations," she said. She added: "Our government and army will closely follow whether the South Korean side stages hostile war exercises in August or makes other bold decision." Regular drills between Seoul and Washington have been a long-running source of animosities on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea calling them an invasion rehearsal and responding with missile tests. South Korea and the U.S. have repeatedly said their drills are defensive in nature. In the past few years, South Korea and the U.S. have canceled or downsized some of their exercises to support diplomatic efforts to end the North Korean nuclear crisis or because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Asked about prospects for next month's summertime drills, Boo Seung-Chan, a spokesman at South Korea's Defense Ministry, told a briefing Thursday that Seoul and Washington were reviewing factors like the pandemic's current status, efforts to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and their combined military readiness. The U.S.-led diplomacy aimed at persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear program in return for economic and political rewards hasn't made progress since a second summit between Kim Jong Un and then-President Donald Trump broke down because of disputes over U.S.-led sanctions in early 2019. South Korea's government led by President Moon Jae-in, which wants greater reconciliations between the Koreas, had earlier shuttled between Pyongyang and Washington to arrange the first summit between Trump and Kim. But North Korea later resumed harsh rhetoric against South Korea, telling it not to meddle in its dealings with the United States. In June last year, Pyongyang also cut off communication lines with Seoul and destroyed an empty, South Korean-built liaison office on its territory. Some experts said Pyongyang shifted the responsibility for the collapse of the second Kim-Trump summit to Seoul and was frustrated with Seoul's failure to break away from Washington and revive stalled joint economic projects held back by the sanctions. After the two Koreas reopened their communication channels on Tuesday, talk of bigger reconciliation steps like another summit between Kim Jong Un and Moon quickly spread in South Korea. But Kim Yo Jong described such sentiment as "a premature hasty judgment." She said that "hasty speculation and groundless interpretation will only bring despair." Analyst Cheong Seong-Chang at the private Sejong Institute in South Korea said Kim Yo Jong's statement is a request for the complete cancellation of the U.S-South Korean drills that South Korea cannot accept. "South Korea has no justification to persuade the U.S. to suspend the South Korea-U.S. drills, especially at a time when North Korea is negative about the South-North summit," Cheong said. In this Tuesday, July 13, 2021, file photo, a face mask sits discarded in Frankfurt, Germany. (Michael Probst/AP) BERLIN Germanys government will recommend the coronavirus vaccine for all 12- to 17-year-olds on Monday, according to a draft resolution ahead of a planned meeting of state-level health ministers. They also plan to offer boosters to high-risk individuals starting in September. The draft report from the Ministry of Health, obtained by the German press agency dpa and first reported by the newspaper Bild am Sonntag, said all states will begin offering appointments at vaccination centers for youths. The European Medicines Agency approved the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year olds in May, and Modernas vaccine in late July. Still, Germanys vaccine commission had thus far only recommended high-risk youths under 18 be vaccinated, citing a lack of data on vaccine safety in this age group. In addition, German states will expand their low-threshold vaccination opportunities for young adults at universities and training centers. This can make a significant contribution to a safe start for teaching and learning after the summer holidays, the draft says. For high-risk individuals, including immunocompromised people and the elderly, a third vaccine dose will be available beginning this fall. More than 61% of the German population has received at least one dose of vaccine and 52% are fully vaccinated. Tourists wait to be evacuated from the smoke-engulfed Mazi area as wildfires rolled down the hill toward the seashore in Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. More than 100 wildfires have been brought under control in Turkey, according to officials. (Emre Tazegul/AP) MAZIKOY, Turkey Wildfires raged near Turkey's holiday beach destinations of Antalya and Mugla and in the surrounding countryside for a fifth day Sunday as the discovery of more bodies raised the death toll to eight while villagers lost their homes and animals. Residents and tourists fled the danger in small boats while the coast guard and two navy ships waited out at sea in case a bigger evacuation was needed. Fires also enveloped Mugla province's Mazikoy, and villagers who evacuated were devastated. Farmer Nurten Almaz said she lost everything. "I feel so much pain, like I lost a child," she said. The 63-year-old woman lost her animals and her home as well as "one century of people's labor." She called for the death penalty for people who may have caused the fire. Residents had to flee nearby Cokertme village as flames neared. Some got on boats and others left by cars as the fire got closer and closer. In one video, firetrucks and cars were rushing to escape fire raging on all sides. After nightfall, the village looked apocalyptic from a distance, with flames taking over the dark hills. Bodrum mayor Ahmet Aras said Sunday evening that people experienced "hell" near Cokertme and Mazi as they drove away from the fire. He said the blaze could not be stopped and hoped to protect residential areas but said it was too late for the trees. The area was engulfed by Sunday night, Turkish broadcasters said. Reporters said they had to get hurry to safety as the fire intensified with strong winds. Officials said precautions were being taken to protect two thermic power plants in the vicinity and at present the winds were blowing away from the plants. Authorities warned tourists and residents to keep evacuating Turunc, a town in the seaside resort of Marmaris in Mugla province. Fires enveloped the area and strong winds made firefighting efforts more difficult. A helicopter attempted to extinguish the blazes, which were unreachable by land. Aerial firefighting was not possible Sunday night and the fires raged, burning hectares (acres) of forests. Forestry official Mustafa Ozkaya said units continued to fight fires strategically, digging ditches and taking other measures. He said eight planes and 50 helicopters would fly in Mugla on Monday. The European Commission announced it helped mobilized one firefighting Canadair plane from Croatia and two from Spain to aid Turkey. Planes from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran have been helping. Watching from out in the Mediterranean Sea, the area looked a bright orange. As residents of villages around Marmaris pleaded for more help on social media, people boarded small boats carrying suitcases. Others waited anxiously to see if the fire would come down to the shore. High temperatures and strong winds were making matters worse. Antalya registered 42 degrees Celsius (over 107 degrees Fahrenheit), about 5 to 6 degrees C higher than seasonal averages. Earlier Sunday, police water cannons, usually used to control riots, helped helicopters and fire trucks in Mugla's popular district of Bodrum to fight fires. Turkish television showed fires had reignited after being extinguished earlier, with flame and smoke approaching a village. Social media videos showed tourists in Bodrum scampering down streets rolling their luggage to escape the nearby flames. The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said at least 27 people affected by the fires were still receiving treatment in hospitals while hundreds of others had been released. The minister of forestry and agriculture, Bekir Pakdemirli, said 117 wildfires were "under control" across Turkey while eight continued. His tweets showed that since Wednesday, wildfires had ignited in 32 provinces. While Turkish authorities say they are investigating whether the fires may have started as "sabotage" by outlawed Kurdish militants, experts mostly point to climate change along with accidents caused by people. Erdogan said one of the fires was started by children. A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western Greece, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames. On Sunday afternoon, bathers on an Italian beach south of the Adriatic city of Pescara fled when they spotted towering clouds of smoke and flames from a fire in a nearby pine forest, the Italian news agency LaPresse reported. Several people were reportedly injured when they tried to put out wind-whipped flames that had reached their homes. Local officials told state TV that an elderly home in Pescara had to be evacuated. Meanwhile, in Turkey's eastern Van province, floods over the weekend destroyed at least six houses after a small river overflowed amid heavy rains. Villagers were ordered to leave their homes and climb to higher locations. Bilginsoy reported from Istanbul. Robert Badendieck in Istanbul and Frances D'Emilio in Rome contributed to this report. Gen. Ajmal Omar Shinwari, spokesperson for the Afghan armed forces, speaks during a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. Shinwari said Sunday in a press conference that three provinces located in south and western parts of Afghanistan are under a critical security situation. (Rahmat Gul/AP) KABUL, Afghanistan A mortar shell struck a taxi in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province on Sunday, killing at least five civilians including two children, an Afghan official said. Provincial police spokesman Jamal Naser Barekzai blamed the Taliban for the attack, although the militants denied responsibility. Both the Taliban and the government routinely blame each other for attacks on civilians in the capital Kabul and elsewhere. The perpetrators are rarely identified, and the public is seldom informed of the results of investigations into the violence. The war between the Taliban and Afghanistan's national security and defense forces has intensified over the past few months, as U.S. and NATO troops complete their pullout from the war-torn country. The Taliban are now trying to seize provincial capitals, after already taking smaller administrative districts in the past months. The spokesperson for the Afghan armed forces, Gen. Ajmal Omar Shinwari, said Sunday in a press conference that three provinces in southern and western Afghanistan face critical security situations. The army is trying to interdict Taliban movement in Helmand province, he added. Southern Kandahar the birthplace of the Taliban as well as Helmand and Herat provinces have witnessed several attacks. Helmand provincial council chief Attaullah Afghan said that the Taliban increased its forces in the provincial capital of Lashar Gah on Sunday, confirming that the insurgents now have control of the city's seventh district. This Jan. 2, 2016 photo shows the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Mercer Street off Cape Town, South Africa. The oil tanker linked to an Israeli billionaire reportedly came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, authorities said Friday, July 30, 2021, as details about the incident remained few. (Johan Victor/AP) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates The United States and the United Kingdom joined Israel on Sunday in alleging Iran carried out a fatal drone strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, putting further pressure on Tehran as it denied being involved in the assault. Calling it a "unlawful and callous attack," British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his country and its allies planned a coordinated response over the strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken soon followed, saying there was "no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior." The strike on the Mercer Street marked the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. Though no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran and its militia allies previously have used in attacks so-called "suicide" drones, which crash into targets and detonate their explosive payloads. However, Israel, the U.K. and the responding U.S. Navy have yet to show physical evidence from the strike or offer intelligence information on why they blame Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett went further than Blinken and Raab in his remarks Sunday at a Cabinet meeting, making a point to stare directly into the camera and slowly warn: We know, at any rate, know how to convey the message to Iran in our own way. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tanker's bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The blast killed two crew members from the United Kingdom and Romania. The Navy said the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher had escorted the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port. On Sunday, satellite-tracking information from MarineTraffic.com showed the tanker stopped off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. In his statement, Raab said it was "highly likely" Iran attacked the tanker with one or more drones. "We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted and a clear violation of international law by Iran," he said. "Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law." Blinken similarly described the U.S. as "confident" Iran carried out the attack, using multiple drones. "These actions threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of those on the vessels involved," he said in a statement. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh described the allegation Iran carried out the attack as "baseless." "It's not the first time that the Zionist regime occupying Jerusalem has made such empty accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran," Khatibzadeh said. "Wherever this regime has gone, it has taken instability, terror and violence with it." He added: "Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind." Khatibzadeh spoke around an hour after Iran's outgoing president acknowledged that his government at times "did not tell part of the truth" to the public during his term. From Jerusalem, Bennett offered condolences to both the United Kingdom and Romania for the killing of their citizens. He said Israeli intelligence had evidence linking Iran to the attack, but did not offer it. "Iran is the one who carried out the attack against the ship," he said. "Iran's aggressive behavior is dangerous not only for Israel, but harms global interests in the freedom of navigation and international trade." Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults. Shipping in the region began being targeted in the summer of 2019, about a year after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers. Israel meanwhile has been suspected of conducting a series of major attacks in Iran and on Iranian shipping. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman. The Mercer Street, owned by Japan's Taihei Kaiun Co., is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Group. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern Indian Ocean, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The attack marks the first major confrontation with Iran for Bennett, who took over as premier in June after a coalition deal unseated Israel's long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is suspected of launching a series of attacks targeting Iran, including explosions at the country's main enrichment site and the killing of a prominent military nuclear scientist. However, Bennett as well has made hawkish comments in the past about needing to attack "the head of the octopus" in Tehran as opposed to Iran's regional militias like Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack on the Mercer Street marks the first during his time as prime minister and analysts suggest he could seek a major attack in retaliation. "Israel may wish to deliver a resounding blow; that's the spirit of political sources' comments in Jerusalem," wrote Amos Harel, a longtime military analyst for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. "This blow will be aimed at ending things without a tit-for-tat that could escalate. But as usual, events also depend on the other side." Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Ilan Ben Zion and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. Lebanese army soldiers sit on their armored vehicles as they deployed to contain the tension after heavy fire in the coastal town of Khaldeh, south of Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. At least two people were killed on Sunday south of the Lebanese capital when gunmen opened fire at the funeral of a Hezbollah commander who was killed a day earlier, an official from the group said. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) (Bilal Hussein) BEIRUT At least two people were killed on Sunday south of the Lebanese capital when gunmen opened fire at the funeral of a Hezbollah commander who was killed a day earlier, an official from the group said. The Lebanese military said they deployed in the coastal town of Khaldeh to contain the tension after heavy fire including from rocket-propelled grenades terrorized residents and brought traffic to a standstill. The gunmen remain at large. The military warned it would fire at any source of fire or anyone carrying weapons on the main road. It said one of its soldiers was injured in the shooting. The violence is rooted in a personal vendetta. Lebanese media reported that a man from one of the Sunni Arab tribes of Khaldeh opened fire during a wedding party at a club on Saturday night, killing Ali Chebli, a fighter in Hezbollah. Chebli's killer was apprehended, and his family explained the attack as revenge. It accused Chebli of killing a 15-year-old relative of theirs in shooting a year earlier. The family, of the Sunni Arab tribe, said in a statement that authorities never brought Chebli to justice because he was under the protection of the powerful Hezbollah group. The Hezbollah official said gunmen ambushed Chebli's funeral procession when it reached the family home, firing at the mourners, killing his brother-in-law and a friend, and injuring others. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters. The army deployed to defuse the tensions and free the family, who had taken shelter in the house with the body. The official called for the perpetrators of the violence to be brought to trial. Sectarian conflict in the area was sparked last year after a dispute over a Shiite religious banner that was hoisted in the area of the Sunni Arab tribes. Tensions often flare in the area. A police officer sits in an outpost in Kandahar, Afghanistan, as Afghan security forces find themselves engaged in a battle with the Taliban inside the city limits. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/for The Washington Post) KANDAHAR, Afghanistan Taliban forces are ramping up pressure on some of Afghanistans largest cities, striking busy transit hubs and pushing front lines deep into urban areas for the first time since the militants were overthrown nearly two decades ago. Taliban fighters launched rockets Saturday at airports in Kandahar and Herat, two of the countrys largest cities and busiest economic centers. The attacks disrupted commercial travel, though flights in and out of Herat subsequently resumed. There was a large blast and the whole room started shaking, said Massoud Ahmad Pashtun, the chief of Kandahar airport, who was present at the time of the attack. He said three rockets landed within seconds of each other and damaged one of the runways. The attacks mark a potential turning point in the Afghan conflict. Previously, clashes were largely confined to the countrys rural areas or smaller cities contested by the militants. Large-scale conventional attacks on Kandahar and Herat, the second- and fourth-largest cities in the country, have the potential to endanger millions more civilians. Initial reports suggested the Kandahar rocket attack came from the eastern side of the city, where Taliban fighters have made advances. Pashtun said he feared more attacks in the coming days, because of the deteriorating security situation and the removal of an American antimissile system that protected the airfield before the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the southern province. Gen. Ajmal Shinwari, a security forces spokesperson, said at a news conference Sunday that all troops were on high alert due to the emergency situations in Kandahar and Herat. Hundreds more Afghan forces have been sent to the southern and western provinces as reinforcements. Taliban attacks in Kandahar province have been ongoing for months, but in recent days the group began pushing closer into the city center. Front lines that crisscrossed largely agricultural suburbs just weeks ago now span densely populated neighborhoods. Just a few hundred meters from a Taliban-held neighborhood on Kandahars western edge, government forces have transformed a wedding hall and an opulent multistory home into makeshift bases. A boy rests in a shelter in Kandahar on July 30, 2021. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/for The Washington Post) Makeshift camps have sprung up to house civilians displaced by the fighting in Kandahar. (Lorenzo Tugnoli/for The Washington Post) They watch us from those houses over there, said a commando officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media. He pointed out a white Taliban flag visible just a few blocks away from a traffic circle. The government soldiers said they exchanged fire with Taliban fighters occasionally during the day, but it is at night that clashes grow more intense. Thousands of civilians are being forced to flee their homes. Deeper inside Kandahar city, makeshift camps have sprung up in empty lots. Jalil Ahmad, 30, said his house was destroyed by a mortar attack and his ears were still ringing from the blast. He said a police unit took up a firing position on to the roof of his home, and Taliban fighters retaliated with a volley of mortars. An entire wall collapsed on my family, he said. We have never seen fighting like this in our area before. In Herat, Afghan special forces were deployed to the city on Sunday to help push back Taliban advances. Taliban fighters breached the city limits and a United Nations compound was attacked, as clashed raged for hours. The U.N. condemned the attack. A Taliban statement described the destruction as regrettable, saying the group remains committed to protecting the U.N. Abdul Rahman Rahman, an Interior Ministry adviser, traveled to Herat on Sunday to calm the atmosphere of panic growing in the city, he said. Rahman arrived with a team of Afghan special forces, which he pledged would deal fiercely with the Taliban. The Taliban push on major cities comes as the group continues to squeeze much smaller provincial capitals in areas long contested by militants. In Helmand, a province that has been one of the least stable in Afghanistan for years, fighting intensified last week, heightening fears that the provinces capital would fall. Taliban fighters have pushed inside the citys limits and are steadily closing in on the central government compound. Afghan forces responded with a punishing wave of air support. One airstrike hit a small hospital on the citys outskirts Saturday, killing the relative of a patient and injuring four others, including a patient and three members of staff, according to hospital director Mohammad din Naraiwal. As the airstrikes drew closer in recent days, Naraiwal repeatedly communicated with Afghan government forces, asking them not to strike the facility. He said no Taliban fighters were present in the building when it was hit. Im worried if the government resupplies their forces there will be more fighting, he said. There will be more civilian casualties. Ezzatullah Mehrdad contributed from Kabul. Raquel Heres gets a COVID-19 rapid test to be able to travel overseas, Saturday, July 31, 2021, in North Miami, Fla. (Marta Lavandier/AP) ORLANDO, Fla. A day after it recorded the most new daily cases since the start of the pandemic, Florida on Sunday broke a previous record for current hospitalizations, as the number of patients in hospitals because of COVID-19 once again broke through the 10,000-person threshold. The Sunshine State had 10,207 people hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to data reported to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The previous record was from more than a year ago, July 23, 2020, more than a half-year before vaccinations started becoming widespread, when Florida had 10,170 hospitalizations, according to the Florida Hospital Association. Florida is now leading the nation in per capita hospitalizations for COVID-19, as hospitals around the state report having to put emergency room visitors in beds in hallways and others document a noticeable drop in the age of patients. In the past week, Florida has averaged 1,525 adult hospitalizations a day, and 35 daily pediatric hospitalizations. Both are the highest per capita rate in the nation, according to Jason Salemi, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida. The hospitalizations and increasing cases have come as the new, more transmittable delta variant has spread throughout Florida, and residents have returned to pre-pandemic activities. "The recent rise is both striking and not-at-all surprising," Salemi said in an email late Saturday. Federal health data released Saturday showed that Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature has limited local officials' ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. Throughout Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami to Tampa, hospitals have become overwhelmed. Barry Burton, the Pinellas County administrator, told the Tampa Bay Times that some local hospitals are already having to divert ambulances to different locations because of capacity concerns. There has been a startling rise in the number of children with the virus at hospitals in Miami, many of them requiring intensive care. Memorial Health's Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood had seven patients with COVID-19. At Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, there were 17 patients with COVID-19 on Friday, including six in the ICU and one who needed a ventilator, Dr. Marcos Mestre, vice president and chief medical officer, told the Miami Herald. About half of the patients were under 12, Mestre said, and the rest were older and eligible for the vaccine. But none of the patients with COVID-19 at Nicklaus Children's on Friday were vaccinated. Most children who get COVID-19 do not need hospitalization, Mestre said. At the UF Health North hospital emergency room in Jacksonville, COVID-19 patients once again were being put in beds in hallways due to a surge in visits. For many hospital workers, up until a month ago, it looked like there was light at the end of the tunnel, as people got vaccinated and hospitalizations decreased. But then the summer surge, powered by the new delta variant, hit Florida in July. "That light did turn out to be a train in this case," Marsha Tittle, a nursing manager at UF Health North, told The Florida Times Union. "We're taking more patients than we normally would take. ... My staff is wonderful. You walk out there, they're going to have smiles on their faces and they're doing a great job. But there's a sense of defeat, like they're just defeated." Gerard Dupree, 61, of Anne Arundel County was one of 40 Maryland residents who won $40,000 as part of the state's VaxCash promotion to boost coronavirus vaccinations. (Maryland Lottery and Gaming) Maryland officials have hailed the states $2 million VaxCash lottery as an unqualified success, a promotion that helped the state reach its goal of inoculating 70% of its adult population with at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine by Memorial Day. It worked so well at boosting vaccinations that they decided to start another one VaxU Scholarship, which offers 20 vaccinated 12- to 17-year-olds a chance at winning a $50,000 in-state public college scholarship. It runs until Labor Day. There are some people who just either havent gotten around to it or they are like, I may get it but I just didnt feel the need, Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, said in early July at the launch of the VaxU Scholarship. There are others who are just opposed to it and are hard to convince. But I think there are more of the folks that just need a little extra incentive to go out and do it, and Im hoping that this opportunity at a college scholarship and us getting out talking about the importance of it will help encourage some more younger people to do so. Although state officials say the incentives have helped Maryland become one of the most vaccinated states in the country, it remains unclear how significant a role the lottery played in motivating people to get vaccinated or whether the state could have reached its goal without it. Money can be a powerful motivator, but the key word there is can, said Joshua Liao, a doctor and behavioral scientist at the University of Washington. But people get vaccinated for a variety of different reasons. Some experts, including one who studied the first cash vaccination lottery in Ohio, have questioned whether the jackpots lead to more inoculations. And one Maryland winner even speculated about whether the incentives might have the opposite effect. At least a dozen states have given away or plan to award seven-figure cash lottery prizes to encourage people to get vaccinated. Many of the incentive programs, like VaxU Scholarship, continue as the delta variant which spreads about two to three times as fast as the original strain of the coronavirus poses a new threat for the unvaccinated. Under Californias $116 million Vax for the Win, the countrys largest pot of vaccination incentive money, residents are receiving prizes that range from a $50 gift card to a dream vacation to a California city for four or five days to a $1 million prize. New York gave away lottery scratch-off tickets to residents who got vaccinated at a state-run vaccine clinic during the program, which ran in late May. And Ohio offered $1 million weekly prizes and full-ride college scholarships. As of mid-July, D.C. health officials said theyd given out more than 2,000 of the $51 gift cards and more than 300 gift cards to people who brought other people to get vaccinated. But city officials say they believe the incentives are worth trying, especially if they nudge some people into taking the shot. Last week, they announced a new lottery to boost vaccinations among 12- to 15-year-olds. On May 13, the week before the VaxCash lottery was announced in Maryland, the seven-day rolling average of adults who received an initial dose of vaccine was 14,800. On May 27, a week after the promotion, it was 10,900, according to state health department data. Michael Ricci, a spokesman for Hogan, said officials never expected to see an uptick in vaccinations, largely because so many people were already vaccinated when the promotion began. On April 20, a month before the announcement, about 2.7 million people had received at least one dose of vaccine. By the time of the announcement, that number had grown to 3.4 million. A month later, on June 20, it had risen to nearly 3.7 million. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announces the launch of the state's coronavirus vaccination lottery in a news conference May 20 in Annapolis. (Ovetta Wiggins/The Washington Post) The states goal, Ricci said, was to hit 70% of adults with at least one shot of vaccine by May 28. President Joe Biden set a similar goal for the country by July 4 but failed to reach it. Meanwhile, Maryland hit a new goal of vaccinating 75% of its adult population by July 4, and as of Thursday, 77.1% of adults had received at least one shot. Our average of daily doses administered relative to population jumped to first in the nation in the period after the announcement, Ricci said in an email. Another metric of success is that we both held and gained ground in the national rankings over the course of the lottery. Other states including Virginia, where 71.9% of the adult population has received at least one dose of vaccine have opted not to offer big cash lottery incentives. Virginia officials have questioned whether million-dollar lotteries are the best long-term strategy to reach herd immunity. When Hogan announced the first lottery, which offered $40,000 checks daily for 40 days and ended with a $400,000 grand prize on July 4, 67.3% of Maryland residents 18 and older had received at least one dose of vaccine. The prize was offered to any adult who was vaccinated regardless of when the vaccination was administered. Hogan said the lottery was part of the states mission to ensure that no arm is left behind. Were using every resource at our disposal to achieve that goal, he said at the announcement, alongside a man in a Maryland lottery ball costume. Promotions like this are just one more way that we are reinforcing the importance of getting every single Marylander we can vaccinated against COVID-19. The promotions highlight the challenges that states face in trying to persuade people to get vaccinated. Gerard Dupree, who won one of the more than three dozen $40,000 checks that Maryland awarded, said he isnt convinced that giving money and other rewards such as free pizzas, gift cards and cars to get a shot works. It hasnt among some of his family and friends who are still unvaccinated. Before he got vaccinated, Dupree said, he heard of a group in D.C. offering a free cannabis promotion, Jabs for Joints, which only made him suspicious about the vaccines. People were thinking, why are they so pressed to give people incentives to take the vaccine? he said. For people who have mistrust, it just makes you more suspicious. Dupree, who lives in Anne Arundel County, received his initial dose at the end of April, before the lottery was launched. He decided to get vaccinated after contracting the virus more than a month earlier. Before getting COVID-19, Dupree said he was against getting vaccinated. He figured he was healthy and he didnt need it. Plus, he said, like many of his friends and family, he didnt trust what government officials were saying about COVID or the necessity of getting vaccinated. Once I felt the symptoms, I said I need to be done with that, said Dupree, 61. I felt like it was better for me to get the vaccine. Id rather deal with the side effects of the vaccine than to deal with the virus. Allan J. Walkey, professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine who studied the impact of the Ohio cash lottery program and published an article for the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that daily vaccination rates slowed in Ohio and across the country after the Ohio lottery was introduced in mid-May. Walkey said most people got their shots before the lottery was announced and as a result most of the prizes were awarded to those who were already vaccinated, which made it more of a reward for the vaccinated rather than a stimulus for people to get a shot. I think it was a good try and probably worth an initial effort, he said. But continuing to try lotteries at this point is not going to be beneficial. Walkeys work focused on cash lotteries for adults. He said it did not look at whether scholarships would drive 12- to 15-year-olds to get vaccinated. Ricci said the state has seen an uptick in vaccinations among 12- to 17-year olds since the scholarship announcement. We expect that trend to continue, especially as we head into back-to-school season, he said. The Washington Posts Julie Zauzmer contributed to this report. Flames from the Dixie Fire crest a hill in Lassen National Forest, Calif., near Jonesville on July 26, 2021. (Noah Berger/AP) BLY, Oregon Firefighters in Oregon reported good progress in the battle against the nation's largest wildfire, and authorities canceled evacuation orders near a major blaze in Northern California. Containment of the Bootleg Fire in remote southern Oregon was up to 74% on Sunday. It was 56% contained a day earlier. "That reflects several good days of work on the ground where crews have been able to reinforce and build additional containment lines," fire spokesman Al Nash said Sunday. The blaze has scorched over 646 square miles since being sparked by lightning July 6 in the Fremont-Winema National Forest. California's Dixie Fire covered nearly 383 square miles in mountains where 42 homes and other buildings have been destroyed. It was 32% contained Sunday, and evacuation orders and warnings were lifted for several remote areas of Butte and Plumas counties. But authorities warned that with unpredictable winds and extremely dry fuels, the risk of flare-ups remained high. The cause of the blaze, which ignited July 13, was still under investigation. In Montana, a wind-driven wildfire destroyed more than a dozen homes, outbuildings and other structures, authorities said Sunday. Evacuations were ordered after flames jumped a highway and moved toward communities near Flathead Lake in the northwestern part of the state. Crews also battled major blazes in northeast Washington and northern Idaho. Nearly 22,000 firefighters and support personnel were battling 91 large, active wildfires covering 2,813 square miles in mostly western states, the National Interagency Fire Center said. A historic drought and recent heat waves tied to climate change have made wildfires harder to fight in the American West. Scientists say climate change has made the region much warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported last week that while a robust monsoon has delivered drought-easing rainfall to the Southwest, critically dry conditions persist across Northern California and the Northwest, where there has been an expansion of "exceptional drought," the worst category. Dry conditions and powerful winds made for dangerous fire conditions in Hawaii. A wind advisory was issued Sunday for portions of Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. Chad Isaak listens while being charged with four counts of class AA felony murder in district court in Mandan, N.D., on April 5, 2019. Isaak, accused of killing four people at a North Dakota property management company, has waived a preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty to murder charges. Isaak's trial is set to begin this week. (Tom Stromme/The Bismarck Tribune via AP) FARGO, N.D. It was one of the most gruesome mass killings in North Dakota history; four workers at a business who gathered early one morning for "coffee club" were slain in a matter of minutes. Three were shot and stabbed. The alleged killer shot nine times and flailed away with a knife, cutting one victim's throat. The ghastly 2019 scene that gripped Mandan, a community of 22,000 just outside the state capital of Bismarck, is set to be rehashed this week at the trial of Chad Isaak, a Navy veteran and chiropractor whose trailer home is managed by the business police say he "targeted." Investigators say the evidence against Isaak is overwhelming, including clothing, handgun parts, a knife and used shell casings, surveillance footage, bank records, and Facebook and phone data. Isaak, 47, is charged with four counts of murder as well as lesser counts. He faces life in prison if convicted. The jury selection that starts Monday is expected to take up to two days, with the trial lasting roughly three weeks. Killed in the attack were RJR Maintenance & Management co-owner Robert Fakler, 52, and co-workers Adam Fuehrer, 42, and spouses Bill and Lois Cobb, 50 and 45. The four were known as the "coffee club" for frequently arriving early to grab coffee and chat. Isaak's attorneys declined to discuss the case ahead of the trial, but court documents and public comments suggest they will argue that police did a shoddy job in their rush to gather evidence and that Isaak had no reason to commit the killings. No motive has been offered by police or anyone at the company. Juries want to know why something happened, said Alex Reichert, a criminal defense lawyer from Grand Forks who has handled numerous homicide cases but who has no connection to the Isaak case. "It sounds like they don't know why," Reichert said. "Can they get a conviction without a motive? Yes. There is no requirement for a motive. On the other hand, it gets very difficult in a circumstantial case without a motive. I haven't handled a case with no motive before." The defense attorneys will have two hurdles to overcome before testimony is heard. One is that Isaak has clashed with his lawyers, at one point saying he wanted to represent himself. The judge removed his primary attorney and essentially told Isaak he needed to be represented by a well-known criminal defense team. The second obstacle is the brutality of the slayings, Reichert said. "Absolutely that can sway a jury," Reichert said. "Because they become incensed. They become angered and concerned and it stirs up a lot of emotion. Emotion can cloud logic sometimes." Few of the players are talking. Prosecutor Gabrielle Goter said she wants to "preserve the defendant's rights and limit potential juror taint." The defense team, from the Vogel Law Firm in Fargo, isn't commenting. Jackie Fakler, Robert's widow and a co-owner of the company, was advised by Goter not to comment. Family members of the other victims could not be reached. Jackie Fakler told the Bismarck Tribune for a story published in April that company workers had had few interactions with Isaak. "We have not received any insight on a motive, nor have we been able to find any insight internally," she said. "Our thoughts on the motive finding a motive is not going to bring back the precious lives we lost. Nor will any reason be justified." Surveillance video shows the assailant entering RJR wearing brightly colored clothing, then leaving in dark clothing about 15 minutes later, according to court documents. An employee at a nearby McDonald's told police that she saw a man wearing a camouflage ski mask, dark pants and dark shoes get into a white Ford F-150 that morning. Police later linked the vehicle to Isaak. At his home in Washburn, they found clothing matching what they had seen on video, nine spent shell casings, a knife with a bent tip, and gun parts in a kitchen freezer. The clothing, knife and gun parts all smelled of chlorine bleach, court documents say. Rolf Eggers, of Bismarck, said he bought the mobile home park in Washburn in 2018 and that Isaak "came with the park." He said he didn't know Isaak, but that Isaak's neighbors never complained about him. The previous owner, Mike Nelson, described Isaak as "a model tenant." "Paid his rent on time. Took care of his property," Nelson said. Navy records show that Isaak enlisted in the service in 1992 and left in 1997 as a hospital corpsman 3rd Class, with a Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an uptick in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations nationwide, especially among young adults. Floridas COVID-19 numbers are following the same trend and the transmission rate is high. The response to an online auction offering a ride on a 2021 Harley Road Glide has galvanised the organiser to go further to help a Bay of Plenty cancer sufferer. The auction I put on Trade me for Tia-Jayne Rodger to help with her treatment for a rare cancer has been a success, with a winning bid of $560 from a lovely lady buying the ride as a gift for her 18 year old nephew, says Adam Fenech. He doesnt want to stop there, and plans to now raise more funds with a ride to Cambridge to help towards Tia-Jaynes medical costs. We are looking at setting up a group ride for Tia-Jayne, says Adam. Tia-Jayne and her family need $13,000 per month to fund her treatment. Each participant for the ride on Sunday August 15 will be asked to pay $20 with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to help Tia-Jayne. If youre a biker or have a hot car and would like to take part let me know, either pay on the day or I can give you details to pre pay. The group ride, organised by Adam along with Rodger family friend Jenny Durham, will be leaving from the Lakes BP station on Sunday August 15. Meet up is at 9.30am, and stands up at 10am. The ride will take the back roads to Oasis Hideaway in Cambridge. If you havent been there, its awesome! says Adam. Following a pizza lunch, then its the back roads to Tauranga again, with a couple of surprises through the day. If you are a business or an individual that would like to offer sponsorship, maybe a spot prize or two would be awesome and greatly appreciated, says Adam. Tia-Jayne is fighting malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors GNET - for the second time. In 2019, the Tauranga woman underwent surgery to remove tumours from her abdomen, and at the time this procedure was successful. Unfortunately, surgery is not an option this time around. We believe Tia is the only person in New Zealand to have this type of cancer, and [there is] less than 60 cases worldwide, says Jenny. As there have only been a few cases worldwide, there is no tried and tested treatment plan for GNET. Fortunately, Tias oncology specialist team is recommending specific immunotherapy drugs to give her the best fighting chance. The drugs - Pazopanib at $3000 per month and Crizotinib at $10,000 per month - are not funded in New Zealand and therefore come at a hefty price tag of approximately $13,000 per month. This amount does not help to cover the cost of scans and other medical procedures, loss of income for the family while they provide wrap-around support for Tia, or any other expenses involved in the treatment plan as a whole, adds Jenny. Some insurance will help, but nowhere near enough. Adam and Jenny are encouraging everyone to help get behind their fundraising endeavours. So far nearly $29,000 has been raised over 25 days from 340 generous donors. If anyone cant make the ride but would still like to help out Tia-Jayne and her family that would be amazing! says Adam. To help support the Rodger family as Tia-Jayne fights her cancer, go to the Givealitte page To get involved in the event on Sunday August 15 go to the Facebook page  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. PARK HILL [mdash] JOHN BERRY PRESLEY entered this life on April 28th, 1937, in Welling, Oklahoma and passed to his heavenly home July 29th, 2021 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. John was a long-time employee at Wal-Mart, a dedicated father and husband. He was preceded in death by his mother Geneva Wr Thank you for Reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and Purchase a Subscription to continue reading. AdiSinghV12 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: BOM-CCU-PAT Posts: 622 Thanked: 976 Times BOOKING Most people believe that the choices they make result from a rational analysis of available alternatives. However, emotions greatly influence and, in many cases, even determine our decisions = as psychological lecture as it may sound there couldnt be a better way to describe what made me add this new off-roader to my humble garage. When I booked the car a while back, I had never thought Id be this excited to own a Mahindra and wasnt even sure if Ill go ahead with delivery and cancel it midway as I was thinking of saving the doughs for a couple of years and upgrade the Discovery Sport to something really nice. I had a mixed opinion when it was launched due to its grille and the Flat and Curved wheel-well / fenders triggered my OCD and I was like why would a car have different style of wheel-wells, I thought M&M has done it to avoid another lawsuit with FCA but but but the moment I went a little deeper into Jeep's history, be it Willys or M&M the desire to own a Jeep with these very characteristics (uneven wheel-well) shot up like anything, the Made in India with Pride badge, the looks with the new grille and almost everything else about this car, the machine & its history had triumphed all other emotions and thoughts and the Thar was booked in no time. Sharing with y'all an interesting article excerpt below which might seem interesting to many as it did to me. (Quoting Jalopnik: Mahindra was one of the earliest1947, rememberJeep licensee, and has had agreements with every one of the many companies that have been stewards of the Jeep brand over history: Willys, Kaiser, American Motors, Renault, Chrysler, Daimler, the Cerberus group, and now Fiat. Thats insane. It also means that technically, Mahindra has had the rights to the Jeep design for decades longer than the current owner, Fiat Chrysler, has. The point of all this is to say, yes, Mahindra can damn well build a Jeep if they want to) So, from non-surety of buying it to browsing several hours a day while waiting for it and planning its mods, this affair with Jeep seemed deep, and one thatd stay for times to come. DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE & DELIVERY Once I fell in love with the Thar, the biggest challenge for which I needed Ice buckets to take the edge off was how fast I can get it. Despite based in Patna and the local dealer principal being a good-friend, he sounded a little helpless on being able to arrange the car in any other circumstances other than once allotted by M&M against my booking which would mean 40-44 weeks. I started making calls to the other dealerships in cities with which I have any kind of connection with (office, relatives, close friends) and finally the one that gave me a ray of hope was a dealer in Kolkata. They mentioned that they keep getting vehicles from the open-pool and if the variant Im looking for comes into it theres a chance I can get it sooner. After regular follow ups and requests I finally managed to get one allotted to myself! The first step towards owning my first Jeep, especially after having a love and hate relationship with a Ford GPW that I kept seeing since childhood being owned & maintained by a relative. Overall, I had a super smooth buying experience with no harassment for anything whatsoever. Yes, they wanted me to take insurance from them but promised me to match it closely to the best deal I was getting outside. Yes, they requested me to take accessories worth 25-30k which I was anyway going to take (Wheel Arch Cladding, Reverse Camera, Door Sill Protector, Door Side-Step, Snack Tray, Sunshade and a few more small parts). All in all, the Thar was booked over the phone with the general booking amount and a PO which included all the accessories and other details, and I wasnt asked for any further payment till the car arrived to the stockyard in March. I decided to take a small loan on the vehicle owing to the interesting rate of interests popping up in my netbanking offers regularly which was further sweetened after speaking to the bank the process took a couple of days which had reached just 2 days prior to my delivery date, but as I was firm that I wanted the car on a Thursday they worked an extra bit and made sure that I got it delivered without any kind of inconvenience. Due to covid surge, and the delivery being done late it was a usual affair and I probably had to just spend 20 mins at the showroom signing a few documents before I drove off to a new journey with the All-New Thar. THE HONEYMOON PERIOD AND DRIVING IMPRESSIONS I have driven the car for about 1000 kms by now and got used to its style and tantrums and I must admit Im mostly driving with probably 50% to 80% Throttle input all the time and boy its fun The gearshifts in this amount of throttle input is near to perfect and it just pulls with no lag, no drama yet fast like a bulky go-kart. The default mode is 2WD which is RWD in case of Thar which I didn't know pre delivery and as amusing as it may sound the car is very tailhappy if you find the sweet spot of playing with the right amount of throttle + traction control off which is just a click away unlike premium cars where you have to hold it for a few seconds. Shift the gear lever to the left and this wonderful Jap gearbox will let you hold gears for as long as you want unlike many other cars which upshifts on your own and though there's not a great amount of top-end-rpm performance but this might be really beneficial off-road. The NVH level is best in 2WD mode, super smooth and quiet but the moment you switch to 4H or 4L it does start getting audible and makes a different kind of sound which can hurt your OCD if you listen and feel your car deeply. My refinement-point mentioned in the pros above kinda goes for a toss when the car is delivering the power to all four wheels. The steering...is satisfactory and no left or right pulling issues as reported earlier, and handling is as you'd expect from a car that almost has half a feet of ground clearance. Weighs well and though could have felt more solid it is pretty acceptable and getting used to doesn't take a long time. At the "maximum legal speed limit" in this country, the steering is still at its best, pretty solid and would get you out of most situations however probably because its a car that's "Made in India with pride", it starts showing its consciousness from all its bits be it steering or windblast if you exceed this by say another 25-30 km / hr. The ride quality, well - the moment rough patches comes it starts seeming like riding a Bull, but even that itself is so different from the other cars I have that every mile covered was seeming like an amusement park ride .Fast, Bumpy yet Handles & Drives well & Stays firm refer fun-vee and I dont know if we would put this in the good or bad bit but you do feel the speed which adds to the adrenaline & joy. Now to stop this half a feet high go-kart the brakes does a decent job specially after run in period, it used to feel scary for a while but the moment there were a few hundred kms on the ODO it started bedding in and getting better and better. Less than a week post delivery, the jynx that I have with the new cars heading back to the dealership what started with F30 continued when a friend took the car and a part of the plastic roof was hit in the second basement of the parking lot where he says he wasnt confident to enter but the guards didnt stop him so he couldnt judge the height Luckily no damage to any other metal part and no parts will be repaired but the entire roof will be changed which is ordered and costed around 1.5L from the dealership and while I thought itd take time to reach I gotta appreciate M&Ms promptness, to my surprise I hear that it in a weeks time the new-roof is at the dealership so will take the trip to Kolkata sort it, though initially heartbreaking for a couple of days one gotta digest what has happened and move on so ultimately I did. I took it to office a couple of times and it to my colleagues it didnt fail to ooze excitement any less than other new cars that I had taken in past. So thats all folks for now, the car will be off to the workshop the coming weekend for its new roof and allow me to let the pics do the talking till then; assuring you to keep adding to it as and when I add miles and once the car is back from the workshop and once I carry out some mods as planned; Heres a quick list before I sign off of whats done and what are to follow; Mods So Far; - Audio Upgrade with Floor Damping (JL C2-650 Front, JL C1-650 on the Roof, MTX amp & shallow subwoofer. Not very impressed I think I'll change the woofer and the amplifer as they dont seem adequate for the speakers, vocals aren't crisps) - Dead Pedal - Auto Window Closer - Sound Damping on the Doors - Wheel Arch Cladding (OEM) - Boot Snack Tray (OEM) - Reverse Camera (OEM) - Door Sill Protector (OEM) - 20mm Front and Rear Spacers - Sunshade (OEM) Mods Planned: - Audio Upgrade with Floor Damping - Better Headlights - Better Foglights (AES) - BF Goodrich Tyres (285/60/18) - Integrated Winch on the stock bumper (Something like BYC Jammu has done) - JL Grille (Bimbra Spec) - Roof Marker Lights (Lumiere Concept) - Stage 1 ECU Remapping (Once the ECU is cracked) - Snorkel (Minimal) - Wild Boar Grab Handles - Upholstery Upgrade (Azad 4X4, Wrangler inspired) - Deployable Side Steps - Removable Front part of the HT (Fingers crossed) And thats about all . Would be excited to hear from the wonderful TBHP fam till then, adios! The Replaced Roof and...Back in action Followed by some straight out of the workshop audio upgrades and that's him, back home with its other garagemates bidding adieu till the next time = as psychological lecture as it may sound there couldnt be a better way to describe what made me add this new off-roader to my humble garage. When I booked the car a while back, I had never thought Id be this excited to own a Mahindra and wasnt even sure if Ill go ahead with delivery and cancel it midway as I was thinking of saving the doughs for a couple of years and upgrade the Discovery Sport to something really nice. I had a mixed opinion when it was launched due to its grille and the Flat and Curved wheel-well / fenders triggered my OCD and I was like why would a car have different style of wheel-wells, I thought M&M has done it to avoid another lawsuit with FCAbut but but the moment I went a little deeper into Jeep's history, be it Willys or M&M the desire to own a Jeep with these very characteristics (uneven wheel-well) shot up like anything, the Made in India with Pride badge, the looks with the new grille and almost everything else about this car, the machine & its history had triumphed all other emotions and thoughts and the Thar was booked in no time. Sharing with y'all an interesting article excerpt below which might seem interesting to many as it did to me.(Quoting Jalopnik:So, from non-surety of buying it to browsing several hours a day while waiting for it and planning its mods, this affair with Jeep seemed deep, and one thatd stay for times to come.Once I fell in love with the Thar, the biggest challenge for which I needed Ice buckets to take the edge off was how fast I can get it. Despite based in Patna and the local dealer principal being a good-friend, he sounded a little helpless on being able to arrange the car in any other circumstances other than once allotted by M&M against my booking which would mean 40-44 weeks. I started making calls to the other dealerships in cities with which I have any kind of connection with (office, relatives, close friends) and finally the one that gave me a ray of hope was a dealer in Kolkata. They mentioned that they keep getting vehicles from the open-pool and if the variant Im looking for comes into it theres a chance I can get it sooner. After regular follow ups and requests I finally managed to get one allotted to myself! The first step towards owning my first Jeep, especially after having a love and hate relationship with a Ford GPW that I kept seeing since childhood being owned & maintained by a relative. Overall, I had a super smooth buying experience with no harassment for anything whatsoever. Yes, they wanted me to take insurance from them but promised me to match it closely to the best deal I was getting outside. Yes, they requested me to take accessories worth 25-30k which I was anyway going to take (Wheel Arch Cladding, Reverse Camera, Door Sill Protector, Door Side-Step, Snack Tray, Sunshade and a few more small parts). All in all, the Thar was booked over the phone with the general booking amount and a PO which included all the accessories and other details, and I wasnt asked for any further payment till the car arrived to the stockyard in March. I decided to take a small loan on the vehicle owing to the interesting rate of interests popping up in my netbanking offers regularly which was further sweetened after speaking to the bank the process took a couple of days which had reached just 2 days prior to my delivery date, but as I was firm that I wanted the car on a Thursday they worked an extra bit and made sure that I got it delivered without any kind of inconvenience. Due to covid surge, and the delivery being done late it was a usual affair and I probably had to just spend 20 mins at the showroom signing a few documents before I drove off to a new journey with the All-New Thar.I have driven the car for about 1000 kms by now and got used to its style and tantrums and I must admit Im mostly driving with probably 50% to 80% Throttle input all the time and boy its fun The gearshifts in this amount of throttle input is near to perfect and it just pulls with no lag, no drama yet fast like a bulky go-kart. The default mode is 2WD which is RWD in case of Thar which I didn't know pre delivery and as amusing as it may sound the car is very tailhappy if you find the sweet spot of playing with the right amount of throttle + traction control off which is just a click away unlike premium cars where you have to hold it for a few seconds. Shift the gear lever to the left and this wonderful Jap gearbox will let you hold gears for as long as you want unlike many other cars which upshifts on your own and though there's not a great amount of top-end-rpm performance but this might be really beneficial off-road.The NVH level is best in 2WD mode, super smooth and quiet but the moment you switch to 4H or 4L it does start getting audible and makes a different kind of sound which can hurt your OCD if you listen and feel your car deeply. My refinement-point mentioned in the pros above kinda goes for a toss when the car is delivering the power to all four wheels.The steering...is satisfactory and no left or right pulling issues as reported earlier, and handling is as you'd expect from a car that almost has half a feet of ground clearance. Weighs well and though could have felt more solid it is pretty acceptable and getting used to doesn't take a long time. At the "maximum legal speed limit" in this country, the steering is still at its best, pretty solid and would get you out of most situations however probably because its a car that's "Made in India with pride", it starts showing its consciousness from all its bits be it steering or windblast if you exceed this by say another 25-30 km / hr.The ride quality, well - the moment rough patches comes it starts seeming like riding a Bull, but even that itself is so different from the other cars I have that every mile covered was seeming like an amusement park ride .Fast, Bumpy yet Handles & Drives well & Stays firm refer fun-vee and I dont know if we would put this in the good or bad bit but you do feel the speed which adds to the adrenaline & joy. Now to stop this half a feet high go-kart the brakes does a decent job specially after run in period, it used to feel scary for a while but the moment there were a few hundred kms on the ODO it started bedding in and getting better and better.Less than a week post delivery, the jynx that I have with the new cars heading back to the dealership what started with F30 continued when a friend took the car and a part of the plastic roof was hit in the second basement of the parking lot where he says he wasnt confident to enter but the guards didnt stop him so he couldnt judge the height Luckily no damage to any other metal part and no parts will be repaired but the entire roof will be changed which is ordered and costed around 1.5L from the dealership and while I thought itd take time to reach I gotta appreciate M&Ms promptness, to my surprise I hear that it in a weeks time the new-roof is at the dealership so will take the trip to Kolkata sort it, though initially heartbreaking for a couple of days one gotta digest what has happened and move on so ultimately I did. I took it to office a couple of times and it to my colleagues it didnt fail to ooze excitement any less than other new cars that I had taken in past. So thats all folks for now, the car will be off to the workshop the coming weekend for its new roof and allow me to let the pics do the talking till then; assuring you to keep adding to it as and when I add miles and once the car is back from the workshop and once I carry out some mods as planned; Heres a quick list before I sign off of whats done and what are to follow;- Audio Upgrade with Floor Damping (JL C2-650 Front, JL C1-650 on the Roof, MTX amp & shallow subwoofer. Not very impressed I think I'll change the woofer and the amplifer as they dont seem adequate for the speakers, vocals aren't crisps)- Dead Pedal- Auto Window Closer- Sound Damping on the Doors- Wheel Arch Cladding (OEM)- Boot Snack Tray (OEM)- Reverse Camera (OEM)- Door Sill Protector (OEM)- 20mm Front and Rear Spacers- Sunshade (OEM)- Audio Upgrade with Floor Damping- Better Headlights- Better Foglights (AES)- BF Goodrich Tyres (285/60/18)- Integrated Winch on the stock bumper (Something like BYC Jammu has done)- JL Grille (Bimbra Spec)- Roof Marker Lights (Lumiere Concept)- Stage 1 ECU Remapping (Once the ECU is cracked)- Snorkel (Minimal)- Wild Boar Grab Handles- Upholstery Upgrade (Azad 4X4, Wrangler inspired)- Deployable Side Steps- Removable Front part of the HT (Fingers crossed)And thats about all .Would be excited to hear from the wonderful TBHP fam till then, adios! Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Aditya : 30th July 2021 at 09:41 . New OnePlus 10 Pro renders suggest that the advanced Chinese smartphone could be the perfect all-screen handset model. This is currently a big deal since no smartphone brand was able to achieve the said feature as of the moment. OnePlus 10 Pro designed imagined with under-display camera in concept renders - https://t.co/CNEATChMq0 The OnePlus 9 series smartphones were unveiled in March this year. Considering that the brand refreshes its flagship smartphone lineup every six... pic.twitter.com/fHFefHgPFY Geoff Stevenson (@geoffs65) July 30, 2021 Although this is the case, some tech giant manufacturers were able to release different flagships that have a screen ratio close to a perfect all-screen feature. Right now, most handsets have an 18:9 aspect ratio and thin bezels around them. However, this physical feature is just a full-view display. It is still not considered an all-screen one. Now, a new leaked concept design of the popular Chinese smartphone brand shows that it looks like a model with the perfect screen display ratio. Aside from the OnePlus 10 Pro's display, the leaked renders also revealed that the Chinese phone maker retained the device's slider for audio modes. The concept design images were first leaked by Jermaine Smit, the Concept Creator of LetsGoDigital, one of the popular design leakers in the smartphone industry. OnePlus 10 Pro the Ultimate All-Screen Device? According to News 18's latest report, only a few leakers are sharing possible details of the upcoming OnePlus 10 Pro. Although this is the case, most of the information they are releasing helps interested consumers know what is coming to them. It's not even a week for the new that OnePlus 9T is not coming.. Now we have OnePlus 10/10 pro concept renderd by @letsgodigitalNL .. But the this concept was Hyped.?#OnePlus pic.twitter.com/rbfeqRIoiK Joey (@Joey_097) July 30, 2021 Also Read: OnePlus Comes Up with Apple AirPods Pro Alternative with Just a Tiny Difference One of these is the device's release date. Gadgets Now reported that the new smartphone flagship could arrive this coming Oct. 22. However, this leaked launch date still depends on the official announcement of OnePlus. Meanwhile, the leaked renders of the upcoming smartphone brand show that it could have an Honor P50-inspired physical design, which has two big camera sensors at the back, within a circular protruding housing. The device's front doesn't show any front camera sensors or selfie cams. This means that the new OnePlus 10 Pro could have these features under its screen display. But, before you make any conclusion, you need to remember that these photos are not from OnePlus itself. The leaker from LetsGoDigital only designed them. Alleged Camera Features of OnePlus 10 Pro NoteBook Check reported that the new OnePlus 10 Pro could have advanced camera features, which could be better than those offered by iPhone, Samsung, and other popular competitor brands. One of these is the so-called Bionic Lens, which is expected to reduce auto-focus AF latency to 1 millisecond or even less. Aside from this, there could also be Warp Charge 65, Alert Slider, and other high-end functionalities. For more news updates about the OnePlus 10 Pro and other advanced Chinese smartphone models, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: OnePlus Nord 2 Will Still Throttle Its Apps, Possible Toggle Fix When Oxygen OS 12 Coming Soon This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : GettlyImages/ SOPA Images ) Zoom app Zoom has agreed to settle a lawsuit in California over security and privacy. The company offered $85 million and had promised the court that it would update its services to improve its policies to end the case. Zoom Settles Privacy Lawsuit The video chat company was accused of giving the personal information of its users to third-party companies without the user's consent. The sharing of user data with Facebook and preventing hacks from happening were also an issue. The US District Court filed the class-action lawsuit for the Northern District of California in 2020. As of July 31, Zoom has updated the press of its decision to get out of the legal fight by paying compensation and promising it will change the features of its service. According to Bloomberg, the video chat company agreed to pay $85 million to the state. This is a surprising move considering it refused to pay users after FTC filed a lawsuit against Zoom last year for end-to-end encryption lie that began in 2016. The current settlement includes $25 million that will be given to Zoom subscribers covered by the lawsuit, and the $15 million will be given to those who cannot submit a paid subscription claim. Also Read: Is Zoom Safe? Teleconferencing App Sued For Allegedly Selling User Info to Facebook Zoom will be required to improve its privacy features. However, the company did not reveal the exact details of the changes. The settlement is not final yet, as it still needs approval from the US District Judge Lucy Koh before it can get finalized. Security Vulnerabilities In April 2020, a security researcher discovered two vulnerabilities in its macOS client. The coronavirus pandemic has fueled the use of Zoom despite its weak security and questionable privacy features. Since the number of Zoom users skyrocketed, local governments and hackers are raising concerns about the video chat platform. Patrick Wardle, a former hacker and researcher for the National Security Agency, revealed two security vulnerabilities in the latest version of the app. The first vulnerability is the way that Zoom installs itself on a Mac. It takes advantage of the installation process, which is done without any user interaction. A piece of malware or a user with low-level privileges can get root access to a computer. The second vulnerability allows a local user or piece of malware to ride on Zoom's camera and microphone permissions. A hacker can put malicious code into the process space of Zoom. The code can get the camera and microphone permissions, allowing hackers to hijack a call without the user's knowledge. While hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by physically accessing a computer, they are usually more common and challenging to prevent. Aside from the security flaws, the video chat platform also caught flack for its privacy practices. In March 2020, Motherboard reported that the Zoom for iOS app sent off user data to Facebook, even if the user does not have an active Facebook account. While Zoom has since removed the said feature, California had opened an investigation into the company, and the lawsuit began. According to CBC News, the lawsuit, which is recently settled, alleges that the company did not clarify its data-sharing practices to its users. This mirrors the lawsuit that a shareholder filed last year accusing Zoom of not disclosing its practices. This means that the users did not have any knowledge of what was done to their personal information. Related Article: Epic vs. Apple In-Person Trial Will Use Zoom App, Court Says This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. With less than two weeks until the start of classes for Lafayette Parish public school students, parents and teachers are trying to balance concerns about the uncertainty of how COVID-19 protocols will shape the classroom experience with school year planning. The Lafayette Parish School System hasnt released its COVID-19 protocol plans for the school year, but has shared information about school start and end times, a planned A/B schedule to ease children into the year in small groups before resuming a full schedule and some information on meals. Spokesperson Allison Dickerson said administrators are reviewing the latest recommendations from public health officials and plan to release a plan next week. The 2021-2022 Learn Lafayette Reopening Plan is listed on the agenda for the school boards Wednesday meeting and will be up for a vote, with the option for board members to change elements of the plan. Another mask mandate in Louisiana? Officials are considering it as COVID overwhelms hospitals With the highly contagious delta variant ripping through Louisiana and overwhelming hospitals statewide, Gov. John Bel Edwards urged the publi On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adjusted its guidance on masking in schools; previously the organization recommended unvaccinated individuals mask in schools, but expanded that to include all people, including teachers, staff, students and visitors, in K-12 schools. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends everyone in schools over age 2 wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a press conference he may issue a mask mandate for the state as soon as Monday, though its not clear what would be included. Paul Breaux Middle teacher Julia Reed, leader of the Lafayette Parish Association of Educators, said the delay in guidance is a double-edged sword; she appreciates the district looking at all guidance and taking in professional opinions, which helps avoid shakeups at the last minute, but the uncertainty about what the year will look like is also nerve-wracking for many teachers. Theres always unknown factors and this is just adding one more, she said. +5 'We know what to do': Acadiana's health leaders plead for vaccinations, masking, limited gatherings Hospital leaders in Acadiana are pleading with the community to get vaccinated, wear masks and limit gatherings as their facilities and employ Reed and a regional liaison for the Louisiana Association of Educators met with LPSS Superintendent Irma Trosclair on Thursday afternoon to discuss teachers concerns for the year. Reed said members requested that wearing medical scrubs continues to be an option during the year, and that theyd like some kind of mask requirement over softer recommendations. Teachers are people too, with varied opinions on masking and COVID-19, and theres concern a masking honor system focused on unvaccinated people wouldnt be successful, she said. It can also put unintentional decision-making pressure on the kids, the educator said. If you make it non-mandatory, even if their parents ask them to wear a mask when they go to school, there's peer pressure. What if their friends parents are against masking and then the friend pushes and says, Dont wear a mask? Kids like clear boundaries. Voluntary, if you want, thats not a clear boundary, Reed said. The LPAE president said masking and mitigation efforts were successful in schools last year and largely helped prevent widespread outbreaks and school closures related to the virus. The district should keep up with what works, Reed said, and shes confident the board will follow the science to protect students and teachers. +4 Youngsville officer, 34, dies of COVID: 'He was always one of the leaders' Youngsville Police Chief Rickey Boudreaux rushed back from a work conference in Baton Rouge Friday morning upon learning one of his go-to offi Lafayette internal medicine and geriatric care physician Dr. Britni Hebert said shes empathetic to the pressure the school system is under, especially during what is already a busy time in an average year. But the lack of transparency and communication around how theyre making decisions is creating fear among parents, she said. Currently, Louisiana has the highest growth rate of COVID-19 cases per capita in the nation, according to data from the Louisiana Department of Health. Proactive communication of the resources and opinions the school system is considering when making decisions about their COVID-19 protocols would go a long way in building confidence in the safety of school, especially as case numbers rise with the proliferation of the delta variant, Hebert said. While the doctor knows there are behind-the-scenes discussions happening, when the public isnt privy to those conversations, it feels like they arent happening at all, she said. Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Louisiana hospitals report more pediatric COVID patients 'than previous iterations' of virus As the fourth wave of COVID-19 continues to inundate Louisiana hospitals, pediatric facilities have also seen a swift rise in the number of patients. I feel like there is a crisis in our community and Im hearing silence where theres a desperate need for discussion, the Lafayette doctor said. I was watching the LPSS announcements pretty much daily...and there was just no acknowledgement of the crisis thats beyond building in our community and thats unsettling, and it feels very wrong. I think that many mothers and fathers in the community would really appreciate an acknowledgement that they see and are making plans. That would go a long way in calming fears and reassuring families that there will be some action to keep people safe, Hebert said. A mother to a 2-year-old son and 8-year-old twin boys, the doctor said LPSS silence has put their familys school plans in limbo. Any and everything is on the table right now public school, private school and virtual learning as they wait to learn more about safety plans, she said. Hebert said she and her husband are proud public school graduates they first met while at Paul Breaux Middle together and pulling their sons from Spanish immersion at Alice Boucher Elementary last year to participate in the Lafayette Online Academy was upsetting, but their safety is paramount, she said. Why did CDC reverse mask recommendation for the vaccinated? New data to explain decision NEW YORK -- U.S. health officials are expected to release new data about the spread of COVID-19 on Friday that led to their decision to recomm The doctor is intimately familiar with the damage COVID-19 can do. Hebert has cared for patients with COVID-19 in outpatient and non-ICU hospital settings locally. In 2020, she volunteered in a New York City field hospital for about a month during the citys first major COVID-19 wave, she said. In July 2020, she, her husband, their then 1-year-old son and her parents contracted COVID-19 from a family caregiver. She suffered from COVID-induced pneumonia, despite being healthy and without pre-existing conditions, and has struggled with long haul COVID symptoms. Hebert said these experiences have made her passionate about education around COVID-19, mitigation measures and the available vaccines. The Lafayette doctor acknowledged COVID-19, and related topics such as masks and vaccines, are still controversial topics in the community, with many denying or downplaying the reality of the disease. Hebert said she knows people are tired and she is empathetic to the burnout around the virus and the sacrifices needed to prevent its spread in the community. But burnout or community disbelief shouldnt dictate policy, especially when it comes to peoples safety, she said. Clay Higgins introduces bill aimed at making vaccine mandates by employers illegal Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins announced Friday he has introduced a bill aimed at making it illegal to mandate employees undertake any med Hebert said its unfortunate that mask wearing in schools has been framed as a recommendation from the Louisiana Department of Education, rather than a mandate, with the ultimate decision of whether masks will be worn pushed down to local school districts. It creates the sense that someone has to be the bad guy, amid calls from neighbors and constituents pushing back on masking and other rules, she said. Safety decisions should be insulated from public opinion, with the main driver science and the guidance of public health and safety professionals, the doctor said. If you are certain enough that your purpose is the safety of children, and that your actions improve that safety, it should never matter what people say or how angry they get. If your purpose is true, and your path is clear, none of that matters. I think people need to feel OK to look like the bad guy in doing the right thing here. It takes a lot of bravery and we need bravery right now, Hebert said. Statewide, hospital leaders are reporting more children falling ill from COVID because of the highly aggressive delta variant and more are requiring hospitalization. Children are not as susceptible to severe disease or death from coronavirus as adults are, with only around .01% of cases resulting in death. Roughly 500 children in the U.S. have died of COVID-19, according to the CDC. But state medical leaders said they fear a shift as more of the delta variant circulates in the community. Hebert had pointed words for anyone who suggests the relative lack of danger to children is a reason to forgo mask wearing and other safety measures in schools. I say go to a playground and pick the child youre willing to sacrifice today. Go choose the child, point them out and tell them that one can die and Im OK with that. Thats unacceptable. Any one child lost is an entire universe of possibility and hope, and they should be our number one priority, the Lafayette mother said. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Firefighters doused the blaze before it tore through the rest of the building, but the damage was done. The Violet Street apartment fire late Tuesday drove 10 people six of them children out of house and home. A few days later, another apartment erupted in flames. This time, a few miles northward, just off Plank Road and south of Highway 190 in Baton Rouge, where firefighters again beat it back before it could spread and before it could hurt anyone. Two fires in three days, both ruled arson. The Baton Rouge Fire Department said it responded to 13 intentionally set blazes in all of July, damaging four lived-in homes, seven empty ones and two apartments. One proved fatal. Taking place in the dark morning hours, the July 23 fire licked up a house on Cable Street, hospitalizing the homeowner who succumbed to his burns a short time later. The numbers would've been unprecedented before 2020. Since the pandemic, however, BRFD said that's become the usual pace: an arson about every day or few. Baton Rouge recorded 94 arsons in the first half of 2020, making for a near-50 percent increase from the same timeframe a year prior. The first six months of 2019 saw 63. January to June this year clocked 87, an average of 14 a month. Though a little less compared to those six months in 2020, it's a 138 percent jump the first half of 2019. Baton Rouge man dies from injuries in Friday morning arson, BRPD says A 65-year-old has died from burns and smoke inhalation in a fire that was intentionally set at his house on Cable Street Friday, Baton Rouge p Like fluctuations in other types of crime rates over the past year, officials say it's tough to pinpoint a cause. Regardless, BRFD spokesman Justin Hill said, "we're obviously tracking it." Fellow BRFD spokesman, Curt Monte, said it's also hard to extrapolate any notable trends from such a varied array of fires. Over the past year, arsons scorched homes, apartments, cars, businesses and even front-yard trash piles, he said. And they happened all over the map in Baton Rouge. "Arson is a crime done for so many reasons," Monte said. Many involved insurance fraud or domestic spats. Some were attempts to cover-up other wrongdoing. Though most arsons go unsolved, Baton Rouge has clearance rate higher than the national average: 30% so far this year compared to 23% for the U.S. overall. 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 BRFD investigators made nine arson arrests through June of this year, Hill said. And in the fire that displaced 10 people early last week, they arrested one more. Though its sample size is considerably smaller, the St. George Fire Department has kept up a similar solve rate. The department, which serves communities just south and east of Baton Rouge proper, has investigated 24 fires through July this year. Of the six ruled arson, SGFD spokesman Eldon Ledoux said, two led to arrests and one of those to conviction. For the most part, BRFD's Monte said, arsons don't culminate in that kind of closure. There are many ways to clear a case, the veteran fire official explained, depending on whether the perpetrator is a child, mentally ill or ruled less-than-criminally culpable for some other reason. Thankfully for local fire agencies, the state lends a hand on some arsons and every deadly conflagration. The Louisiana State Fire Marshals Office is required by law to independently investigate fatal fires. But agencies throughout Louisiana can always ask the state for backup a service largely used by small communities that might not employ their own fire investigators, SFMO spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue said. Through June this year, state fire investigators were called to look into 351 fires across the state 106 of which were deemed arson. Rodrigue said she read through every one of those investigations, which identified a broad range of causes. "More times than not," she said, "it is domestic in nature." Another common arson motive: insurance fraud. According to a Louisiana Department of Insurance analysis of FBI data, intentional fires cost the average household $400 to $700 a year in increased premiums. While the cost of arson is shared broadly among citizens, BRFD's Monte noted, so, too, can be the chance to fight it. "Like any other crime, we are always in the need of assistance from the public," he said. "If you see something say something." To report a suspicious fire, call the Greater Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-7867, the BRFD at (225) 354-1419 or the St. George Fire Department at (225) 454-6550. Never in his three-year tenure at Our Lady of the Lake Livingston has Dr. Charles Nunez seen so many patients. In the past week alone, he said the emergency department under his purview scrambled to care for a sudden influx of COVID-sick wards. And they had more than coronavirus in common. I can say every one of them has been unvaccinated, Nunez said. I have not admitted one vaccinated patient. As the delta variant tears through Louisiana, sending case counts soaring and packing hospitals to the brink, its hitting especially hard in the rural eastern swath of the capital region known as the Florida Parishes, which includes Livingston. A New York Times database lists Tangipahoa Parish as second in the nation among counties with the most new cases per capita. Livingston Parish ranks sixth. Both recently logged record numbers of new daily cases since the start of the pandemic, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. More troubling to Dr. Gina Lagarde is whats not reported. LDH numbers that point to a fourth surge are just the tip of an iceberg, said Lagarde, the medical director for LDH region IX, which serves Tangipahoa, Livingston, St. Helena, Washington and St. Tammany parishes. And yet, she said, there is a lot more community spread out there that we know exists. Driving the surge is a mix of deltas heightened contagiousness and lackluster vaccination numbers. The variant is twice as transmissible as earlier COVID strains, health experts say, allowing it to run rampant in unvaccinated areas. With one of the nations lowest inoculation rates, at 36.8%, Louisiana faces some of the worst delta-driven COVID outbreaks in the country, according to the New York Times. Even by Louisiana's standards, the struggle to get shots in arms in the Florida Parishes has been especially pronounced. Aside from St. Tammany, Region IX has inoculation rates below the states. Scientists overwhelmingly consider the vaccines safe, effective and essential to slow the pandemic. But misinformation, supply-chain shortfalls and politics continue to stall vaccinations in the Florida Parishes, which are populated both by majority-white, staunchly-conservative pockets as well as sizable Black communities that have suffered disproportionately in the pandemic. Some locals refuse vaccines even after loved ones fall sick and die. Were trying to come up with any strategy we can to convince people the vaccine is safe and to not spread (the virus), said Dawson Primes, emergency management director for Tangipahoa Parish. But its an uphill battle. Back with a fury The Florida Parishes face what Dr. Lagarde calls a perfect storm for a massive surge. A wildly infectious variant and lagging vaccination rates are daunting enough. Add to the mix traditional summer gatherings, people holing themselves up in the air-conditioned indoors and an imminent return to in-person learning this school year. Its all very concerning, Lagarde said. Hospitals in the region are seeing trends reflected statewide in the latest surge: intensive-care units filled with the unvaccinated, younger people falling critically ill and more overall patients than at any other point in the pandemic. Delta spread fast in Livingston Parish, where 27.1% of residents are fully vaccinated, forcing officials to close some government buildings. At least 10 workers in the parish presidents office tested positive. We ran into a severe manpower shortage, parish president Layton Ricks said. +7 Heres how Louisiana physicians are debunking myths about the COVID vaccine and pregnancy A group of Louisiana female physicians said Friday that misinformation is incorrectly linking coronavirus vaccines with infertility and bad pr In Tangipahoa, where the vaccination rate is 30.3%, North Oaks Health System has seen staggering numbers of COVID patients, straining staff and forcing them to open another ICU. A good word to use is disappointed, North Oaks Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Peltier said. We all hoped that it was over, every one of us. Many of these deaths and hospitalizations are preventable. If we had vaccine rates weve seen in other areas of the country and world, maybe we wouldnt have seen numbers the way they are. Medical professionals on the frontline are burned out and frustrated as cases continue to climb more than a year into the pandemic. But the anxiety and grief accumulated over many months have also impacted ordinary people struggling to recover from COVID or mourning a loved one lost to the virus. I know we talk about post-traumatic stress disorder when we talk about this pandemic, Lagarde said. But were still in the trauma stage right now. We havent even reached the (post-traumatic) stage yet. Baton Rouge hospitals see spike in COVID-sick children and doctors fear it could get worse As a fourth wave of COVID fueled by the contagious delta variant inundates Baton Rouge hospitals, pediatric facilities are seeing a rise in th Too much to lose In Livingston parish, unvaccinated residents said fear and mistrust kept them holding out. Their justifications ran the gamut from concern over how quickly the vaccine was developed to suspicion of government. Many expressed confusion and skepticism over what they saw as conflicting public health messaging about the virus and the vaccine. Dana Marie Dier, who lives in Watson, said she fears both both. With asthma and emphysema, the 51-year-old knows shes prone to serious illness if she catches the virus, so she masks up and keeps her distance from other people. At the same time, she worries about those same health conditions causing an adverse reaction to the vaccine. They just made it so fast," she said. "I dont want to be a guinea pig, I guess. If I get COVID, Ill probably end up on a ventilator because I can barely breathe now. Its horrible. Its like a catch-22 situation. Louisiana hospitals report more pediatric COVID patients 'than previous iterations' of virus As the fourth wave of COVID-19 continues to inundate Louisiana hospitals, pediatric facilities have also seen a swift rise in the number of patients. Her cousin, 22-year-old Kaley Dowdy, said the only person she knew who got the shot was her aunt, who later died from COVID-19. Dowdy said she believes the vaccine wasnt studied enough and worries what would happen to her children if the shot put her health in jeopardy. I have a 4-year-old and a (one)-year-old, and I wouldnt risk getting the vaccine, she said. I have too much to lose. Shes also exasperated with COVID-safety messaging. Public health leaders bungled the pandemic response, she said, calling it "a hot mess from the beginning." As her friends and family contract the virus, she wonders why mask mandates were lifted and safety precautions loosened in recent months. Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "I dont understand where the protocols and guidelines got lost in translation from last year to now," she said. Limited access In St. Helena, where 52% of the parishs 10,000 residents are Black, reasons for vaccine hesitancy span race, infrastructure and information shortfalls. Thirty-two percent of the parish has received both doses of the two-part Pfizer or Moderna or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Decades of disparities in healthcare available to Black people in the U.S. no doubt add to the reluctance, parish emergency preparedness director Roderick Matthews said. But there is no one reason why inoculations have stalled, he added. And it should be noted that Black St. Helenans have gotten shots at a higher overall rate than their White counterparts, Matthews said. Matthews pointed to lack of transportation and spotty internet as an issue, as well as a spread out, tough-to-reach population. In place of readily-accessible information from scientists, conspiracy theories have been stoking suspicions. That was the case for Kayla Nelson, who lives in Chipola, an unincorporated community near the Louisiana-Mississippi line in northern St. Helena Parish. Nelson was pregnant around the time the vaccine rolled out. When she heard stories about how vaccine side effects might harm her unborn child something scientists say is unproven she felt determined to avoid it. "There were a lot of different theories about what was going on with the vaccine," she said. "I was worried I'd have worse side effects. If I'd had the same side effects that other people have had, I didn't want that to happen while I was pregnant." Nelson recently had her child, and recognizes the threat posed by the delta variant. But she has yet to schedule a vaccine appointment because of logistical reasons, she said. The Parish is trying to remedy information shortfalls by mailing materials with vaccine information to residents homes, Matthews said, and by having conversations with trusted local leaders, like pastors and doctors, about encouraging people to get the shots. Renewed demand While most people in the Florida Parishes remain unvaccinated, demand for shots is spiking in some places, as the department of health on Friday reported the largest statewide increase in daily vaccinations since April. At James Drug Store in Denham Springs, the pharmacy has scaled back the days they offer the vaccine to one a week due to declining interest, pharmacist Clint Miller said. But just last week they saw the number of people seeking the shot double from the last time they held vaccine appointments earlier in the month. In Greensburg, St. Helena Parishs largest town with 800 residents, there was a rush to get the jab when vaccines became available this spring. But demand waned and stayed that way for weeks, Greensburg Family Pharmacy co-owner Kelly Lambert said. Those numbers have recently ticked back up, she said. I think its because people kind of got complacent, and then the delta variant reared its head, Lambert said. Some people have said, Ive been meaning to come do this, and I havent. Wasted COVID vaccine doses spike in Louisiana amid hesitancy As coronavirus vaccine interest plummeted in Louisiana, the state saw a spike in the number of wasted shots, with more than 79,000 vaccine dos The pharmacy is running more COVID tests, too. Around half of the tests the pharmacy gave on Wednesday came back positive, Lambert estimated. Both tests and vaccinations increased across Region IX this past week as health officials sounded the alarm over the new surge, Lagarde said Friday. But its still not enough with overall vaccination rates so low. "You could still basically trip over a vaccine" in Tangipahoa Parish, Primes said. In a shift from earlier strains, unvaccinated people face greater risk of contracting delta. That risk rises in areas with low vaccine uptake like the Florida Parishes, scientists say. If you interact in a way with the broad population that's largely unvaccinated in crowded settings for an extended period of time, you may acquire 20 exposures in the course of one evening at a bar, said Susan Hassig, a Tulane University epidemiologist. So you know, it's like ... are you feeling lucky tonight? I dont know how you battle that Primes feels exhausted by offering vaccines to people who keep refusing them as hospital beds fill up. The biggest challenge, he said, has been battling political objections to COVID precautions. People in Tangipahoa and Livingston tend to vote Republican, mirroring a trend in rural counties across the country where local officials have struggled to sell people on the shots. People have a choice about which information to heed in deciding whether to get vaccinated, Primes said. He thinks it shouldnt be a hard one. Its at a point where people know what the right information is. Its coming from local news, from national news and local government, he said. Everybodys putting out the information, and people are choosing to ignore it. If youre bombarded with information saying you need to get vaccines to stop this pandemic, I dont know how people arent changing their thought process. I dont know how you battle that. Cash money seems to help. On Saturday, 500 people lured by a $100 payout lined up for vaccines in Hammond, Tangipahoa Parishs largest city. The day before, statewide vaccinations rose again, bolstering doctors' belief that a "movable middle" still on the fence about vaccinations can be swayed. The shots remain the best way for Region IX and the rest of Louisiana to emerge from the pandemic still gripping the state, said Lagarde, the regional LDH doctor. "Its a task, but its not impossible," she said. "This too shall pass, but I want it to pass quickly." Staff writer Jeff Adelson contributed to this report. The callers want to know about where to get COVID tests. Others ask about how to sign up for a vaccine. A growing number dial in to complain about some of the mildest coronavirus symptoms. All important inquiries just not the kind to bug 911 about. Yet as the pandemic rages on, the emergency line in East Baton Rouge has been overwhelmed by people treating it like their own personal Siri or Alexa. Officials say theres been a massive uptick in callers treating 911 like an informational hotline for prosaic questions about the fast-spreading, ever-mutating coronavirus. Were getting a lot of 911 calls from the public wanting to get COVID tests or vaccines, Baton Rouge EMS spokesman Brad Harris said. It puts a huge stress on the system. Baton Rouge hospitals see spike in COVID-sick children and doctors fear it could get worse As a fourth wave of COVID fueled by the contagious delta variant inundates Baton Rouge hospitals, pediatric facilities are seeing a rise in th Emergency services in the capitol region and other cities throughout the nation confronted the same problem in the early months of the pandemic. Now, after a drawn-out lull, the non-urgent 911 calls are again intensifying amid a renewed surge in the virus quickened by the wildly contagious delta variant. This past month alone, Harris said the East Baton Rouge 911 dispatch center saw an 880 percent spike in COVID-related calls compared to June. Most come from people asking about symptoms nowhere near serious enough to need hospitalization, let alone an ambulance ride. The non-emergency calls put immense strain on paramedics, first-responders and healthcare workers already stretched to a breaking point, he lamented. Hospitals throughout the capital region and southeast Louisiana have been grappling with some of the highest numbers of COVID-sick patients seen since the dawn of the pandemic. People either just want to get a COVID test or the vaccine, Harris said, and theyre tying up emergency room beds, which becomes a trickle down effect when hospitals are at capacity. Bombarding 911 with non-urgent calls holds up ambulances, which have to triage and transfer patients based on need. If too many are waiting for a hospital room at the same time, Harris said, that means fewer ambulances available to respond to real emergencies. Vaccine news in your inbox Once a week we'll update you on the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up All too often, Harris said, people call 911 for something annoying-but-tolerable, like a sore throat. Since EMS would never deny anyone an ambulance, he said paramedics rush to the scene. But typically what happens is well get get there and talk to them and say, Look, you dont need to go to the hospital, he said in a recent interview, and the patient ends up saying, Oh, OK, I didnt know that. I dont need you anymore. Thats precious time lost, Harris noted, for something the caller could have just looked up online. Theres a simple fix, though. EMS officials say people just need to steer non-emergency COVID questions away from 911 and ER units and toward the proper channels. The hard part is getting the word out. But local leaders and first-responders are doubling-down trying. For starters, Harris said, people should check out an online portal launched by East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broomes office: brla.gov/covidtest. The website boasts a wealth of information about where to get tested, where to get vaccinated and what to do in case of infection. Those without reliable internet access can call the citys COVID-19 hotline at (855) 453-0774. The more people direct their inquiries to the proper channels, be it a family doctor or a city hotline, officials say, the better frontline workers can heed emergencies and life-or-death calls. For anything less, Harris said, his message is clear. Dont call 911. Afterpay co-founder Nick Molnar says a $39 billion takeover from Square will turbocharge the payment companys global expansion after he vowed to hang onto his stake in the merged group as it tries to disrupt the credit card business around the world. In the largest corporate takeover in Australian history, Twitter billionaire Jack Dorseys US payments platform Square on Monday said it would buy Afterpay, creating a global fintech giant. The takeover, in which Afterpay shareholders will be paid in Square shares, will result in Square establishing a dual listing on the ASX. Afterpays Nick Molnar and Anthony Eisen said the acquisition would enable the company to accelerate its growth in the United States and globally. Credit:Eamon Gallagher Mr Molnar said merging with Square, which provides payment services to millions of small merchants and consumers, would allow Afterpay to accelerate its growth among Millennials in the US. Mr Molnar and co-founder Anthony Eisen, who each own about $2.3 billion in Afterpay shares, will join Square in senior management roles if the deal goes ahead. When asked if he intended to retain his stake in the business, Mr Molnar replied: Yeah, absolutely. Ant and I remain deeply committed for the long term. A Salvation Army store, an Officeworks outlet in Ipswich and a Brisbane airport terminal have been added to the states exposure site list across greater Brisbane after 10 new community cases of COVID-19 were reported on Friday. Anyone who has visited any of the close-contact sites is required to get tested, travel by private transport to their home or accommodation, fill out the online Queensland Health contact-tracing form and quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their test result. The Salvation Armys Bundamba Family Store was added as a close-contact site between 11.18am and noon on Friday, July 30. Also, Officeworks in Ipswich has been identified as an exposure site that day from 10.49am to 11.15am, and UQ Sport Aquatic Centre from 4.15pm to 6pm that day. Nanny agencies are experiencing unprecedented demand as parents seek an extra set of hands to ease the pressure of home schooling and working from home. Agencies are struggling to find enough nannies to meet the demand, with some placing three times as many nannies into homes than they did before the pandemic. Ellie Gurgiel, husband Josh and daughters Maisie, 4, and Cleo, 18 months. Credit:Joe Armao Lauren Brown, president of the Australian Nanny Association and director of Nanager, said shed received more inquiries during the first quarter of this year than she had for all of 2019. During the pandemic, many families lost the support of interstate and overseas grandparents due to border closures, and au pairs left the country, she said. Premier Gladys Berejiklian says Sydney can start to emerge from lockdown on August 28 if vaccination rates hit 50 per cent, signalling for the first time the proportion of people fully inoculated will determine how restrictions are eased not COVID case numbers. Ms Berejiklian said having half of the states adults vaccinated would not give us complete freedom but it would trigger the easing of some restrictions. By Sunday, 19 per cent of NSW adults had been fully vaccinated. Premier Gladys Berejiklian says reaching vaccination milestones will prompt the easing of restrictions. Credit:Edwina Pickles The Premier is urging people to use the four-week extension to the lockdown, due to end on August 28, to get a jab, saying there was only a three day wait for appointments for an AstraZeneca shot in state vaccination hubs. If we increase the vaccination rates during August this gives us many more options for August 29, she said. Victoria will probably reach the threshold of 70 per cent fully vaccinated, outlined by Canberra on Friday as a key milestone in avoiding lockdowns, ahead of most other states, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says. We are leading the big states, Professor Sutton said on Sunday. I think we will be ahead of the average. Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton in July getting his second AstraZeneca vaccine at The Hills Medical Practice at Olinda. Credit:Andrew Henshaw He said while smaller jurisdictions such as the ACT and Tasmania were likely to reach the 70 per cent benchmark first, Victoria was well placed to reach that threshold. On Friday, the national cabinet agreed states and territories would enforce fewer lockdowns, and vaccinated people would be subject to fewer restrictions, once 70 per cent of the eligible population was fully vaccinated. London: Young people will be offered free taxi rides, pizzas and supermarket discounts if they agree to have a coronavirus vaccine as the government attempts to boost uptake. Ministers are in talks with dozens of companies, including coffee and cinema chains, about a voucher scheme to be launched later this month in time for the start of the academic year. An NHS nurse looks for patients at a pop-up vaccination centre during a four-day COVID-19 vaccine festival in Langdon Park, east London, on Saturday July 31, 2021. Credit:AP The government is desperate to increase the number of young adults who have been jabbed. Just 67 per cent of under-29s have received their first dose. Cabinet ministers have privately said that if this could be increased to more than 80 per cent it may head off the need for vaccine passports in places like nightclubs. So far, Uber has agreed to offer free rides, while Deliveroo is offering discount codes on takeaway meals from 46,000 restaurants or discounts off shopping bills at supermarkets such as Waitrose, Morrisons and Aldi. Pizza Pilgrims, a restaurant chain with 10 outlets in central London, is offering discounts off meals, while Bolt, another ride-hailing app, will offer free ride credits to vaccination centres. Up for debate: Live legislation tracker Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics. Your Right to Know is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (wisfoic.org), a group dedicated to open government. Bill Lueders is the groups president. Instant unlimited access to all of our E-Editions and content on thechronicleonline.com. The Chronicle E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) 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. Click the image to the left and log in to get your exclusive reader perks. Tim Lomperis is a Maryville resident, former military intelligence officer, author and political science professor emeritus at Saint Louis University. He worked in the Vietnamese Resettlement Program from 1975-76. Email him at tjlomperis@gmail.com. 10 Republicans Back Bill Calling for Audit of the CDC A group of 10 Republican senators is backing legislation that would require an audit of the decision-making and public health messaging by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Senate proposal (pdf), the Restore Public Health Institution Trust Act of 2021, would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the CDCs public health messaging and decision-making and prepare a report on its findings. The report would include a review of the data that the CDC used to make its recommendations and whether the agencys inconsistent messaging had an impact on the publics trust and willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine. These guidelines, like most of the Biden Administrations actions these days, make little sense and seem without scientific direction, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said in a statement, referring to the CDCs recent reversal of masking guidance for fully vaccinated people. Americans have spent the last year and a half making tremendous sacrifices to halt the viruss spread, but they are confused and have lost trust in our institutions. The mixed messaging could also degrade trust in the efficacy of vaccines. The measure would also require the GAO to determine whether outside entities, including teachers unions, were in a position to affect the CDCs guidance. The CDC revised its mask guidance last week, telling fully vaccinated people to don masks in crowded indoor settings. The agency based the decision on a study of an outbreak in Massachusetts which found that 74 percent of the people infected had been fully vaccinated. The study also suggested that fully vaccinated people who become infected with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus could still spread the virus. The CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, is the pathogen that causes COVID-19. The CDCs flip-flop on mask guidance sends a confusing message to Montanans and the American people, and has not been clearly justified with data. The CDC needs to improve its communications with the public and stop undermining vaccine confidence, Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) said in a statement. Over the past year and a half, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued conflicting health guidance, at times only weeks apart, and at times without supporting clinical data, Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) said in a statement. Their actions have unnecessarily divided our country and fueled partisan conflict. The job of the CDC is to help control and prevent disease, not play politics. Its time for oversight and reform. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring session in Tirana, Albania, on May 30, 2016. (Hektor Pustina/AP Photo) 5 Women, 14 Children Repatriated From Syria Back to Albania TIRANA, AlbaniaFive women and 14 children who were the families of Albanian nationals who joined ISIS terrorist fighting in Syria and Iraq on Sunday returned to their homeland from Syrias Al Hol camp. Flying from Lebanon they were accompanied by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Bledi Cuci. It is a very positive event, I believe, and, of course, we shall not stop here, said Rama at a news conference at Tirana international airport. The 19 women and children will be taken to a shelter in the western port city of Durres where police and social experts will make all the necessary medical and psychological examination, to be followed by a quarantine period, after which some may be allowed to rejoin their families. He did not say whether the women would be prosecuted. This is the third effort at repatriating Albanians from the fighting territories in Syria. In October last year five Albanians were repatriated, while a child returned to the country a year earlier. A few hundred Albanian men joined ISIS and other groups fighting in Syria and Iraq in the early 2010s. Many were killed, and their wives and children are stuck in Syrian camps. About 30 other children and women are believed to be in Syrian camps but Rama said that number is unclear, adding that two women had refused to get in contact for repatriation, fearing for their lives. About two-thirds of Albanias 2.85 million people are Muslims. By Llazar Semini A COVID-positive high school student in Brisbane has the same virus strain as two travellers in hotel quarantine but the link between the groups is unclear, health authorities say. Queensland recorded nine new local COVID-19 cases on Saturday as the states southeast bunkers down under a three-day lockdown. Deputy Premier Steven Miles said on Sunday all nine cases uncovered were connected to the Indooroopilly cluster. It was the highest number of daily infections in almost 12 months. The Indooroopilly cluster now numbers at least 18 people and Miles implored more Queenslanders to seek virus testing, with fewer than 12,000 tests conducted on Saturday. Authorities hope to see at least 40,000 daily tests. Chief health officer Jeannette Young said there was no clear link yet between a Indooroopilly High School student who caught the virus and two people in hotel quarantine in Brisbane. One of the people was from Indonesia and the other from the United Kingdom. Young said it was likely the traveller from Indonesia infected the other traveller at some point, and that the outbreak commenced in the Sunshine Coast region. I suspect that is where this outbreak started and then has reached a critical level where it has started to escalate and we had picked up at the escalation point, Young told reporters. I still think there will be cases there in the Sunshine Coast we dont know about and if we dont find them, they will continue to spread. Young said an infected medical student may have brought the virus into the Indooroopilly High School students home. She added authorities would gauge their success by the number of COVID-19 cases who were active in the community. Not all of the nine cases were in isolation while infectious. She also said the widespread use of masksincluding in schoolshad aided in suppressing COVID-19 cases. Miles declared a go hard, go early response to the outbreak on Saturday after six new cases were linked to the high school student. The local government areas of Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim entered the harshest restrictions the sunshine state has seen at 4pm on Saturday. Residents in affected areas can only leave home for essential work, study or child care, to exercise, buy food and supplies, and receive healthcare, including being tested for COVID-19 or vaccinated. Non-essential travel must be within 10km of residences and everyone must wear a mask when outside their home. All schools in the lockdown zone will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, while all staff and students of Indooroopilly High School and Ironside State School are in quarantine for two weeks. Other schools affected by the outbreak include St Peters, Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Boys Grammar School. Queensland Police said it doled out 28 infringement notices on Saturday for public health order breaches. Exposure sites can be viewed at qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing Alberta Premier Jason Kenney speaks about the Open for Summer Plan and next steps in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, in Edmonton on June 18, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Jason Franson) We Should All Be Cheering for Albertas Departure from COVID Restrictions to Succeed Commentary When I heard that Albertas Chief Medical Officer Deena Hinshaw was doing her first press conference in nearly a month, I assumed that she was going to be announcing some tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in light of rising case counts. My jaw dropped when Dr. Hinshaw essentially declared the pandemic emergency as being over and that the government would be ending all restrictions by mid-August. It was a bold declaration, and the uproar from opposition parties and medical activists was predictable and fierce. Demands for Dr. Hinshaws resignation were immediate, and expert predictions of doom for the province of Alberta flooded the airwaves. While COVID-19 case counts have indeed been rising recently, hospitalizations and deaths have continued to drop. Over 75 percent of Albertans have had their first vaccination while 65 percent have had both doses. Vaccinations have been working as the medical community told us they would. While vaccination doesnt provide 100 percent protection, it does reduce the severity of the infection and the potential damage caused. The avoidance of overwhelming medical facilities has always been the main justification for government restrictions to try to reduce transmission. With hospitalizations being so low and decreasing, it only makes sense to pull back on restrictions. Dr. Hinshaw made it clear in her press conference that while COVID-19 still poses a threat to some people, it is time to treat it as an endemic disease rather than a pandemic. We will have to learn to live with this disease until it runs its course, she said. This is a dangerous political gamble to make. If there is a resurgence of COVID-19 leading to significant deaths and pressure on the medical system, the government will be held directly responsible. Premier Jason Kenneys government is already floundering as far as public support goes. Recent polling indicates that support for the United Conservative Party (UCP) has dropped to 29 percent. This is a whopping loss of 21 percentage points since it was elected in April 2019, although it should be noted that the poll was taken just before Dr. Hinshaws announcement. Kenneys aggressive reopening plan is a political Hail Mary play. If hospitalizations remain low and manageable, the UCP government can take the credit for Alberta being the first province in Canada to return to normal. If this strategy fails, Kenneys government will likely fail along with it as it will be painted as being reckless to the point of killing citizens. Theres no doubt that every premier in Canada will be watching Alberta closely to see how well the ending of restrictions goes. Due to restrictions, commerce is still down while unemployment is up across the country. People are stressed and unhappy, and governments are running out of resources. Constant testing and restrictions have a cost, and every government wants this to end. Although somebody eventually had to do it, nobody wanted to take the chance and be the first to fully declare an end to the emergency. Kenney has now taken that burden upon himself, for better or for worse. Media members and some attendees are seen as Dr. Joseph Vipond (back C) speaks at a rally in downtown Calgary on July 30, 2021, where Vipond called for a general strike in order to topple the government. (Cory Morgan) Many activists and politicians are in full fury mode over Albertas ending of restrictions and testing requirements. Outspoken doctor Joseph Vipond called for nothing less than a general strike in order to topple the government. Vipond organized a rally in downtown Calgary on July 30 that was supposed to become the seed of a revolution against the Kenney government. Although dozens of media members were present at the event, there were only about 100 attendees. While activists may feel that it is time to take to the streets, average Albertans appear more cautiously optimistic, content to take a wait-and-see approach. For now at least, Kenney is safe from having to deal with a general strike. The pandemic has had a polarizing effect. There are people who feel that the pandemic is a hoax and that we should never have done anything about it. There are others who take a zero-risk approach and feel that government should maintain restrictions until COVID-19 is totally obliterated. Neither approach is reasonable. The restrictions have arguably mitigated the harm that the pandemic presented, but now it is time for governments to face down the zero-risk folks and start returning us all to normal. Time will tell soon enough if Premier Kenneys decision was a brilliant move or a misstep. The genie is out of the bottle and we should all be hoping for success in reopening. Alberta is now Canadas guinea pig as far as dropping pandemic restrictions goes. Only the most politically blinded of ideologues could hope that Albertas effort fails. One can support fully reopening no matter of which political stripe. If Alberta wins in this gambit, we all win. Cory Morgan is a columnist and business owner based in Calgary. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) (C) and Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) at a hearing on China accountability for fentanyl production in Washington on Sept. 6, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Americas Chinese Fentanyl Flood Commentary Foreigners have been buyingor at least rentingAmericas ruling class since the republic was founded. Almost exactly 225 years ago, in his 1796 Farewell Address, George Washington warned against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, adding that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. In modern times, Saudis, Japanese, South Koreans, and Israelisto name a fewhave all managed to purchase influence. But the usual goal is to gain advantages for their own nations. What we are seeing now is something much more dangeroususing influence to corrode the United States from within. One nation is pouring highly addictive and unpredictable illicit drugs into the American bloodstreamkilling tens of thousands a year. And the American elites are doing absolutely nothing about it. Now, that is influence. The drug? Fentanyl. The country? Communist China. Fentanyl mostly originates in China, often moving via Mexico (and Mexican drug gangs) into the United States. The Chinese are also into the money laundering part of the businesshelping drug gangs launder (or recycle) their massive earnings. Talk about a win-winas the Chinese communists like to say. Casualties The deluge started around 2013 and has picked up steadily since then. The numbers are staggering. In 2017, 28,000 Americans died of overdoses involving fentanyl. In a 2018 meeting with President Donald Trump, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to restrict all fentanyl-like substances. Trump declared this a gamechanger. Not surprisingly, the fentanyl and drugs kept flowing. In 2019, more than 37,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses. Thats nearly five times the number of U.S. troops killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2020, the U.S. government reported 93,000 American residents died from a drug overdosethe vast majority from fentanyl poisoning. The COVID-19 lockdowns have helped bump up the already horrific death totals. Yet, even as the death toll mounts, U.S. businesses and financial titans never mention it. The think tanks are mostly silent. Academia? Cant be bothered. The U.S. media often downplays or ignores the fentanyl bloodbath, and even more so the source, seemingly afraid to mention the C-word: China. Packets of fentanyl mostly in powder form and methamphetamine, which U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they seized from a truck crossing into Arizona from Mexico, is on display during a news conference at the Port of Nogales, Ariz., on Jan. 31, 2019. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection/Reuters) And on Capitol Hill, where theres bold, blustery, bipartisan talk about taking on the Chinese regime, when it comes to fentanyl and China one hears little. Excuses Even the Trump administrationthe firmest yet in standing up to Chinadidnt make so much of the fentanyl issue, though Trump raised it directly with Xi, and others did try. One official suggested calling the fentanyl scourge the Third Opium War. The response from inside the Beltway was immediate and visceral, You cant say that (when it comes to China, theres all sort of things you cant say). In this case, the response was particularly curious as, in some quarters (including in China), there is a tendency to excuse Chinese non-cooperation as payback for the Opium Wars of the 19th century. Payback? The Opium Wars were 180 years ago. By that logic, slave labor in Xinjiang is payback for the pre-Civil War plantations. How does creating new despair and death rectify old despair and death? American elites also have plenty of other insider excuses for why the Chinese regime (or, better said, wont) stop the illicit drug flow. Three of the most common: 1. The Chinese regime is in a legal bind as fentanyl producers keep jiggering the formula to avoid the illegal list and therefore, the producers are always one step ahead of a government that cant revise laws fast enough, try as it might. A nice excuse, but in China, the law is what Xi and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) say it is, as even billionaire Jack Ma and any number of other powerful and well-connected Chinese tycoons and officials have discovered the hard way. If Beijing wants to shut down fentanyl producers, the law is no obstacle. 2. Chinese local authorities, supposedly outside of Beijings reach, wont stop fentanyl production since they want tax revenues and employmentand are also thoroughly corrupt. True enough. But local officials are also frightened of being caught crossing Beijingeveryone knows what happened to Ma. 3. Chinese authorities cant locate the illegal drug producers. China is a big place, you know. The CCP is creating a surveillance state that even George Orwell couldnt have imagined. Draw a mustache on a poster of Xi and see how long it takes to be arrested and imprisoned. Post on social media that Xi resembles Winnie the Pooh and youll have Ministry of State Security agents at your front door in minutes. The CCP police can do whatever they want. Disappear people, arrest starlets, kidnap billionaires and booksellerstake foreigners hostage and lock them up? No problem. The only restraints come from Zhongnanhaithe very top of the CCP. That the Chinese regime doesnt ban fentanyl in its entiretymuch less go after producers the way it goes after Uighurs, Christians and Falun Gong, or Hong Kongerssuggests the CCP is glad America is awash in fentanyl. And when Trump told Xi to knock off the fentanyl flow back in 2018, Xi reportedly replied, We dont have a drug problem in China. That means Xi can control the drugs and hes channeling the chemical warfare agentsin true unrestricted warfare fashiontoward his No. 1 rival and greatest enemy. Most things involving the CCP just arent that hard to figure out. The Effects of Chinas Chemical Warfare The carnage cant be overstated. Fentanyl is ravaging all parts of American society. And about half of the deaths attributed to fentanyl are young people of military age. As one former U.S. government official noted, this is the equivalent of removing five or six divisions of Army or Marines off the rolls every year. And dont forget the battlefield casualties who survive but can no longer function as productive members of society, the burden and expense of caring for them, and the devastated families left broke and broken. One hears elites who should know better say the victims are just druggies and wouldnt have joined the military anyway. Thats malicious and wrong. Young people have been misbehaving for centuries, and that includes many who join the U.S. military. But a six-pack or a joint is one thing; a difficult-to-identify drug that is often mislabeled and unpredictably kills or permanently disables in minute quantities is quite another. From Chinas perspective, whats not to like? Youre weakening your avowed enemy, which you plan to dominate by mid-century. And, even better, the CCP makes a lot of money from the drug tradeand in convertible currency. Buy fentanyl and you pay in dollars. Accomplices While China is ultimately to blame, its Americas own ruling class that refuses to do anything about it for fear of offending China. Or, more accurately, for fear of not being able to feed their own addictionto Chinese money. Money that, in some small part, may have come from selling fentanyl to Americans in the first place. Maybe overlooking 93,000 dead countrymen and exponentially more left in the wreckage in exchange for Chinese cash is easier when you think its just deplorables and Neanderthals in fly-over country who are dying. It cant be helped if these people were too stupid and lazy to learn to code or to get a Wharton MBA when their jobs, livelihoods, and communities were shipped overseas from the 1990s onwardmostly to Chinaby those same political and business elites. Countering the Most Baneful Foes Watching Americas elites do nothingor worse even calling for unrestricted engagement with the Chinese regimeone concludes that the Chinese have indeed gotten their moneys worth from Americas ruling class. Just listen to the head of the U.S.China Business Council, or the CEO of Boeing, or Nike, or Apple if you dont believe me. 44 pounds of fentanyl seized by law enforcement officials in Dayton, Ohio, during the week of Oct. 21, 2019. (Montgomery County Ohio Sheriffs Office) Heres an idea: require prospective graduates from elite MBA and International Relations programs, as well as congressional staffersand maybe even members of Congress themselvesto spend a couple of weeks in the so-called Rust Belt thats been hit both by fentanyl and the carnage caused by the pedigreed classes when industries and jobs were shipped off to China. Try Youngstown, Ohio; Uniontown, Pennsylvania; Buffalo, New York; or East Cleveland, if you need some idea. Though the list could be much, much longer. Put them up in a local motel and require them to be outside on the streets from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. soaking in the atmosphere. And maybe, for a break, accompany emergency medical technicians out on drug overdose calls. Or stop off at the local high schools and sit in with the guidance counselorsjust to get a sense of things and the futures too many of these kids face. Is this likely? No. One gets the impression Americas Best and Brightest just dont care. They have become willing accomplices to the baneful foes. This is particularly infuriating because we can fight back. China isnt invulnerable. Theyve hit us where it hurtsin our families and communities. We need to hit them where it hurtsin their elites. Message to President Joe Biden: You have sworn to protect American citizens, not to ensure Wall Street and U.S. industry can take advantage of Xis umpteenth promise to open up. So do one or, ideally more, of the following: First, suspend all Chinese financial institutions from the U.S. dollar network. Start with the Peoples Bank of China. Second, immediately delist every Chinese company from the New York Stock Exchange and other exchanges. They shouldnt have been listed in the first place. Third, revoke the green cards and visasand place liens on the properties and bank accountsof the top 500 CCP members relatives in the United States. China can stop pushing drugs into America. It just needs a reason to do so. And we need to give them one. And, at the same time, we need to break our most insidious addiction, the one of our elites to Chinese money. Grant Newsham is a retired U.S. Marine officer and a former U.S. diplomat and business executive who lived and worked for many years in the Asia/Pacific region. He served as a reserve head of intelligence for Marine Forces Pacific, and was the U.S. Marine attache, U.S. Embassy Tokyo on two occasions. He is a senior fellow with the Center for Security Policy. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Blackbeard and Beaches Await at the Outer Banks I stood frozen with fear, unable to move. The terrifying image drew closer, his curved sword swinging wildly. Just as he seemed about to separate my head from my body, I snapped back to reality, left my all-too-real daydream about Blackbeard the pirate behind, and moved on to the next exhibit in the museum. The dramatic if somewhat grisly story of Blackbeard is but one display that transforms the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, North Carolina, into a memorable and lifelike experience. That eclectic collection is among attractions that make the Outer Banksthe chain of narrow barrier islands that parallels the states Atlantic coastlineinto much more than just another sun-and-sand vacation destination. Another appeal is how the Outer Banks past commingles with life there today. Tiny family cemeteries stretching back generations are hidden behind homes. Some houses contain timbers that were salvaged from the hundreds of ships that fell prey over centuries to the treacherous waters off the coast. The Outer Banks became a magnet for vacationers in the 1830s, when families of wealthy North Carolina planters found refuge there from the summer heat. They were followed by sportsmen drawn by the outstanding fishing and hunting that Native Americans had discovered centuries earlier. Today, beaches strung out along the 130-mile-long Outer Banks are the major appeal for many visitors. Cape Hatteras National Seashore runs for 70 miles and offers the largest stretch of undeveloped beaches on the East Coast. Each of the tiny villages nestled between those stretches of sand has its own distinctive characteristics. Many visitors rank Corolla and Duck, the northernmost towns, as the two prettiest. Duck has a wooden boardwalk that skirts a bay, leading through pockets of woods where bird calls are the only sound. Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head form the commercial hub of the Outer Banks, complete with a strip-mall atmosphere and two attractions worth a stop. It was at Kitty Hawk where, on Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made the first controlled power flights. Many people are surprised to learn that their longest journey lasted only 59 seconds and covered just 852 feet. A museum houses a full-scale replica of their rickety aircraft and other memorabilia that tell the story. The remains of a shipwreck in the Outer Banks of North Carolina serve to show the wide expanse of white-sand beaches available to visitors. (Courtesy of Outer Banks Visitors Bureau) Nearby Jockeys Ridge State Park is home to the tallest sand dune on the East Coast. Winds constantly reshape the dramatic ridge, causing the dune to vary in height from 80 to 100 feet. Roanoke Island became the site of the first English colony in the New World in 1587. A good place to begin your exploration is Roanoke Island Festival Park, where the life of Native Americans who originally inhabited the area is re-created. Longhouses, a dance circle, and planting and harvesting areas set the mood. Interactive exhibits appeal to generations of family visitors. To relive another chapter of the story, clamber aboard the Elizabeth II, a sailing ship representative of seven British vessels that arrived during the 16th century. Costumed interpreters describe the small craft and entertain landlubbers with exciting tales of the perilous voyage, speaking in a thick brogue that echoes the dialect of that time. The history lesson continues at the Roanoke Adventure Museum, where 400 years of Outer Banks past are explored. From early pirates to the Civil War, from boatbuilding to shipwrecks, virtually every facet of life as it used to be gets its due. A visitor to Roanoke Island Festival Park in the Outer Banks of North Carolina shows her young companion how Native Americans once lived in the area. (Courtesy of Victor Block) In Hatteras Village, the aptly named Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is chock-full of exhibits that chronicle the tragic tales of more than 2,000 ships that met their fate on the treacherous offshore shoals. Many were sailing vessels that went down during the 18th and 19th centuries; others were cargo carriers heading for England during World War II that were sunk by German submarines that lurked surprisingly close to the East Coast. Parts of several shipwrecks still are visible today along beaches or in shallow water at low tide. Among other vivid exhibits at the museum are displays about the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor, ship-bombing demonstrations by Gen. Billy Mitchell off the Cape Hatteras coast in 1921, and lifesaving and rescue operations. Of course, theres a section devoted to the notorious Blackbeard, who, after his life of marauding, was killed in the area. Lighthouse buffs will think theyve gone to heaven with three towers that mark this stretch of the Outer Banks, all of which were first lit in the 1870s. The Cape Hatteras light claims fame as the tallest brick beacon in the country. Adding to this historical and cultural melange is a list of other pursuits that range from hiking to hang gliding, kayaking to kiteboarding, sailing to surfing, fishing, and crabbing. Oh, yes, and one of my favorite beach pastimes: relaxing on some of the finest sand anywhere with a good book. When You Go For more information: OuterBanks.org or 877-629-4386. Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at Creators.com. Copyright 2021 Creators.com Commander-in-Chief of Burma's armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivers his speech at the IX Moscow conference on international security in Moscow, Russia, on June 23, 2021. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via AP) Burmas Military Leader Declares Himself Prime Minister, Extends Emergency, Promises Election in 2 Years BANGKOKSix months after seizing power from the elected government, Burmas military leader on Sunday declared himself prime minister and said he would lead the country under the extended state of emergency until elections are held in about two years. We must create conditions to hold a free and fair multiparty general election, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said during a recorded televised address. We have to make preparations. I pledge to hold the multiparty general election without fail. He said the state of emergency will achieve its objectives by August 2023. In a separate announcement, the military government named itself the caretaker government and Min Aung Hlaing the prime minister. The state of emergency was declared when troops moved against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, an action the generals said was permitted under the military-authored 2008 constitution. The military claimed her landslide victory in last years national elections was achieved through massive voter fraud but offered no credible evidence. The military government officially annulled the election results last Tuesday and appointed a new election commission to take charge of the polls. The military takeover was met with massive public protests that has resulted in a lethal crackdown by security forces who routinely fire live ammunition into crowds. As of Sunday, 939 people have been killed by the authorities since Feb. 1, according to a tally kept by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Casualties are also rising among the military and police as armed resistance grows in both urban and rural areas. Moves by The Association of Southeast Asian Nations to broker a dialogue between the military government and its opponents have stalled after an agreement at an April summit in Jakarta to appoint a special envoy for Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing said that among the three nominees, Thailands former Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi Futrakul was selected as the envoy. But for various reasons, new proposals were released and we could not keep moving onwards. I would like to say that Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework, including the dialogue with the ASEAN special envoy in Myanmar, he said. ASEAN foreign ministers were expected to discuss Myanmar in virtual meetings this week hosted by Brunei, the current chair of the 10-nation bloc. Burma (also known as Myanmar) is also struggling with its worst COVID-19 outbreak that has overwhelmed its already crippled health care system. Limitations on oxygen sales have led to widespread allegations that the military is directing supplies to government supporters and military-run hospitals. At the same time, medical workers have been targeted by authorities after spearheading a civil disobedience movement that urged professionals and civil servants not to cooperate with the government. Min Aung Hlaing blamed the publics mistrust in the militarys efforts to control the outbreak on fake news and misinformation via social networks, and accused those behind it of using COVID-19 as a tool of bioterrorism. Childless Woman About to Have Her Appendix Removed Learns She Is Actually in Labor A UK woman suffering stomach pain was about to have her appendix removed when doctors found she was actually in labor. Janice Kerwick, 43, from Bexleyheath, southeast London, thought she was infertile because she couldnt conceive for a decade. She had been experiencing stomach pains for months but three pregnancy tests were negative; she had even lost weight. With the pain intensifying, doctors diagnosed appendicitis and prepped her for emergency surgery. But the mandatory pregnancy test just two hours before she was due to go under the knife revealed she was actually eight months pregnant. Baby Arabella was born happy and healthy a few hours later. Janice and her husband Daniel, 39, call their little daughter a miracle baby after having given up on the idea of ever having a child together. I went from believing I was infertile and that I had appendicitis, to being told I am two hours away from having a baby, Janice said. We were both in complete shock. I didnt really believe it was happening until I actually held Arabella in my arms. It sounds far-fetched, but I truly had no idea I was pregnant. I had dropped a dress size, I hadnt felt kicks, and got three negative pregnancy test results. After so many years of wanting a baby, we had given up thinking it might ever be possible. It wasnt a typical pregnancy experience, but it brought us our little miracle baby after all these years. The couple had been trying for a baby for nearly a decade. They believed Janice was infertile because she had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in her youth. I always knew wed struggle to get pregnant but it was still hard accepting, Janice said. Janice started suffering from severe stomach pains at the end of 2020 and was in and out of hospital for months as doctors hunted for an explanation. Pregnancy seemed the least likely option. She said that, after taking three negative pregnancy tests, they had cycled through a string of possible diagnoses: from gastritis through to pneumonia and a severe stomach bug. But on June 21, she was overwhelmed by even more crippling stomach pains, lost control of her bladder, and was being physically sick. I was shaking in pain. Ive never felt anything like it, she said. I was terrified. I had no idea what was happening to me. After calling 111, she was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich for an emergency appendix removal after the paramedics suspected she had appendicitis. But just two hours before the surgery, it was found out she was eight months pregnant. And she learned the loss of control of her bladder was actually her waters breaking. She said: I found out I was pregnant just two hours before I had to go for the C-section. I felt completely numb at first like I couldnt accept what was actually happening to me. I immediately rang Daniel who was like a rabbit in the headlights; he had minutes to drop what he was doing and jump in the car. I phoned my parents and they thought I was joking. I just kept saying No mum, in a couple of hours youre going to be a nanny.' Despite barely having processed the news herself, her C-section took place and tiny Arabella, their miracle baby, was born at 9:55 p.m. on June 22, weighing 5 pounds (approx. 2.3 kg). Doctors estimated Arabella was born between 33 and 37 weeks of gestation. Janice could finally hold her baby daughter the following morning, which she said was a tearful experience. It didnt feel real until I actually held her in my arms, she recalled. But as soon as I did, it was the best feeling in the world and I just burst into tears. Doctors explained that the pregnancy hadnt shown as a bump because Arabella had very little fluid around her in the womb. But despite the shock of birth, Janice and Daniel said it was the best thing that could have happened to them. We are loving finally having our baby after believing for so long it would never be possible, Janice said. She is perfect and everything we wanted. We are so grateful for our miracle and she was worth all the years of waiting. I think were still in shock a bit thoughnot many people can say they went into hospital for an appendix removal and came home with a baby! Epoch Times staff contributed to this report. 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 FBI Director Christopher Wray speaks during a virtual news conference at the Department of Justice in Washington, on Oct. 28, 2020. - Five Chinese agents have been arrested in the United States for their role in an operation targeting opponents of the Chinese regime. (Sarah Silbiger/AFP via Getty Images) China Chasing Dissidents Among US Allies Commentary This week the U.S. Department of Justice announced indictments against nine Chinese nationals for acting as illegal agents in the United States, roaming the country to intimidate and harass Chinese nationals living in the United Statesincluding dissidentswith one clear aim: to force them to return to China voluntarily. One of the nine is even a Chinese prosecutor. Unfortunately, nothing about this is shocking. In fact, already late last year, eight other Chinese nationals were accused of conducting an aggressive harassment campaign on behalf of China to pressure political dissidents and fugitives in the United States to return home to face trial, according to The New York Times. These campaigns where agents are sent abroad to hunt Chinese nationalsoften those critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)take different forms by which, according to the scattered official statistics available, at least thousands of people have thus been forced to return. A forthcoming report by Safeguard Defenders delves deeply into these different techniques and numbers, providing a first comprehensive overview of the CCPs extra-judicial operations abroad. Meanwhile across the pond, in Europe and its neighborhood, just in the last week alone Safeguard Defenders has witnessed a number of dramatic cases. At this very moment, as announced on July 25, one Uyghur activist is detained in Morocco, facing deportation to China. While Yidiresi Aishan traveled to Morocco legally as a Turkish permanent resident, he was detained upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, as an Interpol Red Notice, of which he was unaware, had been issued by China. Yet another, Xu Zheng, was hiding from the Chinese police after having criticized the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA or Chinese military) on Twitter in Ukraine. Xu was quickly identified and threatened to be returned via extradition if he did not oblige to the polices orders. He managed to escape to the Netherlands just last week, and has just obtained asylum. His situation may sound familiar, as very recently I wrote about teenage dissident Wang Jingyu. Wang, also living in Turkey, was detained in transit to the United States in Dubai, and to be deported to China. Dubai authorities, when pressed by international media, gave an evolving set of excuses for his detention. Like Xu, Wang is now seeking asylum in the Netherlands. Still this week, a Hong Kong resident and his family applied for asylum in Sweden. They are the first Hongkongers seeking political asylum there, in what will be a test of Swedish commitment to human rights protections and which could set a positive or negative precedent. Only a few weeks have passed since Sweden stopped the deportation of an Inner Mongolian man back to China. I myself returned from Cyprus just days ago, preparing for the countrys very first extradition case to China of a Falun Gong adherent. What many of these cases have in common is that the victims have been sought out for voluntary return first, and when such attempts failed, other means are being employed. Those other means take many forms, and new forms seem to appear step by step. As noted above, the use of roaming agents is one experienced by the United States; while across Europe and worldwide, people are often pressured via their families back home. Denying people the right to renew their passports abroad is another common tactic. On top of thatoften with full knowledge of their Western counterpartsChina seeks to retrieve people via disguised extraditions, getting a cooperating state to send the person back on the basis of immigration law, even though they should seek extradition and therefore afford proper due process. As has been noted in Hong Kong, and in multiple cases in Thailand, Chinas public security bureau (Chinese police) and Ministry of State Security (MSS) are not above direct kidnappings either. While China expands these operationsas data presented by Safeguard Defenders in its forthcoming report will showit is becoming ever more pressing that Western nations institute fast-track options for human rights defenders to seek asylum (similar to what Canada announced this month), suspend and review existing extradition agreements, and pay closer attention to how China uses deportations to get its victims back. Nowhere is that more important than across Europe and the European Union, which remains an almost free zone for China to operate unhindered, while Europe receives more and more Chinese dissidents seeking a safe haven for exile. Peter Dahlin is the founder of the NGO Safeguard Defenders and the co-founder of the Beijing-based Chinese NGO China Action (20072016). He is the author of Trial By Media, and contributor to The Peoples Republic of the Disappeared. He lived in Beijing from 2007, until detained and placed in a secret jail in 2016, subsequently deported and banned. Prior to living in China, he worked for the Swedish government with gender equality issues, and now lives in Madrid, Spain. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Then-Chinese Vice Chair Xi Jinping unveils a plaque at the opening of Australia's first Chinese Medicine Confucius Institute at the RMIT University in Melbourne on June 20, 2010. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Chinese Regime Theory and the Molding of Americas Minds Commentary According to a recent Gallup opinion poll, President Joe Bidens approval rating has sunk to a new low of 50 percent. What can Biden do to win back peoples support? Well, how about listening to what the American people have to say? As The Epoch Times has recently reported, a large number of Americans across the political spectrum are worried about the Chinese regimes influence in the United States. More than 80 percent of respondents to a Convention of States Action and Trafalgar Group poll said they are concerned, somewhat concerned, or very concerned about Beijings influence over the U.S. government, media, and culture. And so they should be. As I have written here before, the Chinese regime seeks to control every aspect of U.S. culture, from the political narrative to the Hollywood narrative. The threats from China come in many forms, so lets start by addressing the elephant, or the numerous elephants, in the room: Confucius Institutes. It was 17 years ago that the first Confucius Institute was established in Seoul, South Korea. The question, though, is why? Ostensibly, these institutes wereand still aredesigned to foster relations between host countries and China. In theory, a Confucius Institute promotes the Chinese language and culture. In practice, however, these institutes are an important part of Chinas overseas propaganda set-upnot my words. No, these are the words of Li Changchun, a former senior leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Today, there are hundreds of institutes and thousands of Confucius classrooms operating in 162 countries around the world. Propaganda is well and truly alive. The Invasion of American Minds Whats needed to invade a country? Nothing, it seems, except lots of money. These institutes are an affront to American sensibilities. Surely, people can learn about China without having to enter a classroom designed by the Chinese regime. These institutes are run by the Hanban, an institute with close ties to Chinas Ministry of Education. Worryingly, the Confucius Institutes influence can be found not just in universities, as many believe, but also in elementary school classrooms, middle schools, and high schools all across the United States. Former President Donald Trump, to his credit, did a lot to close down Confucius Institutes, but a further push is needed. According to the National Association of Scholars (NAS), there are still 35 Confucius Institutes at American colleges and universities. Thats 35 too many. In March, Ralph Norman, the U.S. representative for South Carolinas 5th Congressional District, along with Joe Wilson, the U.S. representative for South Carolinas 2nd Congressional District, penned a telling op-ed for The National Review. The authors discussed the ways in which the Chinese regime appears to play a key role in offering Chinese teachers to schools around the country. By doing so, the CCP has successfully built a series of Confucius Classrooms at many K12 schools across the land. Today, they warn, thousands of American schoolchildren are exposed to propaganda from carefully selected Communist apparatchiks. Although critical race theory is indeed a problem, Chinese regime theory (CRT) is arguably a greater threat to Americas children. Why are so many of these institutes still operating, and why are young children being indoctrinated by carefully selected, Beijing-approved educators? Time for Action When we think of the Chinese regime, we tend to think of hard power, such as tanks, soldiers, and submarines. However, as the recent hacking of Microsoft has shown us, the CCP rarely engages in traditional acts of warfare. The Party prefers to engage in acts of subterfuge: lying, stealing, cheating, and doing whatever is needed to thwart their enemies. Confucius Institutes are just an extension of the Partys effort to spread carefully curated propaganda. After all, ideas are far more powerful than any gun. Protesters demand Tufts University to close its Confucius Institute, a language training program that the Chinese regime uses to promote communist ideologies, in Somerville, Mass., on March 13, 2021. (Learner Liu/The Epoch Times) In a piece for Newsweek, Dan Currell and Mick Zais, two experts in the field of education, discuss the myriad of problems posed by Confucius Institutes. First and most obviously, the authors wrote, the programs lack reciprocity. This, of course, is an obvious statement. Nevertheless, its an important one. Why does the United Statesand another 161 countriesoffer a home to Chinese propaganda when the CCP does not allow other countries, and certainly not free democracies, to establish anything like Confucius Classrooms in China? The answer is simple: money. Western countries have sold their souls and those of their people for large sums of money. In China, the CCP has a monopoly on the dissemination of propaganda. Although the Chinese regime continues to lie to its citizens, it wont allow outsiders to do it. This isnt praise for tyrants; its a simple fact. What, If Anything, Can Be Done? Assuming Biden wants to win back the support of Americans across the land, then he should make a concerted effort to eliminate every Confucius Institute and classroom in the country. The author Joel Kotkin has justifiably lamented the systemic decline of the American education system. Critical race theory and Chinese regime theory are part of this horrible rot, and both should be removed from the U.S. education system. First, though, lets start by removing the foreign enemy. John Mac Ghlionn is a researcher and essayist. His work has been published by the likes of The New York Post, Sydney Morning Herald, The American Conservative, National Review, The Public Discourse, and other respectable outlets. Hes also a columnist at Cointelegraph. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. COVID-19 Deaths in US Getting Worse but Far Below Pandemic Peak: CDC Data U.S. hospitalizations for COVID-19 are averaging nearly 35,000 per day, which is nearly 50 percent over the previous week, according to federal data, but its much lower than the pandemics peak in January 2021. The United States is also reporting about 300 deaths per day, which is an increase from the 170 per day in early July. However, thats far below the 2,000 daily deaths during the spring 2020 numbers and the 3,000 per day during the winter, according to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the past week, the CDC issued several guideline updates, including recommending mask-wearing in high-transmission areas and recommending schools mandate mask-wearing for vaccinated and unvaccinated people when classes return in the fall. A number of large corporations have also mandated COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of employment in recent days. The federal government has delivered unclear messaging around whether lockdowns would be considered or recommended. A graph showing daily U.S. COVID-19 deaths and their seven-day average. (CDC) While President Joe Biden suggested late last week that lockdowns could be in order due to the Delta COVID-19 variant, other White House officials, including National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases boss Anthony Fauci, have suggested otherwise. I dont think were gonna see lockdowns, I think we have enough of the percentage of people in the country [vaccinated]not enough to crush the outbreak, but I believe enough to not allow us to get into the situation we were in last winter, Fauci told ABC News. The CDCs mask-wearing guidelines update was also panned as unclear. Some questioned why its necessary for vaccinated individuals to wear masks. Vaccinated people are capable of getting the virus in their nose and throat and they do seem to have high enough levels of virus that they might be contagious, National Institutes of Health Director Francis Collins told CNN on Sunday. Hence the reason. If youre in a community where this virus is spreading, which is about 75 percent of counties right now, it is prudent to put on a mask, even if youre vaccinated, just in case you might be someone who is currently spreading it. In France, meanwhile, thousands of people protested for a third consecutive weekend against the introduction of a mandatory vaccine passport that will be required for entry to many public venues such as theaters, restaurants, gyms, and other areas. Protests were also seen in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and elsewhere. COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Protestors raise their fists during a demonstration in Paris on July 31, 2021. Demonstrators gathered in several cities in France on July 31 to protest against the COVID-19 pass, which grants vaccinated individuals greater ease of access to venues. (AP Photo/Adrienne Surprenant) Our Freedom Is in Danger: Protests Erupt Across Europe Over COVID-19 Mandates Court in Berlin bans lockdown protests, demonstrators arrested in Berlin Thousands of people in France demonstrated against a special health pass and marched through Paris and other French cities on July 31, with most of the protests being peaceful, with a few sporadic clashes. Some 3,000 security forces deployed around Paris for the third weekend of protests against the pass, which will be required soon to enter restaurants and other places. The so-called health pass systemlikened to vaccine passportswas passed in the French Parliament last week, with the law going into effect on Aug. 9. A court in Berlin declared over the weekend that anti-lockdown protests were illegal, leading to the arrests of demonstrators. According to a Deutsche Welle (DW) report, judges in the capitals administrative court refused to authorize 13 demonstrations that were organized by an anti-lockdown group. Organizers said that 22,500 people registered to partake in the protests. Video footage and photos uploaded to Twitter showed that apparent anti-lockdown protesters were being arrested or corralled by officers on July 31. A planned march planned for Aug. 1 was also banned by the court, according to DW. The German judges said the protests should be banned because they would facilitate the spread of COVID-19. Berlin police spokesman Thilo Cablitz told reporters that the ruling targeted protests whose participants regularly dont follow legal regulations, specifically to protect against infections, including wearing masks. A protestor holds a sign that reads Freedom in French, and No to the health passport as she attends a demonstration in Paris on July 31, 2021. (Michel Euler/AP Photo) Protestors hold up a banner that reads Freedom in French during a demonstration in Paris on July 31, 2021. (Adrienne Surprenant/AP Photo) In Italy, thousands of anti-vaccine-pass demonstrators marched in cities, including Rome, Milan, and Naples, for the second consecutive week. Milan demonstrators stopped outside of the citys courthouse chanting Truth! Shame! and Liberty! In Rome, they marched behind a banner reading Resistance. Those demonstrations were noisy but peaceful. Italian authorities have also approved the implementation of a health pass to enter bars, restaurants, and other venues. Critics of the measure argue that its draconian and infringes on basic personal liberties. Across the border in Switzerland, more than 4,000 people gathered in Lucerne to demonstrate against vaccine restrictions, according to local media reports. Protesters hold placards during a demonstration against the health pass, in Lille, France, on July 31, 2021. (Michel Spingler/AP Photo) I think that we mustnt be told what to do, 37-year-old nurse Hager Ameur, who resigned from her job, told The Associated Press, noting that French medical workers during the first wave of COVID-19 were quite mistreated. And now suddenly were told that if we dont get vaccinated, it is our fault that people are contaminated. I think it is sickening. A teacher protesting in Paris told The Guardian that the health pass policy is creating segregation in France. Were creating a segregated society, and I think it is unbelievable to be doing this in the country of human rights, Anne, who didnt provide her last name, told The Guardian. So I took to the streets; I have never protested before in my life I think our freedom is in danger. French authorities said they need to set up the health pass due to the Delta variant being more contagious. More than 24,000 new daily cases were confirmed on July 30compared to just a few thousand cases per day at the start of the month. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that police had arrested 10 protesters in Paris and nine demonstrators elsewhere in France, noting that three officers had been injured. Outside of Europe, thousands of demonstratorswho were wearing face masks and socially distancingtook to the streets across Malaysia to protest the governments handling of the virus while calling for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassins resignation. Critics have said that the prime minister is using pandemic lockdowns and other restrictions to boost his power. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Pro-Tibet protesters display the Tibetan flag outside Parliament House during the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay through Canberra on April 24, 2008. (Torsten Blackwood/AFP via Getty Images) Despite Historic Floods in Central China, Xi Jinping Leaves to Visit Tibet Commentary Deadly floods ravaged Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan Province in central China, affecting millions of Chinese residents. As of July 29, the official death toll was 99, but the actual number may be much higher due to Beijings strict censorship. Despite the devastating floods, Chinese leader Xi Jinping left mainland China for a three-day trip to Tibet from July 21 to 23. He is the first CCP (Chinese Communist Party) leader to officially visit Tibet in 30 years. Xi traveled to Tibet via the SichuanTibet Railway, Tibets first high-speed train that connects its capital city of Lhasa to Sichuan, China. He traveled first to Nyingchi before making his way to Lhasa. Xis ride on the Sichuan-Tibet high-speed railway highlights its importance for the CCPs future developments in the region. A man from Sichuan Province fishes in the Yarlung Tsangpo River, in Doilungdeqen County of Tibet on Dec. 18, 2008. (China Photos/Getty Images) There are three key segments of the long-anticipated railway. The first segment between Chengdu and Yaan opened in December 2018. The second segment from Nyingchi to Lhasa opened in June of this year. The third segment from Yaan to Nyingchi is scheduled to be completed in 2030, and it is the most difficult section to build. It crosses the Hengduan Mountains and the Sanjiang River Basin, and then passes through the high mountains and deep valleys in eastern Tibet. The CCP relishes any opportunity to draw attention to their advancements in infrastructure and economic prosperity, and Xis voyage through Tibet on the developing railway is no exception. Once completed, I believe the Sichuan-Tibet Railway will serve the CCP in three key functions: military, mining, and population redistribution. Transportation Infrastructure Boosts Chinese Military As a young man, I spent many years working in Tibet as a field geologist, and in between my months of expeditions, I traveled multiple times between Tibet and the mainland. In the years of expeditions through Tibet, I shared many conversations with the locals. The eastern section of the highly disputed 2,100-mile Sino-Indian border happens to be in the Nyingchi area. Amid strained relations between India and China, Xis visit sends a clear message that the CCP will not back away from the conflict. The two key aspects of the border dispute are infrastructure and military. In order to keep up with China, India is frantically developing its own infrastructure in the nearby border region of eastern Ladakh. These infrastructure developments on either side are largely due to military concerns and an anticipated conflict between India and China. The lack of infrastructure in the region severely restrained the CCPs past military operations against India. In 1962, the CCP raided India in what would come to be known as the Sino-India war of 1962. When I was working in Nyingchi as a field geologist in the mid-1980s, some of the friends I made were local Chinese army officers who had been stationed in the area. They told me of their experiences fighting in the Sino-Indian war. They said China prepared for war in Nyingchi and Shannan for nine months. They said that once the war started, the CCPs ammunition ran out in three weeks, and the logistics chain of their military was completely unable to keep up. Without the necessary supplies, the CCP army was forced to unilaterally announce a truce and withdraw from the war. They told me how after the logistics supply reached Linzhi from China via car, supplies had to be hand-carried by local Tibetans who walked for at least three days before reaching the battlefront. The new railway development could efficiently transport supplies, which would greatly support military operations in the region. In this recent trip, photos released by state-run media Xinhua show Xi meeting with Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a senior general in the Peoples Liberation Army. Amid tense Sino-Indian relations in the past year, Xis visit sends a clear message to India: Beijing plans to build up its infrastructure and military presence in the border region. Development of Mineral Mines in Eastern Tibet The copper mines in eastern Tibet are not of especially high grade, but there is a large quantity of copper. Tibets copper reserves rank third in the world, and the CCP is eager to capitalize on the regions natural resources. In the past, the cost of mining in Tibet was astronomical due to reliance on road transport. The construction of a high-speed railway greatly decreases the cost and increases the speed of mining transport in the high altitudes of remote Tibet. In addition to copper, there are other non-ferrous metals and rare metal minerals. On-site smelting requires a sufficient power supply. Therefore, in recent years, the CCP has built hydropower stations in the Sanjiang River Basin and plans to build a large hydropower station on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Linzhi. These hydropower stations can meet the power consumption of the railway, and also prepare for the future development of metals in the region. Beijing Plans for Population Redistribution The Three Rivers Basin in eastern Tibet has a sparse local population, and in most areas, the climate and terrain are not suitable for most people to inhabit due to its high altitude and extreme weather conditions. However, Nyingchi, Bomi, and Chayu, located south of the Yangtze River in Tibet, are exceptions. The mountains are densely forested, the altitude is relatively low, the rainfall is abundant, and the temperature is moderate. The whole area is 31,000 square miles, which is not much smaller than Ningxia, Jiangsu Province. There is a possibility that Beijing would send over several million mainland Chinese citizens to this area. At the moment, the entire territory of Tibet has a population of barely 2 million. A new high-speed railway that connects Tibet to key cities in the mainland would allow the CCP to establish a mass population in Tibet. The best way to establish control is to integrate a mainland Chinese population into Tibet, and the most habitable places in the region are Nyingchi, Bomi, and Chayu. The high-speed railway will connect these areas to mainland China. For 70 years, the CCP has controlled Tibet and its people, and violated its promises of autonomy for the region. Xis visit and the CCPs massive investment in infrastructure developments indicate that they will continue to exploit Tibet in the coming decades. Alexander Liao is a columnist and journalist in research on international affairs in the United States, China, and Southeast Asia. He has published a large number of reports, commentaries, and video programs in newspapers and Chinese financial magazines in the United States and Hong Kong. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Dr. Anthony Fauci pushes back on statements by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on July 20, 2021. (J. Scott Applewhite/Pool/AP Photo) Fauci: US Likely Wont Go Into Lockdown Over COVID-19 Delta Variant National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases chief Dr. Anthony Fauci on Aug. 1 signaled that the White House doesnt want to reimplement COVID-19 lockdowns amid a surge in cases of the Delta variant, amid conflicting messaging from top administration officials in recent days. There has been speculation that lockdowns and stay-at-home orders may be reimposed after President Joe Biden told reporters on July 30 that the United States in all probability will see more lockdowns. But a White House spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, said on the same day that U.S. officials dont anticipate another lockdown on the horizon. Speaking on ABC News This Week on Aug. 1, Fauci appeared to agree with Jean-Pierres assessment. I dont think were going to see lockdowns. I think we have enough of the percentage of people in the country, not enough to crush the outbreak, but I believe enough to not allow us to get into the situation we were in last winter. Fauci, however, predicted things are going to get worse, claiming an outbreak of the unvaccinated. If you look at the acceleration of the number of cases, the seven-day average has gone up substantially. You know, what we really need to do, Jon, we say it over and over again, and its the truth, we have 100 million people in this country who are eligible to be vaccinated who are not getting vaccinated. We are seeing an outbreak of the unvaccinated, said Fauci, who has essentially become one of the federal governments main spokespersons amid the COVID-19 pandemic, having appeared on news outlets for hundreds of interviews in recent months. Fauci, as in other interviews, made no mention of those who have developed a natural immunity to the virus. During the past week, the White House has unveiled a number of new restrictions for federal employees around vaccines and has ramped up its rhetoric to get people vaccinated. Some large corporations including Disney and Walmart have mandated their corporate and nonunion workers to get the vaccine. On Aug. 1, NIH Director Francis Collins suggested that businesses should require customers to get vaccinated. As a public health person who wants to see this pandemic end, yes. I think anything we can do to encourage reluctant folks to get vaccinated because theyll want to be part of these public events, thats a good thing, he said on Aug. 1. Im delighted to see employers like Disney and Walmart coming out and asking their staff to be vaccinated, he said. Im glad to see the president has said all federal employeesI oversee NIH, with 40,000 peopleneed to get vaccinated or, if theyre not, to get regular testing, which is inconvenient. In France, meanwhile, thousands of people protested for a third consecutive weekend against the introduction of a mandatory health pass proving vaccination that will be required for entry to many public venues. There were also protests in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy over the past weekend against COVID-19 restrictions. Photo showing a Croatian policeman in Zagreb on May 16, 2020. (AFP via Getty Images) Germans Detained in Croatia Over Kids, Dog Locked in Hot Car ZAGREB, CroatiaA German couple have been detained in Croatia for leaving their two children and a dog in a locked car with closed windows in sweltering heat, police said Sunday. A statement said that citizens in the northern coastal town of Porec on Friday evening alerted police after seeing the children and the dog in the car with German license plates. Local media said the children were both girls, ages 6 and 8. The couple had gone shopping and left the children with the dog inside the car, police said. The children were treated for heat exhaustion while the dog is being looked after. The mother of the children and her partner, both 28, were detained on Saturday and are facing charges of child rights violation and animal torture. Croatia, and the rest of the Balkan region, has been hit by extremely high temperatures this week reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some places. Authorities have issued warnings to people to be cautious in the heat. Famous for its Adriatic Sea coastline and islands, Croatia has been packed with tourists. The northern Istria peninsula is highly popular because it is easy to access from other parts of Europe. GOP Senators Urge SEC to Investigate Chinese Companies on US Stock Exchanges A group of Republican lawmakers is urging Gary Gensler, chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to investigate Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges after billions of dollars were snatched from U.S. investors following a crackdown on firms by officials in China. Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) sent a letter (pdf) to Gensler on July 28, referring to a situation involving Chinese vehicle-for-hire company Didi. Didi held its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange earlier this month. Immediately following the IPO, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) cyber arm, opened an investigation into the company, claiming it had violated Chinese private and national security laws and cut off downloads of its app. Prior to the offering, Didi officials and executives downplayed the risks of imminent Chinese regulations in its IPO prospectus filed at the SEC, despite news reports that the CCP warned Didi officials to delay the IPO, the senators wrote in the letter. During the listing, Didi officials even purposefully kept a low profile, seeking to avoid more scrutiny from Beijing. The IPO successfully raised $4.4 billion, largely from U.S.-based investors. The senators said that Didis stock price plummeted two days after its IPO as a result of the latest CAC crackdown. The timing of the CAC investigation conveniently occurred after the company was able to snatch billions of dollars from American investors, they wrote. In fact, recent reports suggest that the CCP will penalize Didi almost $3 billion, which means that these American dollars could be going directly into CCP coffers. The senators urged Gensler to launch investigations into potentially fraudulent Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges, such as Didi, as well as their underwriters, to combat potential fraud and reporting oversights. They also urged the chairman to enforce expeditious implementation and enforcement of a bill sponsored by Kennedy and signed into law by President Donald Trump in December. Known as the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, its aimed at removing Chinese companies from U.S. exchanges if theyve failed to comply with American auditing standards for three years in a row. The act also requires firms to prove to the SEC that they arent owned or controlled by an entity of a foreign government and to name any board members who are CCP officials. The senators noted that the CAC has vowed stricter oversight of data security and is likely to continue its crackdowns, having recently opened investigations into two more U.S.-listed Chinese technology companies: Full Truck Alliance and Boss Zhipin. They noted that the recent Didi IPO serves to highlight the troubling trend of Chinese companies taking advantage of our capital markets while ignoring the transparency that is required under U.S. law to access U.S. markets. They also asked the SEC to investigate potential risks of variable interest entity structures used by Chinese companies to give access to U.S. investors. In June, the Senate passed a follow-up bill to the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act that would accelerate the timeline for China-based companies to be removed from exchanges under the new law. Representatives for the SEC didnt respond to a request for comment by press time. Protesters demonstrate against the Green Pass plan (health pass) in Rome on July 28, 2021. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters) Hackers Shut Down System for Booking COVID-19 Shots in Italys Lazio Region MILANHackers have attacked and shut down the IT systems of the company that manages COVID-19 vaccination appointments for the Lazio region surrounding Rome, the regional government said on Sunday. A powerful hacker attack on the regions CED (database) is underway, the region said in a Facebook posting. It said all systems had been deactivated, including those of the regions health portal and vaccination network, and warned the inoculation program could suffer a delay. It is a very powerful hacker attack, very serious everything is out. The whole regional CED is under attack, Lazio regions health manager Alessio DAmato said. According to ANSA, Italys postal police and Rome prosecutors are looking into the matter and could open an investigation to find out who is behind the attack. A banning reads Green Pass = Blackmail is seen at a demonstration against the Green Pass plan (health pass) in Rome on July 28, 2021. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters) Italy recently followed France in announcing that proof of vaccination or immunity from COVID-19 would become mandatory for an array of activities. The move triggered a series of protests across the country against the introduction of the so-called Green Pass which shows people have been vaccinated, tested negative, or recovered from COVID-19. By Stephen Jewkes Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) speaks during a congressional hearing examing the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach, in Washington on July 27, 2021. (Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Kinzinger: Jan. 6 Committee Could Subpoena House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), one of two Republicans on the select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol breach, said he wants to issue subpoenas to anyone who had contact with former President Donald Trump, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). I would support subpoenas to anyone who can shed light on that, Kinzinger, who voted to impeach the former president earlier this year, told ABC News on Aug. 1. If thats the leader, thats the leader, he added, referring to McCarthy. Kinzinger, who has frequently appeared on corporate news channels in recent years to criticize Trump, noted that he wants more information about lawmakers who attended a Jan. 6 event that was held by the former president before the Capitol breach. Trump, during his speech that day, called on protesters to demonstrate peacefully. I want to know what they were doing because thats going to be important, he told ABC News, noting that he believes a lot of people around him have more knowledge than theyre letting on. Did the president make any calls? And if he didnt, why? House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on June 23, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Another Trump critic, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), was also named to the panel, which was backed by no members of Republican House leadership. McCarthy pulled his GOP picks for the panel last month after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)a strong backer of the committeerejected the selection of Reps. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Republicans in both the House and Senate have said such a panel is unnecessary because there is already a significant number of investigations regarding the Jan. 6 incident. Theyve also argued that Pelosi and Democrats are trying to keep the Jan. 6 breach in the news by holding televised hearings that are designed to denigrate Trump and his supporters. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, suggested recently that Cheney and Kinzinger could be spies for the Democrats and should be booted from the Republican caucus. Biggs told media outlets on July 29 that allowing the lawmakers into Republican meetings would be similar to having two spies sitting right there. You knew they were spies, but you couldnt remove them, he said. The Freedom Caucus wants House Republicans to approve a rule automatically removing lawmakers from the conference who accept a committee assignment that the party hasnt approved. It takes only a majority of House Republicans to change an internal rule. Thats a lower hurdle than the two-thirds majority Republican rules require to remove a lawmaker from the conference. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin takes part in the online Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Nov. 20, 2020. (Mohd Rasfan/AFP via Getty Images) Malaysia Defers Special Parliament Sitting Citing Virus Risk By Hadi Azmi and Yantoultra Ngui From Bloomberg News The final day for Malaysias special parliament sitting on Monday has been postponed indefinitely because of the risk from a recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases. The deferment follows a risk assessment by the health ministry, which found that the parliaments locality is at risk of the spread of infections, according to a letter from the House of Representatives secretary addressed to lawmakers. Malaysias parliament sat for the first time this year last Monday, following pressure from the monarch. A sitting on Thursday was suspended after two staff members tested positive and the health ministry ordered a screening for all lawmakers. The suspension came hours after the nations King rebuked a government minister for making misleading statements to parliament, which renewed calls for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to resign. Many MPs had expected this. Many quarters think its not due to COVID-19, Member of Parliament Ahmad Maslan wrote on Twitter. The political crisis must be resolved immediately. The five-day session was meant to provide lawmakers an opportunity to grill Muhyiddin over his governments handling of the pandemic and the economy. New COVID-19 cases have more than tripled to a record since the emergency was imposed in early January, and confirmed cases breached the one million mark less than a week ago. Infections totaled 17,786 on Saturday, a fresh high. The letter announcing the postponement came shortly after hundreds of protesters, largely dressed in black, gathered in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur calling for the resignation of the prime minister, a full parliamentary session and an automatic loan moratorium for all. Opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan said the risk of infections shouldnt be used as an excuse to adjourn Mondays sitting. The statement, signed by opposition leaders Anwar Ibrahim, Mohamad Sabu and Lim Guan Eng, cited the positive rate of 0.9 percent in parliament, well below the World Health Organizations threshold of 5 percent to determine the number of adequate screening tests. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A potential buyer handles a gun that is displayed on an exhibitor's table during the Nation's Gun Show at Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va., on Nov. 18, 2016. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Man Denied Gun Purchases Appeals to Supreme Court A man of Middle Eastern origin twice denied firearms purchases by the federal governments background check system is asking the Supreme Court to hear his appeal. The case, Turaani v. Wray, court file 21-72, was docketed July 20. FBI Director Christopher Wray is one of three respondents; the others are Charles H. Kable IV, director of the FBIs Terrorist Screening Center, and an individual FBI agent. The FBI administers the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to carry out background checks for firearm purchases. When it receives a background check request, the FBI isnt allowed to disclose details of a buyers record and may reply with one of three directives: proceed, denied, or delayed. Petitioner Khalid M. Turaani is a U.S. citizen of Palestinian national origin, according to the petition. He has no criminal convictions, history of mental illness, or otherwise disqualifying criteria that would prevent him from purchasing a firearm. He is a prominent figure in his community and abroad, and involved in several nonprofit organizations that assist the Palestinian American and Muslim communities, the petition stated. Turaani tried to buy a firearm in 2017, but before the transaction could be completed, an FBI official contacted the firearms seller and advised that Turaani was the subject of a federal investigation. The seller refused the purchase. Turaani sued in federal district court, asserting that his Second Amendment rights had been violated. The court dismissed the case but noted that Turaani is correct that the FBI agent violated [the Privacy Act] by disclosing that Turaani was the target of an FBI investigation. The Privacy Act prohibits unlawful disclosures by government officials to those with no need to know. In 2018, Turaani again tried to purchase a firearm, this time from a different seller in Michigan, according to his petition to the Supreme Court. As had happened the year before, the NICS check yielded a delayed response. The seller asked Turaani to follow up with him after a three-day waiting period, saying he would sell him the weapon because the delayed notice was something the seller had seen before. But when Turaani got back to the seller, he was informed that [the FBI] had appeared at the sellers business a day after the attempted purchase and said the FBI does not like the company that [Turaani] keeps, the petition stated. The agent also showed the seller a photograph of Mr. Turaani and another individual who appeared to be of Middle Eastern descent. The agent left his contact information and asked the seller to pass it along to Mr. Turaani. The agents communications to the firearm seller exceeded the permissible scope of disclosures under the relevant regulations, the petition stated. Because of the agents disclosures, the seller refused to sell Mr. Turaani a firearm, stating that he was no longer comfortable doing so after the agents visit and statements about Mr. Turaani. The governments improper disclosures damaged Mr. Turaanis Second Amendment right to bear arms, his privacy interests, his reputation, and chosen employment, and caused him emotional distress. He sued again under the Privacy Act. The district court rejected his claims under the Privacy Act, applying the same analysis the prior court had employed for his Second Amendment claims. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit affirmed. The two lower courts held that Turaani failed to show that his injury was traceable to FBI action, and that he had not established legal standing to sue, reasoning that any injury he suffered was not caused by the FBI, but instead by a third party, in this case, the firearm seller. There was no coercion, the 6th Circuit held. Making an inquiry and passing along ambiguous information is a distant cry from forcing action. Turaanis injury stems from the actions of the gun dealer, not the FBI. Take stock of what the FBI did. [The agent] visited the dealer to speak with him about Turaani. That does not suffice. Contact does not equal coercion. [The agent] then asked to see the information Turaani provided when he tried to purchase the gun. That is not enough. Else, every law-enforcement inquiry could generate a lawsuit premised on an inquiry. [The agent] then showed the dealer a photograph of Turaani with an unknown man of apparent Middle Eastern descent, adding that he had concerns with the company Turaani keeps. That is not enough either. Passing along information, and ambiguous information at that, is a distant cry from forcing action. An indirect theory of traceability requires that the government cajole, coerce, command. Venturing vague concerns does none of the above. As Mitchell Jagodinski writes at SCOTUSblog, its Turaanis position that the court rulings give the government what amounts to a free pass to circulate confidential information to third parties without suffering any legal consequences, despite the rules Congress established in the Privacy Act. The petitioner is asking the courts review to enforce the Privacy Acts protection against improper disclosures and declare that a foreseeable action of third parties in response to an improper government disclosure is enough to establish traceability for standing purposes. The Epoch Times reached out to Acting Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar for comment over the weekend but didnt receive a reply as of press time. Indian soldiers examine the debris after an explosion in Lethpora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Feb. 14, 2019. (Younis Khaliq/File Photo/Reuters) Mastermind Behind Deadly 2019 Kashmir Attack Killed in Shootout: Indian Police SRINAGAR, IndiaThe mastermind behind a 2019 attack that killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops has been killed in a shootout with security forces, Indian police in Kashmir said on Saturday. Mohammad Ismail Alvi, the commander of terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad, or the Army of Mohammed, was killed south of the regional capital Srinagar, Vijay Kumar, the police chief of Kashmir told Reuters. Mohammad Ismail Alvi alias Lamboo alias Adnan was from the family of Masood Azhar. He was involved in conspiracy and planning of Lethpora Pulwama attack, Kumar said. A suicide bomber rammed a car into a bus carrying Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir on Feb. 14, 2019, killing 40 of them in the deadliest attack in decades on security forces in the disputed region, raising tensions with Pakistan. The Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack. The Indian government accused Pakistan of letting terrorists operate from its soil and called on it to take action. Islamabad said it rejected the suggestion it was linked to the attack. Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region at the heart of decades of hostility between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. The neighbours both rule parts of the region while claiming the entire territory as theirs. By Fayaz Bukhari Equipment works to clear mud and debris from a mudslide on Interstate-70 through Glenwood Canyon, Colo., on July 30, 2021. (Colorado Department of Transportation via AP) Mudslides Force More Than 100 to Spend Night on Highway GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.More than 100 people had to spend the night on a highway, including nearly 30 who took refuge in a tunnel, after rain over an area burned by a wildfire once again triggered mudslides in western Colorado, authorities said Friday. The people were caught with their vehicles on Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon on Thursday night. Those in the tunnel were stuck for about nine hours until crews could carve out a path through the mud to reach them at about 6:30 a.m. Friday, Garfield County Sheriffs Office spokesman Walt Stowe said. The tunnel serves as a 24-hour operations center for the Colorado Department of Transportation, so it is relatively well-lit and has telephones, Stowe said. No injuries were reported. The transportation department has accounted for 108 people, including 29 in the tunnel, who were stuck on the highway overnight. Between 65 and 70 people remained stranded at a rest stop Friday afternoon as crews worked to punch a safe passage through the debris. Mike Goolsby, a regional director for the transportation department, said the area was affected by about 10 slides, some 12 feet deep and up to 150 feet wide. Im very grateful that no one was hurt. Weve tried our hardest not to have people in the canyon when these flash flood warnings hit, but it was the best case scenario for all of us based on the outcome this morning, he said. Glenwood Canyon has cliffs towering up to 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, making it prone to rockslides and mudslides. In recent weeks, rain over the area burned by a wildfire last summer has triggered frequent slides, resulting in closures of I-70, Colorados main east-west highway. Those closures have mostly occurred before the storm moves in, to prevent people from being trapped. Colorado Department of Transportation crews work to clear mud and debris from the eastbound deck of Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon, near Bair Ranch after a flash flood, Colo., on July 22, 2021. (Chelsea Self/File/Glenwood Springs Post Independent via AP) On Thursday, the canyon had temporarily closed earlier in the day as one storm cell approached but had reopened by the time a second storm cell moved in, which led to the vehicles and their passengers getting trapped. Transportation officials say the section of interstate is expected to be closed at least through the weekend because of the significant cleanup underway and because of heavy rain in the forecast. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the area. Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, appears before a Senate hearing to discuss vaccines, in Washington, on Sept. 9, 2020. (Greg Nash- Pool/Getty Images) National Institutes of Health Head: Businesses Should Require Vaccine Credentials From Customers The director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggested that some businesses require vaccine credentials from customers. In recent weeks, some businessesincluding a restaurant group and Broadway venues in New York Cityhave said that customers, not just employees, will have to provide proof they received the COVID-19 vaccine to enter their premises. When asked by a CNN anchor about more businesses requiring proof of vaccinations, NIH Director Francis Collins didnt provide a specific answer but suggested that it would be a step forward. As a public health person who wants to see this pandemic end, yes. I think anything we can do to encourage reluctant folks to get vaccinated because theyll want to be part of these public events, thats a good thing, he said on Sunday. Im delighted to see employers like Disney and Walmart coming out and asking their staff to be vaccinated, he added. Im glad to see the president has said all federal employeesI oversee NIH, with 40,000 peopleneed to get vaccinated or, if theyre not, to get regular testing, which is inconvenient. Disney and Walmart late last week issued statements saying some of their employees will need to get COVID-19 vaccines. Walmarts corporate employees and Disneys salaried and non-union workers will have to get vaccinated in the coming months, according to separate statements from both multinational corporations. All of those steps, I think are in the right direction. Maybe thats what it will take for some of those who have still been a little reluctant to say, Okay, its time,' Collins remarked in his interview. The data will support the decision. They are making the right choice for their own safety. Sometimes it takes a nudge. Vaccine passports and similar systems have been criticized by civil liberties groups, the World Health Organization, and some Republicans, who have argued such programs would create a caste-based society of unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals. Vaccinated individuals would have more rights than those who are unvaccinated, theyve said, noting that centralized databases that contain peoples health information such as their vaccination status would be a privacy concern. In some European countries including France and Italy, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to demonstrate against vaccine passports. Frances Parliament last week approved a law that would require customers to present their vaccination status to restaurants, gyms, bars, theaters, and other venues. Some Republican governors, meanwhile, have signed bills into law or issued executive orders to nullify mandating vaccines or vaccine passports in municipal or state government offices. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law in May that bars private entities from using vaccine passports. The Epoch Times has contacted the NIH for comment. Signs that read "No Job No Rent" hang from the windows of an apartment building in Washington on May 20, 2020. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo) Nearly 2 Million US Households Owe $15 Billion in Back Rent: Report An estimated 1.95 million U.S. renter households owed more than $15.3 billion in back rent when the federal eviction moratorium expired on July 31, according to a new report. The number of renter households in debt is expected to reach 2 million by December, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said in the July 30 report (pdf). Those households are expected to collectively owe $18.6 billion by that point, with an average debt of $9,300. The state with the largest estimated number of households in arrears on rent in August is California (313,300), followed by Texas (174,900), Florida (171,900), and New York (155,600). California is also estimated to owe the largest amount of rent debt ($3.54 billion), which is greater than the combined rent debt of the next two states, Florida ($1.53 billion) and New York ($1.43 billion). The report came as the nationwide eviction ban, which was first enacted in September 2020 as part of the federal governments effort to prevent the further spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, came to an end on July 31. The idea was that evicted individuals often share living spaces with relatives or friends or move into crowded homeless shelters, undermining social distancing restrictions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which extended the moratorium several times, was ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court to leave the policy in place until the end of July. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was the deciding justice in the 5-4 ruling, pointed out that the CDC lacked authority to extend the eviction ban again, unless it did so by an act of Congress. In my view, clear and specific congressional authorization (via new legislation) would be necessary for the CDC to extend the moratorium past July 31, Kavanaughs concurring opinion read. In a July 29 statement, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden would have supported the CDC extending the eviction ban, but the Supreme Court has made clear that this option is no longer available, and called on Congress to pass legislation to keep the ban in place. Despite the presidents call to action, Congress didnt address the issue before going on recess. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) introduced H.R. 4791 on July 30 to extend the moratorium through Dec. 31. The proposal failed to get sufficient support for a formal vote, and the House has now entered a six-week recess. With the federal eviction moratorium has ended, some state and local governments still have their own temporary eviction moratoria in place. Californias Los Angeles County, for example, has banned evictions through the end of September. Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts: Biden Admins 30 By 30 Conservation Plan Will Devastate Small Farmers The Biden administrations ambitious 30 by 30 conservation plan has to be a land grab, says Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts. Currently, 12 percent of U.S. land is protected. To reach the Biden administrations goal of 30 percent of land in conservation by 2030, theyd have to add on 440 million acres or the equivalent of nine states of Nebraska, Ricketts says. In this episode, Ricketts explains why he believes the plan will be devastating to small farmers and ranchers and ultimately drive up the cost of food. Jan Jekielek: This is American Thought Leaders and Im Jan Jekielek. Governor Pete Ricketts, so great to have you on American Thought Leaders. Governor Pete Ricketts: Its my pleasure. Thanks very much for having me on. Mr. Jekielek: Lets talk about 30 by 30. This is something Nebraska has become a center point for opposition to this proposed, I guess you could say program. And so why do you think that is? Gov. Ricketts: Well, let me take a step back for your viewers who may not know what that is. So 30 by 30 is what the Biden administration has proposed to put 30 percent of the land in the United States, land and waters, into conservation by the year 2030. And according to their own numbers, right now were at 12 percent. To get to 30 percent, theyd have to add on 440 million acres, or the equivalent of nine states of Nebraska or two states of Texas; you can take your pick. You can see thats a very ambitious program. Here in Nebraska, were 97 percent privately owned. So if you were to get to 30 percent, I dont see how they can do that with what they claim to be a voluntary local program. This has all been very vague. They havent really given us a lot of details. Thats really one of the reasons why were so concerned. Mr. Jekielek: What do you think of the 30 by 30, the name, when you first heard it? What went through your head? Gov. Ricketts: Well, I think its important to understand the context. The name 30 by 30 actually is driven by the environmental groups. The Center for American Progress published a report in August of 2019 that called for the 30 by 30 plan. That actually predates that going back to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity from 1992, where the UN said, Hey, all countries should establish goals for how much land is in permanent conservation. At that time, they were talking about [land] purely preserved in the natural state. Which again is different from what the Biden administration is using as conservation. But that language of 30 by 30 comes from the environmental groups. The Biden administration basically just parroted what was in that Center for American Progress report in their executive order, and in the fact sheet that came out afterwards on January 27th. Where they used the same sort of statistics about a million species going extinct in the coming decades, 1/3 of U.S. wildlife, every 30 seconds, a football field worth of land disappears. They lifted that entirely from the Center for American Progress paper from August 2019. Theyre basically just lifting the language. And I think what they saw was that this is really bad, because it really says 30 percent by 2030. It describes very clearly what theyre trying to accomplish. And to me, when I first heard that, Im like, Well, that is crazy. I mean, how are you gonna get that done? So that was my first reaction. And thats why theyve since come back and now tried to rename the planthe America the Beautiful plan. Sounds much better, doesnt it? Who doesnt want America to be beautiful? Theyve realized they made a mistake in allowing it to be framed as 30 by 30. Theyre trying to change it now to something else, the America the Beautiful plan, but its still basically the same plan. Mr. Jekielek: So, it is being described as a voluntary program where farmers and so forth are basically paid to keep their lands fallow or I suppose, right? Gov. Ricketts: Yeah. There are a number of programs weve had; for example, the Conservation Reserve Program, which has been around since 1985. And thats for farmers or ranchers who wanna put their land into conservation, and then the government will reimburse them for that. But those voluntary programs, again, have been around for decades. Weve gotten to 12 percent. How do they expect to get to 30 percent with those same voluntary programs? The president does not have constitutional authority to mandate 30 percent of the land go into conservation. What theyve said is theyre gonna keep using these voluntary programs that are in place, because they dont have any choice. They dont have anything else they can do. But theyre not gonna get the 30 percent that way in the next nine years when over the last several decades they didnt get there. So that leaves the question, well, how are you gonna get to 30 percent? Its either theyre gonna fail in their attempt to get to 30 percent, or theyre not telling us how they are gonna get to 30 percent. Mr. Jekielek: So on the other side, Ive heard that eminent domain can basically be discussed as a potential route. Are there real concerns about this kind of use? Gov. Ricketts: I think eminent domain is unlikely to be used in this context. I think its more likely what the federal government is gonna do is try to extend their regulatory authority over private property; to restrict peoples private property rights. So for example, one of the things Ive been telling people when their CRP, that Conservation Reserve Program, when that program on your land comes up for renewal, read the fine print in that new document, because USDA may be putting additional restrictions on you. I talked to one rancher for example who when his CRP agreement came back to him for renewal, they had put language in there to protect the habitat of swift fox. He did not know what that meant. He had never seen a swift fox on his property. Asked USDA, what does this mean? And USDA could not tell him what he had to do to protect the habitat of the swift fox. He was concerned by that. He didnt re-up his CRP land, because he didnt wanna commit to something that they couldnt tell him what he had to do. Pretty straightforward, right? So thats one of the things were telling people, Is read the fine print on your documents. I think another way theyre gonna try and do it is through permanent easements, which is really getting landowners to voluntarily agree to put their land in permanent conservation. And we want landowners to know that if you do that, you cant get it back. Its a one-way street. And youve permanently restricted your land, which means youve given up your private property rights. Now, as private landowners, they can do that, but we want them to be aware of all the rules when they get involved with that. And we also want counties to know that they can reject or approve those permanent easements, if theyve set up the structure to review those in an objective way. So thats also part of the education process that were going around the state telling people about. Narration: We reached out to the Interior Department to ask for more details on the 30 by 30 plan. An official told us its a voluntary program: there will be no land grabs. So far, the administration has announced the plan will include increasing the Sabinoso Wilderness by 40 percent, establishing a deep-sea coral protection area, expanding the conservation reserve program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among other initiatives. An Interior Department Spokesperson told The Epoch Times: We are encouraged by the dozens of counties, cities, Tribal governments, and states that have expressed support for the America the Beautiful initiative and that are moving forward with efforts to restore and conserve the places that matter most to them. Mr. Jekielek: We both have had some education in biology in our lives. Thats what Ive learned on your side. How do you perceive the current situation? For example, is there some kind of environmental crisis? Im not just talking about climate. Is there biodiversity pollution? Theres a whole series of realms where there are issues being described when it comes to the environment. How do you see this? Gov. Ricketts: Conservation is a good thing. Our farmers and ranchers were the original conservationists, because they wanted to pass on the family farm or ranch to the next generation. So they took care of the land and their animals; they could do that. And in fact, Nebraskas, according to US News and World Report, Nebraska has the sixth best natural environment of any state in the country. Our beef producers for example have worked, along with other national beef producers, to be able to increase production of beef by 66 percent. since the 1960s, while reducing their carbon footprint by 40 percent. Our Ogallala Aquifer, which is what underlies our status. We are the largest irrigated state in the country, and we tap into the Ogallala Aquifer to do that. But we put a system of water management in place 50 years ago to do that. And so our Ogallala Aquifer is within one foot of where it was in the 1950s. We here in Nebraska do a good job of promoting conservation and taking care of the land. Nobody cares more about it than we do. We dont need the federal government to come in here and apply a one-size-fit-all answer to how we can continue to practice good conservation, because were already doing it here in Nebraska. So, conservation is a good thing. What theyre talking about, this 30 by 30 plan, would be devastating to our small towns and rural communities. In fact, thats part of the problem with this is people in urban areas who are the primary ones proposing this are not gonna pay the price. Our rural folks will pay the price for this. Because if you were to take, again, Nebraska being 97 percent privately owned, and you set 30 percent of that into conservation, and restrict it say from agricultural use. Now youve taken away 30 percent of the land that was helping to pay property taxes that support schools and roads and all those other things the property taxes pay for. That means everybody elses property taxes are gonna have to go up because youve taken that much land off the tax rolls. And then the land thats remaining for agricultural purposes will cost more because theres, its just the law of supply and demand. Right. If youve got a good one and youve got less of it, the price goes up. So land will go up, which will also drive up property taxes. And that will also make the farmers and ranchers have more pressure as far as production for the crops we grow or the animals we raise, and that will ultimately drive up the cost of food. So theres all sorts of consequences the Biden administration either hasnt considered, or isnt willing to talk about with this big proposal to do 30 percent of the land in the United States into conservation. And again, were talking about enough land to fill up nine states of Nebraska. Its a huge amount of land theyre talking about. And for states like Nebraska, and all the states in the Midwest, this is gonna be a huge issue for small towns and rural communities. Mr. Jekielek: Okay so you have described it as a land grab. Youre also saying that its not entirely clear what exactly theyre gonna do. Gov. Ricketts: Right. So to me, it gets back to the land grab thing. Look through voluntary programs, youre not gonna get to 30 percent. So how are you gonna get to 30 percent? Youre not telling us. That has to be a land grab to get there. Because I can tell you, our farmers and ranchers are not going to want to voluntarily turn over 30 percent of their land. So how are you gonna get there? They havent even defined basic terms, like what does conservation actually mean? What do you mean by conservation? How much are you gonna restrict the land if its in conservation? Even basic things like that, theyre not telling us. And thats why were so concerned. We want the Biden administration to be transparent. Ive worked with 14 of my fellow governors to send a letter to President Biden asking for more information and reminding him he doesnt have the constitutional authority. Weve not heard back, though they have published the America the Beautiful plan. It doesnt have any more details other than saying they wanna work voluntarily and locally. But as Ive described, if you do the math, theres just no way for them to get 30 percent over the next nine years to reach their goal with the current programs that are in place. Mr. Jekielek: This is interesting because theres also this kind of philosophical question; you addressed this a little bit already. Are these things that should be decided federally or are these things that should be decided at the state level. Gov. Ricketts: Well, certainly, I think you can point to Nebraska and say what a great job weve done in conservation here in Nebraska. And again, I dont think conservation is a bad word. Its not. This program is so onerous for the cost of it is so onerous for our folks in rural communities. I dont think the Biden administration really understands what they proposed. This is kind of a consistent theme that, at least from my perspective, the Biden administration doesnt really seem to understand what life in the Midwest is like. He demonstrated that when he was talking in one of his first speeches where hes talking about the pandemic. He hoped that we could gather in small groups at the 4th of July this year. Well, we were doing that last year, Mr. President. He said we hope that schools can be fully in-person, in classrooms. Im like, yeah, we were doing that last year too. It would be nice if the Biden administration would get out of their little bubble in DC and come see whats going on out here in the Midwest, and see what life is like here so that they can understand some of the implications of their policy that theyre trying to enforce. Mr. Jekielek: Youve also mentioned a little bit earlier that theres this what sounded like an obvious cost to Nebraskans. And thats presumably based on the only way that you see this could play out. What is the cost? Gov. Ricketts: Well, the cost is, if you take away 30 percent of our land thats mostly being used for agricultural purposes right now, youre taking away the ability for peoples livelihood. Youre gonna drive up property taxes on everybody. Youre gonna make it more difficult for young farmers and ranchers to get into the business. Its already very difficult because of the high costs of getting into agriculture. When you think about owning land and the equipment and all that. Its very difficult for young people to get in already, so its gonna drive all those costs up. And ultimately then, what you do is you drive up the cost of food. Mr. Jekielek: Well, thats kind of my other question actually. Because presumably this is a major program to address I guess what is described as a kind of environmental crisisto help provide solutions to that. I think its the twinned crises of climate change and biodiversity loss that it seeks to counteract I guess. Gov. Ricketts: Yeah. Again one of the things with regard to [this] is to talk about biodiversity. Where theyre pulling from that is not scientificits a Center for American Progress report from August of 2019. And they hired somebody to put together a model to say, theres gonna be a million species going extinct in the coming decades. No timeline. 1/3 the wildlife in the United States, and that were losing a football field of land in the United States every 30 seconds. Theres so much wrong with that. First of all, models are subject to whatever assumptions you put in. And trust me, after fighting this pandemic, I know how wrong models can be. We all do; around the world. We saw some of the models and how wrong they were. So we know models are subject to assumptions. And with regard to some of the other things, if you actually do the math on that football field-worth of land every 30 seconds by 2030, that comes out to about 11 million acres. Well, if youre worried about 11 million acres, why are you trying to grab 440 million acres? See, again, the math on this just doesnt work out. The way they talk about these things, they put up all these nice platitudes. Things that everybody would wanna do. Of course we wanna conserve. But then you actually dig into it and you do the math, and youre like, this math doesnt work. Mr. Jekielek: Youre obviously an advocate for small government. Are you concerned this is an expansion of government? Gov. Ricketts: Well, I expect that thats one of the ways that theyre gonna actually try to do this, is through trying to expand their authority; to put more regulations on private property owners to reduce and restrict their rights. We saw this under the Obama administration. The Obama administration through the U.S. tried to expand their authority unlawfully. And Nebraska was one of the states that took them to court successfully. Got an injunction against the rules being put in place. That means a judge believes youre gonna be right if you get an injunction. And ultimately, the rule was withdrawn out of the Trump administration and rewritten so it would remain lawful. So were gonna be continuing to watch the Biden administration. If they try to do things unlawful, we will take them back to court. And again, were asking. At this point were just asking for more information and were getting very little. Mr. Jekielek: And what are your constituents telling you about this? Whats the general public saying? Gov. Ricketts: Well, Im, again, spending most of my time in rural communities because thats whos gonna be mostly impacted. And overwhelmingly they oppose this because they understand, because they live in these communities, what it would mean to undermine the property tax base, to make it harder for young people to get into agriculture. They already know its hard for all of these things. And in fact, when weve been doing our town halls in some very small communities, we havent had less than 100 people show up because people are concerned about this. They wanna find out more. Narration: So, what have local Nebraskans been saying at these town halls? We decided to go to one to find out. Speaker1: First of all, thanks for coming down and having this meeting and informing us. But the most important question is what is this going to do to the food chain in the United States of America? How much production of food and milk and meat are we gonna lose if we do this thing, if they get it done? Has anybody started counting these numbers yet? Gov. Ricketts: Yeah, so to my knowledge, nobody has done a calculation that if you restricted 30 percent of the land in the United States, what impact it would make on food. And again, without more details from the Biden ministration, you couldnt accurately do that. But thats one of the reasons were asking. Because you can imagine, if 30 percent of that land went to 30 percent, 30 percent of Nebraska was all agricultural land, that means that land prices on the rest of the land is gonna go up. Harder for young people to get into the industry. Property taxes are gonna go up. What does that all mean? Well, it means food prices are gonna go up too. Its simple economics. Our founders believed that our private property rights were fundamental through the freedom of our republic. Think about this. What does communism say? The polar opposite of our system. Communism says nobody owns land. Its all owned by the public. And we can see what is happening with communist regimes around the world. The millions of people whove died trying to have communism implemented on them. Thats why our founders were so firmly in the belief that private property rights were fundamental to our freedoms, and this is how they could be eroded through that regulation. Narration: Many questions remain about how the 30 by 30 plan will be implemented, but Ricketts seems convinced it wont be good. Gov. Ricketts: So when people say, well, why are you concerned about this Biden administration? Ill give you some examples. So during the Trump administration, there were weekly phone calls with all the nations governors; there were 40 of them. Vice President Pence chaired 39 of those calls. And sometimes the calls would go on for a couple of hours as he answered questions from the nations governors. President Trump was on eight of those calls. Since the Biden ministration has been in office, President Biden has been on zero, and Vice President Harris has been on one call for five minutes, and she took no questions. Now, that shows the difference between what the Biden administration thinks about the nations governors, who are responsible for managing emergencies by the way in our system of government, and the Trump administration who understood the governors actually had authority to actually manage emergencies. So the Biden administration is demonstrating they really dont care what the states think. Another example is when the Land and Water Conservation Fund got funded under the Trump administration, the Secretary of the Interior signed a secretarial order giving states the ability to veto land purchases by the federal government under that program. As soon as the Biden administration got into power, they revoked that authority to allow states to veto those land purchases. To me, that doesnt say somebody who wants to work with me locally and voluntarily. It says somebody that wants to make sure that theyve got all the controls about what happens. So, those are just a couple of examples of how the Biden administration is already demonstrating theyre not really interested in what local people think or do. They are planning a top-down strategy. Narration: Ricketts has been an outspoken critic of the 30 by 30 plan, but theres another issue big on his radar, China. Coming in a few weeks, a special American Thought Leaders episode. Gov. Ricketts: I was on a trade mission in China. Some very disturbing things happened. Members of our delegation were being followed, and actually one of them had their hotel room broken into and a disc drive stolen. Mr. Jekielek: Once eager for closer ties to China, hes now a scathing critic of the Chinese Communist Party. Gov. Ricketts: We here in America have to start thinking more long range, like the CCP is thinking. Editors Note: This interview has been updated with a response from the Interior Department. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Subscribe to the American Thought Leaders newsletter so you never miss an episode. You can also follow American Thought Leaders on Parler, Facebook, or YouTube. If youd like to donate to support our work, you can do so here. Follow Epoch TV on Facebook and Twitter. Once-in-a-Lifetime Photo of Small Bird Hitching a Ride on Bigger Birds Stick A wildlife photographer with a penchant for birds captured a magnificent moment on film during an outing in southeastern Michigan. Snapping an osprey in flight with a stick in its claws, she noticed that a smaller bird had hitched a ride. I recently watched an osprey flying along the far edge of a pond and noticed that the osprey had picked up a follower, photographer Jocelyn Anderson told PetaPixel. The follower, she said, was a feisty red-winged blackbird. Perhaps fearing its territory encroached upon, the blackbird put on an aggressive show as Anderson watched. Red-winged blackbirds are fiercely defensive of their nests and will attack much larger birds in order to keep their young ones safe, she said. The osprey was carrying a large stick for nest renovations, and as the pair flew closer I could see the blackbird weaving and calling at the osprey. A red-winged blackbird hitching a ride on an ospreys stick. (Courtesy of Jocelyn Anderson) As Anderson watched, the blackbird took a break by hitching a ride on the very stick its nemesis was carrying. Anderson shot an incredible photo and later shared it on her Instagram page, captioned, A red-winged blackbird looking like its getting a free ride on an ospreys broomstick. The blackbird was focused on driving the osprey away from the marsh, she wrote, while the osprey was focused on bringing back a good stick for the nest. Anderson, a web developer by trade, told PetaPixel she was surprised at how far the blackbird followed the osprey from its nesting spot. Her impressive photo has amassed thousands of likes online. For the Michigan-based bird lover, great photography is just as much about chance timing as it is about skill and preparation. She feels fortunate to live near a great number of parks with a thriving bird population. She cites her most remarkable encounter to date as the time she saw a mink, holding a vole in its mouth, at a boardwalk in the summertime, according to GlaszArt. We both jumped, and the mink dropped the vole, she told the outlet. I backed off and waited for him to come back. He did, and I was able to get a few photos. It was something that was special as it was totally unexpected. 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 Police: 10 Shot in Queens by 2 Men Who Fled on Mopeds NEW YORKTwo men strode up to a crowd outside a barbershop in the New York City borough of Queens and opened fire, wounding 10 people before fleeing on mopeds, police said Sunday morning. The shooting in the boroughs Corona neighborhood took place just before 11 p.m. Saturday. The eight men and two women, who range in age from 19 to 72, were all hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. The most seriously injured victim suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said. Police said the two gunmen arrived at the scene on foot, but left by jumping on the backs of two mopeds driven by two other men. All four were wearing hooded sweatshirts, police said. Three of those shot were known members of the Trinitarios, a Dominican street gang, and were the intended targets, Essig said. A party was in progress at a restaurant a few doors down from the barbershop at the time of the shooting, he added. This was a brazen, coordinated attack, for lack of a better word, Essig said. This is unacceptable, and it has to stop. No one was in custody as of Sunday morning, and police said they would be releasing still photos and video from the scene. Police take back the streets at around midnight after firing copious amounts of tear gas to disperse protesters and rioters outside the Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct during the fourth night of protests and violence following the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) The Rule of Law Hostage to Enemy Action Commentary I have always admired the admonitory wisdom that Auric Goldfinger imparted to James Bond early in Ian Flemings novel named for the gold-loving villain: Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time its enemy action. I have thought often of that sage advisory in recent months as so many once-trustworthy institutions of American life seem to have been weaponized against the people they were meant to serve. This is, alas, a huge topic, and today I will only scratch the surface. What makes the rule of law the rule of law is its more-or-less consistent application. I say more-or-less because we live in an imperfect universe and, though we may strive for complete consistency, it will always elude us. But thats not to say that we cant say that some societies come closer to the ideal than others. In a rational society, the laws are few, publicly proclaimed, and impartially enforced. How about in our society? As to the number, Ill just say that in 2008, The Heritage Foundation estimated that there were nearly 4,500 federal crimes on the books. That was 13 years ago. The question of their impartial enforcement brings me to my real subject. One impediment to impartiality is pragmatic. There are only so many prosecutors and so many judges. Hence the phenomenon of prosecutorial discretion. The Department of Justice has to pick and choose which bad guys to go after because it doesnt have the resources to go after them all. OK, but is it impartial in its discretion? No. Which is why another reason for the lack of impartiality is political. During the Trump years, why was it that the awesome power of the state was routinely brought to bear against anyone in the presidents orbit while people in the Justice Department and various intelligence services could lie, leak, and even alter critical evidence with essentially no consequences? Why is it that the Biden DOJ declines to prosecute five people arrested as Chinese spies while it continues its policy of harassing, arresting, and incarcerating people who were milling about the Capitol on Jan. 6? Why is it that the Biden DOJ has declined to investigate the scandal of blue-state nursing home deaths in the wake of the COVID-19 hysteria? The Department of Justice will not pursue investigations into New York, Pennsylvania, or Michigan nursing home policies, the Washington Examiner reported, that resulted in thousands of residential COVID-19 deaths. It wasnt just that the policy of stashing COVID-19 patients in nursing homes was a deadly mistake, there was also a massive cover-up. In New York, for example, an aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo admitted in a leaked Zoom video that the Cuomo administration purposely undercounted nursing home deaths to avoid a federal investigation. Dont try this if youre a Republican governor. Meanwhile, what about the battalions of protestors who rampaged throughout American cities last summer, smashing, burning, maiming, and murdering people? They caused some $2 billion in damages, injured scores, and killed at least a dozen. What happened to them? The headline says it all: Charges Against Hundreds of NYC Rioters, Looters Have Been Dropped. It was the same thing in cities across the country. Portland Drops Charges for 90% Arrested During Recent Riots. In Washington, D.C.: Nearly All Rioters Freed from Jail in D.C., Most Avoid Felony Riot Charges. In Minneapolis: Most Charges Against George Floyd Protesters Dropped, Analysis Shows. The moral? George Orwell got to the heart of the matter in Animal Farm: All animals are equal. But some are more equal than others. You see what Goldfinger meant by enemy action. Roger Kimball is the editor and publisher of The New Criterion and the publisher of Encounter Books. His most recent book is Who Rules? Sovereignty, Nationalism, and the Fate of Freedom in the 21st Century. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Guns confiscated by the Santa Ana Police Department are displayed for a press event in Santa Ana, Calif., on March 11, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Time to End Another Failed California Gun Control Law Commentary Gun control laws dont work. Yet politicians eager to curb Americans Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms keep pushing for tighter laws to grab more guns. A good example is Californias Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS), defined by California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bontas website as a database populated with data from a number of existing [Department of Justice] databases. Hows that for a bureaucratic phrase? The APPS data identify criminals who are prohibited from possessing firearms subsequent to the legal acquisition of firearms or registration of assault weapons. In English, theyre felons or others who previously had purchased guns, but were banned from owning them. Yet, they continued to hold the guns or are suspected of having them. The APPS programweirdly defined by the AG as a system and a programis a highly sophisticated investigative tool that provides law enforcement agencies with information about gun owners who are legally prohibited from possessing firearms. APPS was actually started by Republicans with Senate Bill 950 in 2001, by state Senate Minority Leader Jim Brulte, who later became party chairman. It passed unanimously in both houses and was signed by then-governor Gray Davis. Trying to get ahead of the curve on crime issues, Republicans periodically decry the backlog of APPS cases, a safe way to seem tough on crime while not directly offending their pro-gun constituency. One example was a 2018 letter by the state Senate Republican Caucus to then-Attorney General Xavier Becerranow a U.S. senatorblasting him for allowing 10,226 delinquent cases. SB 950s Senate floor analysis from 2001 actually explained it in clear language: This bill will provide a way for law enforcement to find out which proven felons are still possessing weapons. And the analysis provided the reason for the law as well. The Attorney General [Bill Lockyer, the powerful former Senate majority leader] is sponsoring the bill in the wake of the mass slaying in February 2000 at Navistars International Truck and Engine Plant in Melrose Place, Illinois. In that case, the murderer was a twice-convicted felon who had previously, before his convictions, purchased firearms. Thus, even though he was prohibited and in possession of firearms, there was no way for law enforcement to find out, and he was left to commit murder. The bill was brought to the [attorney general] at the urging of law enforcement agencies in the state, and it will provide them with a tool that will disarm these proven law-breakers before they can break the law again. If the state is going to find that some people are too dangerous to possess a gun, then we should make it as easy as possible for law enforcement to ensure that these laws are enforced. Failed Potential But what seemed at the time like a straight-forward approach to the enforcement of existing gun laws has instead become mired in chronic shortcomings, failing for years to make good on its potential. Successive administrations have vowed to fix the problems, but all have fallen short, CalMatters reported on July 27. Today, the state is struggling to recover thousands of guns from people who have been ordered to surrender them. At the start of the year, the list compiled by the state Department of Justice (DOJ) had swelled to 24,000 individuals, the most ever. The pandemic only worsened the mounting backlog of cases when some state Justice Department agents were pulled from field enforcement. That assumes there actually was any potential regarding the system. For perspective, I turned to John Lott, the nations top gun expert. I reviewed his book More Guns, Less Crime when it was released two decades ago. He recently was a senior adviser for research and statistics at the Office of Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice. He now heads the Crime Prevention Research Center. The notion that you will stop criminals from getting guns simply because you stop them from having legally acquired guns seems as likely to succeed as preventing criminals from buying illegal drugs, which obviously has worked flawlessly, Lott said, with a touch of irony. The major source of illegal guns is drug dealers, who have to have weapons to protect their very valuable property. The Brady Background Check System was enacted by Congress in 1993. Thats what you go through when you buy a gun, and its used with APPS. There is no real evidence that the Brady system has reduced violent crime [even gun control people agree, but they now claim thats because it didnt go far enough]. I would argue that there is no evidence that background checks on the private transfer of guns have reduced violent crime or mass public shootings, Lott said. He pointed to his research on those issues in Chapter 10 of the 3rd edition of More Guns, Less Crime, which came out in 2010. Does Not Compute Then theres the problem of flagging innocent people. A lot of Americans hold the same names. As noted above, the California DOJ claims that its APPS database is a highly sophisticated investigative tool. If thats really the case, then its the only efficient computer system run by the state government. Despite being the home of Silicon Valley, the Golden States government is known for its pyrite data systems. The most notorious is the system of the Employment Development Department (EDD), which collapsed under the load of millions of newly furloughed workers when COVID-19 hit. A December 2020 report by the California Auditor excoriated its computer system. Nearly half of the claims EDD processed in the first six months of the claim surge required additional intervention to complete filing after claimants submitted them online, the report reads. Lets not forget the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a byword for bureaucratic incompetence. Government Technology magazine reported in February: Personal information for possibly millions of California drivers may have been accessible to hackers this month after a company contracting with the California DMV suffered a security breach earlier this month. Getting back to guns, Lott said that the APPS has followed a similar trend of technological failure. The background check system that we have is a mess, with about 99 percent of the 3.8 million who have been stopped being mistakes. It is one thing to stop a felon from buying a gun, but it is something else to stop a law-abiding person simply because they have a name similar to a felon, he said. With racial tensions rising since the killing of George Floyd more than a year ago, the last thing we need to do is make that worse over guns. But thats whats happening. The error rate is very high among minorities because people tend to have names similar to others in their racial groups, Lott said. When I was recently working at the [U.S. Department of Justice], the error rate for black males was three times their share of the population and for Hispanic males was 2.5 times their share of the population. That is to say, minorities Second Amendment rights were violated at a much higher rate than were those of whites. Lack of Data The CalMatters article summarized numerous problems with the APPS being unable to go after a lot of people who arent supposed to have guns, but still have them. Experts on the systemwho note that thousands of guns have, in fact, been removed from individualssay stakeholders throughout government must summon the resolve to finally fix the systems deepening problems, the article reads. Although the state does not track how many individuals, if any, commit crimes while they continue to remain armed, the agency has good reason to be concerned. But if theres no data, theres just smoke. The state has no idea whats going on. At the time of its adoption, the Armed and Prohibited Persons System was seen as the low-hanging fruit of gun-control measurestaking firearms from known owners who legally shouldnt have them, the article states. But today, the inability of state and local agencies to make it work as envisioned has raised questions about how they can begin to confront the wider menace posed by the thousands of illegal firearms circulating throughout California or the new wave of untraceable ghost guns, assembled at home from mail-order kits. Ghost Guns Ah, yes, the bogeyman of ghost guns, which President Joe Biden also demanded be regulated in his Feb. 14 speech attacking the Second Amendment. Theyre made by using 3D printers, which means the only way to stop them is by banning or regulating those printers. The designs can be downloaded from internet sites located around the world. It reminds me how, in the Soviet Union, Xerox copiers were numbered and regulated to prevent samizdatself-published underground publicationsfrom being circulated. Thats what tyrannies do. The fact is, unless you live in a city such as Chicago or Baltimore thats run by Democrats defunding the police, your chances of being murdered are quite low, by guns or other means. Its a gigantic country of 330 million people. So bad things will happen, including massacres that lead the news cycle. The Armed and Prohibited Persons System was a mistake enacted 20 years ago that shouldnt be fixed, but ended. Of course, if police in the course of their work come across someone who shouldnt own a gun, then they should enforce the law. But a special program sending officers to peoples homesoften the wrong homesin search of alleged violators went too far. We need to get back to the American reflex to always bend our laws toward freedom. John Seiler is a veteran California opinion writer. He has written editorials for The Orange County Register for almost 30 years. Hes a U.S. Army veteran and former press secretary to California State Sen. John Moorlach. He blogs at johnseiler@substack.com. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Tourists wait to be evacuated from smoke-engulfed Mazi area as wildfires rolled down the hill toward the seashore, in Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Emre Tazegul/AP Photo) Tourists Flee as Wildfires Threaten Turkish Beach Resorts ISTANBUL, TurkeyWildfires raged Sunday near Turkeys holiday beach destinations of Antalya and Mugla as the discovery of more bodies caused the death toll to rise to eight. Residents and tourists fled the danger in small boats while the coast guard and two navy ships waited out at sea in case a bigger evacuation was needed. Authorities warned tourists and residents to keep evacuating Turunc, a town in the seaside resort of Marmaris in Mugla province. Fires enveloped the area and strong winds made firefighting efforts more difficult. A helicopter attempted to extinguish the blazes, which were unreachable by land. As residents of villages around Marmaris pleaded for more help on social media, people boarded small boats carrying suitcases. Others waited anxiously to see if the fire would come down to the shore. Turkish news agency DHA said the bodies of a Turkish-German couple were found in their burned home in Manavgat, Antalya, bringing the overall death toll to eight in the fires that began on Wednesday. Fires were also encroaching on a village near the town and villagers were evacuating in trucks. Tourists are evacuated from smoke-engulfed Mazi area as wildfires rolled down the hill toward the seashore, in Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Emre Tazegul/AP Photo) Earlier Sunday, police water cannons, usually used to control riots, helped helicopters and fire trucks in Muglas popular district of Bodrum to fight fires. Turkish television showed fires had reignited after being extinguished earlier, with blazes and smoke approaching a village. Civilians were trying to protect homes and olive groves but some houses were already damaged. Social media videos showed tourists in Bodrum scampering down streets rolling their luggage to escape the nearby flames. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said at least 27 people affected by the fires were still receiving treatment in hospitals while hundreds of others had been released. Minister of Forestry and Agriculture Bekir Pakdemirli wrote on Twitter that 111 wildfires were under control across Turkey. His tweets showed that, since Wednesday, wildfires had ignited in 33 provinces. Panic-stricken tourists were evacuated Saturday from hotels in Bodrum as a fire rolled down the hill toward the seashore, including some 100 Russian tourists. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan toured some of the affected areas on Saturday and promised to help residents rebuild their homes. But social media users criticized him for arriving in Marmaris in a massive convoy that caused more traffic and for having bags of tea thrown from his bus to people gathered to hear him speak. Firefighters work in the smoke-engulfed Mazi area as wildfires rolled down the hill toward the seashore, forcing people to be evacuated, in Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Emre Tazegul/AP Photo) Turkish authorities say they are investigating whether the fires may have started due to sabotage by outlawed Kurdish militants. Erdogan said one of the fires was started by children. A heatwave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western Greece, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames. On Sunday afternoon, bathers on an Italian beach south of the Adriatic city of Pescara fled when they spotted towering clouds of smoke and flames from a fire in a nearby pine forest, the Italian news agency LaPresse said. Several people were reportedly injured when they tried to put out wind-whipped flames that had reached their homes, it said. Local officials told state TV that an elderly home in Pescara had to be evacuated. Temperatures in Turkey and nearby countries in southeast Europe are expected to climb to 42 degrees Celsius (more than 107 Fahrenheit) Monday in many cities and towns. Antalya was already registering 41 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit) on Sunday. Meanwhile, in Turkeys eastern Van province, floods over the weekend destroyed at least six houses after a small river overflowed amid heavy rains. Villagers were told to quickly leave their homes and climb to higher locations. Floods in northern Turkey last month killed at least six people. Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab walks in Downing Street in London on May 27, 2021. (Niklas Halle'n/AFP via Getty Images) UK: Highly Likely Iran Launched Deliberate Attack on Oil Tanker The UK on Aug. 1 supported Israels assertion that the fatal attack on an oil tanker on July 29 off the coast of Oman was carried out by Iran. The attack on Mercer Street, an oil tanker from London-based and Israeli-owned company Zodiac Maritime, killed a British national and a Romanian national on board, making it the first known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with the Islamic regime over its tattered nuclear deal. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Aug. 1 that the UK believes the attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran. The UK condemns the unlawful and callous attack committed on a merchant vessel off the coast of Oman, the statement reads. UK assessments have concluded that it is highly likely that Iran attacked the MV MERCER STREET in international waters off Oman on 29 July using one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Raab demanded that the regime end such attacks and allow vessels to navigate freely in accordance with international law. He also said the UK is working with its allies on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack. U.S. experts have previously said that they believe the incident was a targeted drone strike, and an Israeli security official had accused the Iranian regime of being behind the attack, citing similar attacks in the past. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Aug. 1 said that Israeli intelligence had evidence linking Iran to the attack, without elaborating. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh called the allegation baseless, threatening, Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind. Khatibzadeh spoke around an hour after Irans outgoing president acknowledged that his government at times did not tell part of the truth to the public during his term. Iran and Yemens Tehran-backed Houthi rebels have in the past employed suicide dronesunmanned aircraft loaded with explosives that detonate on impact with a target. Al-Alam TV, the Iranian governments Arabic-language television network, has cited unnamed sources as saying the attack on the ship came in response to a suspected unspecified Israeli attack on Dabaa airport in Syria. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Cars sit in floodwaters after heavy rains hit the city of Zhengzhou in central China's Henan Province on July 21, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) Understanding Beijings Disaster Response to the Flooding in Central China Commentary July 23 marked the third day of major flooding in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou in Henan Province. Based on my observations on how the Chinese regime handles natural disasters, authorities would use the first three days to gather data before releasing an official statement. However, top officials would censor information and create their own propaganda narrative in the name of maintaining social stability. This model of official response, along with the media propaganda, will continue to exist in the communist regime. Beijings Propaganda Routines on Floods The Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) propaganda focuses on three points: to emphasize the severity of natural disasters; to publicize the regimes initiative in emergency rescues; and to underestimate the death toll. Disasters have occurred frequently in various parts of China in recent years, and the first thing that local governments do is to attribute the disasters to nature. Flood disasters have been publicized as record-breaking rainfall, once in 50 years, and once in a hundred years, and so on. This time, authorities described the Zhengzhou disaster as once in 5,000 years historical record rainfalleven experts try to justify this claim. On the website of the Henan Provincial Department of Water Resources, scientists offer an explanation with probabilistic algorithms. However, Chen Tao, the chief forecaster of the Central Meteorological Observatory, refuted the so-called disaster of the millennium at a press briefing held by the Central Meteorological Observatory on July 21, according to Chinese news portal Sina. Chen said, From the perspective of atmospheric science research, we began to rigorously record meteorological data after 1950. Since then, we are able to collect a relatively accurate and complete scientific record of rainfall. So far, the entire rainfall amount covers around 70 years. Zhengzhou Floods: What Are the Man-Made Factors? When encountering natural disasters, the Chinese regime looks at three issues: whether the early warning mechanism is activated; whether the disaster is natural or man-made; and accountability. Accountability is determined by how the first two issues are handled and the number of deaths. But, theres always room for interpretation. An aerial view shows cars sitting in floodwaters at the entrance of Jingguang Expressway tunnel after heavy rains hit the city of Zhengzhou in Chinas central Henan Province on July 22, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP) The disaster warning determines the fate of the officials. During the 2008 Sichuan and 2010 Yushu earthquakes, the lack of an early warning system became a major focus of accountability. When torrential rain and flooding first occurred in Zhengzhou this time, the Meteorological Bureau was accused of not warning the public. However, people soon discovered that the Meteorological Bureau had in fact issued a warning. The Meteorological Disaster Warning Signal was issued by Li Kexing, the director of the Zhengzhou Meteorological Bureau, at 9:59 p.m. on July 19. The warning circulated on the internet, which proved that the Zhengzhou Meteorological Bureau had indeed issued an early warning and advised the public to stop gatherings, and close schools and businesses. The real issue is that local authorities have ignored the waterlogging problem for the past 20 yearsZhengzhou is known as the sponge city. The waterlogging is a man-made disaster caused by successive government projects. A collapsed dam is another man-made factor in the Zhengzhou floods. Its noteworthy that authorities produced conflicting reports on the situation. The Emergency Management Department issued a report on the failed dam, the Guojiazui Reservoir in Zhengzhou, at 1:30 a.m. on July 21. But, the Ministry of Water Resources issued another report saying that as of 7 a.m. on July 21, there was no breach of the dam, but only large-scale erosion of the surrounding slopes [landslides]. A video from the site showed that Zhengzhous Jingguang Expressway Tunnel was suddenly inundated and witnesses said that it happened in less than five minutes. On July 21, state-run media Xinhua quoted Xi Jinping as saying, Some rivers have exceeded the warning levels and some dams have been breached. This statement carries two significant pieces of information: first, the local authorities reported the situation to Xi and admitted that the dams failed; second, Xi had warned local authorities to pay attention to rumors of flood discharge. Its important to know that Chinese netizens called it a flood discharge and not a dam breach. Road collapses after severe flooding and landslides in recent days have hit the county-level Gongyi city, near Zhengzhou, in central Chinas Henan Province on July 22, 2021. (Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images) There is a huge difference between a dam breach and flood discharge. Its hard to hold anyone accountable for a dam breach as there are causes beyond human control other than the poor quality of the dam. Flood discharge, on the other hand, relies on the decision-making of local authorities, balancing the pros and cons of flooding one place while preserving others based on the water level. Death Toll Determines Disaster Levels and Officials Posts On July 23, the regime announced that more than 50 people died in Zhengzhous floods. The day before, the local government reported that there were 33 deaths and 8 people missing. Its believed the the death toll will continue to climb. According to a report by Radio Free Asia, theres a large number of online messages from people looking for their missing loved ones in Zhengzhou and the neighboring areas. One website listed information on more than 130 missing persons. People are still gathering around the disaster-stricken Jingguang Expressway Tunnel looking for their loved ones. Based on my years of experience, formulating a quota for the number of casualties has been a tradition in the regime since the Mao era. I was in China during the Qingshuihe explosion incidenta chemical plant exploded in Qingshuihe district of Shenzhen city in 1993. A reporter at the scene took nearly 80 photos of the deceased. Even though the death toll exceeded that number, the Ministry of Propaganda reported that only 3 people were killed by the explosion2 deputy directors of the Public Security Bureau and a director of the local police station. The figures were fabricated because it was stipulated at that time that accidents involving more than 10 deaths were considered to be very serious, and those in charge would be held accountable. Now it seems that the quota may have been reformulated. Children sit on a makeshift raft on a flooded road following heavy rainfall in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, on July 22, 2021. (Aly Song/Reuters) The CCP censors information and prevents rumors from spreading online. Ive observed that authorities always set the tone for the disaster, and catching rumormongers becomes a main focus on disaster management. The Henan provincial government issued a notice on the recent flooding, reminding the public to ignore rumors and not to spread themthis is an actual warning from the top. Another government routine is fundraising. However, people are more reluctant to make donations to the Red Cross and government agencies because during the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, these organizations were accused of embezzling funds. Conclusion Some experts believe the Zhengzhou floods will not be the last disaster in a Chinese city. Theres an article thats been circulating on Chinese social media titled, Look at the Ancients, Look at the Present Again: The Flood in the Central Plains in the Eyes of an Expert. The author participated in the evaluation of the 2015 National Smart City Constructions. There is a passage that readers should keep in mind: On top of the loose soil, there is only a shallow layer of cement topped with tiles for appearance purposes only. I have traveled all over Chinaeast, west, north, and south. These face-saving projects are everywhere. Heavy rainfall, especially a 100-year flood, will hollow out the loose soil underneath. In other words, as long as you live in a Chinese city and there is a heavy rainstorm, severe flooding could happen at any time. People must be prepared to deal with the situation and shouldnt rely on Beijings disaster emergency model. He Qinglian is a prominent Chinese author and economist. Currently based in the United States, she authored Chinas Pitfalls, which concerns corruption in Chinas economic reform of the 1990s, and The Fog of Censorship: Media Control in China, which addresses the manipulation and restriction of the press. She regularly writes on contemporary Chinese social and economic issues. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The U.S. Embassy and the National flag are seen in Moscow, Russia, on May 11, 2021. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP Photo) US Bids Do Svidaniya to Russian Staff at Moscow Embassy MOSCOWThe United States said Friday it has laid off nearly 200 local staffers working for its diplomatic missions in Russia ahead of an Aug. 1 deadline set by the Kremlin for their dismissal. The move is just the latest in a series of measures taken by both sides that have strained U.S.-Russia relations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the layoffs are regrettable and something the United States had hoped to avert, despite a sharp deterioration in ties between Moscow and Washington, which show few signs of improvement. These unfortunate measures will severely impact the U.S. mission to Russias operations, potentially including the safety of our personnel as well as our ability to engage in diplomacy with the Russian government, Blinken said in a statement. Although we regret the actions of the Russian government forcing a reduction in our services and operations, the United States will follow through on our commitments while continuing to pursue a predictable and stable relationship with Russia, he said. The Russian Foreign Ministry was silent on the matter and the Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a query. Russia earlier this year announced a ban on almost all non-American staff at the embassy in Moscow and consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok. That came in response to U.S. expulsions of Russian diplomats and tit-for-tat closures of numerous diplomatic facilities in each country. Those expulsions and closures came in the context of U.S. sanctions imposed over Russian interference in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain, and the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny and crackdown on his supporters, as well as involvement in the SolarWind hack of U.S. federal agencies. All are activities that Russia has denied. After the announcement of the ban, the embassy suspended routine consular services and since May has been processing immigrant visas only in the case of life-or-death emergencies. The suspension of consular services has also left Russian businessmen, exchange students, and romantic partners adrift because they are no longer able to obtain U.S. visas in Russia. Still, the United States had been cautiously optimistic that the Russian decision might be reversed at last months meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin in Geneva. But those hopes evaporated even after the two sides resumed strategic arms control talks this week. Thus, Fridays announcement sealed the employment fate of 182 locally employed staffers who worked as office and clerical staff, drivers, and contractors at the U.S. facilities. Only security guards who work outside the gates of the compounds were exempted from the ban. The United States is immensely grateful for the tireless dedication and commitment of our locally employed staff and contractors at U.S. Mission Russia, Blinken said. We thank them for their contributions to the overall operations and their work to improve relations between our two countries. Their dedication, expertise and friendship have been a mainstay of Mission Russia for decades. We value our deep connection to the Russian people, Blinken added. Our people-to-people relationships are the bedrock of our bilateral relations. By Daria Litvinova and Matthew Lee Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar (L) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pose for a photo during their meeting in Tianjin, China, on July 28, 2021. (Li Ran/Xinhua via AP) US Naively Supports China in Afghanistan Commentary U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Chinas involvement in Afghanistan could be a good thing. His July 29 utterances fly in the face of all available evidence and are supremely naive, or worse. Instead of using his position to represent U.S. values and provide real information to the global public, Blinken persists in weaving his fantasies of cooperation with the totalitarian Chinese communist regime. The more he does so, the more rope he gives Beijing to use to eventually hang us. A delegation of nine Taliban terrorists visited Tianjin, China, on July 28, for a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. That meeting came on the heels of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Shermans July 26 visit, which ended in chilly mutual recrimination, as had the March Alaska meeting in which Blinken likewise stumbled. Wang Yis July 28 meeting with the Taliban, so shortly after the meeting with Sherman, was a diplomatic snub, given the tens of thousands of U.S. and civilian deaths in Afghanistan, mostly at the hands of the Taliban. Diplomatic fanfare and honeyed language poured by the Chinese regime on the Taliban at this point, before the blood on their hands has dried and theyve officially taken control of the government in Kabul, is reprehensible. The realpolitik moves are meant to solidify Chinas relations with them while forcing out U.S. influence, which is strong in the democratically elected government in Kabul. Instead of pointing all of this out, Blinken falsely stated, No one has an interest in a military takeover of the country by the Taliban, the restoration of an Islamic emirate. He urged that the Taliban attend the negotiating table peacefully. These are obvious equivocations, given that China, throughout the war, supported Pakistan economically and militarily, and Pakistani military and intelligence elements supported the Taliban. Pakistan and the Chinese regime have been quietly cheering, cooperating, and protecting the Taliban all along, and are now starting to throw public diplomatic parties with them. Its outrageous that Blinken supports this, not only with his silence, but with public statements. The Chinese regime called the Taliban a pivotal military and political force for Afghanistans reconstruction on July 28, in an attempt to elevate the Taliban from the status of a terrorist organization that frequently targeted civilians in market bombings, to respectable counterparties at peace talks. Chinas foreign ministry said it wouldnt interfere in Afghanistan, which is code for allowing the Taliban to violate human rights at will, as long as the Taliban supports Beijing in doing the same. Beijing will be looking for Taliban help in repatriating Uyghurs and other Muslims to China, as well as furthering the false narrative that Uyghurs are terrorists. Uyghurs are almost universally peaceful and are barely existing in China under the worstgenocidalconditions. The Taliban, by meeting and welcoming Chinese Communist Party representatives, reveal themselves as entirely hypocritical in their supposed Muslim faith. A Taliban spokesperson wrote on Twitter that China had reiterated its commitment of continuation of their assistance with Afghans and said they will not interfere in Afghanistans issues but will help to solve the problems and restoration of peace in the country. Chinas foreign ministry claimed that U.S. policy in Afghanistan had failed the Afghan people. The hasty withdrawal of the United States and NATO troops from Afghanistan actually marked the failure of the U.S. policy toward Afghanistan, and the Afghan people have an important opportunity to stabilize and develop their own country, the ministry said in a statement. Instead of replying to those lies from Beijing with a compliment and hope, Blinken ought to have fought back with the truth. Hes failing at his job of well representing the American people abroad and providing the truth to the global public. Anders Corr has a bachelors/masters in political science from Yale University (2001) and a doctorate in government from Harvard University (2008). Hes a principal at Corr Analytics Inc., publisher of the Journal of Political Risk, and has conducted extensive research in North America, Europe, and Asia. He authored The Concentration of Power (forthcoming in 2021) and No Trespassing, and edited Great Powers, Grand Strategies. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. US, UK, and Israel Blame Iran for Oil Tanker Attack; Tehran Denies DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesThe United States and the United Kingdom joined Israel on Sunday in alleging Iran carried out a fatal drone strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, putting further pressure on Tehran as it denied being involved in the assault. Calling it a unlawful and callous attack, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his country and its allies planned a coordinated response over the strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken soon followed, saying there was no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior. The strike on the Mercer Street marked the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran and its militia allies have used so-called suicide drones in attacks previously, which crash into targets and detonate their explosive payloads. However, Israel, the UK, and the responding U.S. Navy have yet to show physical evidence from the strike or offer intelligence information on why they blame Tehran. The Liberian-flagged oil tanker Mercer Street off Cape Town, South Africa on Jan. 2, 2016. (Johan Victor via AP) Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett went further than Raab in remarks Sunday at a Cabinet meeting, making a point to stare directly into the camera and slowly warn: We know, at any rate, know how to convey the message to Iran in our own way. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The blast killed two crew members from the United Kingdom and Romania. The Navy said the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher escorted the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port. On Sunday, satellite-tracking information from MarineTraffic.com showed the tanker stopped off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. Sailors on board an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan prepare to head to an oil tanker that was attacked off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea on July 30, 2021. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Quinton A. Lee/U.S. Navy via AP) In his statement, Raab said it was highly likely Iran attacked the tanker with one or more drones. We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted and a clear violation of international law by Iran, he said. Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law. Blinken similarly described the United States as confident Iran carried out the attack, using multiple drones. These actions threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of those on the vessels involved, he said in a statement. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh described the allegation Iran carried out the attack as baseless. Its not the first time that the Zionist regime occupying Jerusalem has made such empty accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khatibzadeh said. He added: Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind. Khatibzadeh spoke around an hour after Irans outgoing president acknowledged that his government at times did not tell part of the truth to the public during his term. From Jerusalem, Bennett offered condolences to both the United Kingdom and Romania for the killing of their citizens. He said Israeli intelligence had evidence linking Iran to the attack, but did not offer it. Iran is the one who carried out the attack against the ship, he said. Irans aggressive behavior is dangerous not only for Israel, but harms global interests in the freedom of navigation and international trade. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends a cabinet meeting at the prime ministers office in Jerusalem, on Aug. 1, 2021. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP) Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults. Shipping in the region began being targeted in the summer of 2019, about a year after then-President Donald Trump withdrew America from Irans nuclear deal with world powers. Israel meanwhile has been suspected of conducting a series of major attacks in Iran and on Iranian shipping. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman. The Mercer Street, owned by Japans Taihei Kaiun Co., is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern Indian Ocean, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The attack marks the first major confrontation with Iran for Bennett, who took over as premier in June after a coalition deal unseated Israels long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is suspected of launching a series of attacks targeting Iran, including explosions at the countrys main enrichment site and the killing of a prominent military nuclear scientist. However, Bennett as well has made hawkish comments in the past about needing to attack the head of the octopus in Tehran as opposed to Irans regional terrorist groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack on the Mercer Street marks the first during his time as prime minister and analysts suggest he could seek a major attack in retaliation. Israel may wish to deliver a resounding blow; thats the spirit of political sources comments in Jerusalem, wrote Amos Harel, a longtime military analyst for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. This blow will be aimed at ending things without a tit-for-tat that could escalate. But as usual, events also depend on the other side. BOSTON (AP) CONNECTICUT The state Department of Public Health on Sunday issued an alert that strongly recommends all Connecticut residents over 2 years old wear face masks in indoor public spaces, whether they're vaccinated or not, given the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks because of the Delta variant. The warning came as all but one of the state's eight counties were classified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as having substantial transmission" of COVID-19. The state's only county with moderate transmission, Litchfield County, has a high likelihood of meeting the substantial threshold soon, the state department said. DPH on Sunday also urged both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents at high risk for complications of COVID-19, such as individuals with diabetes, compromised immune systems, pregnancy, obesity and asthma, to avoid large indoor gatherings that could include a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The agency stressed how vaccination remains the most important defense against illness and hospitalization. More than 59% of the population of Connecticut has been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus with more than 64% having received at least one shot of a vaccine. Thats according to statistics released Wednesday by the state. ___ MASSACHUSETTS The number of new cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts are skewing toward younger adults, according to data released by the state. The age group with the largest number of newly confirmed cases during the past two weeks were those aged 20-29 who had more than 1,200 new cases of COVID-19. The group with the next highest number of new confirmed cases were those aged 30-39, who reported just over 1,000 newly confirmed cases during the past two weeks. The numbers fall off dramatically with those aged 40-49 reporting 594 new cases in the part two weeks and those aged 50-59 reporting 617 new cases. The number of cases among older residents was significantly less. Those aged 19 and under also showed far fewer new cases. ___ NEW HAMPSHIRE Democratic lawmakers in New Hampshire are praising the decision of the U.S. Department of Justice to file a brief Friday in a federal appeals court supporting their efforts to press Republican House Speaker Sherman Packard to require the House to provide them with remote access to sessions. A group of seven Democratic lawmakers say their health conditions make them particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. They sued Packard arguing that holding in-person sessions without a remote option violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and the state and federal constitutions, and forces them to either risk their lives or abandon their duties as elected officials. A federal judge ruled against them, saying the House could proceed with in-person sessions. But the Boston-based 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in April sent the case back to the judge with instructions to hold further proceedings to determine if the plaintiffs are persons with disabilities within the meaning of the ADA or the federal Rehabilitation Act. House Democratic Leader Rep. Renny Cushing, the lead plaintiff in the case, said the filing by the Justice Department represents strong support of the position of the plaintiffs in this case, and firm rejection of the position of Speaker Packard that he is permitted, by virtue of his office, to ignore the duties and responsibilities of federal statute. ___ RHODE ISLAND Democratic Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and state health and education officials are recommending the use of masks in schools to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. McKee said in a statement Thursday that the state is urging schools align their policies with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending universal mask use within school settings. As Rhode Island has done previously, we will continue to follow the CDCs most recent update to its guidance for schools. We strongly recommend that school districts set a policy that requires masking in schools this fall regardless of vaccination status in direct correlation with CDC guidance, McKee said in joint statement with Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green, and Director of the Department of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott. "We also know that vaccinations are the most powerful tool we have as we work towards a full return to in-person learning in the fall. With the start of the school year several weeks away, now is the time for eligible staff and students to get vaccinated, they added. ___ MAINE As of Sunday, the total number of reported COVID-19 cases in Maine stood at just over 70,400. Of those, about 51,400 are confirmed cases and about 19,000 are listed as probable cases. The number of deaths since the start of the pandemic stands at 900, while the cumulative number of hospitalizations comes in at more than 2,100. The highest number of deaths by far have been among those aged 80 and over. ___ VERMONT Nearly 80% of Vermont residents aged 12 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to state health officials. The most vaccinated populations are the oldest in the state with 99.9% of those aged 70 to 74 having received at least one shot and 95.5% of those aged 75 and over having received at least one shot. There is a disparity by race, with 77.5% of white residents having reported receiving at least one shot compared to 67.5% of Black residents. About 82% of females 12 or older have reported receiving at least one shot, compared to 77.2% of males. When Norwalk resident Voula Stampoulidis first noticed the exotic dotted bugs on top of each other in her backyard on July 11, she wasnt sure if it posed a danger to her young children or herself. I never saw it before and didnt know if it was a bug eating another bug or if it was a poisonous bug, Stampoulidis said. I really had no idea what I was looking at first. I have young children and wasnt sure if this species could harm us in any way. If it was poisonous was my main concern. Stampoulidis caught a late-stage spotted lanternfly nymph shedding its skin and emerging into a light-red body with white legs that would later turn black. Unsure what she had found and fearing the worst, Stampoulidis was able to identify the bug through Facebook and was directed to contact the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station, who dispatched a pest survey specialist to collect the bug. I ended up catching it and putting it in a Ziploc bag and freezing it without killing it, Stampoulidis said. It was intact when they came to get it. I found out that it does no harm to us but a lot of harm to our crop trees and things of that nature. Stampoulidis was informed by the pest specialist her catch was the first reported case of a spotted lanternfly in Norwalk. The insect was likely attracted to the trees-of-heaven surrounding her West Cedar Street home, Stampoulidis said. The spotted lanternfly isnt poisonous but is extremely destructive to the agriculture in the state, and Stampoulidis backyard. The species is an invasive, sap-feeding planthopper that was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, according to Chief State Entomologist Dr. Kirby Stafford. Its first appearance in Connecticut was in Farmington in 2018 when a dead lanternfly was found attached to a car. One of the first we even found, in 2018 in Farmington, was a single individual in the driveway that made the trip all the way from relatives visiting from Pennsylvania, Stafford said. Weve had our eyes on it since it showed up and started spreading in Pennsylvania. The concern this year and last was we watched detections get closer and closer to C(onnecticut). The insect began popping up more frequently in the state beginning last fall, but the first living spotted lanternfly was discovered in Southbury in October 2019. Last year, the spotted lanternfly was found in Greenwich, West Haven, New Canaan and Stamford, Stafford said. Stampoulidis finding was confirmed in Norwalk on July 19, and Thursday a colony was discovered in Westport and Fairfield. The Fairfield colony, located in the Southport neighborhood, is the largest population of spotted lanternflies in Connecticut, Stafford said. The Fairfield colony was found on a maple tree. The insect is native to China, India and Vietnam, and destroys many types of fruit trees, according to the states Agriculture Experiment Station. Adult spotted lanternflies are found from July to November. From a residential standpoint, this insect can build up large populations, Stafford said. They excrete honeydew, its the excess sap they cant absorb. For homeowners they can make a mess but not a direct health threat to the individual. In Connecticut, spotted lanternflies pose the biggest threat to the states wineries, Stafford said. The insect can wipe out an entire vineyard in a year or two. From an agricultural standpoint, this insect is found to be quite devastating to certain crops, he said. Grapes and hops, they can have some impact on other species of trees. Thats lower down the list in terms of concern, its the agricultural industry that needs to pay attention to this. This year so far, the spotted lanternfly has only been spotted in Fairfield County, but it is likely to spread, Stafford said. A quarantine order for the spotted lanternfly went into effect on July 1, and will remain in effect until Dec. 31, instructing anyone who has spotted the bug to snap a picture of the insect to send along with any pertinent information to the state at ReportSLF@ct.gov and kill but keep the bug for collection by state officials. abigail.brone@hearstmediact.com SPRINGFIELD Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed two bills co-sponsored by state Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon. House Bill 1162 gives young people tools to recognize and prevent opioid abuse. Senate Bill 701 seeks to protect older residents. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 54 Illinois residents ages 15-24 fatally overdosed in 2019 with an additional 581 non-fatally overdosing. Crowes law will engage students in age-appropriate discussions on opioid abuse from kindergarten to eighth grade. Students may be prescribed opiates to relieve pain after injuries or surgeries before they can learn the effects of addiction or dependency, Crowe said. Its important that children know the health consequences associated with opioid misuse before entering high school. Her law extends Illinois School Code to require instruction for grade school students to learn effective methods for drug abuse prevention and avoidance, including opioids and other substances. Our nations opioid crisis continues to devastate families across Illinois, Crowe said. The earlier we can talk to students about the dangers of opioids and substance abuse, the better chance we have at preventing addictions from taking form during a childs developing years. The law is effective immediately and will begin with the 2021-2022 academic year. Senate Bill 701, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2022, works to update state protections for older residents. Even preceding the pandemic, older residents are a top target for scams, financial exploitation and other abuses, Crowe said. To face the growing challenges surrounding abandonment, abuse and isolation, this law creates comprehensive solutions that enact effective change for older Illinoisans. Crowes proposal includes provisions to enhance protections for older residents by expanding the Adult Protective Services Act to include reports of abandonment. It would also extend the statute of limitations from three years to seven years in cases of theft by deception where the victim is 60 years of age or older or disabled. The law also strengthens cases of financial exploitation to include potential charges for trusted friends and acquaintances. By adding another line of defense for older Illinoisans against financial exploitation and someone they know, the state is taking an active role in protecting their assets, Crowe said. Many older residents are vulnerable, and it is critical to have their best interests in mind. Under the measure, the Illinois Department on Aging must offer an annual trauma-informed training program for Adult Protective Services employees. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) U.S. Navy explosive experts believe a drone strike targeted an oil tanker that came under attack off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, killing two on board, the American military said Saturday. The strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street marks the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Israeli officials alleged Tehran launched the drone strike. While Iran did not directly acknowledge the attack, the strike comes as Tehran now appears poised to take an even tougher approach with the West as the country prepares to inaugurate a hard-line protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as president. The American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher were escorting the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port, the U.S. Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet said in a statement early Saturday. U.S. Navy explosives experts are aboard to ensure there is no additional danger to the crew, and are prepared to support an investigation into the attack, the 5th Fleet said. Initial indications clearly point to a (drone)-style attack." The 5th Fleet statement did not explain how it determined a drone caused the damage, although it described its explosive experts finding clear visual evidence that an attack had occurred aboard the Mercer Street. The U.S. military's Central Command did not immediately respond to a questions on the evidence. The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tanker's bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The Mercer Street is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. The firm said the attack killed two crew members, one from the United Kingdom and the other from Romania. It did not name them, nor did it describe what happened in the assault. It said it believed no other crew members on board were harmed. British maritime security firm Ambrey said the attack on Mercer Street had killed one of its team members on board the vessel. The Mercer Street, empty of cargo, had been on its way from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, at the time of the attack, Zodiac Maritime said. The attack targeted the tanker just northeast of the Omani island of Masirah, over 300 kilometers (185 miles) southeast of Omans capital, Muscat. Oman's state-run news agency late Friday described the area as beyond Omani regional waters and said its forces responded to the tanker's mayday call. Zodiac Maritime described the Mercer Streets owners as Japanese, without naming them. Shipping authority Lloyds List identified the vessels ultimate owner as Taihei Kaiun Co., which belongs to the Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Group. Israeli officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they werent authorized to talk to the media, blamed Tehran for the attack. They offered no evidence to support their claim. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid tweeted late Friday that he spoke with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab about the need to respond severely to the attack, although he stopped short of directly blaming Iran. Iran is not just an Israeli problem, but an exporter of terrorism, destruction and instability that affects the whole world, Lapid wrote. "We can never remain silent in the face of Iranian terrorism, which also harms freedom of navigation. Lapid spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday. The State Department said the two diplomats agreed to work with the United Kingdom, Romania and other international partners to investigate the facts, provide support and consider the appropriate next steps. Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults. Israel meanwhile has been suspected in a series of major attacks targeting Irans nuclear program. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman. Thursdays attack comes amid heightened tensions over Irans tattered nuclear deal and as negotiations over restoring the accord have stalled in Vienna. The series of ship attacks suspected to have been carried out by Iran began a year after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in 2018. The attack on the Mercer Street also came the night after Blinken, speaking from Kuwait, warned Iran that talks in Vienna over the nuclear deal cannot go on indefinitely. This is the second time this month a ship tied to Ofer apparently has been targeted. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern Indian Ocean, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. ___ Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP. photo via GreekJewishFestival.com Kehila Kedosha Janina Synagogue and Museum (KKJ) will return to hosting its annual Greek Jewish Block Party on Sunday August 15 from 12-4pm. The festival, located at 280 Broome St., between Allen and Eldridge Streets, celebrates the unique Romaniote and Sephardic heritage of the synagogue. The afternoon promises authentic kosher Greek foods and homemade Greek pastries, traditional Greek dancing and live Greek and Sephardic music, fun activities for the whole family. They write: While it wont be as big as our usual festivals, we felt that it was important to bring together our community after being apart for so long. We will still have live Greek and Sephardic music, delicious kosher Sephardic food, a special Greek dance performance, and kids activities. Full event details are available at www.GreekJewishFestival.com Army files complaint against coup poster BANGKOK: The army chief has filed a complaint against a social media user who posted that a military coup was brewing, with plans to replace Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha with Gen Apirat Kongsompong as prime minister. Sunday 1 August 2021, 08:30AM Army chief Gen Narongpan Jittkaewtae, unhappy with coup rumours, filed a complaint against a Facebook user on Saturday (July 31). Photo: Bangkok Post / file Gen Narongpan Jittkaewtae told Maj Gen Burin Thongprapai, director of the armys Office of the Judge Advocate, to file the complaint with the Nang Lerng police against a Facebook user by the name of Nathapong Akkara, reports the Bangkok Post. Maj Gen Burin accused the person of importing false information into a computer system under the computer crime law. If found guilty, he or she could be punished by five years in prison and/or a fine up to B100,000. Anyone who shared this fake news, he said, would also be prosecuted. According to the army few people have seen the post the Facebook user posted around noon on Friday (July 30) that 300 troops from a special army unit from Lop Buri had detained Gen Prayut at his house in the compound of the First Infantry Regiment in Bangkok. The post also claimed that Gen Narongpan was staging a coup he had sent tanks of 48 battalions (34,000 troops) to seize Bangkok. The goal was to shut down the country for five years and appoint Gen Apirat, a former army chief and now vice-chamberlain of the Royal Household Bureau and deputy director of the Crown Property Bureau, as prime minister. A source in the army said Gen Narongpan was very unhappy about the rumour because it might cause unrest and panic. Besides, he had always maintained his view against coups, saying the chance of one happening under his watch was zero, according to the source. Around midnight Friday, army spokesman Santipong Thampiya sent messages to Line groups of reporters, saying the Facebook post was fake news that had damaged the reputation of the army and the government. Gen Prayut and his government have come under increasing pressure for their handling of the worsening Covid pandemic. They have responded by clamping down freedom of expression in the name of maintaining order. On Wednesday, Gen Prayut issued an announcement under the emergency situation decree banning the propagation of information that might frighten people or reports containing distorted information. It instructed the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission to coordinate with internet service providers to block the IP address of an offender from accessing the internet and subsequently to take legal action against him or her. A major difference between the computer crime law and the announcement is that the former penalises disseminators of fake news that may frighten people and follows due legal process. The latter leaves out the word fake, meaning that even truthful information deemed to cause panic is also prohibited. The new order also allows officials to block a persons access to the internet, seen as an infringement of civil rights, even before the court rules on his or her guilt. New expat jab registration website opens Sunday BANGKOK: A new registration site for COVID-19 vaccinations is scheduled to open today (Aug 1) for expatriates across the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday. By Bangkok Post Sunday 1 August 2021, 10:28AM NOTE: Phuket officials have not confirmed whether or not expats living in Phuket may register through the new nationwide portal expatvac.consular.go.th. In previous attempts to provide COVID vaccinations to foreign residents throughout the country, Phuket officials have maintained the foreigners living in Phuket must register through the PhuketMustWin.com web portal (www..com) in order to receive a COVID vaccination in Phuket. The site, expatvac.consular.go.th, is scheduled to go live at 11am, ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat said on his Twitter account on Saturday evening, reports the Bangkok Post. It will offer registrations for expats of all ages in all provinces who still have not been vaccinated to date, added deputy spokesman Natapanu Nopakun in another tweet. No details were available on the timeline for appointments or what vaccines would be available. The free vaccines provided by the government so far have been from Sinovac and AstraZeneca. However, authorities have been ordering other vaccines for delivery later this year and into next year. In the near term, 150,000 out of the 1.5 million Pfizer vaccine doses donated this week by the United States would be reserved for expats who are elderly or are suffering from one of seven underlying conditions, along with pregnant women, and Thai nationals planning to go abroad such as students. The government has said from the outset of its vaccination campaign that everyone living in the country, Thai and foreign, is entitled to free jabs. And while obtaining a shot, either by registering online or at a walk-in centre, has been a hit-and-miss affair for many, about 20% of the people in the country have now received at least one dose. The new Expatvac registration site is the second attempt to help foreign residents get inoculated. An earlier site, Thailandintervac, was only able to offer a limited number of appointments at a handful of hospitals in Bangkok before it went dormant. Some foreigners in Bangkok were able to take advantage of vaccinations arranged earlier this month on less than a days notice through several embassies, with a window for registration of only a few hours. Outside of the capital region, the registration process varies from province to province but in many cases expats are reporting successes. In Prachuap Khiri Khan, for example, Hua Hin Hospital has won plaudits for the system it developed to help foreigners use the provincial vaccination portal Mor Prachuap Prom. The site requires a 13-digit ID number, but foreigners can easily obtain one in a few minutes by visiting a registration desk at the hospital. Staff will note their passport details and then give them a 13-digit number that can be used to make a booking on the site. Phuket Opinion: Raising the drawbridge PHUKET: The move by the Phuket Governor to restrict all entry to Phuket to essential arrivals only from starting this Tuesday (Aug 3) is one of the best decisions the provincial government has made so far during the ever-ongoing Third Wave outbreak of COVID-19 infections. The only problem is that it could have been done sooner. opinionCOVID-19Coronavirushealthtourismeconomics By The Phuket News Sunday 1 August 2021, 09:00AM At this stage preventing more infections arriving from the mainland is a good idea. Photo: PR Phuket The idea of shutting down the island if infections started to soar on the mainland was floated as far back as last year when local business leaders were drafting plans to reopen the island to tourists. However, the idea back then was too soon for Phuket, too soon to be accepted by Bangkok, and too soon for the rest of the world, and locally even received a lot of harsh criticism. Today, the idea is much welcomed. The imminent threat of infections skyrocketing across Phuket comes from the mainland, not from Sandbox arrivals, as Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew rightly pointed out on Friday but that was obvious two weeks ago. In the coming two weeks we will see just how well Phuket health officials can actually contain the spread of infections already on the island. In real terms Phuket can ill afford to lose what gains have been made by the Sandbox scheme, much more than just a loss of face of another failed scheme. Accommodation bookings by travellers looking to arrive under the Sandbox requirements are already slowing down, and the number of arrivals for July hit 26% short of the lofty goal of 18,000 touted for July. Meanwhile, national tourism figures have openly admitted that Thai domestic tourists were expected to play a major part in restarting Phukets tourism industry, with 548,000 person-visits expected during the third quarter, generating an approximately B5.51bn in revenue for the economy but those people arent coming yet, not because of the number of infections in Phuket but because of infections in their own provinces and the nationwide restrictions on inter-provincial travel. Of note, Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, who also serves as the Minister of Commerce, was told at a meeting during his visit to Phuket in March that the average income in Phuket had plunged to B1,900 a month. Mr Jurin has not returned to Phuket since, and the only boost to the islands economy in the months since then has been the launch of the Phuket Sandbox scheme. At this stage Phuket has very little to lose by isolating itself from all but essential arrivals from the mainland, and the Delta variant spreading rife in more than a dozen provinces has proved difficult to contain, just like elsewhere in the world. The Third Wave has finally reached Phuket. How well we deal with it is up to us. Phuket Provincial Police Chief probed over gambling den raid PHUKET: Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Pornsak Nuannoo and two other top-ranking officers have been transferred pending an investigation into their relationships with suspects arrested in a gambling den raid at a resort on Koh Siray, east of Phuket Town, last month. crimepolice By The Phuket News Sunday 1 August 2021, 12:15PM Senior officers discuss the raid after the arrests on July 17. Photo: Phuket City Police Region 8 Police Commander Lt Gen Kitrat Panpetch issued an order yesterday (July 31) to transfer the two top-ranking officers of the Phuket Provincial Police and one senior officer of the Chalong Police to temporarily work at the Region 8 headquarters at the northern end of the island while the investigation is carried out. Lt Gen Kitrat identified those transferred by position only, as the Phuket Provincial Police Commander, a position currently served by Maj Pornsak Nuannoo; the Phuket Provincial Police Investigation Division Chief, better known as Col Bandit Khaosutham; and Chalong Police Sub-inspector, known by his fellow officers as Lt Col Pornprasit Wenthong. The order to transfer the officers was marked to be in effect from today (Aug 1) until a further order is issued. Lt Gen Kitrat on July 19 transferred the five top-ranking officers at Phuket City Police Station pending an investigation as to why the gambling den was allowed to operate. The officers transferred were Phuket City Police Chief Col Theerawat Liamsuwan, Deputy Chief of Crime Suppression Lt Col Chakkrit Taewattana, Deputy Chief of Investigation Lt Col Sathit Nurit, Crime Suppression Inspector Lt Col Boonchai Charoenhattakit and Investigation Inspector Lt Col Thapthai Leelanon. The gambling raid on July 17 was conducted at a resort villa on Koh Siray where police arrested gamblers playing baccarat. Officers also seized betting chips which were marked to represent a total value of about B12 million. The venue was known as the Dragon Tiger gambling den. One of the 28 gamblers arrested was reported to be a local politician. The order for the raid came from Pol Maj Gen Jiraphop Phuridet, Deputy Commissioner of the national Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). NOTHING NEW It is not the first time a slew of top-ranking police officers in Phuket have been probed over illegal gambling dens operating in their area. As recently as last year, Royal Thai Police deputy spokesman Col Krissana Phattanacharoen announced from Bangkok that the national police headquarters had been notified of raids on two gambling dens, one in Phuket Town and another in Srisoonthorn, that netted 87 people for illegal gambling. Maj Gen Rungrote Thakurapunyasiri, Phuket Provincial Police Chief at the time, had ordered the top five high-ranking officers at both Phuket City Police Station and Thalang Police Station to be immediately transferred to Phuket Provincial Police Station while an investigation into the gambling dens is carried out, Col Krissana said. As written in the Police Order no. 1212/2537, if any police action is found to be unlawful or corrupt, the officers must be prosecuted under the law and regulations strictly, without any exception, Col Krissana assured. However, we have to wait for the result of the investigation to determine whether the police ignored the gambling venues or not, in order to be fair for everyone, he said. The results of that investigation have yet to be revealed. Swiss man found hanged at home in Pa Khlok PHUKET: A 37-year-old Swiss man was found hanged at his home at a housing estate in Moo 1, Pa Khlok, yesterday (July 31). suicidedeathpolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Sunday 1 August 2021, 11:36AM Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Capt Suchart Luecha of the Thalang Police was called to the house at about 3:30pm. Officers along with rescue workers arrived to find the body of the man on the ground in the carport area in front of the home. A nylon rope was tied to a beam across the roof of the carport and a small wooden stool was placed below. The mans wife told police that she was in the house unaware of what her husband was doing. She later walked out of the house and found him hanging by the rope tied to the beam I brought his body down and shouted out for help, but it was too late, she said. The man, from Zurich, had suffered bouts of deep emotional distress previously in his home country, the wife said. He was staying with his father in Switzerland. He had tried to commit suicide, but his father and police were able to convince him to stop in time, she said. I never thought that he would try again, she added. The mans body was taken to Thalang Police Station for further examination. Capt Suchart explained that police will investigate the incident and collect evidence from the scene to determine whether there was any foul play involved in the mans death. The Phuket News is withholding from identifying the man until it has been confirmed that his relatives abroad have been informed of his death. If you or anyone you know is in dire need of emotional support and counselling, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand at their 24-hour hotline 02-713-6791 (English), 02-713-6793 (Thai) or Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). ISLAMABAD (AP) A young mountaineer who last week scaled the second-highest mountain on earth, said Sunday he felt a sense of achievement as he stood atop the K2 summit and hoisted the Pakistani flag. Shehroz Kashif, 19, who hails from the eastern city of Lahore, summited K2 at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) Tuesday morning, becoming the world's youngest mountaineer to scale the treacherous mountain, according to Karrar Haidri, secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan. I faced a lot of difficulties, I had no porter along and carried all gadgets and luggage by myself, Kashif told The Associated Press in an interview. He said he received a lot of help from Nepali Sherpas, however. Sherpas are known for their endurance at high elevations and often serve as guides for foreign mountain climbers. Located in the Karakoram Range in northern Pakistan near the countrys border with China, K2 is considered by many to be the most dangerous mountain in the world for climbers. It's nicknamed the savage mountain. Kashif, wearing a thick brown jacket, noted that K2 has several dangerous points along the route to the summit, including Chimney, Bottleneck and Shoulder. Kashif said the mountaineering management in Pakistan cooperated with him to make his climb a success and he said his parents were grateful, too. He said he experienced a sense of achievement becoming the youngest mountaineer to scale K2. Showing a reporter a video clip on his mobile device during the interview, Kashif was seen praying after reaching the summit. Haidri, secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, said Kashif brought honor to Pakistan. He "became the pride of the nation and we will recommend to the government a high reward for him, he said. Kashif said he started mountaineering when he climbed a small peak at age 11 and then gradually moved on to greater heights. I received mountaineer training and technical assistance and moved on to big mountains in which the dangerous and difficult mountains K2, Broad Peak and Mount Everest are included," he said. In May, Kashif became the youngest Pakistani to scale Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Haidri said Kashif now holds the additional distinction of being the youngest person to reach the summit of both K2 and Everest. Kashif said he plans to travel to Nepal to attempt to scale two peaks above 8000 meters (26,246.72 feet). My message to the world is challenge your limit, cross it and get what you desire, he said. HIGHLAND The new 2021 Madison County Fair Queen was literally standing tall after she was crowned during Saturdays pageant in Highland. My favorite thing about myself is my height, said six-foot-tall Madeline Bouillon, the new queen. It used to be my biggest struggle and now it is my favorite thing. The 18-year-old Bouillon was chosen from a field of eight contestants who were interviewed by the four pageant judges and then competed onstage in the pageants speech, pop question, swimsuit and evening gown segments. It still doesnt feel real. It feels like Im in a dream, Bouillon said immediately after being crowned. I cant explain how thankful I am. I am beyond ecstatic to start my journey. All I wanted to do is be proud of myself, and now I am here. Bouillon is from Carlinville and will attend Lewis and Clark Community College in the fall, then transfer to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to major in education with the career goal of becoming a high school science teacher. The new queen was the 2015 Junior Miss Macoupin County and said she enjoys pageants like the one on Saturday because they are empowering for women. If it wasnt for pageants I would not have the confidence and skills I have today, Bouillon said. The retiring queen, Elizabeth Moon of Alton, served for two years because the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of last years Madison County Fair and pageant. You would think that it seemed like forever but it really didnt, it flew by really quickly, Moon said. I enjoyed going out and meeting people in the community, getting to compete at state and making lifelong friendships. The new queen will follow in Moons footsteps and compete at the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant in Springfield during January 2022 for the chance to reign over the Illinois State Fair next year. That and other exciting things await Moons successor. She has a lot to look forward to, Moon said. I know she is going to have a great year, shes going to have a lot of fun at state, and she is going to make so many great new friends along the way. Eleven-year-old Kinley Heath of Collinsville was crowned the 2021 Junior Miss Madison County from a field of five contestants during the same pageant on Saturday. I just entered the pageant to have fun and make new friends, Heath said. I like meeting new people, and am looking forward to many things at the fair, especially the rodeo. Retiring Junior Miss Courtney Picklesimer brought chuckles from Saturdays crowd when she unrolled six feet of paper on stage and said she had a few people to thank. Picklesimer said she has many fond memories of her reign. The funniest was when I was with my Little Miss on the way to the State Fair and she got bright pink lipstick all over her moms car, even on the ceiling, Picklesimer said. She was just messing around and things got a little crazy. The 2021 Junior Miss Madison County Fair has a lot to look forward to. Getting to go to different events and getting really active in the community, Picklesimer said. I know the new Junior Miss will have lots of fun adventures ahead. FARGO, N.D. (AP) It was one of the most gruesome mass killings in North Dakota history; four workers at a business who gathered early one morning for coffee club were slain in a matter of minutes. Three were shot and stabbed. The alleged killer shot nine times and flailed away with a knife, cutting one victims throat. The ghastly 2019 scene that gripped Mandan, a community of 22,000 just outside the state capital of Bismarck, is set to be rehashed this week at the trial of Chad Isaak, a Navy veteran and chiropractor whose trailer home is managed by the business police say he targeted. Investigators say the evidence against Isaak is overwhelming, including clothing, handgun parts, a knife and used shell casings, surveillance footage, bank records, and Facebook and phone data. Isaak, 47, is charged with four counts of murder as well as lesser counts. He faces life in prison if convicted. The jury selection that starts Monday is expected to take up to two days, with the trial lasting roughly three weeks. Killed in the attack were RJR Maintenance & Management co-owner Robert Fakler, 52, and co-workers Adam Fuehrer, 42, and spouses Bill and Lois Cobb, 50 and 45. The four were known as the coffee club for frequently arriving early to grab coffee and chat. Isaak's attorneys declined to discuss the case ahead of the trial, but court documents and public comments suggest they will argue that police did a shoddy job in their rush to gather evidence and that Isaak had no reason to commit the killings. No motive has been offered by police or anyone at the company. Juries want to know why something happened, said Alex Reichert, a criminal defense lawyer from Grand Forks who has handled numerous homicide cases but who has no connection to the Isaak case. It sounds like they dont know why, Reichert said. Can they get a conviction without a motive? Yes. There is no requirement for a motive. On the other hand, it gets very difficult in a circumstantial case without a motive. I havent handled a case with no motive before. The defense attorneys will have two hurdles to overcome before testimony is heard. One is that Isaak has clashed with his lawyers, at one point saying he wanted to represent himself. The judge removed his primary attorney and essentially told Isaak he needed to be represented by a well-known criminal defense team. The second obstacle is the brutality of the slayings, Reichert said. Absolutely that can sway a jury, Reichert said. Because they become incensed. They become angered and concerned and it stirs up a lot of emotion. Emotion can cloud logic sometimes. Few of the players are talking. Prosecutor Gabrielle Goter said she wants to preserve the defendant's rights and limit potential juror taint. The defense team, from the Vogel Law Firm in Fargo, isn't commenting. Jackie Fakler, Robert's widow and a co-owner of the company, was advised by Goter not to comment. Family members of the other victims could not be reached. Jackie Fakler told the Bismarck Tribune for a story published in April that company workers had had few interactions with Isaak. We have not received any insight on a motive, nor have we been able to find any insight internally, she said. Our thoughts on the motive finding a motive is not going to bring back the precious lives we lost. Nor will any reason be justified. Surveillance video shows the assailant entering RJR wearing brightly colored clothing, then leaving in dark clothing about 15 minutes later, according to court documents. An employee at a nearby McDonalds told police that she saw a man wearing a camouflage ski mask, dark pants and dark shoes get into a white Ford F-150 that morning. Police later linked the vehicle to Isaak. At his home in Washburn, they found clothing matching what they had seen on video, nine spent shell casings, a knife with a bent tip, and gun parts in a kitchen freezer. The clothing, knife and gun parts all smelled of chlorine bleach, court documents say. Rolf Eggers, of Bismarck, said he bought the mobile home park in Washburn in 2018 and that Isaak came with the park. He said he didnt know Isaak, but that Isaak's neighbors never complained about him. The previous owner, Mike Nelson, described Isaak as a model tenant. Paid his rent on time. Took care of his property, Nelson said. Navy records show that Isaak enlisted in the service in 1992 and left in 1997 as a hospital corpsman 3rd Class, with a Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Shirley P. McNeil, age 85, of Corbin, KY, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at St. Joseph Health in Lexington, KY. Born in Corbin, she was the daughter of the late Raleigh and Nancy Mitchell. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Zelda Patterson; and three Ask a Firefighter: What causes the smoke alarm to go off if there is no fire? A raft of well-known firms will collapse when Rishi Sunak turns off the financial taps this autumn, a corporate loans guru has warned. Mia Drennan, founder of loans agency Glas which has worked with a string of household names including Virgin Atlantic and Thomas Cook said some large UK companies were 'zombies' surviving only thanks to the Chancellor's financial support schemes. End of the road?: Some large UK companies were 'zombies' surviving only thanks to the Chancellor's financial support schemes Insolvencies have stayed low so far during the pandemic due to state-backed loans, tax holidays, grants and the furlough scheme. Just 3,116 companies registered for insolvency between April and June. While this was the highest level since the start of lockdown last year, it was still down by about a quarter on pre-pandemic levels. Drennan said: 'There were a lot of firms out there before the pandemic classed as zombie companies. They were really just ticking over and should have been shut or sold but that never happened because of the pandemic. 'At some point, all the Government loans and support will come to an end. I suspect there will be a lot of corporate collapses. There has to be. There are a lot of high street white elephants that have to be resold or rebranded.' Under the furlough scheme, the Government had paid up to 80 per cent of staff wages. This was cut to 70 per cent in July. Today, it falls to 60 per cent. The scheme will close at the end of September. Glas is a middleman loans arranger which sources funds from third-party investors in return for a flat fee. It manages 100billion worth of assets. Tifton, GA (31794) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 83F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies during the evening giving way to a few showers after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. Instant unlimited access to all of our content on tillamookheadlightherald.com. The Headlight Herald E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) Tillamook, OR (97141) Today Generally cloudy. High around 65F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 55F. 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. Bronwyn L. Martin is a Financial Advisor Chartered Financial Consultant with Martins Financial Consulting Group, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. in Kennett Square and Havre de Grace, Md. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 18 years. To contact her visit www.ameripriseadvisors.com/bronwyn.x.martin Pictured at the check presentation (from left) are Dr. Sam Rowell, Mike Buczkowski, Heath McMillian, Dr. Bethany Bullock, Cindy Necessary, Jo Starling, Robin Byrd and Christy Parks. The grant is the third and largest award made by the Haas Foundation to Northeast State. Nature games provide natural fun for the young and young-at-heart during the Summer in the Park program at Warriors Path State Park. With a photo of her late husband, Mike Locke, on a placard beside her, Debbie Locke counts petition sheets she had just picked up from businesses in Kingsport on Tuesday. A new festival combining craft beer, food trucks, and musicians from across the state is coming to Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown this Labor Day weekend. BriteVibes Festival, created by the New York State Brewers Association, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 4. The gates will open at noon and the festivities will last until 11 a.m. the following day. Patrons will be able to sample beer from more than 30 breweries from across the state, many of which are award winners from the NYS Craft Beer Competition. The Capital Region will be represented by Common Roots Brewing Co. from Glens Falls and Rare Form Brewery from Troy, and the Hudson Valley will be represented by Paradox Beer Co. Guide: A guide to breweries, wineries and distilleries in the Albany area "Weve been producing top tier craft beer tasting festivals for years and are excited to partner with Brewery Ommegang to offer a new and unique tasting experience, said Paul Leone, the executive director of the New York State Brewers Association. The event, which is being touted as an unparalleled New York experience, aims to reinvent the craft beer festival model by creating a unique environment that includes artisan vendors, experiential exhibits and more. Tickets are available for anyone over the age of 21 and prices range from $40 for just evening access to the concerts, $75 for full-day general admission or $150 for VIP access. A parking pass is required and will cost an additional $15, unless you purchased a VIP ticket in which case it will be included. You can purchase tickets on the festivals website. Festivalgoers will also be able to spend the night if desired by purchasing an on-site camping reservation. The campsite is located on a former hop farm and will include guided yoga the following morning. Reservations cost $30 and will secure one 12x12 foot spot which can accommodate one tent and up to four people. Nothing brings people together like craft beer and music," Leone said. "This community has missed each other over the last year or so, and were excited to be hosting an in-person event of this kind over Labor Day Weekend for people to celebrate everything they love about New York." TROY Authorities are investigating two separate shootings in Troy late Saturday, with one that left a man in custody after he allegedly barricaded himself in an apartment after shooting at several tenants, according to Troy police. In a second, unconnected altercation, shots were fired between two groups outside of the Hoosick Street Stewarts Shop. "I can confidently state there are no connections between the two incidents," Captain Steven M. Barker said. A 53-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly shot at two tenants inside an apartment building on Eighth Street between Hoosick and Hutton streets shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday, according to Troy police. Neither victim was struck by the gunfire but both quickly escaped and called 911, police said. When police responded, the suspect was allegedly outside holding a knife. He then barricaded himself in an apartment and surrendered voluntarily after negotiating with the departments crisis negotiation experts for nearly two hours. The suspect was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree reckless endangerment, both felonies, and held pending arraignment in Troy City Court, police said. In a second, earlier incident, shots were fired at the parking lot of the Hoosick Street Stewarts Shop shortly after 8 p.m., an exchange that hasnt yielded any known injuries. Interviews with witnesses revealed the exchange began as a verbal dispute between two groups operating two separate vehicles and it escalated to shots being fired, police said. Authorities were unable to say if the groups exchanged gunfire or if a member of one group shot at another. "Thats one aspect were investigating," Barker said. "We have not ruled out the possibility. Further collection and analysis of area surveillance video this week should start to develop that aspect of the investigation." Police said they received multiple 911 calls reporting a variety of information. Upon arrival, no suspects, victims or any involved individuals remained at the scene, officials said on Sunday. A patrol officer later located one of the vehicles in the northern part of the city. The investigation is continuing. The Hoosick Street incident occurred on a major thoroughfare, "which suggests that multiple witnesses observed the actions of everyone involved," police said. Authorities encourage anyone with any information to contact Troy Police Detectives at 518-270-4426 or online at troypd.org. Does this seem fair to you? Since the last census, New Yorks population grew by 700,000 more than Montanas. But under current procedures, New York will lose a seat in the House of Representatives and Montana will gain one. New York will have 26 representatives, the fewest in the last 200 years. Montana will have two representatives, one per 540,000 people. At that ratio, New Yorks population would merit 37 seats, an increase of 10. But unless Congress makes changes, instead of gaining seats, New York (and six others states) will lose a seat. Why? Because of three political decisions made long ago: changing the apportionment formula; Republican manipulation of statehood; and freezing the House of Representatives at 435 seats. The first apportionment formula led to the first veto. President George Washington vetoed only one bill in his first term, the 1792 apportionment. Thomas Jefferson showed that instead of a single common ratio or divisor, as prescribed by the Constitution, the bill has applied two. In the current reapportionment, Montana has a divisor of 500,000 compared to 750,000 for New York. Washington and Jefferson considered that unconstitutional. Congress used Jeffersons reapportionment formula for the first 50 years, followed by methods proposed by Alexander Hamilton and Daniel Webster. Since the 1940s, reapportionment has used a complicated formula based on the geometric mean, more biased toward small-population states than any method used previously. The Supreme Court upheld the current formula, justifying it with comparison to two methods even more biased toward small population states that have never been used. Different reapportionment methods could change Electoral College results. In 2000, Al Gore would have gained one electoral vote with Websters method, two with Hamiltons (tying the Electoral College), and four with Jeffersons, winning both the electoral as well as the popular vote. Partisan statehood decisions more than a century ago have continuing consequences. After the 1888 election, with a president who lost the popular vote and narrow congressional majorities, Republicans rushed an unprecedented partisan packing of the Senate, adding six states in nine months. Before that, it had taken 30 years to add six states; after that, 69 years. Have you ever wondered why we have states of North Dakota and South Dakota? In partisan votes Republicans split the Dakota Territory into separate states to get two more senators and two more electoral votes. In the 1880 census, Idaho and Wyoming combined had fewer people than the average congressional district, fewer than either Albany or Troy. Republicans made Idaho and Wyoming, previously part of the same territory, into separate states. This partisan maneuver got Republicans two extra senators, two extra electoral votes, and an extra representative that New York would have gained. In the 1880 census, Washington, D.C., had many more people than the combined population of territories admitted as four different states in that decade (Montana, North Dakoa, Idaho and Wyoming). Put another way, the city could have been admitted then as four different states. In 1841 William Henry Harrison gave the longest inaugural address, in the rain, and died of pneumonia a month later. That story is better known than what he said: Harrison contrasted rapid statehood for territories with the unfair, unconstitutional denial of political rights to Washington, D.C. residents. That unfairness continues. Republicans oppose D.C. statehood for partisan reasons. Then theres the questioin of why the House has 435 Representatives. The writers of the Constitution intended the number of seats in the House, initially 65, to increase each decade. It did, rapidly, during their lifetimes. It has been frozen at 435 for a century. In 1920, for the first time, most people in the United States lived in cities. Congress then stopped adjusting the size of the House to benefit rural representatives and small population states. The 1929 Permanent Apportionment Act froze the House at 435 seats and made reapportionment automatic. That shielded unfair reapportionment and made it almost invisible. Congress should repeal it. Fairly applying Montanas representation ratio would expand the House to 611 seats. That would be smaller than the United Kingdoms House of Commons, which has 650 members representing 65 million people. Improving the reapportionment method, grant D.C. statehood, and expanding the House are steps toward a more representative republic, and a more perfect union. Joel K. Lefkowitz is an associate professor of political science at the State University of New York at New Paltz. He authored the chapter, New York and the National Government, in The Oxford Handbook of New York State Government and Politics. It was a heartbreaking display Tuesday inside the U.S. Capitol, and a sickening one outside. Inside, four of the police officers who defended Congress against a violent mob of former President Donald Trumps supporters told of the vicious physical abuse and in some cases the racist verbal abuse they endured during the Jan. 6 insurrection. Outside, Republicans sought to deflect responsibility from Mr. Trump and his allies who cling to the incendiary lie of a stolen election. They gaslighted the nation, blaming not the instigator or his mob, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats. Anyone who has seen the video of that day knows who is to blame: the rioters who beat police, stormed the Capitol, and hunted for those Mr. Trump railed against as enemies including his own vice president. Their aim was to capture them, take them outside and hang them on the gallows they had erected. And to stop the certification of the presidential election. As we write of this again, we still find it hard to believe. Surely Mr. Trump did not stand by for hours doing nothing to stop the violence. Surely people who profess to support police would not beat them, spray them with chemicals, threaten to kill them. Surely people who proclaim reverence for the nation and its constitution would not try to upend its democratic process. And yet, we saw it. We heard it. And the lies and the effort to thwart democracy continue to this day, from Mr. Trumps rants about voter fraud to a sham audit by his supporters of the vote in Arizona and the attempts by Republican legislatures around the country to pass laws to suppress minority votes in the name of addressing his fictions. But there were House Republican leaders outside the Capitol, Elise Stefanik of Schuylerville among them, trying to change the subject away from the trauma officers were testifying to inside. It was Ms. Pelosi (but not Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell) who hamstrung police in some convoluted political conspiracy. It was Democrats who created a culture of violence by supporting police reforms. It was, somehow, cancel culture, because ... oh, who knows? Ms. Pelosi sensibly barred two of the worst rhetorical bomb-throwers, Reps. Jim Banks of Indiana and Jim Jordan of Ohio, from the select committee looking into Jan. 6, and they were left to try to make a mockery of the hearings from outside. It was an exercise in gross projection members of Congress looking to politicize an investigation calling the investigation political; representatives turning their backs on police while accusing others of doing so; politicians who keep reinforcing Mr. Trumps lies. Its up to this committee, after the wrenching testimony of officers who stood so courageously against a mob that day, to get to the truth which may well include issuing subpoenas to the likes of Mr. Trump, House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, and others who should answer for their actions that day under oath. As Rep. Liz Cheney a Republican who has risked her political future taking on the cancer in her party that is Mr. Trump put it, this is absolutely not a game. This is deadly serious. Shes right. So it was Jan. 6, and so it remains today, the antics of Ms. Stefanik and friends notwithstanding. Faye Louise Musick, 77, passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021, following a long illness. She is the daughter of the late Thomas George and Wilda Glide (Saffle) McCord of Fairmont. She was born on November 28, 1943, in Fairmont, WV, and graduated from Fairmont Senior High School in 1961. She at For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Beatrice Sun. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Telegraph Herald. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Courier. Search continues for swimmer who went missing at Kansas lake Authorities are still searching for a swimmer who went missing Saturday at Chaney Reservoir in Kansas [August 01, 2021] Odoo, the Open Source ERP Leader, Announces $215M New Investment from Summit Partners DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Odoo, a leader in open source all-in-one business software, announced a US$215M investment from growth equity investor Summit Partners. The transaction represents an exit for investors Sofinnova Partners and XAnge who invested in the Company in 2010 and 2015, respectively. With 7 million users worldwide, Odoo is one of the most popular business management software solutions in the world. In the Middle East, the Company expanded at a rapid speed, reaching 160 employees in just three years, partnering with 600+ partners, and supporting 600,000+ users, including the likes of UPS, MoTeC Middle East, STRATA, Philip Morris International Inc., and Rashid Al Jabri Group of Companies. The Company's SaaS offering includes applications covering all business needs: accounting, inventory, manufacturing, project management, HR, marketing, website builder and more. Odoo's vision is to streamline operations for small and medium-sized enterprises, by offering accessible, affordable solutions. "Odoo has delivered sustained, strong and profitable growth over the course of the last several years, and this momentum has only accelerated in recent months," said Antony Clavel, a Managing Director at Summit Partners who joined the Odoo Board of Directors upon Summit's initial investment in the Company in December 2019. "We are excited to continue our partnership with the Odoo team and believethe Company is positioned to transform the landscape of business software." Odoo is more than an overnight success. From its bootstrapped founding in 2005, Odoo reached considerable scale with limited external funding; prior to Summit's initial investment in 2019. In 2018, the Odoo Middle East DMCC opened its office in Dubai, and the Managing Director accredits Odoo's success as a result of a relentless focus on building a great product and a strong community. The Company has an organizational culture for creative and forward-thinking innovation, making the Dubai office a desirable place for top tier candidates to join. "Over the course of the last 3 years, the Middle East office growth demonstrates that open source business models have matured, and business owners here are questioning the high prices and complexities that the other software giants are offering," says Pavitra Singh, Managing Director of the Middle East branch. "Odoo is a progressive company that pushes enterprises forward through our innovative and flexible software. And with the incredible digital transformation here in the Middle East and the clear support for open source tech by regional governments, this is an exciting time for us to be leaders in this space". Worldwide, Odoo has a team of 1700 employees, has delivered growth of more than 50% per year over 10 years, and the Company is profitable. With 3,850 partners and 90,000 community members working with the software, Odoo has built a strong global ecosystem. The Company also has one of the biggest business app stores in the world, with more than 30,000 apps, and operates international offices in Belgium, Luxembourg, USA, India, Mexico, Hong Kong, and Dubai. "We are thrilled to support the Odoo team for this next phase of growth," added Han Sikkens, Managing Director and Head of Europe at Summit Partners, who has joined the Company's board with this investment. "We believe the future is bright, and Odoo clearly has the potential to disrupt the market led by software giants like SAP, MS Dynamics and Oracle." About Odoo: Odoo is a leading provider of all-in-one, open source business software for small and medium sized businesses worldwide. Founded in 2005, Odoo thrives in a unique and fully open ecosystem combining the resources of its community and partners to deliver a full range of easy-to-use, integrated and scalable business applications. For more information: www.odoo.com About Summit Partners: Founded in 1984, Summit Partners is a global alternative investment firm that is currently managing more than $28 billion in capital dedicated to growth equity, fixed income and public equity opportunities. Summit invests across growth sectors of the economy and has invested in more than 500 companies in technology, healthcare and other growth industries. Notable technology and software companies financed by Summit Partners include Acturis, Avast, Darktrace, FLEETCOR, Flow Traders, Infor, Klaviyo, Ogone, RELEX Solutions, Smartsheet and Trintech. Summit maintains offices in North America and Europe, and invests in companies around the world. For more information, please see www.summitpartners.com or follow on LinkedIn. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1583316/Odoo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1490461/Odoo_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Remember that about a year ago rioters on the Country Club Plaza torched a KSHB news truck during "mostly peaceful" protest against police brutality. That must've stung given the newfound progressive leaning of the Kansas City station that was preceded by a bevy of lawsuits and white ladies, reportedly, crying. Nevertheless . . . The heat from part-time protesters in between their shifts as baristas or proud hipster taco stand workers is no match for right-wing roasting courtesy of Tucker Carlson. To wit . . . TUCKER CARLSON IS THE VOICE OF AMERICAN CONSERVATISM RIGHT NOW AND HE'S ON RECORD CALLING OUT A KANSAS CITY NEWS OUTLET FOR ALLEGEDLY LYING ABOUT COVID DATA!!! Here's the passage from the controversial Fox News talker . . . "Journalists are doing everything they can to convince you that emergency measures are necessary -- civil rights should be suspended, in the case of COVID. They're even lying to make that point. In Kansas City, for example, NBC affiliate KSHB posted a disturbing report this week. "Children's Mercy Hospital is operating to capacity, not only because of COVID-19 cases among youths who aren't eligible to be vaccinated, but also due to ending mask policies." That was a report. "Oh, wow, really? When you get rid of mask policies and you dont make 3-year-olds get the vaccine, your hospitals fill up and millions die. The ICUs are flooded again -- all because of children and people who aren't wearing their masks because they believe in QAnon or theyre racist. Thats what theyre telling you. And not just in Kansas City, everywhere. But is it true? In this case, its not. Children's Mercy Hospital said it had no idea what the local news media was talking about. "We continue to be able to meet the needs of our patients requiring hospitalization," Children's Mercy wrote in a statement. "The increase in children we are treating as in-patients is mainly due to respiratory illnesses" -- ones that are unrelated to COVID. "In other words, no, in Kansas City, the hospitals are not flooded with QAnon believers who refuse to wear their masks. They lied about that. Why would they be lying about that? What is all of this about? At the very moment we discovered they had been telling us something that was not true about the CDC, they redouble their efforts to make you believe what all of us know is false. " Read the article wherein the conservative heir to a TV dinner fortune makes his case . . . Fox News: Tucker Carlson - Democrats and the CDC have been lying about COVID and the vaccine Special thanks to BAD-ASS TKC READERS who shared screen caps with our community here at www.TonysKansasCity.com . . . Here's the response from the hospital . . . We expect that their PR team might release another statement sometime soon when local newsies call them on it, in turn. For the record, TKC isnt calling anybody a liar and were simply sharing this exchange because it has been conveniently neglected by our mainstream local media. And so readers can make up their own mind . . . Watch the Kansas City segment on NATIONAL CABLE NEWS that deserves a closer look for further discussion and to help locals try and figure out who they should trust about the worsening plague. If anybody has the answers, please lemme know . . . But if it's coming from the Internets or TV . . . I'll probably still be pretty skeptical and hiding out in my (mom's) basement just to be safe either way this turns out. You decide . . . Here's report on overnight gunfire and the latest addition to the KCMO murder count . . . Homicide 40th and Wabash Saturday night just before 10pm officers were called to 40th and Wabash on a sound of shots call. While the officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting call. When they arrived, officers found an adult male shooting victim unresponsive at the southeast corner of 40th and Wabash. EMS responded and transported the victim to the hospital for treatment. A short time later the victim died at the hospital. Detectives are talking with people that were at the scene when officers arrived. There is no information on suspect(s) at this time. Preliminary information is that a disturbance/argument led to shots being fired and the victim being struck. Crime scene investigators and detectives are processing the scene for evidence and canvassing for witnesses. If anyone has any information they are asked to call the Homicide Unit directly at 234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest. ############## More local news links via www.TonysKansasCity.com . . . One man shot and killed in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City, Missouri police are investigating a homicide. Officers were called to 40th and Wabash just before 10 p.m. Saturday night on the sound of a shots fired call. When they arrived, they found a man unresponsive. The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment where he later died. KCPD working overnight shooting at 40th and Wabash KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- One person is dead after a shooting overnight in the 40th and Wabash area. Around 10 p.m. Saturday, officers were called to the scene on a sound of shots call. While officers were in route, the call was upgraded to a shooting. Man killed in shooting near 40th and Wabash One person is dead after a late-night shooting in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City police were called to 40th Street and Wabash Avenue to investigate a call of shots fired.When they arrived, police found one man with apparent gunshot wounds. He was rushed to an area hospital where he died a short time later. Developing . . . Sunday news for the faithful offers followup on a controversial issue that our godless journalist friends might not understand. Catholics throughout Kansas City and the world have been slap fighting over a "taste great/less filling" holy war that doesn't really inspire much confidence in either camp. Thankfully, after a couple of weeks of social media flame wars, there's a worthwhile communication from a top ranking local cleric. For readers of www.TonysKansasCity.com . . . We share an important clarification in a note shared by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas . . . "It is a grave error and injustice to communicate to Gods people a superiority of either the Tridentine or the Novus Ordo Mass." Read his letter in its entirety for a better understanding of the issue right from the source . . . Archbishop issues guidelines regarding celebration of Latin Mass - The Leaven Catholic Newspaper Editor's note: Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann sent the following letter, dated July 27, to the priests and deacons of the archdiocese. It concerns the apostolic letter recently issued "motu proprio" (on his own initiative) by Pope Francis regarding the celebration of Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal, commonly referred to as the Latin (or [...] And then we share two alternative perspectives . . . Local Catholic critics NCR seem opposed to the Latin Mass . . . Your thoughts on cracking down on the Latin Mass Pope Francis cracked down July 16 on the spread of the old Latin Mass, reversing one of Pope Benedict XVI's signature decisions in a major cha... Meanwhile, conservatives in KC and across the nation have championed the old school tradition for reasons that don't seem entirely faith-based . . . The Latin Mass Is The Future Of The Catholic Church You don't have to know the entire modern history of the traditional Latin Mass to understand what's behind Pope Francis's recent apostolic letter, Traditionis custodes , claiming the ancient rite threatens the unity of the Catholic Church and imposing strict new limits on its use. You decide . . . You have permission to edit this collection. Edit Close We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer , Mozilla Firefox , Google Chrome . Mac: Safari . Has anyone entered yet from the US with only the Hawaii Safe Travel exemption to quarantine that began July 8 by submitting your covid vaccination document and other information on the website? I just submitted ours for September travel and hoping the new process is not reversed before then. I had become quite concerned because we will be traveling in the US in areas with scarce testing sites and I could not find a place to get our pre-departure test. I also read that United is participating in Common Pass but getting any information from them proved extremely frustrating and unsuccessful. Instant unlimited access to all of our content on triplicate.com. The Triplicate's E-Edition Newsletter emailed to you each week, the night before the paper hits the street! This subscription is for NEW or RENEWING online subscribers. (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) Lawyers Have Paralyzed Democracy. By Emil Franzi FORGET ABOUT YOUR opinions on the relative merits of incorporation movements among satellite communities around here. Instead, check out why the latest incorporation bill was briefly killed (before rising again a day later) in the Rules Committee of the Arizona House: Because the Committee's counsel, Alex Turner, decreed that existing cities have "vested rights" to stop incorporations, so the citizens of Tortolita and Casas Adobes were not entitled to incorporate in the first place, and any bill retroactively preserving them would be unconstitutional. Never mind that there are plenty of legal arguments the other way. A good start is that the rights of people transcend those of governments, and that rights are naturally established without the aid of governments, which only recognize them. Unfortunately, those basic American concepts apparently are becoming obsolete. And besides, that's not the issue. The issue is: Who governs? Those we choose or those we do not? We've degenerated to government by lawyers. Critics who gripe about "judicial tyranny" are missing something far more insidious: the total immersion of the process of government and the construction of policy into one profession, one group, one club, one mindset. We wonder why those we elect have become almost unable to function in fulfilling what we--and often they--consider to be our collective will. It's because they really aren't in charge. Every governing body, from the lowest school district to the Congress of the United States, is guided and ultimately controlled by its attorneys. In the case of Congress, many members are attorneys. In the case of local jurisdictions, the governing bodies often do not have the power to choose their lawyers and must accept what is assigned by the county attorney or attorney general. All Arizona boards and county commissions are assigned a lawyer. The result is the micro-management of all policy decisions. These lawyers do more than advise. They control, as Lenin's commissars controlled the Red Army. Their principle role is to second-guess what a judge might decide. H.L. Mencken once defined a judge as a law student who grades his own paper. That privilege has now been extended to lawyers appointed to guide governing bodies. The opinion of any attorney is exactly that. That's why the Supreme Court issues so many split decisions. And the role of the judiciary in a tripartite system is unquestionably vital in the preservation of personal freedoms, which the Founding Fathers clearly understood. Democracy is not--nor should it be--an absolute, which is why they chose representative government. But representative government has now mutated. Judicial review has led to a new concept--pre-judicial review. Our representatives are constantly overruled not by the judicial branch, but by a sub-species. The Legislature kills a bill because its constitutionality is "questionable" to one lawyer. The county supervisors are told they cannot pass a growth ordinance for the same reason, by a another lawyer biased from a long-term relationship representing the development industry--a case any honest judge would have recused himself from deciding. And we don't see much of it because it's done behind closed doors in executive sessions that our elected officials are legally precluded from telling us about. At least judges have to pass out their bad decisions in public. The most powerful elected official in Arizona and many other states is not the governor, but the attorney general. He currently has a horde of lawyers crawling around every department and board and commission opining on everything. And he apparently has other powers we're just now becoming aware of. Look closely at the tobacco deal. Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods personally selected the law firms to represent our state in a case where the lawyers will make more than $600 million as part of the settlement. He also personally guaranteed them full reimbursement for any costs involved above that--without even bothering to notify the respective chairmen of the two appropriations committees in the Legislature! Even if the deal falls through, the taxpayers eat millions more. Some would see Woods' deal with his fellow lawyers as usurpation of power, but the Attorney General disagrees. And his opinion counts. The perceptive have observed this metamorphosis of power and decision-making and acted accordingly. The rich and powerful like it--they can afford to hire better lawyers. It has impacted our entire society, even beyond government, and helped tame most of the American media. A crook named Charlie Keating knew how to use it. Many in the media knew what he was doing, but no one reported it, because Charlie threatened to sue. And the bean counters judged the potential risk not on the truth or the viability of the case, but on the potential cost. The threat of any litigation has stifled much of the press, particularly on the local level. And this widespread obeisance to the bottom line as dictated by the attorneys has altered the political landscape. Those who wish to reform the system no longer run for public office. They go to law school and get foundation grants and file lots of lawsuits. The leading government reformers in Arizona at the moment are guys like Tim Hogan and David Baron with the Center for Law and the Public Interest. And they make public policy based on which policies they challenge in court. While we may consider many of their causes to be noble, remember one thing: Nobody ever got to vote for them, or their ideas. That's how badly America has warped and morphed and strayed from representative government. Remember it next time you wonder why the people you elect act the way they do. During a working trip to Donetsk region, President Volodymyr Zelensky has introduced a new commander of the Joint Forces, Oleksandr Pavliuk. The presentation took place during the events on the occasion of the Day of Liberation of Avdiivka from Russia-led troops, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "On this day and here, in the presence of the top leadership of the state, the military command, and residents of free Avdiivka, I want to introduce the new commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the president said. He reminded that Oleksandr Pavliuk, a cavalier of the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky of the 2nd and 3rd degrees, a lieutenant general, a combat officer, and a patriot of Ukraine, had been appointed the new Joint Forces commander. At the same time, the head of state thanked former commander Volodymyr Kravchenko for his service. As Ukrinform reported, on July 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed decrees dismissing Volodymyr Kravchenko from the post of Joint Forces commander and appointing Oleksandr Pavliuk to this position. ish 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 (@ChaudhryMAli88) NEW DELHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Aug, 2021) Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday India looks forward to "working productively" with other members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as the country takes over the presidency of the 15-nation UN body. Asian news International (ANI) quoted Jaishankar as saying that India will always be a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law. "As we take over UNSC Presidency for August, look forward to working productively with other members. India will always be a voice of moderation, an advocate of dialogue and a proponent of international law," Jaishankar tweeted. India on Sunday assumed the rotating presidency of the UNSC and is set to host signature events related to maritime security, peacekeeping and counterterrorism during the month. India took over the presidency from France. Ambassador of India to United Nations, TS Tirumurti, thanked France Permanent Representative to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere, for steering the UN Security Council for the month of July. This is India's first presidency in the UNSC during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC. The two-year tenure of India as a non-permanent member of the UNSC began on 1st January, 2021. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 01st Aug, 2021) Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Cultural Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) has received a copy of the credentials of Alhaji Ahmed Ramadan, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the UAE. Ghobash wished the Ambassador success in the performance of his duties and in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the UAE and Ghana. The newly appointed Ambassador expressed his pleasure at representing his country in the United Arab Emirates, which enjoys a prestigious regional and international position thanks to the visionary policy of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. NANJING, Aug. 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2021 ) --:China's space-tracking ship Yuanwang-3 returned to its homeport in east China's Jiangsu Province Sunday after completing a new round of maritime monitoring missions. During the missions, Yuanwang-3 ensured Fengyun-3E meteorological satellite's entry into planned orbit. Commissioned on May 18, 1995, Yuanwang-3 is a second-generation Chinese space-tracking ship. It has undertaken more than 90 maritime tracking and monitoring tasks for spacecraft, including the Shenzhou spaceships, Chang'e lunar probes and BeiDou satellites. (@FahadShabbir) Beijing, Aug 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2021 ) :Chinese cities rolled out mass testing of millions of people and imposed fresh travel restrictions as health authorities battled Sunday to contain the country's most widespread coronavirus outbreak in months. China on Sunday reported 75 new coronavirus cases with 53 local transmissions, with a cluster linked to an eastern airport now reported to have spread to over 20 cities and more than a dozen provinces. The outbreak is geographically the largest to hit China in several months after the country's successes in largely snuffing out the pandemic within its borders last year. That record has been thrown into jeopardy after the fast-spreading Delta variant broke out at Nanjing airport in eastern Jiangsu province in July. Authorities have now conducted three rounds of testing on the city's 9.2 million residents and placed hundreds of thousands under lockdown, in an effort to curb an outbreak Beijing has blamed on the highly contagious Delta variant and the peak tourist season. They are also scrambling to track more than 5,000 people nationwide who attended a theatre festival in Zhangjiajie, a tourist city in Hunan province which has locked down all 1.5 million residents and shut all tourist attractions after four visitors tested positive. Health officials say the mini-outbreak in Zhangjiajie was sparked by travellers from Nanjing and has helped spread the disease to more than 20 cities. "Zhangjiajie has now become the new ground zero for China's epidemic spread," virologist Zhong Nanshan told reporters Saturday. "We must cast the net wider when tracing close contacts of the Delta variant." Beijing Sunday reported three locally transmitted infections -- a family living on the outskirts of the Chinese capital that had returned from Zhangjiajie, the local health bureau said. Beijing has cut all rail, bus and air links with areas where coronavirus cases have been found. The Chinese capital has also closed its doors to tourists during the peak summer holiday travel season and is only allowing "essential travellers" with a negative nucleic acid test to enter. Fresh cases were also reported Sunday on Hainan island -- another popular tourist destination -- as well as Ningxia and Shandong provinces, authorities said. The country is also battling a separate rise in cases in the flood-ravaged city of Zhengzhou in Henan province after two cleaners at a hospital treating coronavirus patients coming from abroad tested positive. Thirty locally transmitted cases have been detected, with authorities Sunday ordering tests of all 10 million residents. The head of the city's health commission has also been sacked. And after reports that some people sickened in the latest cluster were vaccinated, health officials have said this was "normal" and stressed the importance of vaccination alongside strict measures. "The Covid vaccine's protection against the Delta variant may have somewhat declined, but the current vaccine still has a good preventative and protective effect against the Delta variant," said Feng Zijian, virologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 1.65 billion vaccine doses have so far been administered nationwide as of Saturday, Beijing's National Health Commission (NHC) said. It does not provide figures on how many people have been fully vaccinated. Tehran, Aug 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2021 ) :Iran's ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi will be inaugurated on Tuesday as the new president of the Islamic republic, a country mired in deep economic crisis and hit by crippling US sanctions. He replaces moderate president Hassan Rouhani, whose landmark achievement was the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers. Raisi, 60, will have to tackle the nuclear talks aimed at reviving the deal from which the US unilaterally withdrew. Two days after Tuesday's inauguration by the Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Raisi will take the oath before parliament. He won June's election when more than half the voters stayed away after many political heavyweights were barred from standing. A former judiciary chief, Raisi has been criticised by the West for his human rights record. Iran's economic problems, exacerbated by the American sanctions, will be the new president's greatest challenge, according to Clement Therme, a researcher at the European University Institute in Italy. "His main objective will be to improve the economic situation by reinforcing the Islamic republic's economic relations with neighbouring countries," Therme told AFP. "The goal would be to build a business model that would protect Iran's economic growth from American policies and decisions."Therme believes Raisi's main priority will be to "remove US sanctions" so Iran can bolster trade with its neighbours and non-Western countries such as China and Russia. Jerusalem, Aug 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2021 ) :Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday Israel was privy to "evidence" proving Iran was behind the deadly tanker attack off Oman, warning his country could "send a message" in retaliation. "The intelligence evidence for this exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake," he said at the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks conveyed by his office. "In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way." Marseille, Aug 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2021 ) :Three NGOs said Sunday that they rescued more than 400 people trying to cross the Mediterranean overnight after their boat ran into trouble. The NGOs -- SOS Mediterranee, Sea-Watch and ResQship -- said that their rescue ships, the Ocean Viking, Sea-Watch 3 and Nadir, had picked up the migrants after their "large wooden boat" had begun to take on water. "All night until the early morning, together with @seawatch_intl & @resqship_int, we were engaged in the critical rescue of ~400 people," SOS Mediterranee tweeted. "Survivors are now receiving care on #OceanViking & #SeaWatch3." It was the fifth rescue operation by Ocean Viking since Saturday and the ship now has "449 survivors onboard in total", the NGO said. According to the UN's International Organization for Migration, at least 1,146 people died in the first six months of this year as they tried to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe. SOS Mediterranee said it has rescued more than 30,000 people since February 2016. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Ankara, Aug 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2021 ) :Wildfires in southern Turkey forced more people to flee their homes on Sunday as pressure on the government grew over its response to the deadly forest fires. Turkey has suffered the worst fires in at least a decade, official data show, with nearly 95,000 hectares (235,000 acres) burned so far this year, compared with an average of 13,516 at this point in the year between 2008 and 2020. Since the fires broke out Wednesday, six people have died and more than 330 have received medical treatment. A neighbourhood in the tourist city of Bodrum was evacuated, CNN Turk broadcaster reported, as flames were fanned by strong winds from Milas district nearby. Unable to leave by road, 540 residents were taken to hotels by boats, the channel said. There were more evacuations in the village of Sirtkoy in Antalya province, NTV broadcaster reported, with images of grey smoke clouds enveloping homes. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said 107 of 112 forest fires were now under control, but blazes continued in the holiday regions of Antalya and Mugla. Temperatures are set to remain high in the region after record levels last month. The general directorate of meteorology registered a temperature of 49.1 degrees Celsius (120.3 Fahrenheit) on July 20 in the southeastern town of Cizre. The mercury is expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in Antalya Monday. Turkey's defence ministry released satellite images showing the extent of the damage with forest areas turned black and smoke still visible. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Los Angeles, Aug 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2021 ) :American teenager Brandon Nakashima reached his second ATP final in as many weeks by coming from behind to beat Emil Ruusuvuori 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the Atlanta Open on Saturday. The 19-year-old Nakashima, who upset top seeded Canadian Milos Raonic in the round of 16, blasted 14 aces in the almost two-hour hardcourt match. He will next face fellow American and five-time champ John Isner, who beat Taylor Fritz 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 6-3 in the other semi-final. "He came out playing really well, and I got off to a slow start," Nakashima said of Ruusuvuori. "But I just told myself to stick to my tactics out there, and I just served a lot better in the second and third sets. That really helped my ground game a lot. I'm definitely happy to get through this." Nakashima also had a superb performance at last week's tournament in Los Cabos, Mexico, losing in the final to Cameron Norrie. The feat made him the youngest American finalist on the ATP Tour since an 18-year-old Fritz at the 2016 Memphis event. Nakashima is currently ranked 115 in the world but is projected to break into the top 100 for the first time on Monday. This was the first career meeting between the two. Nakashima needed one hour and 54 minutes to dispatch Ruusuvuori, who made six double faults and had his serve broken three times. Nakashima now faces sixth seed Isner. In their only other meeting, Nakashima beat Isner in straight sets in Los Cabos en route to the final. "I didn't know much about (Nakashima) prior to last week," Isner said. "But he kicked my ass last week, so we'll see what I can do tomorrow. "He's 19 years old, that's crazy. I was fishing on a boat when I was 19, here he is in the final of an ATP event." (@ChaudhryMAli88) Lusaka, Aug 1 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Aug, 2021 ) :Zambian President Edgar Lungu said Sunday he has ordered the deployment of the military to quell electoral violence ahead of elections on August 12. "Maintaining law and order is a daily chore of the police, but sometimes they need help from other security wings," Lungu said. In several parts of the country, supporters of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development (UPND) opposition have clashed using machetes, axes, slashers, catapults and other objects. Violence has been reported in the Zambian capital Lusaka as well as Northern, Southern and Muchinga provinces. "In order to curb the political violence we have witnessed in the past two days, I have allowed the Zambia army, Zambia air force and Zambia national service to help the Zambia police in dealing with the security situation," Lungu said. Even though the Electoral Commission has banned rallies as part of measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus, clashes between opposing political parties have overwhelmed the police, he said. Political analyst Lee Habasonda described the move as "draconian". "The situation has not reached the levels where the military should be on the streets," Habasonda, a politics lecturer at the University of Zambia, told AFP. Civil society groups described the move as an act of desperation. "The PF is losing this election and this is a desperate measure to scare voters," said human rights activist Brebner Changala. NGO Alliance for Community Action director Laura Miti said the measure was "inexplicable" in the absence of any breakdown of law and order. "You only order the army out of the barracks when even the citizens can see that there is a breakdown in the rule of law," she told AFP. Rights group Amnesty International said in a recent report that the government of the southern African nation had grown increasingly intolerant of dissent since Lungu replaced Michael Sata following his death in 2014. Opposition UPND officials were not immediately available for a comment. Lungu, 64, is running for a second term in the August 12 election as the copper-rich country battles economic woes. Lungu's main rival Hakainde Hichilema has been detained several times since he started contesting the top job. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Aug, 2021 ) :President Dr Arif Alvi on Sunday, on complaint of a medical student facing denial by his institution to appear in examinations, said the aggrieved could invoke a relevant clause of Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) that gave universities a prerogative to allow students as many retakes. Complainant Sarbuland Khan had filed a representation with the President of Pakistan assailing the order of Wafaqi Mohtasib, which had upheld the decision of Mohammad Medical College, Mirpurkhas, on grounds that the case was time. The complainant had mentioned that he had failed twice in the second year's paper of Biochemistry, and under the rules had four chances to pass the examination. However, he could not avail the third and fourth chances as the medical college did not intimate him timely and also had banned his entry into the institution. He prayed before the President that if he was not given a chance to appear in the examination, then the medical college be directed to refund his paid fee Rs.1,500,000 with seven years interest. He also requested for rechecking of his Biochemistry paper, wherein he had failed due to lacking one mark only. The Wafaqi Mohtasib, in its order, said no maladministration on part of the Agency (medical college) was evident and the assertion of the complainant for the four-time limit under Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) stood repealed after the PMC Act came into force on24. 09.2020. The president, in his decision, referred to a notification of PMC's (Admissions, Curriculum and Conduct) Regulations, 2021, that explained on how the university could allow the students to retake the examinations. "A university may allow a student as many retakes as may be determined by the university, subject to no student being required to pay the college tuition fee in addition to the fee paid for the given year," he quoted the notification's Chapter-IV Conduct of Program's R.16. He also mentioned another provision of the same clause titled 'Opportunity to retake failed examinations' which stated, "Each university shall frame its own regulations for allowing failed students to retake professional examinations and such regulations shall be publicly notified and made available to the students". The President said, "there was no fault with the orders passed by the Wafaqi Mohtasib", however the complainant, if desired, could invoke the said clause. "If so desired, the complainant may take a chance of invoking the above mentioned R.16 before the competent authority for redressal of his grievance," he wrote, disposing of the representation. \395 \932 The scientific and technical council of Russian space agency Roscosmos at a meeting on Saturday will determine the prospects for creating a new Russian orbital station, after which documents should be drawn up to submit the project to the government, Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th July, 2021) The scientific and technical council of Russian space agency Roscosmos at a meeting on Saturday will determine the prospects for creating a new Russian orbital station, after which documents should be drawn up to submit the project to the government, Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said. "Tomorrow at 11 a.m., a meeting of the Scientific and Technical Council will be held, headed by (its gead) Yuri Koptev, we will discuss the configuration of the new orbital station," Rogozin said on the air of the Komsomolskaya Pravda broadcaster. The meeting will decide on the appearance of the new Russian orbital station: either to add new modules to the Russian segment of the ISS with its subsequent separation, or to create a fundamentally new high-latitude station, he said. Russia plans to withdraw from the ISS project from 2025 and build its national orbital station. Rogozin said that the idea found support from the Russian president. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Delta COVID-19 variant is to blame for 90% of new cases in Belgium, national health research institute Sciensano said on Saturday BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 31st July, 2021) The Delta COVID-19 variant is to blame for 90% of new cases in Belgium, national health research institute Sciensano said on Saturday. The Delta variant now accounts for 89.2% of positive PCR-tests, and 8.4% of cases are caused by the Alpha strain, according to Sciensano. The rest of the infections are provoked by the Beta and Gamma variants, jointly representing 2.4% of all COVID-19 cases. More than 70% of adults in Belgium have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The country has still witnessed a 4% rise in infections over the past week, with some 1,400 daily cases. Experts link the rising infections to travelers coming back from overseas vacations. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st August, 2021) Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern on Sunday offered apologies for an immigration crackdown in the 1970s against Pacific Islanders, known as Dawn Raids. "Today, I stand on behalf of the New Zealand Government to offer a formal and unreserved apology to Pacific communities for the discriminatory implementation of the immigration laws of the 1970s that led to the events of the Dawn Raids. The Government expresses its sorrow, remorse, and regret that the Dawn Raids and random police checks occurred and that these actions were ever considered appropriate," Ardern said. As part of a traditional Samoan ceremony, in which people ask for forgiveness or receive forgiveness, the prime minister has had a mat draped over her by several of her ministers and lawmakers at the Auckland Town Hall. In the early 1970s when New Zealand suffered from an economic crisis and unemployment, the authorities conducted early morning raids in the homes and workplaces of people from the Pacific Islands who had overstayed their visas. The operations resulted in the deportation to the countries of origin and prosecution of thousands of Pacific Islanders. DOHA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st August, 2021) Syrian President Bashar Assad has authorized Acting Prime Minister Hussein Arnous to form a new government following the recent presidential election, according to the relevant decree published on Sunday. "Hussein Arnous is empowered to form a new government by the decree 206 of the president of the Republic," the decree read, as quoted by the presidential office on Twitter. The presidential election held in late May saw Assad securing a sweeping victory with 95.1 percent of the vote. (@FahadShabbir) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st August, 2021) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will take part in five online ministerial meetings within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which will take place from August 2-6, the US Department of State said on Saturday. "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will participate in five virtual ministerial meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from August 2-6 EDT. These will be the U.S.-ASEAN, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Mekong-U.S. Partnership, and Friends of the Mekong ministerial meetings," the department said in a statement. The department added that Blinked would discuss pressing regional and international with leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region during those meetings. "The Secretary will also raise the importance of taking bold action to address the climate crisis. He will reiterate that the United States stands with the international community in defense of freedom of the seas and international law, including UNCLOS," the department stated. Blinken is also expected to touch upon the situation in Myanmar and urge ASEAN to try to convince the country's military to put an end to the violence, as well as release all people who were unjustly arrested and "restore Burma's path to democracy." (@FahadShabbir) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 02nd August, 2021) The United States is confident that Iran is responsible for the attack on the Mercer Street oil tanker, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday. Earlier in the day, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that London believes it is "highly likely" that Tehran was behind the attack. "Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack, which killed two innocent people, using one-way explosive UAVs, a lethal capability it is increasingly employing throughout the region," Blinken said in a statement. "We are working with our partners to consider our next steps and consulting with governments inside the region and beyond on an appropriate response, which will be forthcoming. We once again offer our condolences to the families of the victims," Blinken added. On Friday, Zodiac Maritime operator said that the Japanese-owned ship was attacked off the coast of Oman, adding that the suspected piracy incident left two crew members, citizens of Romania and the UK, dead. Later in the day, the company said that the crew took back control of the ship and the US navy was escorting it. According to media reports, the vessel could be related to an Israeli billionaire. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated there was intelligence indicating that Iran was involved in the attack. Iran has denied having any role in the incident. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st August, 2021) The US Navy christened one of its newest Virginia-class attack submarines, the future USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), during a ceremony at the General Dynamics/Electric Boat shipyard facility in Groton, Connecticut. According to a video of the Saturday ceremony, released by General Dynamics, it took Sarah Greenert McNichol, the daughter of Darleen Greenert, the submarine's sponsor and a Navy veteran, three attempts to break the sacrificial bottle of champagne against the vessel (a good luck ritual). Adm. James Caldwell, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, attended the ceremony. Caldwell said as quoted by the Pentagon on Friday that the "future USS Hyman G. Rickover will play an important role in defending our nation during this time of strategic competition. According to the US Defense Department, the future USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) is the second nuclear-powered fast attack submarine in recognition of Adm. Rickover, who was known as the "Father of the Nuclear Navy" and served for 63 years on active duty. The first Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709) was commissioned at Submarine Base, New London, in Groton, on July 21, 1984. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will shortly be visiting the Southeast nations of Vietnam and Singapore as Washington seeks to boost ties in the region. Her visit will follow Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins tour where he is scheduled to meet leaders in Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Harris will visit the two nations in August, which will mark the first time that an American vice president has visited Vietnam. Harris is expected to discuss issues like climate change, regional security, and the coronavirus pandemic. The Vice President aims to strengthen relationships and expand economic cooperation with two critical Indo-Pacific partners of the United States, senior adviser Symone Sanders said in a statement. She will also negotiate measures to implement a rules-based international order. In Singapore, Harris is expected to discuss cybersecurity, digital trade, and defense. Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien, said that he is looking forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation as well as working together on global challenges like climate change and the COVID-19 epidemic. This will be Harris second trip overseas as the American Vice President after her trip to Mexico and Guatemala in June. That trip did not sit well PR-wise as the vice president fumbled while responding to a question which enquired why she had not yet visited the U.S.-Mexico border after assuming office. Harris laughed it off by answering that she also hadnt visited Europe, even adding that she could not understand the point the questioner was making. It was a clumsy answer that came off as tone-deaf given that the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border is one of the most troubling issues facing the administration, Maeve Reston, CNN National Political Reporter, wrote in an analysis. Meanwhile, Harris Southeast Asia trip comes on the back of Defense Secretary Austin visiting the region. Youll hear me talk a lot about partnerships and the value of partnerships My goal is to strengthen relationships, Austin had said to reporters before heading off on the tour. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (L) and Philippines Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (R) shake hands after a bilateral meeting at Camp Aguinaldo military in Manila on July 30, 2021. (Image: ROLEX DELA PENA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) In a speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore, Austin dismissed Beijings claims in the South China Sea and accused the communist regime of being unwilling to respect the rule of law and resolve disputes peacefully. We will not flinch when our interests are threatened. Yet we do not seek confrontation Let me be clear I am committed to pursuing a constructive, stable relationship with China, Austin stated. Focus on Southeast Asia During his Singapore speech, Austin has said that Washington was looking to reduce Chinese military activities in Southeast Asia through integrated deterrence, which, according to the Defense Department, would mean using every military and non-military tool in lock-step with allies and partners. Political experts feel that the American government is looking to boost ties with the Philippines and Vietnam since these two nations have sparred with China over the years with regard to territorial claims in the South China Sea. Its not coincidental The U.S. just finished its China strategy. The core of the strategy is to get more allies on board, so it made sense that the first trip to Asia is in Southeast Asia because these countries would play some critical role, Eduardo Araral, associate professor at the National University of Singapores public policy school, said to VOA News. Said Aaron Jed Rabena, research fellow at the Manila-based think tank Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress, stated in an interview with South China Morning Post that Washington is looking for partners to offset Chinas influence in the ASEAN region by countering Beijings Belt and Road initiative (BRI). He pointed out that both Vietnam and Singapore are nations that have an aligned political or defense agenda with the United States. Dr. Renato de Castro, international relations professor at De La Salle University in Manila, said that there was a perception among the ASEAN nations that the United States was ignoring and neglecting them despite the fact that the region is one of Washingtons key battlegrounds. The Asean Declaration created the ASEAN nations on 8 August 1967, setting out one vision, one identity and one community for countries in the region. This followed the informal group known as the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA), which started in 1961. The ASA was primarily created because the countries within the group, made up of Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, were afraid of communism and wanted to work together to show a united front. This makes the U.S. initiative one of great importance, given the BRI. This is an effort by the Biden administration to show the region matters to the United States, Castro said to the media outlet. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. FLASHBACK ... Dead bodies and trails of blood is what Zimbabweans in Harare faced August 1, 2018, following clashes between the army and citizens, mostly supporters of opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa, who were demanding the release of presidential results. #voazimvotes Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria. Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens. Light mag. 4.9 earthquake - Philippines Sea, 22 km southwest of Santa Ana Island, Northern Mariana Islands, on 1 Aug 11:09 am (GMT +10) - Light magnitude 4.9 earthquake at 120 km depth 1 Aug 01:11 UTC: First to report: VolcanoDiscovery after 2 minutes. 1 Aug 01:25: Now using data updates from EMSC Update Sun, 1 Aug 2021, 01:30 4.9 quake 1 Aug 11:09 am (GMT +10) A second report was later issued by the United States Geological Survey, which listed it as a magnitude 4.9 earthquake as well. Towns or cities near the epicenter where the quake might have been felt as very weak shaking include Dededo Village (pop. 44,900) located 60 km from the epicenter, Hagatna (pop. 1,100) 68 km away, Talofofo Village (pop. 3,200) 80 km away, Santa Rita (pop. 7,500) 81 km away, Agat Village (pop. 5,700) 82 km away, San Antonio de Umatag (pop. 900) 90 km away, and San Jose (pop. 15,000) 122 km away. VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you're in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported a magnitude 4.9 quake in Northern Mariana Islands near Dededo Village, Dededo, only 21 minutes ago. The earthquake hit in the morning on Sunday 1 August 2021 at 11:09 am local time at an intermediate depth of 120 km. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report.A second report was later issued by the United States Geological Survey, which listed it as a magnitude 4.9 earthquake as well.Towns or cities near the epicenter where the quake might have been felt as very weak shaking include Dededo Village (pop. 44,900) located 60 km from the epicenter, Hagatna (pop. 1,100) 68 km away, Talofofo Village (pop. 3,200) 80 km away, Santa Rita (pop. 7,500) 81 km away, Agat Village (pop. 5,700) 82 km away, San Antonio de Umatag (pop. 900) 90 km away, and San Jose (pop. 15,000) 122 km away.VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth if these change and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available. If you're in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either online or via our mobile app . This will help us provide more first-hand updates to anyone around the globe who wants to know more about this quake. If you were or still are in this area during the quake help others with your feedback and file a quick report here . Download the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic alerts online: Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic alerts online: Earthquake data: [ show map ] Show interactive Map [ smaller ] [ bigger ] please share your experience and submit a short "I felt it" report! Other users would love to hear about it! Also if you did NOT feel the quake although you were in the area, please report it ! Your contribution is valuable also to earthquake science and earthquake hazard analysis and mitigation efforts. You can use your device location or the map to indicate where you were during the earthquake. Thank you! If you felt this quake (or if you were near the epicenter),Other users would love to hear about it!Alsoalthough you were in the area, please! Your contribution is valuable also to earthquake science and earthquake hazard analysis and mitigation efforts. You can use your device location or the map to indicate where you were during the earthquake. Thank you! Data for the same earthquake reported by different agencies Info: The more agencies report about the same quake and post similar data, the more confidence you can have in the data. It takes normally up to a few hours until earthquake parameters are calculated with near-optimum precision. Mag. Depth Location Source 4.9 120 km Northern Mariana Islands: ROTA REGION, N. MARIANA ISLANDS EMSC unknown n/a Near Dededo Village, Dededo, Guam VolcanoDiscovery 4.9 120 km Northern Mariana Islands: 55 Km NNE of Yigo Village, Guam USGS 5.0 118 km Northern Mariana Islands: Mariana Islands BMKG 4.8 128 km Northern Mariana Islands: Mariana Islands GFZ User reports for this quake (18) User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale Contribute: Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it. Flag as inappropriate. Mark as helpful or interesting. Send your own user report! Tamuning / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : Was sitting at my kitchen counter and felt the room swing laterally to the East and then swing back West. | 2 users found this interesting. Guam (62.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Initial jolt, then swaying. Rocking chair rocking with no one in it, building swaying for several seconds. Sinajana, Guam / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / complex motion difficult to describe / very short : Felt like something nudged the bed. I say that if you were doing any type of motion, you wouldnt have felt it. Tumon / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Tv almost fell over! Some Plants did | One user found this interesting. Yigo (51.3 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt Andersen AFB (52.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / very short Guam (82.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s Tamun Bay Guam / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : 11th floor of Hilton Guam. Room moved side to side three times. Barrigada, Guam / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short Dede do Guam / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Almost didnt notice it santa rosa / Very weak shaking (MMI II) Guam / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : It was like 100 people were jumping at the same time in a 10 story condo Saipan / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Sinajana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short MANGILAO / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Alupang Beach Tower / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Tumon / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s TAMUNING / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Look up aftershocks or earlier quakes Earlier earthquakes in the same area since 1900 Map of earlier quakes Madison City Schools released its reentry plan for the upcoming school year. The first day of classes are August 4. The district still plans to leave the decision whether or not to wear a mask up to parents and students. "However, I highly encourage all parents to have their children wear masks to school, especially in the elementary grades since they have not been cleared for a vaccination," Superintendent Ed Nichols said in a letter to parents. Nichols said he has received hundreds of emails regarding the issue. He added the mask optional plan is based on direction from the Alabama Department of Public Health. ADPH is encouraging masking but leaving the decision to local districts. "Although these times may seem uncertain, one constant is the fact that the staff, teachers, and administrators of Madison City Schools are going to provide the best education possible for your children," Nichols said. The district will implement several COVID safety protocols. This includes hand sanitizer stations, disinfecting/cleaning high-touch areas throughout the day and organizing rooms for maximum social distancing. However, the district said it cannot guarantee three feet social distancing the entire school day. Visitors on campus will still be limited to emergency situations, special circumstances, and with prior permission. Additionally, the plan states, unlike last year, virtual students in grades K-8 may return to in-person learning at any point in the semester. Click here to read the full plan. The rate of Covid-19 vaccinations in the United States continues to rise, a positive sign amid skyrocketing cases and hospitalizations after weeks of lagging inoculations. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Sunday that 816,203 additional doses were administered, the fifth straight day the agency recorded more than 700,000 shots in arms. That brings the total number of doses administered to 346,456,669, according to the CDC numbers released Sunday. The seven-day average of administered doses is now 662,529 per day, the highest average since July 7. Additionally, Sunday was the third day in a row that the seven-day average of people getting their first shots topped 400,000. The last time that metric was over 400,000 was the July Fourth weekend. That's still less than a quarter of the peak in mid-April, when nearly 2 million people were getting their first shot each day. If the US picked up vaccinations to the April pace, it would take only a month and a half to reach all eligible people. Per CDC data released Sunday, 168.4 million people are fully vaccinated, or 49.6% of the US population. Among vaccine-eligible Americans -- meaning those who are 12 and older -- 58.1% are fully vaccinated. Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, hopes the recent surge in cases driven by the Delta variant is changing the minds of the vaccine hesitant, he told CNN's Jake Tapper Sunday. Collins noted that in the last two weeks, vaccination rates have increased 56% nationally. "This may be a tipping point for those who have been hesitant to say, 'OK, it's time,'" Collins said. "I hope that's what's happening. That's what desperately needs to happen if we're going to get this Delta variant put back in its place." Overall, the seven-day average of people becoming fully vaccinated each day is at 247,385 people per day. Twenty states have now fully vaccinated more than half of their residents, including Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington state, as well as Washington, DC. On the other hand, the states with the lowest percentage of their population vaccinated are Alabama and Mississippi, which have 34% and 35% of their residents vaccinated, respectively. Correction: An earlier version of this story and headline gave the wrong timing for when the doses were administered. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the additional doses Sunday, but it's not clear when they were all administered. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Huntsvilles JuVaughn Harrison competed in the finals medal event for the Mens High Jump at the Tokyo Olympics Sunday morning. Harrison jumped and cleared a height of 2.33 meters (about 7 feet, 8 inches). Unfortunately, it wasnt enough to secure a medal for the athlete. In a grand display of sportsmanship, Harrison could be seen cheering on his competitors throughout the finals. Sunday night, hell compete for gold in the Mens Long Jump final. Read more about that HERE Learn more about Harrison HERE Stay with WAAY 31 on air and WAAYTV.com online for updates! Decatur, IL (62521) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Well know as more time goes by. An unpublished study by Pfizer researchers that followed vaccinated individuals for up to six months reported a gradually declining trend in vaccine efficacy against a symptomatic infection, but found their shot remained highly efficacious overall. Efficacy peaked at 96.2% in the two months after a second shot, and declined gradually to 83.7% from four months, and then by an average of 6% every two months. Waning vaccine-induced immunity is likely to be first detected by vaccine failures in vulnerable individuals, such as diabetes and heart-failure patients, and reflect lower levels of virus-blocking antibodies. U.K. researchers says that a likely scenario is that, as immunity gradually wanes, more vaccinated individuals will get infected, but their immune system will rapidly control the infection, resulting in no or mild symptoms. However, exposure to the virus will further boost and broaden their immune response to it. Vaccination campaigns against SARS-CoV-2 may continue for years, though follow-up research is needed to understand when boosters will be needed and the optimal frequency for successive inoculations. These deaths do not have to occur. It really is something we should be ashamed of and be energized to address when we see that thousands of us are dying every year from drowning, said Shannon Frattaroli, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. State public health agencies arent doing enough to develop and enforce proven water safety policies, she said, primarily because they receive no federal funding. It wouldnt be the first time this species has faced potential extinction. In the 1990s, the population of horseshoe crabs along the East Coast was decimated by fishermen who used them as bait to catch eel and corner the lucrative market for whelk or conch. Before that, scientists along the Delaware Bay could find an average of 45,000 horseshoe crab eggs per approximately 11 square feet in about the top two inches of sand. Since 1995, that figure has fluctuated between 5,000 and 10,000, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. And the population struggles to rebound as companies that manufacture LAL now harvest crabs, some conservationists say. About 500,000 crabs are plucked from waters and beaches along the Atlantic coast each year to make LAL. After watching Venus and Mars in the constellation Leo dip below the horizon, turn to the east to find Saturn rising in the constellation Capricornus, followed by Jupiter in the constellation Aquarius. The ringed planet at 0.2 magnitude, bright enough to see from the city reaches opposition (Aug. 2) at about 2 a.m. Eastern time, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory. From Earths perspective, Saturn is opposite the sun, causing it to become full like the moon. All night, Saturn crosses the sky from east to west. Were excited to see more of what our readers are doing this summer, so please take KidsPost along and share the fun. Well feature a selection of readers photos in the print KidsPost and at kidspost.com this summer. In September, three randomly selected participants will receive books and KidsPost goodies. There are some people who just either havent gotten around to it or they are like, I may get it, but I just didnt feel the need, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said in early July at the launch of the VaxU Scholarship. There are others who are just opposed to it and are hard to convince. But I think there are more of the folks that just need a little extra incentive to go out and do it, and Im hoping that this opportunity at a college scholarship and us getting out talking about the importance of it will help encourage some more younger people to do so. She said crime victims can too often be viewed as a monolithic group that only wants to see perpetrators incarcerated for as long as possible but thats not always the case. Many, she said, value a restorative justice approach: a way to talk honestly with the person who wronged them about how the crime affected them and to agree on a path forward for the incarcerated person that still makes the victim feel safe. Restorative justice is not emphasized in the federal parole system, she said. But in response to a report in the Washington Examiner that accused her of violating the mask mandate, Bowsers office denied that she was breaking the rule. The event was mostly outside, where the mandate does not require people to be masked, and the mayor was unmasked inside while dining, Bowsers office said in a statement. That was one of the massive lessons that Ive learned myself during this process ... how important it is for you to get stuck into focusing on your own race and staying in your own lane, he said. It is such a cliche and its become such a cliche for me these last few years because that was my entire Lane 8 story (from Rio). I somewhat inspired myself. I have now heard that Iran, in a cowardly manner, is trying to evade its responsibility for the incident and are denying it. So Im stating here, absolutely, that Iran is the one that carried out the attack against the ship, he said. The strike aimed to hit an Israeli target, Bennett said, adding that intelligence evidence exists tying Iran to the attack, though he did not present any. It remains vividly etched in the memory of those who were directly impacted. It lives on in the disruption of trust and faith in authorities. And it lives on in the unresolved grievances of Pacific communities that these events happened and that to this day they have gone unaddressed, she said. Teresa May, 58, of New Johnsonville, Tennessee, passed away July 9, 2021. Teresa was born March 19, 1963, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Robert and Mary (McPherson) May. Teresa was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend to many. She had a love for crocheting and was an avid col In their incisive, dramatic and masterful account of President Donald Trumps last year in office what we read is the closest version of the truth that we could determine based on rigorous reporting veteran Washington Post reporters Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker build on their stunning book about Trumps first years in office, A Very Stable Genius. Trumps final year was the most consequential and for many Americans the most frightening, they say. They fully capture Trumps terrifying character deficiencies that drove the fear, chaos and instability that culminated in nothing less than a violent threat to Americas democracy itself. Donald Trump will not forgive those such as Mike Pence and Bill Barr who refused to declare an election fraud. Credit:Jose Luis Magana Trump cared more about himself than the country, always putting his political and personal interests over the common good. They give us this wrenching insight: Trumps self-victimisation yoked him to his supporters, who also felt disrespected by elites and wronged by the global economy. Thats who showed up at the Capitol riot on January 6. Last year was not just a presidential election year, but an election in a once-in-a-century pandemic. Even though the early internal polling showed the Trump base as energised as ever and poised to deliver a win even bigger than in 2016, Trump was warned repeatedly, by his aides and by allies such as Israels Bibi Netanyahu, that his catastrophic mismanagement of the pandemic could cost us the election. But Trump persisted with dangerous stunts such as touting the virtues of bleach to fight COVID-19 and politicising the wearing of masks. The virus would ultimately invade him. Many young people who are still living at home may not be shut out of private health insurance because of its perceived high cost and poor value for too much longer. Federal government legislation was passed by Parliament in June that implements a measure contained in the 2020-21 budget to improve the affordability and access to private cover for younger people. The change will allow young adults who are still dependent on their parents to remain on mum and dads private cover for longer. Carrots and sticks are being used to try to get more young people covered by health insurance. Credit:Michele Mossop Insurers will be able to increase the age at which children can remain on their parents private health insurance from 24 to 31. A Sydney private school has told parents it will require every student to take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test on its grounds immediately before each HSC trial exam, and has taken matters into its own hands by securing its own supply of tests. Since the NSW government revealed the tests - known as a RAT - would be part of its return-to-school strategy for year 12 last week, there has been widespread confusion about how the process will work, given the Therapeutic Goods Administration will not allow them to be taken at home and requires them to be carried out by a medical professional. Private companies have been contacting independent schools, saying they can supply tests, at a cost of $6 each. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Private companies that provide rapid antigen tests have been contacting independent schools, saying they can supply tests, at $6 each, trained nurses, at $115 an hour (or $165 on the weekend), and an administration assistant to run everything at $75 an hour. One nurse can carry out 10 tests in an hour. But public school principals are still waiting to hear from the NSW Department of Education about how they can administer tests for up to 400 year 12 students at one site, how often they must do it or who will oversee them. There is also no guidance on whether they will be compulsory. Read more here. Each morning as my alarm springs to life, I open my eyes, stretch, and just for a fleeting second all is well in my world. Then I remember. The world is a very different place at the moment. Instead of spending an hour throwing school shirts into the dryer and trying to track down a pair of grey socks that could actually pass as matching, my mornings are now dedicated to putting on a tight grimace while I try try with all my might to find some sort of silver lining in these days of pandemic panic. Were walking so much our dogs so longer want to come with us. Credit:Kate Geraghty I absolutely adore my family, but I do not believe that we are designed to spend so much time together under one roof. Time apart, getting out, and living independent lives gives us stories to share when we finally come together. A rich and fulfilling life is made up of experiences, which is hard to do when you are living the same day over and over again. But there are some interesting behaviours and observations that have bubbled to the surface. For example, I now discover what day it is via my weekly pill organiser. It is the only mechanism that defines time for me right now. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is urging Sydneysiders and greater NSW to dedicate the month of August to getting vaccinated. The Premier launched the August vaccination push as Sydney recorded 239 new cases of COVID-19 from 87,000 tests, with 61 people in the community for at least part of their infectious period and 98 cases under investigation. The virus was still circulating in workplaces and households. Today is August 1, and I am calling upon the people of greater Sydney, greater NSW to come forward and get vaccinated, she said. To get to the 70 per cent target we need 9.2 million jabs. To get the 80 per cent target we need 10 million jabs... Pleasingly, in the last 24 hours we had over 82,000 people get vaccinated in one day alone in NSW. At that rate we are vaccinating 500,000 people per week. We want to do more. Lockdowns got you bored of watching Netflix? The Australian Bureau of Statistics is here to provide one night of in-home entertainment, as long as demographics and personal questions are your thing. Census night is just around the corner, with millions of people set to log on to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website to provide a snapshot of the countrys demographics. Teresa Dickinson, Deputy Australian Statistician at the Australian Bureau of Statisitics. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen In years gone past, census night sometimes coincided with a dinner party or a visit from a relative. These days, the census is an online affair and can be completed when time allows. The questions, which are posed every five years, will further illuminate Australias societal trends such as the decline of traditional marriage and religion, as well as the shift in peoples ancestry from European to Asian. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has warned Australians should not wait to be vaccinated with the Pfizer jab, as new data shows just 1 per cent of people who caught COVID in Sydneys Delta outbreak were fully vaccinated. Mr Hunts warning came a day after the federal and state governments reached an in-principle agreement on a road map out of the pandemic. People queue down Ninth Street in Campsie to get tested. Credit:Jessica Hromas They agreed 70 per cent of the adult population must be vaccinated before they begin easing restrictions for people who have had the jab and cautiously re-opening borders. Once 80 per cent of Australian adults are vaccinated wide-scale lockdowns would be all but abolished. South-east Queensland entered a snap three-day lockdown on Saturday after seven new community cases were recorded, throwing the NRL and AFL weekend games into disarray. Four federal Labor MPs have backed a royal commission into Australias handling of the coronavirus pandemic, arguing the inquiry will provide vital lessons for the future. Victorian MP Julian Hill, Queensland MP Anika Wells and Western Australian MPs Patrick Gorman and Anne Aly all threw cautious support behind the idea of a non-partisan inquiry - which is not official Labor policy - and suggested the best time to start would be in early 2022. Independent senator Rex Patrick has already called for a royal commission into the response to the pandemic. Labor MP Julian Hill says a Royal Commission into COVID is inevitable Credit:Alex Ellinghausen There have been nine royal commissions ordered by federal governments in the last decade, including most recently into veterans suicide, the banking sector and aged care. Labor agitated for the banking royal commission for more than a year before the Turnbull government yielded to pressure and called the inquiry. Two inquiries ordered by former prime minister Tony Abbott - into the pink batts home insulation scheme, and into the trade union movement - were widely seen by Labor as partisan. Taipei: Hong Kong police have arrested a man accused of booing the Chinese national anthem while watching an Olympic event at a shopping centre. The 40-year-old man was allegedly waving colonial-era Hong Kong flags and booing, while urging others to join him in insulting the national anthem, according to a police statement posted on Facebook. People wave a Hong Kong flag and a Chinese national flag as they watch Olympics events at a shopping mall in Hong Kong on Friday, July 30. Credit:AP Hong Kong passed a law in June last year that criminalised any actions that insult the national anthem. Violating the law can mean a fine of up to $HK50,000 ($8756), and up to nine years in prison. Chinas central government criminalised actions that insult the national flag and emblem in amendments to the law last October, which is also applicable to Hong Kong, a former British colony. LMPD: Man taken to hospital after being shot in Beechmont neighborhood For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Journal Gazette. AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM)-- It was another busy Saturday for Six Flags New England. Traffic was backed up for more than a mile from both the Massachusetts and Connecticut sides of the park, but things seemed to flow better this week. Six Flags New England prepares for another weekend of potential traffic AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM)--Six Flags New England is working with the town of Agawam and police It was certainly another crowded day on Main Street, as hundreds of people flocked to Six Flags to take advantage of the last nice day in July. Six Flags crowds causing traffic nightmare for local residents Saturday AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- For what seemed like the one and only day of sunshine recently, th Western Mass News crew caught video of the heavy traffic on Main Street earlier Saturday afternoon, with cars lined up in both directions. While drivers appeared to be moving slowly, traffic was not at a standstill, a change from the gridlock the town saw last week. Agawam Police took to Facebook to say officers were directing traffic at intersections and both of the parking lots gates to help guests get into the park faster. Both Six Flags and Agawam Police told us earlier this week that they are increasing resources to help the flow of traffic. We have reached out to both of them for an update on Saturday's traffic, but have not heard back. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Plenty of sunshine mixing with some fair weather afternoon clouds; very warm but still not that humid. . Tonight Partly cloudy and not as cool as recent nights. Quincy, IL (62301) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. This page contains all of The Williston Heralds coverage of the novel coronavirus outbreak, and the illness it causes, called COVID-19. Because this outbreak impacts public health, our coverage of the coronavirus is available to all readers. Our journalists are working hard to bring you the verified information below. Please consider supporting important local journalism with a subscription. (Click Here) Are you a Williston resident whos been affected by the illness? Send us an email: editor@willistonherald.com. Have any questions? Please give us a call at 701-572-2165 A rising number of U.S. job listings are including wage ranges as employers compete for cooks, truck operators and other scarce workers. The lack of transparency on pay has long been a scourge of job seekers, and recent data suggest that the tight labor market may be starting to force companies' hands. Around 12% of listings across all occupations offered salary information in the second quarter, up from 8% in the same period in 2019, according to analytics firm Emsi Burning Glass. The biggest gains were in hard-to-find positions such as restaurant hosts and nurse practitioners, for which almost one in five ads now disclose pay, according to Burning Glass, which analyzes millions of offers for trends. The number of offers disclosing wages remains a small minority, but the shift could embolden workers. President Joe Biden has called rising wages "a feature" of his economic plan, and in a recent CNN town hall event said the hospitality and tourism industries may be "in a bind for a while" as workers hold out for better wages and working conditions. Employers historically have been reluctant to show their cards publicly, fearing that they'll have to pay more than a job seeker is willing to accept, or that current employees will grouse about being underpaid. However, some state legislators are trying to force the issue, arguing that women and minorities are more hesitant to negotiate with employers and fall behind their White male counterparts in pay. The day when most employers are transparent about wages can't come soon enough for Kristen Ware, a 22-year-old in Rock Hill, South Carolina, seeking a marketing job. "I would like to know how much a company is going to pay me, because I don't know how much a recent graduate should be getting paid," said Ware, who complained about the lack of pay disclosures on a Facebook forum. "We shouldn't have to guess all the time what's the best pay for me." A new law in Colorado requires that companies with any presence in the state post wage information in their job ads. That holds even for positions that can be done remotely from outside of Colorado, and the state's Department of Labor and Employment has been following up on tips about companies that aren't compliant. Maryland and California also have laws requiring companies to provide wage ranges to job applicants upon request, and Connecticut will soon require companies to disclose wage ranges for open jobs to both applicants and existing employees. "Colorado is nudging the country toward having a more informed labor market," said Scott Moss, director of the division of labor standards and statistics at the Colorado labor department. Burning Glass compared 2021 with prepandemic 2019 instead of last year to get a clearer picture of changes, and focused on employer-sponsored job sites, filtering out public job boards that sometimes include their own wage estimates. The Rocky Mountain states, including Colorado, saw more than a 300% increase in job listings that include salaries, but the numbers grew in most other regions, too, the data show. The Great Lakes region rose 29%, the Mid East rose 35% and the Southeast and Southwest rose 54% and 61%, respectively. The Far West and New England were two regions that saw small declines. Tim Dupree, president of staffing giant Kelly Services' Professional and Industrial unit, chalks up some of the gains to "leakage" from Colorado. Forced to disclose pay in that state, some employers are probably including the information in other states as well. Other companies are being very public with their wages to signal they're no longer a low-paying operation, he said. As he drives around his Michigan base, Dupree sees warehouses and manufacturers touting their $17-an-hour wages out front. "They're probably using it as a way to drive messaging as an employer brand," Dupree said. "Those former employers that were paying $9, $10, $11 an hour are now paying $15 or $16." There's still a long way to go before full pay transparency in offers, and data from other sources provide mixed signals. Adzuna, an international job board with a U.S. headquarters in Indianapolis, found that only 1.5% of ads across occupations included wage information in June, actually down slightly from two years earlier. However, the company did see big gains in competitive industries, including trade and construction, where the percentage of ads with wages has quadrupled since June 2019. Unlike Burning Glass, Adzuna included ads from public job boards as well as from companies' own websites. Kimberly Harris, who runs career fairs around the country from her base in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been pushing her corporate clients to disclose wages. "When we include pay ranges or pay rates, the responses would triple," Harris said. "We want honesty and we want transparency." Click here to read the full article. ZZ Top played their first concert since the death of bassist Dusty Hill on Friday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While guitarist Billy Gibbons didnt speak at length about his late bandmate, he acknowledged the bassist a few times during the show, as well as Hills desire for the band to continue on without him. Were gonna have a good time in here tonight, Gibbons told the audience following the opener Got Me Under Pressure. Got a new guy up here, as you know. Dusty gave me the directive. My friend, your pal, Elwood Francis is gonna hold it down behind me. Later in the show, Gibbons noted (via UCR), How about that Elwood, tearing up that bottom there for Dusty. Gibbons also joked that Francis was in the midst of growing a beard to fit his new role. Francis had served as Hills substitute in recent weeks after Hill left the ZZ Top in order to deal with a hip issue. On July 28th, the band announced that Hill died in his sleep at his home in Houston, Texas at the age of 72. No cause of death was been revealed. ZZ Top were scheduled to perform July 28th, but opted to postpone that gig to get our wits together, Gibbons told Variety in an interview after Hills death. I think everybody was relieved that we had a little bit of time to regroup and think things through. But at the same time, everybody was ready, standing on point. And they said, Come on. You heard Dustys directive as he was bowing out to go off the deck. He turned and pointed and he said, Come on. The show must go on. Gibbons continued, So here we are. [Friday] night, well kind of pick up sticks and carry it on. I may grab his stage hat and throw it over his microphone, and Ill sing one for the Dust. Sign up for Rolling Stone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. STAMFORD Dr. Jennifer Calder, who has headed up Stamfords Department of Health since 2016, has decided not to renew her contract with the city, according to a statement from Mayor David Martins office. Calder, an epidemiologist and veterinarian, is looking to pursue other endeavors, according to Fridays announcement. In the statement, Martin said that Calder courageously led the Department of Health throughout the pandemic, while continuing to manage all of the significant responsibilities of a director of health. Ted Jankowski, the citys director of public safety, health and welfare, added that during her tenure, Calder restructured the health department to provide more efficient health services for the Stamford community. Martin has tapped Jody Bishop-Pullan to serve as acting director of health. The staffing change comes as the state of Connecticut is seeing substantial COVID-19 transmission, and residents are advised to resume wearing masks in indoor public places under the new guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fairfield, Windham and Tolland counties were added Friday to the list of areas with more than 50 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people over a seven-day period. The list already included New Haven, New London and Hartford counties. Press releases from Martins office have referred to Bishop-Pullan as the acting director since at least mid-June, but several requests from The Stamford Advocate for an explanation were not answered. Bishop-Pullan has more than 40 years of experience in public health, according to Fridays statement. She has a masters degree in the subject from Southern Connecticut State University. She also once served as the chairperson of the Norwalk Board of Education. Jody has the precise experience and credentials to successfully lead the Department of Health in Stamford, Martin said. She has been a key figure in the citys leadership team during the ongoing public health emergency and will continue doing a tremendous job at keeping our city healthy and safe in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Henry Yoon, a medical adviser to the city, is supporting Bishop-Pullan amid the pandemic, the release said. Inside Hook Earlier this month, Harvey Weinstein arrived in Los Angeles, where hes set to stand trial on charges for the sexual assault of five women. Weinstein was extradited from New York, where hes in the midst of a 23-year-long prison sentence after being convicted of rape last year. As the Los Angeles Times reported, Weinstein had sought to stop the extradition; his efforts were unsuccessful. At Deadline, Tom Tapp reports that Weinsteins attorneys have made a substantial request of the judge handling the case. They requested that grand jury transcripts and exhibits be sealed. Why? In the filing where they made the request, Weinsteins lawyers stated that the materials in question contain highly personal and invasive details about Mr. Weinsteins medical and psychological history, and even intimate details about his physical body and anatomy. In the same filing, they also argued that a heightened focus and scrutiny on the case would [make] it that much more difficult to find impartial jurors. Weinstein pleaded not guilty in the case earlier this month. This isnt the first significant filing made by the legal team representing Weinstein. Last week, they attempted to get three of the charges against him thrown out. That was unsuccessful, though one of the charges was amended. As NPR reported, Weinstein could face 140 years in prison if convicted. MAZIKOY, Turkey (AP) Wildfires raged near Turkeys holiday beach destinations of Antalya and Mugla and in the surrounding countryside for a fifth day Sunday as the discovery of more bodies raised the death toll to eight while villagers lost their homes and animals. Residents and tourists fled the danger in small boats while the coast guard and two navy ships waited out at sea in case a bigger evacuation was needed. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan salutes with scouts as he arrived to visit wildfires-affected forests in Marmaris, Mugla, Turkey, Saturday, July 31, 2021. Panicked tourists in Turkey hurried to the seashore to wait for rescue boats Saturday after being told to evacuate some hotels in the Aegean resort of Bodrum due to the dangers posed by nearby wildfires, Turkish media reported. The death toll from wildfires raging in Turkey's Mediterranean towns rose to six Saturday after two forest workers were killed, the country's health minister said.(Turkish Presidency via AP, Pool) MAZIKOY, Turkey (AP) Wildfires raged near Turkeys holiday beach destinations of Antalya and Mugla and in the surrounding countryside for a fifth day Sunday as the discovery of more bodies raised the death toll to eight while villagers lost their homes and animals. Residents and tourists fled the danger in small boats while the coast guard and two navy ships waited out at sea in case a bigger evacuation was needed. Fires also enveloped Mugla provinces Mazikoy, and villagers who evacuated were devastated. Farmer Nurten Almaz said she lost everything. I feel so much pain, like I lost a child, she said. The 63-year-old woman lost her animals and her home as well as one century of peoples labor. She called for the death penalty for people who may have caused the fire. Residents had to flee nearby Cokertme village as flames neared. Some got on boats and others left by cars as the fire got closer and closer. In one video, firetrucks and cars were rushing to escape fire raging on all sides. After nightfall, the village looked apocalyptic from a distance, with flames taking over the dark hills. Bodrum mayor Ahmet Aras said Sunday evening that people experienced hell near Cokertme and Mazi as they drove away from the fire. He said the blaze could not be stopped and hoped to protect residential areas but said it was too late for the trees. Wildfires continue to rage the forests in Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey, early Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. The fires in Antalya were continuing overnight in Manavgat and Gundogmus districts. In Bodrum, Mugla, they continued to burn down forests, encroaching on villages and tourist destinations and forcing people to evacuate by boats. (AP Photo) The area was engulfed by Sunday night, Turkish broadcasters said. Reporters said they had to get hurry to safety as the fire intensified with strong winds. Officials said precautions were being taken to protect two thermic power plants in the vicinity and at present the winds were blowing away from the plants. Authorities warned tourists and residents to keep evacuating Turunc, a town in the seaside resort of Marmaris in Mugla province. Fires enveloped the area and strong winds made firefighting efforts more difficult. A helicopter attempted to extinguish the blazes, which were unreachable by land. Aerial firefighting was not possible Sunday night and the fires raged, burning hectares (acres) of forests. Forestry official Mustafa Ozkaya said units continued to fight fires strategically, digging ditches and taking other measures. He said eight planes and 50 helicopters would fly in Mugla on Monday. People watch the wildfires that continue to rage the forests in Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey, early Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. The fires in Antalya were continuing overnight in Manavgat and Gundogmus districts. In Bodrum, Mugla, they continued to burn down forests, encroaching on villages and tourist destinations and forcing people to evacuate by boats. (AP Photo) The European Commission announced it helped mobilized one firefighting Canadair plane from Croatia and two from Spain to aid Turkey. Planes from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran have been helping. Watching from out in the Mediterranean Sea, the area looked a bright orange. As residents of villages around Marmaris pleaded for more help on social media, people boarded small boats carrying suitcases. Others waited anxiously to see if the fire would come down to the shore. Villagers water trees to stop the wildfires that continue to rage the forests in Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey, early Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. The fires in Antalya were continuing overnight in Manavgat and Gundogmus districts. In Bodrum, Mugla, they continued to burn down forests, encroaching on villages and tourist destinations and forcing people to evacuate by boats. (AP Photo) High temperatures and strong winds were making matters worse. Antalya registered 42 degrees Celsius (over 107 degrees Fahrenheit), about 5 to 6 degrees C higher than seasonal averages. Earlier Sunday, police water cannons, usually used to control riots, helped helicopters and fire trucks in Muglas popular district of Bodrum to fight fires. Turkish television showed fires had reignited after being extinguished earlier, with flame and smoke approaching a village. Social media videos showed tourists in Bodrum scampering down streets rolling their luggage to escape the nearby flames. A man watches the wildfires that continue to rage the forests in Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey, early Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. The fires in Antalya were continuing overnight in Manavgat and Gundogmus districts. In Bodrum, Mugla, they continued to burn down forests, encroaching on villages and tourist destinations and forcing people to evacuate by boats. (AP Photo) The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said at least 27 people affected by the fires were still receiving treatment in hospitals while hundreds of others had been released. The minister of forestry and agriculture, Bekir Pakdemirli, said 117 wildfires were under control across Turkey while eight continued. His tweets showed that since Wednesday, wildfires had ignited in 32 provinces. While Turkish authorities say they are investigating whether the fires may have started as sabotage by outlawed Kurdish militants, experts mostly point to climate change along with accidents caused by people. Erdogan said one of the fires was started by children. Villagers water trees to stop the wildfires that continue to rage the forests in Manavgat, Antalya, Turkey, early Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. The fires in Antalya were continuing overnight in Manavgat and Gundogmus districts. In Bodrum, Mugla, they continued to burn down forests, encroaching on villages and tourist destinations and forcing people to evacuate by boats. (AP Photo) A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western Greece, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames. On Sunday afternoon, bathers on an Italian beach south of the Adriatic city of Pescara fled when they spotted towering clouds of smoke and flames from a fire in a nearby pine forest, the Italian news agency LaPresse reported. Several people were reportedly injured when they tried to put out wind-whipped flames that had reached their homes. Local officials told state TV that an elderly home in Pescara had to be evacuated. Meanwhile, in Turkeys eastern Van province, floods over the weekend destroyed at least six houses after a small river overflowed amid heavy rains. Villagers were ordered to leave their homes and climb to higher locations. Bilginsoy reported from Istanbul. Robert Badendieck in Istanbul and Frances DEmilio in Rome contributed to this report. Follow all AP stories about climate change issues at https://apnews.com/hub/Climate. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) A day after it recorded the most new daily cases since the start of the pandemic, Florida on Sunday broke a previous record for current hospitalizations set more than a year ago before vaccines were available. Raquel Heres gets a COVID-19 rapid test to be able to travel overseas, Saturday, July 31, 2021, in North Miami, Fla. Federal health officials say Florida has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) A day after it recorded the most new daily cases since the start of the pandemic, Florida on Sunday broke a previous record for current hospitalizations set more than a year ago before vaccines were available. The Sunshine State had 10,207 people hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to data reported to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The previous record was from July 23, 2020, more than a half-year before vaccinations started becoming widespread, when Florida had 10,170 hospitalizations, according to the Florida Hospital Association. Florida is now leading the nation in per capita hospitalizations for COVID-19, as hospitals around the state report having to put emergency room visitors in beds in hallways and others document a noticeable drop in the age of patients. In the past week, Florida has averaged 1,525 adult hospitalizations a day, and 35 daily pediatric hospitalizations. Both are the highest per capita rate in the nation, according to Jason Salemi, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida. The hospitalizations and increasing cases have come as the new, more transmittable delta variant has spread throughout Florida, and residents have returned to pre-pandemic activities. The recent rise is both striking and not-at-all surprising, Salemi said in an email late Saturday. Federal health data released Saturday showed that Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. Florida's Democratic agriculture commissioner, Nikki Fried, who is seeking to run against DeSantis for governor, on Sunday urged unvaccinated Floridians to get the shots. She said she was heartened by a recent uptick in vaccinations in the state. We are already behind the curve and in a worse spot every time the numbers come out," Fried said at a news conference in Tallahassee. This surge is and will impact every single one of us." Throughout Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami to Tampa, hospitals have become overwhelmed. Barry Burton, the Pinellas County administrator, told the Tampa Bay Times that some local hospitals are already having to divert ambulances to different locations because of capacity concerns. There has been a startling rise in the number of children with the virus at hospitals in Miami, many of them requiring intensive care. Memorial Healths Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital in Hollywood had seven patients with COVID-19. At Nicklaus Childrens Hospital in Miami, there were 17 patients with COVID-19 on Friday, including six in the ICU and one who needed a ventilator, Dr. Marcos Mestre, vice president and chief medical officer, told the Miami Herald. About half of the patients were under 12, Mestre said, and the rest were older and eligible for the vaccine. But none of the patients with COVID-19 at Nicklaus Childrens on Friday were vaccinated. Most children who get COVID-19 do not need hospitalization, Mestre said. In the state capital, COVID-19 hospitalizations reached 70 patients on Sunday at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, a jump of 11 people in two days. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. This is the most weve ever had, Stephanie Derzypolski, a hospital spokeswoman, told the Tallahassee Democrat. The Mayo Clinic hospital in Jacksonville said it had exceeded its capacity of 304 licensed beds due to COVID-19 cases and asked the Agency for Health Care Administration for permission to operate overcapacity until the current surge ends, First Coast News in Jacksonville reported Sunday. At the UF Health North hospital emergency room in Jacksonville, COVID-19 patients once again were being put in beds in hallways due to a surge in visits. For many hospital workers, up until a month ago, it looked like there was light at the end of the tunnel, as people got vaccinated and hospitalizations decreased. But then the summer surge, powered by the new delta variant, hit Florida in July. That light did turn out to be a train in this case, Marsha Tittle, a nursing manager at UF Health North, told The Florida Times Union. Were taking more patients than we normally would take. ... My staff is wonderful. You walk out there, theyre going to have smiles on their faces and theyre doing a great job. But theres a sense of defeat, like theyre just defeated. This story has been corrected to reflect hospitalizations broke 10,000-person threshold, not 1,000-person threshold. Soon after Jeff Bezos returned from the edge of space, the billionaire-turned-astronaut delivered a warning to everyone he had briefly left behind on Earth. Soon after Jeff Bezos returned from the edge of space, the billionaire-turned-astronaut delivered a warning to everyone he had briefly left behind on Earth. "We live on this beautiful planet," Amazon.com Inc.s founder and, until recently, chief executive said last week. "When you get up there and you see it, you see how tiny it is and how fragile it is. "We need to take all heavy industry, all polluting industry, and move it into space and keep Earth as this beautiful gem of a planet that it is." Its a familiar sentiment from the worlds richest man, whos made environmentalism a central part of his public image. At an Amazon summit last year, he said people who deny the reality of human-caused climate change are "not being reasonable." Yet on the e-commerce platform he built, a very different message is being sold and getting boosted by the companys own algorithms. New research from the non-profit investigative group Advance Democracy has revealed that Amazon.coms main search function the "Sort by: Featured" display option, which is the default way Amazon filters its enormous catalogue of products when customers go looking for something gives prominent real estate to books that downplay or outright deny the reality of climate change. Advance Democracy found that 20 per cent of the top 60 search results for "climate change" returned products containing misinformation about climate change, including three of the first four sponsored results in the main product list. The non-profit also found advertisements for climate-denialist books on the product pages of more scientifically sound climate texts. For instance, the "products related to this item" list underneath Bill Gates How to Avoid a Climate Disaster included a sponsored link to Exploding the Myths of Climate Change: A Deniers Viewpoint. Under Mike Berners-Lees There Is No Planet B was an ad for Climate Miracle: There is no climate crisis, Nature controls climate. The Times independently confirmed that climate-denialist books appear among the top Amazon results for generic searches such as "climate," "climate change," and "global warming," as well as on the product pages of mainstream climatological texts. Advance Democracy said it conducted its research while using a virtual private network and not logged into an Amazon account in an attempt to ensure that the algorithms recommendations wouldnt be customized based on who was doing the research. Amazon says it displays sponsored products based on their relevance to a users search. Advance Democracys findings show "that climate change misinformation is prevalent, and even being promoted, on e-commerce sites," Daniel Jones, the organizations president, told The Times in a written statement. "Just this week, Amazon released a press release encouraging more companies to take action on climate change, while at the same time the platform is profiting (from) and promoting climate change denialism on its platform." Jones a former Senate staffer who rose to national prominence for his investigation of the CIAs use of torture during the war on terror as portrayed by Adam Driver in the 2019 film The Report added that "the fact that if you search climate... climate misinformation immediately comes up is outrageous." Jerome Adamstein / Los Angeles Times Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has made the fight against climate change a core part of his public image, but research shows that the e-commerce platform he founded still gives climate-change deniers a major platform. In response to Advance Democracys concerns, an Amazon spokesperson said the e-commerce giant is "committed to providing a positive experience for our customers" and that "similar to other stores that sell books, we provide our customers with access to a variety of viewpoints." "Our shopping and discovery tools are not designed to generate results oriented to a specific point of view," the spokesperson said in an email, adding that "featured" results are chosen based on a variety of factors, including customer behaviour, product information and item availability. This is a familiar refrain for the company. Facing accusations that its algorithm prioritized Amazon Basics products over alternative third-party options, Amazon told the Atlantic, "We feature the products customers will want." But the idea that algorithms are neutral, impartial tools is a contested one. Over the last few years, more and more critics have warned that the computer systems helping to filter our news, screen our employees and sentence our criminals may be rife with unseen biases. Content-ranking algorithms of the sort used to curate social-media feeds favour content that elicits a strong emotional response, including conspiracy theories, research has shown. Amazon has previously come under fire for pushing readers who searched "vaccine" toward anti-vaccine literature and it isnt alone. YouTube has found itself in hot water for algorithmically promoting climate change misinformation, and Advance Democracy has made similar criticisms of eBay as it does Amazon. "14 per cent of eBays top search results for climate change are for products containing misleading information about climate change," such as the book Climate Bogeyman: The Criminal Insanity of Warming / Climate Change Hoax, the organization wrote. Amazon and Bezos both have a mixed history when it comes to environmentalism. In February 2020, Bezos committed to spending US$10 billion on the fight against climate change; he has since set 2030 as the deadline for dispensing all of that money. Additionally, Amazon has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040, worked to transition its delivery fleet away from fossil fuels and co-founded a "Climate Pledge" that encourages companies to de-carbonize their work and regularly report their greenhouse gas emissions. The company accounts for an estimated 40 per cent of all American e-commerce. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. But those efforts stand in contrast to both Amazons environmental impact its carbon footprint grew 19 per cent in 2020 and its actions, including firing two employees who were leading an "Amazon Employees for Climate Justice" group, providing cloud computing services to fossil fuel companies and donating to political candidates who have questioned or downplayed the threat of climate change. Amazons algorithmic promotion of books that muddy the waters of the climate crisis is another strand in that web of contradictions. "Algorithms are killing the climate," said Jamie Henn, the director of the climate advocacy groups Fossil Free Media and Clean Creatives. "The impact that Amazon has on society isnt just in its factories and trucks driving around our neighbourhoods, its in the way that it shapes or warps the way people see the world." For Amazon users, that could mean seeing a version of the world at odds with what climate scientists and Jeff Bezos himself agree is actually happening. Los Angeles Times TORONTO - Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week: BCE Inc. logo is shown at the company's annual general meeting in Montreal, Thursday, May 6, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes TORONTO - Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week: Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Insurers' earnings:Great-West Lifeco will kick off the major insurers Q2 earnings on Tuesday, followed by Manulife and Sun Life on Wednesday. A Great-West subsidiary recently signed a $4.45-billion deal to buy Prudential Financial Inc.'s retirement business, as the company aims to deepen its presence in the U.S. market. BCE results:BCE Inc. will hold a Q2 earnings conference call on Thursday. The telecom company, along with rivals Rogers Communications and Telus, recently purchased hundreds of licences for a key band of 5G wireless spectrum from the federal government, which auctioned off $8.9 billion in spectrum. Magna update:Magna International Inc. will hold a Q2 conference call on Friday. The Ontario-based auto parts manufacturer recently inked a deal to acquire Swedish automotive safety technology firm Veoneer for US$3.8 billion as part of its goal of becoming a global leader in advanced driver assistance technology. July jobs numbers:Statistics Canada is scheduled to release its Labour Force Survey for July on Friday. The agency previously reported that the economy added 230,700 jobs in June all of them part-time as restrictions put in place to slow the pandemic were rolled back across the country. Western Forest earnings:Western Forest Products will hold a Q2 earnings call on Friday. Rivals Resolute Forest Products and West Fraser Timber Co. both reported strong earnings last week, thanks in part to soaring lumber prices resulting from a boom in home renovation projects. This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 1, 2021. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The United States and the United Kingdom joined Israel on Sunday in alleging Iran carried out a fatal drone strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, putting further pressure on Tehran as it denied being involved in the assault. In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, sailors assigned to an explosive ordnance unit board an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to head to an oil tanker that was attacked off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea on Friday, July 30, 2021. An attack on an oil tanker linked to an Israeli billionaire killed two crew members off Oman in the Arabian Sea, authorities said Friday, marking the first fatalities after years of assaults targeting shipping in the region. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Quinton A. Lee/U.S. Navy, via AP) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The United States and the United Kingdom joined Israel on Sunday in alleging Iran carried out a fatal drone strike on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea, putting further pressure on Tehran as it denied being involved in the assault. Calling it a "unlawful and callous attack," British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said his country and its allies planned a coordinated response over the strike Thursday night on the oil tanker Mercer Street. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken soon followed, saying there was "no justification for this attack, which follows a pattern of attacks and other belligerent behavior." The strike on the Mercer Street marked the first-known fatal attack after years of assaults on commercial shipping in the region linked to tensions with Iran over its tattered nuclear deal. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, Iran and its militia allies have used so-called "suicide" drones in attacks previously, which crash into targets and detonate their explosive payloads. However, Israel, the U.K. and the responding U.S. Navy have yet to show physical evidence from the strike or offer intelligence information on why they blame Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett went further than Raab in remarks Sunday at a Cabinet meeting, making a point to stare directly into the camera and slowly warn: "We know, at any rate, know how to convey the message to Iran in our own way." In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, sailors on board an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan prepare to head to an oil tanker that was attacked off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea on Friday, July 30, 2021. An attack on an oil tanker linked to an Israeli billionaire killed two crew members off Oman in the Arabian Sea, authorities said Friday, marking the first fatalities after years of assaults targeting shipping in the region. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Quinton A. Lee/U.S. Navy, via AP) The drone attack blasted a hole through the top of the oil tankers bridge, where the captain and crew command the vessel, a U.S. official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as an investigation into the attack still was ongoing. The blast killed two crew members from the United Kingdom and Romania. The Navy said the American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and the guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher escorted the Mercer Street as it headed to a safe port. On Sunday, satellite-tracking information from MarineTraffic.com showed the tanker stopped off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. In his statement, Raab said it was "highly likely" Iran attacked the tanker with one or more drones. "We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted and a clear violation of international law by Iran," he said. "Iran must end such attacks, and vessels must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law." Blinken similarly described the U.S. as "confident" Iran carried out the attack, using multiple drones. "These actions threaten freedom of navigation through this crucial waterway, international shipping and commerce, and the lives of those on the vessels involved," he said in a statement. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attends a cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP) Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh described the allegation Iran carried out the attack as "baseless." "Its not the first time that the Zionist regime occupying Jerusalem has made such empty accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran," Khatibzadeh said. "Wherever this regime has gone, it has taken instability, terror and violence with it." He added: "Whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind." Khatibzadeh spoke around an hour after Irans outgoing president acknowledged that his government at times "did not tell part of the truth" to the public during his term. From Jerusalem, Bennett offered condolences to both the United Kingdom and Romania for the killing of their citizens. He said Israeli intelligence had evidence linking Iran to the attack, but did not offer it. "Iran is the one who carried out the attack against the ship," he said. "Irans aggressive behavior is dangerous not only for Israel, but harms global interests in the freedom of navigation and international trade." Other Israel-linked ships have been targeted in recent months as well amid a shadow war between the two nations, with Israeli officials blaming the Islamic Republic for the assaults. Shipping in the region began being targeted in the summer of 2019, about a year after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from Iran's nuclear deal with world powers. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Israel meanwhile has been suspected of conducting a series of major attacks in Iran and on Iranian shipping. Also, Iran saw its largest warship recently sink under mysterious circumstances in the nearby Gulf of Oman. The Mercer Street, owned by Japan's Taihei Kaiun Co., is managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofers Zodiac Group. In early July, the Liberian-flagged container ship CSAV Tyndall, once tied to Zodiac Maritime, suffered an unexplained explosion on board while in the northern Indian Ocean, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The attack marks the first major confrontation with Iran for Bennett, who took over as premier in June after a coalition deal unseated Israels long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu is suspected of launching a series of attacks targeting Iran, including explosions at the countrys main enrichment site and the killing of a prominent military nuclear scientist. However, Bennett as well has made hawkish comments in the past about needing to attack "the head of the octopus" in Tehran as opposed to Irans regional militias like Hezbollah in Lebanon. The attack on the Mercer Street marks the first during his time as prime minister and analysts suggest he could seek a major attack in retaliation. "Israel may wish to deliver a resounding blow; thats the spirit of political sources comments in Jerusalem," wrote Amos Harel, a longtime military analyst for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. "This blow will be aimed at ending things without a tit-for-tat that could escalate. But as usual, events also depend on the other side." Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Ilan Ben Zion and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. BANGKOK (AP) Six months after seizing power from the elected government, Myanmars military leader on Sunday declared himself prime minister and said he would lead the country under the extended state of emergency until elections are held in about two years. FILE - In this June 23, 2021, file photo, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivers his speech at the IX Moscow conference on international security in Moscow, Russia. Six months after seizing power from the elected government, Myanmars military leader on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021, repeated his pledge to hold fresh elections in two years and cooperate with Southeast Asian nations on finding a political solution for his country. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool) BANGKOK (AP) Six months after seizing power from the elected government, Myanmars military leader on Sunday declared himself prime minister and said he would lead the country under the extended state of emergency until elections are held in about two years. We must create conditions to hold a free and fair multiparty general election," Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said during a recorded televised address. "We have to make preparations. I pledge to hold the multiparty general election without fail. He said the state of emergency will achieve its objectives by August 2023. In a separate announcement, the military government named itself the caretaker government and Min Aung Hlaing the prime minister. The state of emergency was declared when troops moved against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, an action the generals said was permitted under the military-authored 2008 constitution. The military claimed her landslide victory in last years national elections was achieved through massive voter fraud but offered no credible evidence. The military government officially annulled the election results last Tuesday and appointed a new election commission to take charge of the polls. The military takeover was met with massive public protests that has resulted in a lethal crackdown by security forces who routinely fire live ammunition into crowds. As of Sunday, 939 people have been killed by the authorities since Feb. 1, according to a tally kept by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Casualties are also rising among the military and police as armed resistance grows in both urban and rural areas. Moves by The Association of Southeast Asian Nations to broker a dialogue between the military government and its opponents have stalled after an agreement at an April summit in Jakarta to appoint a special envoy for Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing said that among the three nominees, Thailand's former Deputy Foreign Minister Virasakdi Futrakul was selected as the envoy. "But for various reasons, new proposals were released and we could not keep moving onwards. I would like to say that Myanmar is ready to work on ASEAN cooperation within the ASEAN framework, including the dialogue with the ASEAN special envoy in Myanmar, he said. ASEAN foreign ministers were expected to discuss Myanmar in virtual meetings this week hosted by Brunei, the current chair of the 10-nation bloc. Myanmar is also struggling with its worst COVID-19 outbreak that has overwhelmed its already crippled health care system. Limitations on oxygen sales have led to widespread allegations that the military is directing supplies to government supporters and military-run hospitals. At the same time, medical workers have been targeted by authorities after spearheading a civil disobedience movement that urged professionals and civil servants not to cooperate with the government. Min Aung Hlaing blamed the publics mistrust in the militarys efforts to control the outbreak on fake news and misinformation via social networks, and accused those behind it of using COVID-19 as a tool of bioterrorism. PHOENIX Health officials in Arizona on Sunday reported more than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases for the second consecutive day. FILE - In this Wednesday, July 28, 2021 file photo, a man shows a sign shaped like a Star of David reading in Italian "They want us like this" during a protest against the COVID-19 vaccination pass in Turin, Italy. Shouts of liberty have echoed through Italian and French streets and squares as thousands show their opposition to plans to require vaccination cards to continue normal social activities, like dining indoors at restaurants, visiting museums or cheering home teams in stadiums. (Marco Alpozzi/LaPresse via AP, File) PHOENIX Health officials in Arizona on Sunday reported more than 2,000 new COVID-19 cases for the second consecutive day. They say the 2,306 new cases and five additional deaths pushed the states totals to 929,541 cases and 18,251 known deaths since the pandemic began more than a year ago. Arizona had reported 2,066 new cases and 22 deaths on Saturday, the highest daily total since early March. The numbers have been quickly climbing with 1,759 cases and 15 deaths reported Thursday and 1,965 cases and 24 deaths reported Saturday. Public health officials in the state and elsewhere attribute the worsening spread to the very contagious delta variant and low vaccination rates. People stage a protest against the COVID-19 vaccination pass in Rome, Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Italy's government approved a decree ordering the use of the so-called "green" passes starting on Aug. 6. To be eligible for a pass, individuals must prove they have received at least one vaccine dose in the last nine months, recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months or tested negative in the previous 48 hours. (Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse via AP) MORE ON THE PANDEMIC: Eviction crisis in pandemic leads to greater tenant protections Europe's vaccine passes reveal some pockets of resistance A pandemic Olympics, without all the crowds: What gets lost? German Chancellor Angela Merkel, looks on, as she holds her annual summer news conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, July 22, 2021. (Wolfgang Kumm/dpa via AP) U.S. memorials to victims of COVID-19 are taking shape In West Africa, rising cases finally brings demand for vaccinations Find more AP coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine HERES WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: Top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci responds to accusations by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., as he testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Cases of COVID-19 have tripled over the past three weeks, and hospitalizations and deaths are rising among unvaccinated people. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, Pool) COLUMBIA, S.C. The University of South Carolina is requiring students to wear masks indoors this fall as the spread of COVID-19 has sped up across the state. School officials said that masks are again required inside campus buildings given Richland Countys high coronavirus transmission rate. The announcement follows recently updated federal guidance that calls for mask-wearing indoors regardless of vaccination status in areas where the delta variant is rapidly spreading. Young adults have the lowest vaccination rate across age groups in South Carolina. But public colleges and universities in South Carolina cant require students to get inoculated after lawmakers banned schools from making the vaccine a condition of enrollment. Kashmiri shopkeepers wearing face masks as a precaution against the coronavirus wait for customer outside their shop in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan) ORLANDO, Fla. A day after it recorded the most new daily cases since the start of the pandemic, Florida on Sunday broke its previous record for current hospitalizations, set more than a year ago. The Sunshine State had 10,207 people hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to data reported to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The previous record was from July 23, 2020, more than a half-year before vaccinations started becoming widespread. Florida then had 10,170 hospitalizations, according to the Florida Hospital Association. Florida is now leading the nation in per capita hospitalizations for COVID-19, as hospitals around the state report having to put emergency room visitors in beds in hallways and others document a noticeable drop in the age of patients. Top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci responds to accusations by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., as he testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Cases of COVID-19 have tripled over the past three weeks, and hospitalizations and deaths are rising among unvaccinated people. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, Pool) In the past week, Florida has averaged 1,525 adult hospitalizations a day, and 35 daily pediatric hospitalizations. Both are the highest per capita rate in the nation, according to Jason Salemi, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida. BERLIN Thousands turned out in Berlin on Sunday to protest the German governments anti-coronavirus measures despite a ban on the gatherings, leading to clashes with police and around 500 arrests. Local authorities had banned several different protests this weekend, including one from the Stuttgart-based Querdenker movement, but protesters in Berlin defied the ban. Berlins police department deployed more than 2,000 officers to try and disperse the protests, but it said officers who sought to redirect protesters or disband larger groups were harassed and attacked. Top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci responds to accusations by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., as he testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Cases of COVID-19 have tripled over the past three weeks, and hospitalizations and deaths are rising among unvaccinated people. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, Pool) They tried to break through the police cordon and pull out our colleagues, Berlin police said, adding that officers had to use irritants and batons. Germany eased many of its coronavirus restrictions in May, including reopening restaurants and bars. Still, many activities, such as dining indoors at restaurants or staying in a hotel, require proof that an individual is either fully vaccinated, has recovered from the virus or can show proof of a recent negative coronavirus test. ROME The Italian region that includes Rome says its website has been hacked, making it temporarily impossible for residents to sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Lazio regional Health Commissioner Alessio DAmato told state TV that the very powerful hacking attack began just after midnight and that by early Sunday evening it was still crippling the website. He said those scheduled to receive the vaccine on Sunday would still get the injection, but that the process would be slow since all data for now must be recorded by hand. Police arrest a demonstrator at an unannounced demonstration at the Victory Column, in Berlin, Sunday Aug. 1, 2021, during a protest against coronavirus restrictions. Hundreds have turned out in Berlin to protest the German governments anti-coronavirus measures despite a ban on the gatherings, leading to arrests and clashes with police. (Fabian Sommer/dpa via AP) So far, some 70% of Lazio residents 12 years or older and eligible for the vaccine have been vaccinated. Nationally, 60% of Italys residents have been vaccinated. WASHINGTON -- The director of the National Institutes of Health says federal guidance urging vaccinated people to wear masks indoors in communities of high COVID-19 spread is aimed at mostly protecting the unvaccinated and immunocompromised. Dr. Francis Collins tells CNNs State of the Union that mask mandates can help as virus infections spike higher in parts of the U.S. because studies show vaccinated people can spread the virus to others. But he stressed Sunday that masks are no substitute for getting a shot, which work extremely well and reduce a persons risk of serious illness and hospitalization by 25-fold, including the delta variant. A demonstrator walks through Berlin-Charlottenburg with a plastic bucket placed on his head reading 'Absolutely safe against the stupidity virus', in Berlin, Sunday Aug. 1, 2021, during a protest against coronavirus restrictions. Hundreds have turned out in Berlin to protest the German governments anti-coronavirus measures despite a ban on the gatherings, leading to arrests and clashes with police. (Fabian Sommer/dpa via AP) Collins warns that right now the virus is having a pretty big party in the middle of the country but the silver lining is that more people are now getting the shot. He says businesses may need to step up to require vaccinations, and that a case can be made for airlines to consider them as well for passengers. In recent days, Disney and Walmart have asked their employees to be vaccinated. WASHINGTON Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, is warning of some pain and suffering in the future as coronavirus cases continue to rise. Fauci, speaking on ABCs This Week on Sunday, said he doesnt foresee more lockdowns in the U.S., but warned that the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic will continue to get worse because so many Americans are still unvaccinated. While this week the nation saw a surge in Americans getting the shot, as coronavirus cases rise driven largely by the more infectious delta variant, still only about 60% of Americans are fully vaccinated. People dance swing on the rhythms of a live band by the restaurant Le Marcounet, in Paris, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. The sanitary pass, which proves someone has been vaccinated or recently done a test or recovered from Covid-19, will be mandatory in bars and restaurants, cultural venues of more than 50 people, museums, shopping malls and for long distance travels. (AP Photo/Adrienne Surprenant) Fauci argued that the unvaccinated are affecting others because theyre allowing the propagation and the spread of the outbreak, and pushed back against critics who say whether to get the shot is an individual decision. Fauci said that those who choose not to get vaccinated are actually impacting the rights of Americans particularly prone to infection because theyre encroaching on their individual rights by making them vulnerable. BERLIN Germanys government will recommend offering the coronavirus vaccine for all 12- to 17-year-olds on Monday, according to a draft resolution ahead of a planned meeting of state-level health ministers. They also plan to offer boosters to high-risk individuals starting in September. The draft report from the Ministry of Health, obtained by the German press agency dpa and first reported by the newspaper Bild am Sonntag, said all states will begin offering appointments at vaccination centers for youths. The European Medicines Agency approved the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year olds in May, and Modernas vaccine in late July. Still, Germanys vaccine commission had thus far only recommended high-risk youths under 18 be vaccinated, citing a lack of data on vaccine safety in this age group. The high-level report would put pressure on the vaccine commission to formally recommend shots for those under 18. The commission recently has been criticized for delaying such a step. In addition, German states will expand their low-threshold vaccination opportunities for young adults at universities and training centers. This can make a significant contribution to a safe start for teaching and learning after the summer holidays, the draft says. For high-risk individuals, including immunocompromised people and the elderly, a third vaccine dose will be available beginning this fall. More than 61% of the German population has received at least one dose of vaccine and 52% are fully vaccinated. LONDON Restaurants, ride-hailing apps and food delivery services are backing Britains COVID-19 vaccination drive, offering discounts and even free slices of pizza to persuade young people to roll up their sleeves and get the shot. The program, announced Sunday by the Department of Health and Social Care, is designed to boost the vaccination rate among adults under 30 as Britain races to inoculate as many people as possible before colder weather arrives. While more than 90% of adults in Britain have received at least one dose of vaccine, the rate for people between the ages of 18 and 30 is about 60%, according to government statistics. As he thanked businesses for helping out, Health Secretary Sajid Javid urged people to take advantage of the discounts. Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the brands to offer incentives. MONTREAL - Newly elected Kanesatake Grand Chief Victor Bonspille says he wants to bring positive change in the Kanien'keha:ka (Mohawk) community, west of Montreal. MONTREAL - Newly elected Kanesatake Grand Chief Victor Bonspille says he wants to bring positive change in the Kanien'keha:ka (Mohawk) community, west of Montreal. Bonspille was elected as the Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake early Sunday. The election was held Saturday, more than a month after being delayed due to COVID-19, and the results came in early Sunday morning. "I will be celebrating with a cup of coffee and then by going to bed," Bonspille said in an interview with The Canadian Press. Bonspille defeated Serge Otsi Simon who held the title for 10 years, by an official count of 368 votes to 283. "In some ways, its a big weight off my back," Simon said. "Ten years of this, all of this sudden, its over. Its a bit liberating." Simon was first elected grand chief in 2011. Kanesatake has since seen a rise in cannabis dispensaries and criminal activities on its territory, which had raised concerns and prompted calls for the creation of a local police force. More recently, on July 1, Arsene Mompoint, 47, with alleged links to street gangs and organized crime, was shot in broad daylight outside The Green Room, a cannabis dispensary in Kanesatake. Bonspille's electoral campaign denounced the lack of consultation and transparency from the outgoing grand chief a criticism which Simon said he wished he could have handled better. "I could have consulted better during those years, I always held my community meetings but with COVID-19 we couldn't have them, and people got frustrated," Simon said. Bonspille said he intends to do things differently. "Its going to be a group and community effort," he said. "We have a lot of work to do, a lot of repairs, then we will take it from there and work on positive change for Kanesatake." Fourteen candidates were also running for a position on the Mohawk Council of Kanesatake. Amy Beauvais, Jeremy Teiawenniserahte Tomlinson, Denise David, John Canatonquin, Brant Etienne and Valerie Bonspille were also elected as the new chiefs of the Mohawk council. "I look forward to working toward bringing the people back to the political table and facilitating some important dialogue that needs to happen for our people to move forward," newly elected Council Chief Tomlinson said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Aug. 1, 2021. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said Bonspille defeated Serge Otsi Simon who withheld the title for 10 years. MONTREAL - Quebec lifted further COVID-19 restrictions across the province on Sunday, including extending closing times for bars and restaurants, and increasing capacities for gatherings. A masked server pours a drink out for customers at a restaurant in Montreal, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. Quebec is lifting further COVID-19 restrictions as of today, including bars and restaurants closing times and sports, festivals capacities. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes MONTREAL - Quebec lifted further COVID-19 restrictions across the province on Sunday, including extending closing times for bars and restaurants, and increasing capacities for gatherings. The health ministry announced the latest relaxed COVID-19 measures for the beginning of August on July 26. Quebecers are now allowed to drink alcohol in bars and restaurants until 1 a.m., gaining an additional hour from the previous restrictions set at midnight. Indoor venues and stadiums can now seat 7,500 people, with a maximum of 500 per section, and outdoor festivals can have up to 15,000 with pre-assigned seats. The Montreal Alouettes football team was among the first in the sports community to respond with joy when the announcement came last week, saying they were "extremely pleased" and that it would "allow the team to host up to 15,000 fans at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium." Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The Alouettes will play their first game of the season Aug. 27 against the Hamilton Tiger Cats. "The team and public health have worked hand in hand to put a plan in place, which will allow the Alouettes to safely host fans," the team said in a news release last week. The city's soccer team, CF Montreal, also announced they were hosting home games at Saputo Stadium with fans in all sections, starting on Aug. 4 in a match against Atlanta United. Indoor and outdoor public gatherings, including houses of worship, amateur sporting events and ceremony halls are also part of the latest relaxations. Indoor public events can have up to 250 people while 500 people are permitted at outdoor public gatherings. Quebec is, however, maintaining mandatory masks and social distancing in enclosed public spaces and transit. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Aug. 1, 2021. Parched earth, persistent heat and piddling rainfall over the past four weeks has made for the driest July in Winnipeg in nearly 150 years. Parched earth, persistent heat and piddling rainfall over the past four weeks has made for the driest July in Winnipeg in nearly 150 years. While the team at Environment and Climate Change Canada was still finalizing the numbers on Saturday, meteorologist Justin Shelley said Winnipeg received just 8.5 millimetres of precipitation in the month of July, compared to the 30 year average of 79.5 millimetres. "Based on the available data we have, it looks like it is going to be the driest July on record," Shelley said in a phone interview with the Free Press on Saturday. "And thats with 148 years of data." Throughout most regions in Manitoba, precipitation levels have been below average in the past month, leading to an extreme drought in the Pembina Valley area and making for tinder dry conditions with more than 150 wildfires currently burning in the province. In the capital city, the 8.5 millimetres of precipitation recorded in July is the lowest since 2011 when the previous record of 9.6 millimetres was set. The third lowest precipitation level on record since 1873 was set in 2006. Shelley said the remaining record low precipitation levels were set between 1875 and 1925. In July 2020 another hot, dry season for Manitoba Winnipeg received 39.2 millimetres of precipitation. "I dont know if theres enough there to necessarily say theres a trend, per se," Shelley said. "But it does look like we are seeing some drier conditions within the last 20 to 25 years for the month of July." Shelley said the record low precipitation level in Winnipeg can be attributed to the heat dome that settled over the region in early July and climate change, which will continue to lead to more extreme weather. "This year was pretty extraordinary across western Canada in terms of heat and drought," Shelley said, adding it wasnt just the heat dome that led to low precipitation levels. The sun glows red behind a smoke filled sky behind the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Saturday morning. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press) "Weve had multiple events in a row where weve had really hot conditions without a lot of precipitation, and it even looks like its going to continue into next week as well." Shelley explained that a heat dome creates a large upper ridge of pressure in the atmosphere which then produces hot, sinking air that eliminates much of the precipitation as it moves toward the ground. "You need an unstable atmosphere so air is able to rise and condense and form precipitation, but with these weather patterns in place you actually have the opposite happening, which suppresses precipitation," Shelley said. "You can get systems and some precipitation along the edge of the ridge but once you're in the middle of it, it really just keeps things clear and dry, or I guess this year, smoky and dry." Shelley said current forecasts predict dry conditions to persist in Winnipeg through the first week of August, and while its difficult to say with certainty when the city may see significant or sustained rainfall, the outlook does not contain much in the way of relief. "Southern Manitoba looks to be above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation for the month of August," Shelley said. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The continued dry spell can also fuel itself as arid land diminishes the likelihood of storms developing. "That can inhibit thunderstorm activity from occurring," Shelley said. "When we have these extended periods of hot and dry conditions, youre not adding any moisture to help aid in those thunderstorm developments in the future." Shelley said a rain system may move through the Winnipeg region mid-week but is unlikely to bring the widespread, prolonged moisture required to improve the precipitation deficit. "Its been a rough season so far in terms of drought and unfortunately it looks like thats going to continue," Shelley said. danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca The Mennonite Central Committee supported an Indigenous boarding home thats under investigation by the Saskatchewan RCMP. The Mennonite Central Committee supported an Indigenous boarding home thats under investigation by the Saskatchewan RCMP. The Mounties say a complaint was made in 2020 about a death that potentially occurred at the Timber Bay Childrens Home in 1974. At the time, the home was operated by the Brethren in Christ Church, (now called the Be in Christ Church), with support from Winnipeg-based MCC. The group supplied volunteers for the home, which housed Metis, First Nations and non-Indigenous children, from across Canada from 1973 to 1990. The Home served as a school until 1969, when a school opened in Timber Bay and students went to that school. Some also went to a reserve school at nearby Montreal Lake First Nation. No charges have been laid. In a statement, MCC Canada executive director Rick Cober Bauman said, "We lament the pain experienced by residential school survivors and intergenerational survivors. We are committed to walking alongside Indigenous Peoples seeking justice and will co-operate fully with any investigations." Given the legal status of the case, Cober Bauman said MCC was unable to provide further comment. Although the Roman Catholic, United and Anglican churches operated most of the residential schools in Canada, Mennonites were involved in a few of them. According to Mennonite Church Canada, Mennonites became involved with residential schools during the Second World War when Mennonite conscientious objectors were placed as teachers in day and residential schools in Manitoba. From 1948 to 1968 Mennonites operated day schools at Pauingassi and Bloodvein in Manitoba, and in Alberta. For 24 years, from 19621989, the Northern Lights Gospel Mission, a Mennonite organization based in the U.S., operated three residential schools in northwestern Ontario at Poplar Hill, Stirland Lake and Crystal Lake. In 1997 the mission, which was renamed Impact North Ministries, apologized to Indigenous people for its role in residential schools. It apologized again in 2013. In 2014, MCC expressed regret for "our part in the assimilation practice that took away language use and cultural practice, separated child from parent, parent from child, and Indigenous peoples from their culture." "We are aware that we have a long path to walk," it added. "We hope to build relationships with First Nations communities so that we can continue this learning journey and walk this path together." faith@freepress.mb.ca A 19-year-old man is recovering in hospital from a gunshot wound, two teens are in custody, and an 18-year-old remained at large Saturday after a shooting near the Dakota Community Centre on Friday night. A 19-year-old man is recovering in hospital from a gunshot wound, two teens are in custody, and an 18-year-old remained at large Saturday after a shooting near the Dakota Community Centre on Friday night. Winnipeg Police issued a request for public assistance in locating Carlin Dare on Saturday afternoon, stating the 18-year-old was one of three accused in a shooting that happened outside the St. Vital recreation complex around 1:30 a.m. on July 30. Carlin Dare (Police / Handout) Dare was considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by the public, police said in a release. He was described as weighing 220 pounds and measuring six-feet-one. Police said the 19-year-old victim was rushed to hospital by people he knew who were also on the grounds of the community centre campus at the time of the shooting. He was in stable condition as of Saturday afternoon. A witness who spoke with the Free Press on the condition of anonymity said about six people gathered in a lot next to the Dakota Park forest that night to try and clear the air over a dispute between two groups. The exchange quickly turned violent when two of the people in attendance revealed they were armed, the witness said, and at least one shot was fired before the victim and the people he was with fled the area to seek medical attention. Police said officers arrested two male youths at the scene, both of whom are facing charges related to the incident. One of the accused is charged with two counts of possessing a weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, and aggravated assault. The second accused is facing a charge of aggravated assault. Winnipeg police were unable to provide further details about the incident on Saturday. Parts of the community centre campus that were closed during the investigation were opened late Friday, police noted. Michele Augert, chief executive officer of the Dakota Community Centre and Jonathan Toews Sportsplex, said the incident is disturbing to everyone in the community and staff at the centre did not personally know the victim or the three accused. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The campus is also home to College Jean Sauve, the Dakota Splash Park and the Louis Riel Library. "We have involved the police on multiple occasions after vandalism, damage, graffiti and upset neighbours have complained about these groups that have moved in late at night, particularly during the pandemic," Augert said in a statement to the Free Press. "The Dakota Park campus is large and houses a forest, green spaces as well as several tenants in addition to the community centre... all have concerns regarding the activity that moves into the park and our outside spaces after hours and have shared (them) with police and city councillors." "What happens, even in the dark hours of the night, leaves all of us with a concern for our neighborhood safety and the well-being of our cherished community spaces after business hours," Augert said. Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to contact the major crimes unit at 204-986-6219, 911, or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477. danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) A day after it recorded the most new daily cases since the start of the pandemic, Florida on Sunday broke a previous record for current hospitalizations set more than a year ago before vaccines were available. Raquel Heres gets a COVID-19 rapid test to be able to travel overseas, Saturday, July 31, 2021, in North Miami, Fla. Federal health officials say Florida has reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the state's highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The state has become the new national epicenter for the virus, accounting for around a fifth of all new cases in the U.S. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) A day after it recorded the most new daily cases since the start of the pandemic, Florida on Sunday broke a previous record for current hospitalizations set more than a year ago before vaccines were available. The Sunshine State had 10,207 people hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to data reported to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The previous record was from July 23, 2020, more than a half-year before vaccinations started becoming widespread, when Florida had 10,170 hospitalizations, according to the Florida Hospital Association. Florida is now leading the nation in per capita hospitalizations for COVID-19, as hospitals around the state report having to put emergency room visitors in beds in hallways and others document a noticeable drop in the age of patients. In the past week, Florida has averaged 1,525 adult hospitalizations a day, and 35 daily pediatric hospitalizations. Both are the highest per capita rate in the nation, according to Jason Salemi, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida. The hospitalizations and increasing cases have come as the new, more transmittable delta variant has spread throughout Florida, and residents have returned to pre-pandemic activities. The recent rise is both striking and not-at-all surprising, Salemi said in an email late Saturday. Federal health data released Saturday showed that Florida reported 21,683 new cases of COVID-19, the states highest one-day total since the start of the pandemic. The latest numbers were recorded on Friday and released on Saturday on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website. The figures show how quickly the number of cases is rising in the Sunshine State: only a day earlier, Florida reported 17,093 new daily cases. Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has resisted mandatory mask mandates and vaccine requirements, and along with the state Legislature, has limited local officials ability to impose restrictions meant to stop the spread of COVID-19. DeSantis on Friday barred school districts from requiring students to wear masks when classes resume next month. Florida's Democratic agriculture commissioner, Nikki Fried, who is seeking to run against DeSantis for governor, on Sunday urged unvaccinated Floridians to get the shots. She said she was heartened by a recent uptick in vaccinations in the state. We are already behind the curve and in a worse spot every time the numbers come out," Fried said at a news conference in Tallahassee. This surge is and will impact every single one of us." Throughout Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami to Tampa, hospitals have become overwhelmed. Barry Burton, the Pinellas County administrator, told the Tampa Bay Times that some local hospitals are already having to divert ambulances to different locations because of capacity concerns. There has been a startling rise in the number of children with the virus at hospitals in Miami, many of them requiring intensive care. Memorial Healths Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital in Hollywood had seven patients with COVID-19. At Nicklaus Childrens Hospital in Miami, there were 17 patients with COVID-19 on Friday, including six in the ICU and one who needed a ventilator, Dr. Marcos Mestre, vice president and chief medical officer, told the Miami Herald. About half of the patients were under 12, Mestre said, and the rest were older and eligible for the vaccine. But none of the patients with COVID-19 at Nicklaus Childrens on Friday were vaccinated. Most children who get COVID-19 do not need hospitalization, Mestre said. In the state capital, COVID-19 hospitalizations reached 70 patients on Sunday at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, a jump of 11 people in two days. This is the most weve ever had, Stephanie Derzypolski, a hospital spokeswoman, told the Tallahassee Democrat. The Mayo Clinic hospital in Jacksonville said it had exceeded its capacity of 304 licensed beds due to COVID-19 cases and asked the Agency for Health Care Administration for permission to operate overcapacity until the current surge ends, First Coast News in Jacksonville reported Sunday. At the UF Health North hospital emergency room in Jacksonville, COVID-19 patients once again were being put in beds in hallways due to a surge in visits. For many hospital workers, up until a month ago, it looked like there was light at the end of the tunnel, as people got vaccinated and hospitalizations decreased. But then the summer surge, powered by the new delta variant, hit Florida in July. That light did turn out to be a train in this case, Marsha Tittle, a nursing manager at UF Health North, told The Florida Times Union. Were taking more patients than we normally would take. ... My staff is wonderful. You walk out there, theyre going to have smiles on their faces and theyre doing a great job. But theres a sense of defeat, like theyre just defeated. This story has been corrected to reflect hospitalizations broke 10,000-person threshold, not 1,000-person threshold. Vaccines protect you, your loved ones and the community members where you live. In the evolving COVID pandemic, our thoughts go primarily to the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, the prevalent ones here. But it is true for all the other successful vaccines over time which have eradicated scourges like smallpox and polio here and more and more worldwide. The SARS-CoV-2 viruses are still mutating. The most current variant, delta, has upended the worlds pandemic response, according to the Wall Street Journal on July 25. The CDC says it now is the dominant variant in the U.S., currently causing over 80% of new cases. Also, the number of cases has tripled in the last 3-4 weeks, per the CDC. The Daily Beast newspaper reported: Despite the effectiveness of multiple vaccines against the virus, vaccine hesitancy is fueling a pandemic of the unvaccinated, according to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. The vast majority of all patients currently hospitalized with Covid-19 are unvaccinated. Several other sources cite the same perspective, such the Washington Post, July 21. Younger ages, especially children, seem to be the favored targets of delta. Under debate is whether it creates more virulent disease. It may be as much as 1,000 times more infectious than the original strain, again not yet clear from available data. I thought Id come here and get it today and get my hundred dollars because Im going to get it anyway, Sharp said. Other states are beginning programs to hand out money too. New Mexico helped pioneer cash incentives in June and is starting another $100 handout for vaccinations on Monday. Ohio is offering $100 to state employees who get vaccinated. Minnesota's $100 incentive started Friday, although several people who showed up at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to get jabbed with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine hadn't heard about the money. Vidiya Sami, an office worker from the Minneapolis suburb of Richfield, went to the airport because it was the only location offering the one-and-done vaccine. "Thats why I chose it, Sami said. She said she delayed getting the shot because she was scared at first, especially reading about ... the side effects from other people." And then I kind of made myself more paranoid by joining Facebook groups, and reading everybody elses symptoms after they got the shots, she said. I was basically just giving myself anxiety, but the more I researched about it, you know, the pros outweighed the cons. Chandler Halderson, 23, was arrested a day after he reported his parents missing on July 7 initially for providing false information when investigators quickly poked holes in his story about their disappearance. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} He was later charged on July 15 with murdering and dismembering his father, Bart Halderson, 50, and disposing of his torso at a rural property outside Cottage Grove. On Wednesday, Chandler Halderson was bound over for trial on charges of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, hiding a corpse and providing false information. Barrett said he expects Chandler Halderson to face the same set of charges in the killing of his mother. As part of the case, authorities searched a landfill near Watertown, which wrapped up Wednesday, Barrett said. Sheriffs Office spokesperson Elise Schaffer declined to say whether anything was found at the landfill. A dive team continues to check the pond behind the Halderson familys home in Windsor where Chandler Halderson lived with his parents, Barrett said. The Sheriffs Office last week lowered the water level of the private pond after a cadaver dog signaled at several points when it was brought out on the water. When the federal government opened up applications for Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants earlier this year, Ians Pizza jumped at the opportunity for COVID-19 assistance. But of Ians seven locations in Madison and Milwaukee, only three were ultimately approved for funding. The popular pizza chain fared only slightly better than Wisconsin applicants as a whole. Of the 5,871 Wisconsin businesses that requested more than $994 million in federal funding, only 2,095 businesses were approved for about $379 million, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, which administers the federal grant program. Nick Martin, managing partner with Ians Pizza in Madison, said hes grateful for the funding, but added that for every Wisconsin business that received grants, theres almost two state applicants that were not approved for the limited funds. While three of these (Ians Pizza) restaurants got some extra funds, four of them didnt so now what do we do? How do we spread out this good, how do we actually use this to dig out of the hole that were in? Martin said. The four that didnt get it are going to struggle for a while to try to figure out how to make that work, but I think well be OK. A couple dozen nurses stood together on the hospital lawn in rural Randolph County, Georgia. They wore black T-shirts that read "Patterson Hospital 1948-2020" over their hearts. The phrase "We Gave All" was written across a broken heart on their tired backs. Many had spent their entire careers at the 25-bed critical care hospital, built more than seven decades ago by their grandparents and parents, who pooled their resources. It had recently been rebranded as Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center, but many still called it by its original name, Patterson, for its beloved first doctor. Yet in October, in the middle of a global pandemic, a maintenance crew hammered off the hospital's signs and hoisted a white plastic banner with glaring red letters. "Effective October 22, 2020 HOSPITAL CLOSED. NO EMERGENCY SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THIS LOCATION. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL 911." Early in the pandemic -- through April 2020 -- Randolph County had the state's highest rate of Covid-19 cases; going forward, the closest hospital would be at least a half-hour drive across the state line, in Alabama. "It was a tough day for Randolph County, a tough day," said Steve Whatley, the mayor of the town of Cuthbert, where the hospital was located. "2020 was probably the most challenging year of my life here." Patterson was one of 19 hospitals around the country that closed in 2020. It was the biggest loss of rural hospitals in a year since the University of North Carolina's Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research started keeping records in 2005. Two more have closed since the start of 2021. 'The nail in the coffin' Even before the pandemic, rural hospitals faced significant financial uncertainty. The pandemic has been what one health care leader called, "the nail in the coffin," after struggles decades in the making. Relative to urban areas, the roughly 61 million Americans who live in rural areas have a higher rate of poverty, unemployment and are more likely to be uninsured. These communities are shrinking, and fewer patients means less money coming in to rural hospitals. Fewer patients with insurance typically means hospitals must cover a lot of uncompensated care. Even if a patient has Medicare or Medicaid, hospitals aren't paid as much as they would be with a privately insured patient; private insurers pay nearly double what Medicare pays for all hospital services. And the type of care rural hospitals need to provide adds to their financial struggles. Generally, rural residents are older, have higher rates of chronic conditions and are more likely to have a disability, compared to urban populations, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They also have less access to primary care. Due to longstanding health inequities, rural America tends to have a higher rate of smokers, people who are obese, and people with high blood pressure. The overall rate of drug overdoses in rural areas surpassed metropolitan areas over the last two decades. "It's unfortunate, but these small towns are older, sicker, poorer," said Alan Morgan, the CEO of the National Rural Health Association. "You've got these populations clustered in these hundreds of small towns that are absolutely the wrong population to be together." Before the pandemic, the budget for Randolph County's hospital could not be sustained by the sicker and poor patients it needed to serve. The county ranks near the bottom for health outcomes in Georgia. The difference in life expectancy between the counties in metropolitan Atlanta and Randolph County is four to six years. This county in the heart of the historic Black Belt is one of the poorest in Georgia, according to Census figures. Kim Gilman, the last CEO for the Randolph County hospital, said about 20% of patients cared for there did not have coverage, public or private. in 2019, Gilman said the hospital provided $4.8 million in care to patients who qualified for free and discounted care, or patients who were unable to pay their bills. "The experience of managing finances where services rendered are never paid for is very difficult," Gilman said. Her hospital would get lump sum payments once or twice a year from Georgia's Indigent Care Trust Fund. "Many years, we would watch our cash dwindle below comfort zones," Gilman said. "Once we'd receive such payments, we'd experience short periods of financial relief but never to the extent that we'd be able to address all financial needs or reinvest in our facilities and capital projects." And then came Covid-19. Rural hospitals like the one in Randolph County operate on razor thin margins and didn't have reserves to handle the pandemic's unplanned expenses. They also couldn't make up for the significant loss of revenue from canceled appointments from early in the pandemic. A February report from The Chartis Center for Rural Health found 82% of the rural hospitals surveyed said suspension of outpatient services resulted in a loss of at least $5 million per month. More than 180 rural hospitals have closed since 2005. Closures were already occurring at an accelerated rate over the last decade, and now 21 have shut down since the start of the pandemic. They won't be the last. Close to half of rural hospitals in the United States are now operating in the "red" or at a loss. Another Chartis report in February identified 453 rural facilities as "vulnerable" to closure. Help could be on the way Relief is coming, according to Tom Morris, the associate administrator for rural health policy in the Health Resources and Services Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services. To make up for lost revenue in the pandemic, hospitals got money from the 2020 CARES Act. Morris said rural providers can expect an influx of an additional $8.5 billion from the American Rescue Plan later this year. In July, HHS also announced $398 million would also cover testing and Covid-19 mitigation. If passed, the Rural Hospital Support Act under consideration with bipartisan backing in Congress could also bolster rural hospitals' budgets. But money can't address every systemic problem. "There's no silver bullet when it comes to addressing the challenges," Morris said. "But you know, I think there are things that are helping." This help, though, comes too late for the 21 communities that lost hospitals during the pandemic. Their problems began long before Covid-19. "We've been fighting the financial battle for 20 plus years," said Whatley, the mayor of Cuthbert, who had served on the local hospital authority since 1994. "I can easily say that the last 20 years have been very rough." Studies show Medicaid expansion makes a difference for rural hospitals. A 2018 study found expansion was associated with a hospital's improved financial performance and a significantly lower likelihood of closure. Georgia is one of 12 states that hasn't expanded Medicaid eligibility to most of its poor residents under the Affordable Care Act. Of the states on the list with the most rural hospital closures, including Texas, Tennessee and Georgia, none have expanded Medicaid. Recently, the Biden administration offered financial incentives to states to expand, but Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has so far not accepted the offer, forgoing $710 million. At the closing of the hospital in Randolph County in October, Dr. A.S. Ghiathi, a physician who had cared for generations of residents, was asked by a crowd of reporters what would have saved it. He said it was simple: "Expansion of Medicaid." Covid-19 was worse than they imagined In Randolph County, the pandemic was too much for the fragile hospital, and the federal dollars came too late. When Covid-19 took hold, so many hospital staff were taking care of family members or had their own illness that Phoebe Putney Health System, the group that managed the hospital, brought in extra staff to care for the residents of the nursing home attached to the hospital. There was also an outbreak at the nursing home, according to Gilman, the former hospital CEO, so the hospital transferred its three acute care patients to make room for nursing home residents who weren't infected with the coronavirus. Gilman said they had to divert ambulance traffic away from the emergency department because there was no way to admit patients with such limited staff. But they stayed open for walk-in patients and tested for Covid-19 "24/7 in our ED," Gilman said. How they'd have enough PPE became an "hourly" discussion, she said. Because of outdated HVAC units, they installed portable air chillers for dozens of small areas designed to filter airborne particles at the nursing home. In the end, the hospital needed about $10 million for renovations and equipment that had "aged out," Gilman said. For a bigger hospital, $10 million may be easy to cover, but for the county that owned the hospital, it was too much. The hospital authority's request for loans were denied. The decision to close the hospital was made, even as the county and the world wrestled with a fast-spreading novel virus. "Covid-19 truly exposed our vulnerabilities as a rural hospital related to our minimal staffing structure, limited physicians, limited supplies on hand, and our aging facilities," Gilman said in an email. "We knew it was coming and were preparing but the reality of the virus and its impact were far worse than we could have imagined." Not just inconvenient -- 'devastating' Since October, Randolph County has tried to adapt, but it hasn't been easy. As in many rural areas, there were few health care providers here before the hospital closed. Now, the closest ER is across the state line, in Alabama, about a 40-minute drive, and it's at least an hour to the closest in-state hospital and emergency department in Albany. A convenient care clinic staffed by nurse practitioners has extended hours and is open seven days a week, but it doesn't have a doctor on staff. "None of that replaces emergency room, but it does help," Whatley said. Whatley said the closure has put pressure on EMS to pick up the slack. There are three ambulances to cover the county's 429 square miles, but only one that's fully staffed. If it makes a run, even for a less serious case, it cannot stop to pick up someone with an issue like a stroke. With additional travel time and paperwork, each run can now take hours. People could drive to the hospital, but Randolph County has the highest percentage of households in the state without access to a vehicle, according to Census estimates. A 2021 US Government Accountability Office report on rural hospital closures found that when a local hospital closed, residents had to travel 20 miles farther for common services. For less common services, like alcohol or drug treatment, it was about 40 miles. "That continues to be a challenge," Whatley said. "It's not just inconvenient that our hospital closed, it's been devastating for a lot of people," said Willie Smith, a mortician in Cuthbert. "If someone has a stroke or a heart attack and they have to drive an hour, imagine what their chances are of surviving." The town feels it for non-emergencies, too. Smith said he hurt his knee moving a casket; the hospital was still open when he needed help with his injury, but by the time he needed physical therapy, it had closed and he regularly had to drive an hour away. For Sandra Willis, not having a hospital meant her brother didn't have the family support he needed after a stroke. The hospital and nursing home the ambulance took him to was more than an hour's drive away. While there, he caught Covid-19. For two months, the nursing home was supposed to help him with rehab, but she said they didn't. She wasn't able to be there to advocate for him, and felt helpless. "They never once got him out of bed, and they used up all his insurance," Willis said. "When his insurance was gone, they were glad to let me come get him." 'We're gonna do the best we can' It's too soon to know what the overall health impact of 2020's rural hospital closures will have on communities, but a 2019 University of Kentucky study found an increase in mortality when rural residents have to go farther for emergency care. When Randolph's two neighboring counties, Calhoun and Stewart, lost hospitals in 2013, there was a serious drop in the number of people who sought out emergency room care anywhere, according to Georgia records. ER visits decreased by 35% in those counties after the hospitals closed, cutting ER visits from a combined 4,808 visits in 2012 to 3,120 in 2013. White residents saw a 24% drop in visits -- from 1,354 to 1,003 -- while the decrease was even more substantial among Black residents, falling 40% from 3,454 to 2,087. It's unlikely people in these counties suddenly got healthier, and more likely means fewer people got medical attention. At the October closing ceremony at the hospital in Randolph County in October, firefighters, ambulance drivers, politicians and neighbors came to surprise the staff and show their gratitude. There were tears and prayers, and then the mayor stood among the crowd and made a solemn promise to all those who had gathered on the lawn. "We're gonna do the best we can with what we got, from here forth out. We will provide all the sustainable medical services we can sustain," Whatley told the crowd. As Whatley made that promise, the ambulance crew got a call. As they left the ceremony, the ambulance driver said into the mic on her shoulder they'd be on their way. But as the crowd watched them leave, someone said quietly it would probably take a while. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. A Baltimore woman is facing multiple charges, including child abuse resulting in death, after police found the remains of her 7-year-old niece and 5-year-old nephew in her car late Wednesday, according to the Baltimore County Police Department. Nicole Michelle Johnson, 33, of Baltimore, was arrested on Thursday and charged with two counts each of first-degree felony child abuse, first-degree felony child abuse resulting in death; misdemeanor neglect of a minor; misdemeanor failure to report the death of a child; and the unauthorized burial of a body as a misdemeanor, court records show. "The entire Baltimore County Police Department grieves with the community over the "unspeakable deaths of two innocent children," Police Chief Melissa Hyatt said following Johnson's arrest. "The investigation into this atrocious crime will not stop until those responsible are brought to justice." Johnson remains held on a no-bail status, court documents show. A preliminary hearing is set for August 27. CNN has reached out to the public defender representing Johnson but have not heard back. According to charging documents filed with Johnson's charges, officers pulled Johnson over for speeding around 11 p.m. on Wednesday and found she had neither license nor insurance, and that she was using a fake temporary tag. The officers advised that Johnson report to the district court in five days and that they were going to tow her car, according to the documents. Johnson then stated, "It don't matter, I won't be here in five days" and "y'all going to see me on the news, y'all going to see on the news making my big debut," according to the documents. Johnson then retrieved items from the trunk of her car, including a maggot-filled clear trash bag with a strong "decomposition odor" and a black and yellow plastic tote, according to the documents. The officer asked Johnson to open the clear trash bag, which she eventually did, revealing a suitcase that Johnson claimed contained blankets, the documents said. Johnson attempted to use the blanket to conceal the contents of the suitcase but officer told her to remove the blanket and she did, "exposing the decomposing body of a young child," according to the documents. At his point, Johnson attempted to flee but was quickly caught, the document said. Officers then opened the plastic tote bag and found another plastic bag containing the remains of another child. The bags contained the remains of two siblings, which police said were Johnson's niece and nephew, 7-year-old Joshlyn Johnson and her 5-year-old brother, Larry O'Neil. Police noted that it will take some time to determine the cause of death and the Maryland state medical examiner has not yet responded to CNN's inquiry. Johnson told detectives that she hit the girl several times for "misbehaving," causing her to fall and hit her head on the floor, according to the documents. Johnson then stowed the girl's body in a suitcase and carried it around for months. She also told detectives that she'd seen blood on the Larry's leg two months ago and that he never woke up after saying he was tired, after which she placed him in the plastic tote which she later placed in the trunk with his sister. It is not clear when the boy's body was moved to the car. An autopsy found that Joshlyn weighed 18 pounds and the Larry weighed 21 pounds, according to the documents. Johnson had custody of the children since 2019 after her sister, Dachelle Johnson -- the mother of the two children -- said she couldn't take care of them, according to the police charging documents. Dachelle Johnson spoke with detectives, saying she moved to Maryland from Ohio in July 2019, which was when she asked her sister to look after the kids, according to the documents. Dachelle Johnson told detectives she tried to reach her sister several times after dropping her children off and finally reached her in March 2021, according to the documents. She arranged to have her sister return the children but her sister never met her and Dachelle Johnson had been unable to reach her sister or the children until detectives notified her of their deaths, the documents said. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. McCarthy jokes 'it will be hard not to hit' Pelosi with gavel if he becomes House speaker Clwyd South MP highlights work of Ceiriog Valley Policing and Youth Services teams in House of Commons The MP for Clwyd South has praised the Ceiriog Valley Policing and Youth Services teams in the Chamber of the House of Commons. Simon Baynes MP, recently highlighted their proactive work with young services in engaging with young people in the Ceiriog Valley, during Home Office Questions. Mr Baynes highlighted the role of youth clubs and groups in teaching young people valuable skills and reducing crime and antisocial behaviour. He then asked the Minister to join him in praising the neighbourhood policing teams in Clwyd South, who work in partnership with youth services and local councils, such as in the Ceiriog Valley, where together they are involving more young people in the local rugby club and are hiring a mobile BMX bike course. In response, Home Office Minister for Safeguarding, Victoria Atkins MP, said: I am very pleased to join my Hon. Friend in praising his local police, but also the local charities and other services that are working together to help young people to escape a life of crime. Sport can have many benefits. With our 200 million youth endowment fund, over the next 10 years, we will see the benefits of sport programmes, but also of other types of intervention to help to remove young people from the clutches of gang leaders. I am delighted also that my Hon. Friends police force has received almost 100 new police officers as part of this Governments commitment to tackling violent crime and making our streets safer with 20,000 new officers. Commenting later, Mr Baynes said: As the Minister said, the neighbourhood policing team and local youth services have a transformative effect on our young people and on the communities they serve in Clwyd South. Our neighbourhood policing teams in Clwyd South do tremendous work, not only in combatting crime, but in being proactive in preventing crime and antisocial behaviour. And I will do my utmost to support them and their ongoing work in any way I can. North Wales Masons raises 4500 for Nightingale House Hospice North Wales Masons have been thanked for their support and donation of 4500 to Nightingale House Hospice. A group of Masonic lodges from the Wrexham and Llangollen area including Castell Crogen, St Collens, Bromfield, Dyfrdwy and Pegasus were all involved in a fundraising campaign called Live for the Day last summer. The group has visited the hospice to present the cheque and to hear about the ways in which the hospice team adapted services throughout the pandemic to continue supporting vulnerable people and their families. Many of the group have had personal experience of family and friends using the facilities at Nightingale House. Graham Greasley from the Masons said: Despite the difficult times due to the Covid crisis I am extremely pleased with the effort made by the lodges in supporting the hospice to raise the 4500. Many lodges have had family or lodge members that have been in Nightingale House over the past 25 years and therefore they already have that connection and were keen to support the work the hospice does in the local community. Laura Parry, hospice Head of Fundraising said: We are very appreciative of the continued support we have had from the lodges in North Wales and this donation has already helped make a difference to the lives of local people accessing our services. We have worked tirelessly over the course of the pandemic to ensure that our services have continued to be available to those in need. This really has only been possible with the generous support of the community and groups like this. As a result of this kindness, we have been able to adapt services to maintain care. We are now continuing to develop services for the future and the new normal. THOMPSONS STATION, TN (WSMV) - Melissa Hogan reached for the medicine she gives her son each week. She takes time to mix it, prepare the supplies to administer it, then accesses the port on his chest just below his right shoulder. Its a process that was done by a trained nurse for many years. Now, Hogan has become the expert. Case, come get your medicine, she says to her 14-year-old son whos been battling a degenerative genetic disease known as Hunter Syndrome his whole life. It was diagnosed when Case was two years old. Case Hogan at age 2 Case Hogan was diagnosed at age 2 with Hunter Syndrome. That is $15,000 worth of medicine and we use it every week, said Hogan as she begins the infusion of Elaprase, made by Takeda. Case patiently watches a show on his tablet while she carefully begins the treatment. Hell wear a backpack for four hours while the drug is slowly infused into his system. Hunter Syndrome almost always occurs in boys and prevents the body from breaking down sugar molecules. When these molecules build up over time, they can cause damage that affects physical and mental development. The life expectancy for young men dealing with the genetic disease is between 10 and 20 years. Case has already lived four years past that. Its about, maybe 2,000 children and adults in the world (currently dealing with the disease, said Hogan. Its considered an ultra-rare disease. They say it about one in 167,000 live male births. The rarity of the disease also means a scarcity of pharmaceutical treatment to help Case battle the effects. At the age of 3, he became one of 65 people participating in a clinical trial through the University of North Carolina that required them to regularly fly to North Carolina. Case would receive a reformulation of the same drug his mother now gives weekly through his port, but during these hospital treatments, the reformulated drug would be injected through a lumbar puncture directly into his spinal fluid. We were traveling every month to North Carolina for nine days a month, said Hogan, who was still running a corporate law practice at the time while also being a wife and mother to two older kids. She closed the practice in 2012 to focus on her family full time. Her law license is still active. I felt like I was a rubber band being pulled in like eight directions and I was gonna snap, said Hogan. Snap not in the way of angry, but snap (meaning) I was gonna fall apart. Melissa and Case Hogan Melissa Hogan waits with her son Case at the hospital on the day of her book release. Hogan recalls the challenge in trying to make the necessary trips feel more like a normal routine. She would bring rewards for Case and then bring back rewards for her two other sons who stayed at home. Hogan said at first Case was a calm participant, but eventually he began violently fighting the treatments. Its really conflicting inside, because you see your child fighting, and you know inside you just want to go home and curl up on the couch and love them and hug them, but you know they need it, said Hogan. She began searching for resources and therapists to help her son, but could only find dead ends. She eventually found a parent who taught her about the specific issue Case was having: medical trauma. Hogan began blogging about the problems she was helping Case work through and eventually began receiving messages from other parents who had the same problem. By 2012, she had created an eBook complete with resources and go-to methods to manage the issue of medical trauma in kids and she knew she wanted to write a book on the subject. Its an area of expertise that Dr. Meghan Marsac has been researching for years. Marsac is a pediatric psychologist with a particular interest in medical trauma in children. She is an associate professor at the University of Kentucky School of Medicine in Lexington, KY. Hogan reached out to Marsac and asked if she would consider co-authoring a book that would serve as a handbook for parents and medical practitioners alike. The purpose would be to help manage and prevent medical trauma in children. I think, as parents, were not trained on how to help our kids through their medical conditions, particularly the ones that are really scary and really long, said Marsac. Its really hard as a parent anytime you see your child in pain for any reason and sometimes the really important medical procedures result in pain. The pair started writing early in 2018, maintaining a strict writing schedule. They would communicate by phone and Zoom meetings because the women live about 250 miles apart. If (medical trauma) is just talked about among psychologists, were not going to be able to reach as many families and kids, said Marsac. So, were really trying to lead the charge here to broaden the discussion and have more impact with our kids and families. Case Hogan holds book Case Hogan holds a copy of his mother's recently released book during a clinical trial visit to the hospital. The women completed the book by the end of 2020. Afraid of the Doctor, published by Rowman & Littlefield, was released July 16. Because of the pandemic, any plans they had to meet face-to-face were canceled. To this day, the women have never met each other in person. Im just really excited that I got to bring together the experience that Ive had as an expert working with families as well as Melissas lived experience, said Marsac. It really makes this a unique book that is practical and based in science. The books release came without fanfare for Hogan, who spent the morning at Nashvilles Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt. After Case participated in the Phase 1 clinical trial for Elaprase at UNC, he continued receiving the treatments as part of an extension study that was administered much closer to home. This is dose 137 (for Case), said Hogan from inside a waiting room at Vanderbilt. Weve done this every four weeks for 11 years, and of course, as luck would have it, were at the hospital for Cases clinical trial visit on the day the book comes out. Hogan said Cases condition improved for several years thanks to the clinical trial drug hes been using. She was concerned the improvement was never noted appropriately in the clinical trial or the extension because they werent reflecting the unique skills, challenges and symptoms in the individual child. In response, three years ago she created four patient outcome measures to capture what parents were seeing in their children. She ran a research study, captured the data and presented it to the FDA. The study was published in 2020 in the medical journal Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Reports. Hogan now consults for pharmaceutical companies to help them understand rare diseases and design more effective clinical trials to capture outcomes more accurately in patients. Hogan also started a foundation to fund research that will hopefully find a cure for Hunter Syndrome. On the homepage for Project Alive, the tagline reads, give kids with Hunter Syndrome the chance to grown up. The organization has raised well over $1 million to fund research since its inception. Despite Cases steady improvement in battling Hunter Syndrome, his mom said theyve noticed a deterioration in Case within the last year. I feel like theres still a lot more life, said Hogan. His journey is not done, and hopefully it wont be done for us for a long time. DICKSON, TN (WSMV) - An investigation is underway in Dickson County for what led up to the deadly shooting of a woman Saturday night. Police were called to a residence on Pond Rail Road in response to a shooting where the found the body of Cuornisha "Kenya" Northington, 38, behind the residence. Lamisha Haynes Witnesses at the scene told police the shooter, identified as Lamisha Haynes, 41, had left the scene quickly. Haynes was later located and taken into custody. She is charged with first degree murder. Haynes' bond was set at $500,000. In the small village of Kacarlar, on Turkey's southern coast, farmers are facing apocalyptic scenes as wildfires continue to sweep the country. "The animals are on fire," 56-year-old resident, Muzeyyan Kacar, told CNN. "Everything is going to burn. Our land, our animals and our house. What else do we have anyway?" Hundreds of miles west, in the tourist hotspot of Bodrum, more than 1,000 people were evacuated by boat on both Sunday and Saturday to escape the wildfires. At least eight people have died in more than 100 blazes that broke out earlier this week, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency. The flames have been fueled by scorching summer temperatures and conditions that experts say have been worsened by climate change. Seven people were killed in the fires in Manavgat, Antalya Province, and the eighth victim died in Marmaris, Anadolu reported. The latest victims include a Turkish-German couple who were found in a house, it said. Two firefighters died battling the blazes on Saturday, according to the Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Ministry. The ministry said that 111 fires have burned across the country since Wednesday, while six fires are still burning in three different cities as of Sunday. Evacuation by sea On Turkey's Mediterranean coast, more than 1,100 people were evacuated from the tourist resort of Bodrum by sea on Sunday for the second-straight day. "We helped the evacuation of 1,140 people by 12 boats," Orhan Dinc, the president of the Bodrum Maritime Chamber, told CNN. "We did evacuation by boats yesterday as well, but I have never witnessed something similar before in this region. This is the first time," he said. Dinc said that while roads remain open and evacuations continue by land, evacuation by sea helps keep roads clear for fire trucks and ambulances. Bodrum also evacuated 1,100 people using more than 20 boats on Saturday, the city's Mayor Ahmet Aras said. Bodrum is a popular destination for both Turkish and foreign tourists. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared parts of five provinces on Turkey's Mediterranean coast "disaster zones," following a helicopter visit to the devastated areas. "We will continue to take all steps to heal the wounds of our people, to compensate for losses and to improve opportunities to better than before," the president added in a tweet Saturday. 'Gone, gone, it's gone' The largest fire, in Manavgat, killed at least three people, according to the Turkish Natural Disaster and Emergency Directorate. In the nearby village of Kacarlar, residents are grappling with seeing homes they built by hand burn to the ground. "My father's house burned down," said 48-year-old Gulay Kacar. "Gone, gone, it's gone," Kacar said, before adding that she was "running to let the animals loose." Namet Atik, a 37-year-old farmer from a neighboring village, said that he came to Kacarlar to help. "Whatever this village needs ... we are here for them," he told CNN "We get them water, our cars, tractors, saws," he added. "We are forest villagers. Our livelihood is the forest. If this fire runs, there is no return." Around 4,000 personnel, along with hundreds of emergency vehicles, have been deployed by the government to help fight the flames this week. At least 77 houses have been damaged in the province of Antalya, and more than 2,000 farm animals have died, Turkey's Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Bekir Pakdemirli, told journalists on Thursday. Scorching temperatures Hot and dry weather conditions had exacerbated the fires, Pakdemirli said on Thursday. He added that temperatures of 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit), less than 14% humidity and winds around 50 kilometers per hour (31 m.p.h.) had helped spread the flames. Hikmet Ozturk, a forestry expert with the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion, a nongovernmental organization that works to protect forests, told CNN that while 95% of fires in Turkey are caused by people, the spread of the fires is worsened by climate change. The area of the fires are within the Mediterranean Basin which is one of the most susceptible to climate change risks, Ozturk said. "Typical weather conditions in the summer for the area is hot and dry, which means the risk of fires is already high, and climate change raises that risk," he said The wildfires come as parts of western Europe have battle severe flooding in recent weeks. Scientists have for decades warned that climate change will make extreme weather events, including heavy rain and deadly flooding, more likely. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. Thank you for Reading. As a community service, our obituaries are always free to view. In order to better know our audience, we ask that you register to continuing viewing. Senior staff writer Kailee Kroll can be reached at (304)626-1439, by email at kkroll@theet.com or on Twitter at @kaileekroll. Ruth Pearl, the mother of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl who later channeled her mourning into activism and cultural outreach, has died. She was 85. Pearl died at her Los Angeles home on July 20 after suffering from pulmonary difficulties, per the Los Angeles Times. An electrical engineer and computer analyst, Pearl and her husband Judea Pearl were thrust into the international spotlight in 2002 when Al-Qaeda extremists kidnapped their son Daniel while on assignment in Pakistan and executed him nine days later. Pearl and her husband were still advocating on their sons behalf in the Pakistani judicial system at the time of her death. The accused terrorist charged with luring Daniel to his death and three accomplices were ordered to be released in April 2020, prompting Pearl to record a YouTube video the following May pleading with the courts to reverse the decision. The weight of Daniels murder weighed heavily on the couple, who dealt with their pain, in part, by establishing a foundation in his name that offered fellowships to journalists in Muslim countries and hosted lectures, concerts and other events to promote cross-cultural understanding. Dehumanizing people is the first step to inviting violence, like Nazism and fascism, Pearl said in a testimony. Its very easy to dehumanize. Im sure the killers of Danny didnt have any sense of identifying with the humanity that connects us. For them, Danny was an object. And that can happen only if you really dont have your own self-respect and your own respect for human beings. So we have to figure ways to educate the next generation differently. Pearl is survived by her husband, daughters Michelle and Tamara, daughter-in-law Mariane, sister Carmella and five grandchildren, Leora, Tori, Ari, Evan and Adam. Read original story Ruth Pearl, Mother of Slain Journalist and Activist Daniel Pearl, Dies at 85 At TheWrap Native American actor Saginaw Grant, who was best known recently for his role in Breaking Bad, died in his sleep of natural causes in a private care facility in Hollywood on Wednesday. He was 85. He loved both Oklahoma and L.A., Carmichael said. He made his home here as an actor, but he never forgot his roots in Oklahoma. He remained a fan of the Sooner Nation, Lani Carmichael, Grants publicist, said in a statement. Grant, who began his acting in the 1980, was known for films including The Worlds Fastest Indian with Anthony Hopkins and as Chief Big Bear in the The Lone Ranger starring Johnny Depp. He also appeared in several TV series, Veep, Community, Breaking Bad and Shameless among them. Born in Pawnee, Oklahoma, in 1936, Grant was a US Marine Corps veteran and remained active in the veterans community. As the hereditary chief of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma, he also participated in the National Gathering of American Indian Veterans over the years. Outside of acting for the last three decades, Grant is also an award-winning musician and Pow Wow dancer who has been honored with a Living Legend Award by the Native American Music Awards, with his 2018 album Dont Let the Drums Go Silent winning the Record of the Year from NAMA. There will be a memorial for Grant in Los Angeles, with more details to come, Carmichael said. Read original story Saginaw Grant, Breaking Bad and The Lone Ranger Actor, Dies at 85 At TheWrap Alexander Vindman felt a shiver of recognition when he watched four police officers testify last week before the House Select Committee investigating the insurrection Jan. 6 at the Capitol. For one thing, he saw a straight line between the impeachment trial at which he had been a witness against President Donald Trump and the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters 11 months later. In his view, Trump's acquittal by the Senate helped embolden the president to try to overturn the results of a legitimate election he lost. For another, Vindman, a former National Security Council aide, knew a firestorm was about to engulf those witnesses on social media and elsewhere driven by Trump's most fervent backers. He said an ad hoc network has emerged among those who found themselves in the crosshairs of Trump and his legions. In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with USA TODAY Thursday at his home in suburban Washington, Vindman discussed: How his father, then a solid Trump supporter, urged him not to testify against the president. How even after congressional investigations, the transcript released of Trump's controversial phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy doesn't include two important comments that are in Vindman's handwritten notes. How he struggled after being fired from the National Security Council by the Trump White House and, in his view, was largely abandoned by the military in which he had served for two decades. Defying Trump in public, as he did, can bring a torrent of abuse. "There's an informal kind of network of folks that look for opportunities to support each other," he said, an idea conspiracy theorists and some conservative talk-show hosts might find alarming. "I imagine that the Tucker Carlsons and the Laura Ingrahams would call this the Deep State Club or something like that, but I've made it a point to reach out to folks that are attacked like this." Story continues U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Harry Dunn testifies during the House select committee hearing on the Jan. 6 attack on Capitol Hill in Washington, on July 27, 2021. (Oliver Contreras/The New York Times via AP, Pool) Vindman has counseled a Navy SEAL who has been under fire since testifying against disgraced former SEAL Eddie Gallagher. Trump twice intervened to help Gallagher, who posted the names and photos of his accusers, calling them "cowards." Vindman and Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn have had several exchanges since Dunn testified about the racial slurs hurled at him by the Jan. 6 mob. On Fox afterward, Tucker Carlson denounced Dunn as "an angry, left-wing political activist." Vindman gave Dunn the same advice he has tried to follow himself. "These are not people in your circle," Vindman said. "Really, you should only be concerned with people that you respect and admire. All of this other stuff is just background noise that has no effect on you. You will have supporters; you'll have detractors. "Focus on the good; don't let the bad get you down, and you'll be fine." What they saw: Police officers describe the Jan. 6 Capitol attack like 'a medieval battle' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alex Vindman has advice for Harry Dunn, others caught in a firestorm MAZIKOY, Turkey (AP) Wildfires raged near Turkeys holiday beach destinations of Antalya and Mugla and in the surrounding countryside for a fifth day Sunday as the discovery of more bodies raised the death toll to eight while villagers lost their homes and animals. Residents and tourists fled the danger in small boats while the coast guard and two navy ships waited out at sea in case a bigger evacuation was needed. Fires also enveloped Mugla provinces Mazikoy, and villagers who evacuated were devastated. Farmer Nurten Almaz said she lost everything. I feel so much pain, like I lost a child, she said. The 63-year-old woman lost her animals and her home as well as one century of peoples labor. She called for the death penalty for people who may have caused the fire. Residents had to flee nearby Cokertme village as flames neared. Some got on boats and others left by cars as the fire got closer and closer. In one video, firetrucks and cars were rushing to escape fire raging on all sides. After nightfall, the village looked apocalyptic from a distance, with flames taking over the dark hills. Bodrum mayor Ahmet Aras said Sunday evening that people experienced hell near Cokertme and Mazi as they drove away from the fire. He said the blaze could not be stopped and hoped to protect residential areas but said it was too late for the trees. The area was engulfed by Sunday night, Turkish broadcasters said. Reporters said they had to get hurry to safety as the fire intensified with strong winds. Officials said precautions were being taken to protect two thermic power plants in the vicinity and at present the winds were blowing away from the plants. Authorities warned tourists and residents to keep evacuating Turunc, a town in the seaside resort of Marmaris in Mugla province. Fires enveloped the area and strong winds made firefighting efforts more difficult. A helicopter attempted to extinguish the blazes, which were unreachable by land. Story continues Aerial firefighting was not possible Sunday night and the fires raged, burning hectares (acres) of forests. Forestry official Mustafa Ozkaya said units continued to fight fires strategically, digging ditches and taking other measures. He said eight planes and 50 helicopters would fly in Mugla on Monday. The European Commission announced it helped mobilized one firefighting Canadair plane from Croatia and two from Spain to aid Turkey. Planes from Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran have been helping. Watching from out in the Mediterranean Sea, the area looked a bright orange. As residents of villages around Marmaris pleaded for more help on social media, people boarded small boats carrying suitcases. Others waited anxiously to see if the fire would come down to the shore. High temperatures and strong winds were making matters worse. Antalya registered 42 degrees Celsius (over 107 degrees Fahrenheit), about 5 to 6 degrees C higher than seasonal averages. Earlier Sunday, police water cannons, usually used to control riots, helped helicopters and fire trucks in Muglas popular district of Bodrum to fight fires. Turkish television showed fires had reignited after being extinguished earlier, with flame and smoke approaching a village. Social media videos showed tourists in Bodrum scampering down streets rolling their luggage to escape the nearby flames. The health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said at least 27 people affected by the fires were still receiving treatment in hospitals while hundreds of others had been released. The minister of forestry and agriculture, Bekir Pakdemirli, said 117 wildfires were under control across Turkey while eight continued. His tweets showed that since Wednesday, wildfires had ignited in 32 provinces. While Turkish authorities say they are investigating whether the fires may have started as sabotage by outlawed Kurdish militants, experts mostly point to climate change along with accidents caused by people. Erdogan said one of the fires was started by children. A heat wave across southern Europe, fed by hot air from North Africa, has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including on the Italian island of Sicily and in western Greece, where some residents had to be evacuated by boat to escape the flames. On Sunday afternoon, bathers on an Italian beach south of the Adriatic city of Pescara fled when they spotted towering clouds of smoke and flames from a fire in a nearby pine forest, the Italian news agency LaPresse reported. Several people were reportedly injured when they tried to put out wind-whipped flames that had reached their homes. Local officials told state TV that an elderly home in Pescara had to be evacuated. Meanwhile, in Turkeys eastern Van province, floods over the weekend destroyed at least six houses after a small river overflowed amid heavy rains. Villagers were ordered to leave their homes and climb to higher locations. ___ Bilginsoy reported from Istanbul. Robert Badendieck in Istanbul and Frances DEmilio in Rome contributed to this report. ___ Follow all AP stories about climate change issues at https://apnews.com/hub/Climate. In this Oct. 29, 2020 file photo, Jay Andersons mother, Linda Anderson, holds a sign during a Get Out The Vote rally in Chicago. Jay Anderson was fatally shot by police in 2016 in Wauwatosa, Wis. Five years after a Wisconsin police officer shot and killed a Black man as he sat in a parked car, a judge declared he found probable cause to charge the officer for creating an unreasonable and substantial risk of death in the shooting. According to USA Today, Milwaukee County Judge Glenn Yamahiro on Wednesday said former Wauwatosa police officer Joseph Mensah operated a weapon in a matter constituting criminal negligence, which led to the death of Jay Anderson, Jr. on June 23, 2016. A special prosecutor will be appointed to review the case and determine if Mensah, who is also Black, will be charged. Read more From USA Today: Mensah was alone in his squad car on June 23, 2016, while patrolling Madison Park overnight when he discovered Anderson, 25, sleeping in his car at 3 a.m. When Mensah approached the vehicle, he told investigators that he saw a handgun on Andersons passenger seat and that Anderson reached for the gun. Mensah said he drew his weapon and ordered Anderson to raise his hands and not to reach for the weapon. Anderson raised his hands, but at least four times he started to lower his right arm while leaning toward the front passenger seat, where the gun was, according to the investigative report. Dashcam video from Mensahs squad shows the officer shooting into Andersons parked car. Anderson was shot five times in the head and once in his shoulder. Anderson was the third person that Mensah shot and killed in the line of duty during a five-year span with the Wauwatosa Police Department. The most recent was the 2020 shooting of 17-year-old Alvin Cole. All three shootings were previously ruled as justified by the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office. Story continues Mensah resigned from Wauwatosa police last year and currently works as a deputy for the Waukesha County Sheriffs Department. The Associated Press reports that Andersons family banked on an obscure legal process to try and convince the court to overrule the prosecutors who declared that Mensahs actions were justified. The AP reports: Kimberley Motley, an attorney representing the Gonzales, Anderson and Cole families, said she was researching the use of grand juries in Wisconsin in hopes of finding another avenue for charges and found whats known as the John Doe option. Wisconsin law dating to the states territorial days set up such proceedings as a check on prosecutorial discretion. Similar to grand jury investigations, prosecutors can invoke the process to subpoena witnesses and question them under oath and in secret in hopes of gathering enough evidence to justify charges against someone. Prosecutors used the process in the early 2010s to investigate then-Republican Gov. Scott Walkers campaign operations. Walker was never charged. An even more obscure section of the John Doe law allows citizens to ask a judge to open a John Doe when a prosecutor has declined to file charges. The judge can choose to initiate the investigation and decide whether to run it publicly or in secret. The citizen or his or her attorney can question witnesses in front of the judge with no cross-examination. The judge can then decide whether charges are warranted and appoint a special prosecutor to handle the case. Andersons family and supporters celebrated the judges decision, USA Today reports: I broke down. That broke me down. Thats justice. The judge gave us justice, (Jay) Anderson Sr. said about the moment he heard the decision in the courtroom. Tracy Cole, the mother of Alvin Cole, said the decision was justice for all three families, referring to the three people Mensah fatally shot. Now I can sleep better. Now I can sleep a lot better, Cole said. According to USA Today, Yamahiro is expected to appoint a special prosecutor to the case on Sept. 28. Hawaii-bound travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport check in with Southwest Airlines' representatives as part of the airline's Hawaii pre-clear program. Navigating Hawaii's extensive entry requirements before a late June trip should have been a cinch. I've boarded more than two dozen flights during the pandemic, including a quick overnight trip to Honolulu last fall, and written countless stories about COVID-19 travel rules and restrictions. Yet I still found myself slightly stressed when completing the many steps required to bypass the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine, the strictest in the country. Take Hawaii's COVID-19 testing requirement. I was well aware I couldn't walk into the urgent care center I used for so many precautionary pre-travel tests because Hawaii only accepts certain tests from a lineup of trusted testing and travel partners. (The state began accepting vaccine proof as an alternative to testing a week after my trip.) But I was still nervous about picking the right Walgreens or CVS Hawaii's Safe Travels website underscored that only certain CVS locations qualify, for example and scheduling the right test. (Hawaii requires a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test or PCR test.) I checked and double-checked my math on when to test because Hawaii's rules say the test must be taken no more than 72 hours before your flight is scheduled to leave the mainland U.S., the results in hand before the final leg of any trip to Hawaii departs. Scheduling a free self-swab appointment at a Walgreens drive-thru was relatively easy I made mine for Saturday evening before a Tuesday morning nonstop flight to Maui from Phoenix but not without a minor freakout when I read the fine print. "Test results turnaround time is based on when the sample arrives at the laboratory,'' it said. "Test results for travel purposes cannot be guaranteed in time for travel.'' (My negative results from the ID NOW rapid diagnostic test were emailed within a couple of hours.) Uploading the test result to my Safe Travels account only caused minor anxiety: I wasn't sure whether to upload the "lab'' or "easy to read'' results Walgreens sent (I correctly guessed lab) and when I did, I initially uploaded a .png version instead of the required .pdf. Story continues 'We get cussed at every day': Maui tourist surge raises tensions, renews calls for visitor limits, new fees Early-bird dining, beach reservations: 8 travel tips for maneuvering a visit to busy Maui, Hawaii Traveling to Hawaii during the pandemic without quarantining: 'So. Many. Steps' My 21-year-od son was flying to Hawaii with me and the list of instructions I sent him after I went through the process was longer than one of those to-do lists vacationers leave for the house sitter. My signoff: "So. Many. Steps.'' The trip went off without a hitch, but too often that's not the case for travelers headed to Hawaii as the pandemic continues and entry restrictions remain in place. At a minimum, unprepared travelers face a last-minute scramble for tests and required documents or stress and delays at the airport. In the extreme, they are forced to cancel their trips last-minute, spend their vacation in strict quarantine, or turn around and fly home. Troyden Tomooka has witnessed it all as a United Airlines employee in Maui. Late last year, a month into the Safe Travels program that effectively reopened Hawaii to tourists, he was so distraught about passengers arriving without a COVID-19 test or with a wrong or expired COVID-19 test he created a Facebook group to help travelers navigate the travel rules and restrictions. "They saved up all their life to come to Hawaii only to be turned back,'' he said. "It became a heartbreak.'' The Maui Covid Travel Testing group has grown to include more than 10,000 members. Tomooka and a handful of moderators, including Alaska Airlines flight attendant Molly Flick, patiently and in great detail answer a flurry of questions from Hawaii-bound passengers every day. All are volunteers. "Its a lot to navigate,'' Flick said, especially for those who aren't tech whizzes. "Im a savvy traveler but was overwhelmed and confused at first.'' They have created handy checklists for travelers headed to Hawaii, breaking out separate steps for vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers and a color-coded chart on when to test based on your day of departure. This is all in addition to detailed information on the state of Hawaii's COVID-19 travel page and detailed reminders from airlines about the restrictions and requirements. Still, nine months into the Safe Travels program, issues with documentation continue to crop up every day. Tomooka cited some recent examples: a traveler who was not eligible for the vaccine exemption because they hadn't been fully vaccinated for 15 days, the state's requirement, and those with the wrong COVID-19 tests or tests outside of the 72-hour window. The requirements aren't likely to go away soon. Hawaii Gov. David Ige has said the Safe Travels program won't end until 70% of the state's residents are fully vaccinated; the figure just hit 60% last week, according to the Hawaii Department of Health. So travelers headed to Hawaii this summer or later this year need to brush up before travel. Do's and don'ts for navigating Hawaii's COVID-19 travel restrictions Do your homework long before your flight to Hawaii. Tomooka said he's surprised that some vacationers aren't aware of the complex steps they have to complete to bypass the state's strict 10-day quarantine. Join the private Facebook group he started for tips galore. Travelers flying to Hawaii must meet several entry requirements if they want to avoid the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine during the pandemic. Don't wait until the last minute to upload your travel information. Packing for vacation is stressful enough without having to dig up flight and lodging information, vaccine card, your driver's license number or ID and other information required when setting up a Hawaii Safe Travels account. It can be set up as soon as your trip is booked, with information on COVID-19 test results, if necessary, added as the trip draws close. Don't forget to jot down the email and password you used to set up the account so it's easy to log back in and add the critical information, Tomooka said. Do make sure you get the right COVID-19 test at the right time if you're unvaccinated. Hawaii has specific rules on testing, including requirements for children, and they continue to trip up travelers. Just because it's a reputable hospital or medical provider doesn't mean it's on Hawaii's trusted testing partners list. "People are still boggled about where to test,'' Tomooka said. The Facebook group he created has detailed information on the tests, as do airlines and the state of Hawaii. Upload the test results to your Safe Travels account when you receive them. Hawaii has strict entry rules, including the requirement of a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination to avoid the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine. Travelers need to read the fine print. Don't pay too much (if anything) for a COVID-19 test. Walgreens is offering free drive-thru COVID-19 testing for those ages 3 and up at select locations in partnership with PNWHealth. The self-administered tests meet Hawaii's travel requirements. The eligible CVS tests, in contrast, cost $139 per person, and insurance is not accepted. Airport COVID-19 testing sites can run as high as $250 a person. See if your airline has testing partnerships or offers at-home testing. I paid a discounted $135 for a trip to Hawaii in November because Alaska Airlines had a partnership with the lab. Do check your Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine card to make sure it has the required information. The requirements include the traveler's name and date of birth (which must match the name on the traveler's Safe Travels account and photo ID); vaccine type; date(s) and lot numbers for each shot(s). If your card is missing information, request a duplicate from the provider or health officials. Leave plenty of time to get a new copy if needed. Upload the card to your Safe Travels account and bring the card with you. Don't forget to fill out the required health questionnaire beginning 24 hours before the flight. Soon after checking in online for my Southwest flight, I received an alert from the state of Hawaii reminding me to fill out the state's travel health questionnaire. It asks four questions: Do you feel ill now; have you had a flu vaccine; have you taken medicine in the last 24 hours to bring down a fever; and have you signed a 10-day quarantine order that is currently in effect. You then have to attest that the information is true. Do save that QR code. Travelers who have correctly completed all the steps in Hawaii's Safe Travels program before the flight will receive a QR code. Consider it your ticket to smooth(er) sailing upon landing in Hawaii. Save it on your phone and bring a hard copy for backup (ditto for test results and other key documents.) Don't miss airlines' Hawaii prescreening option at the airport (and get in line early.) Southwest, United, Hawaiian, Alaska, American and other airlines have added passenger prescreening, usually called pre-clear, for Hawaii flights at select mainland airports. Southwest set up a counter near its Hawaii flight gates at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. A representative asked to see my QR code and ID, verified the info in my Safe Travels account, and minutes later I was sporting a red wristband. Call it a Hawaii vacation fast pass. I flashed the wristband after landing at Kahului Airport in Maui and was able to skip screening there. (There were no screening lines when I landed but other passengers have reported screening lines upon arrival at peak times.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hawaii travel restrictions: How to navigate COVID Safe Travels program Night view of the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) medical center in Mission Bay, San Francisco, California, December 2, 2019. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images More than 200 hospital staff members tested positive for COVID-19 in July. Most of those staff members were vaccinated and presented mild to moderate symptoms. The Delta variant has also been known to spread among vaccinated people in breakthrough cases. See more stories on Insider's business page. Hundreds of staffers at two major hospitals in San Francisco have tested positive for coronavirus in July, with most of them being breakthrough cases of the highly infectious Delta variant, The New York Times reported Saturday evening. The University of California, San Francisco Medical Center told media outlets that 183 of its 35,000 staffers tested positive. Of those infected, 84% were fully vaccinated, and just two vaccinated staff members required hospitalization for their symptoms. At Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, at least 50 members out of the total 7,500 hospital staff were infected, with 75-80% of them vaccinated. None of those staffers required hospitalization. UCSF's chief medical officer, Dr. Lukejohn Day, told The Times the numbers from his hospital showed just how important and effective vaccinations are. "What we're seeing is very much what the data from the vaccines showed us: You can still get COVID, potentially. But if you do get it, it's not severe at all," Day said. Day also told ABC7 News that at least 99% of the cases at UCSF were traced back to community spread, but that hospital officials are still investigating and conducting contact tracing. He added that most of the cases presented mild to moderate symptoms, and some were completely asymptomatic. He said the cases were spread among doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff. "We sort of are seeing that across the board," he said. "We have so far not detected any patient-to-staff or staff-to-patient transmission right now." The highly infectious Delta variant has been deemed more transmissible than the viruses that cause the common cold, Ebola, and smallpox, and is equally as contagious as chickenpox, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in internal documents. Story continues The Delta variant has also been known to spread among vaccinated people in breakthrough cases, prompting the agency this week to recommend that even fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors in areas with high transmission rates. The CDC emphasized that getting vaccinated is still highly beneficial and is a crucial component to combatting the coronavirus - even the Delta variant. "Getting vaccinated continues to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even with Delta," CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told media on Tuesday. Read the original article on Business Insider Anna Gross, the film executive behind such acclaimed titles as Tootsie and The NeverEnding Story, died on July 23 at her home in Twentynine Palms, CA, following a long battle with cancer. She was 68. Gross was born in New York City on October 25, 1952. She spent the first eight years of her career working alongside famed Italian producer Dino De Laurentiis. In her time with the Oscar winner, she worked in various capacities on 14 films, including Charles Bronson starrer Death Wish (1974), Sydney Pollacks Three Days of the Condor (1975), Western The Shootist (1976), King Kong (1976), starring Jeff Bridges and Charles Grodin, and Milos Formans Ragtime. More from Deadline Gross subsequently served as Vice President of Production for Pollack, working on his 1979 film The Electric Horseman and developing two others: 1982s Tootsie and 1985s Out of Africa. Gross spent much of the 1980s working in Germany alongside producer Bernd Eichinger, overseeing production on classic fantasy pic The NeverEnding Story (1984), Jean-Jacques Annauds The Name of the Rose (1986) and Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989), on which she was also an associate producer. She then headed to Los Angeles to help set up Constantin Films operations in the city. In the early 90s, Gross served as Vice President of Production for Italian producer and distributor Vittorio Cecchi Gori. She was the key executive on 1991 Oscar winner Miditerraneo, Giuseppe Tornatores The Star Maker, which was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film in 1996, and Michael Radfords The Postman. The latter film won the Oscar for Best Music, Original Dramatic Score in 1996, also scoring noms for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Story continues Gross handled the U.S. sale and delivery of all of these films, serving as point person for Miramax on their distribution and Academy Award campaigns. She also worked during this period on Robert De Niros 1993 directorial debut A Bronx Tale and 1999 Oscar winner Life Is Beautiful. Later in her career, Gross set up her own business, overseeing Oscar campaigns for foreign films. During this period, she handled 11 nominated films, including two from EichingerDownfall (2004) and The Baader Meinhof Complex (2008). Gross was an alumna of Columbia Universitys graduate film program. She was also a founding board member of the non-profit, FilmAid International, and served as director and corporate Secretary for Hypomania Content, Inc. Gross is survived by two nieces and three nephews, along with many other family members, friends and colleagues. Plans for a memorial have not yet been revealed. In lieu of flowers please make donations to itgetsbetter.org or nextstepfitness.org Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. President Joe Biden listens during a virtual meeting with governors to discuss wildfire prevention, preparedness and response efforts, at the White House in Washington on Friday, July 30, 2021. (Sarahbeth Maney/The New York Times) WASHINGTON Days before a new hard-line president is set to be inaugurated in Iran, Biden administration officials have turned sharply pessimistic about their chances of quickly restoring the nuclear deal that President Donald Trump dismantled, fearing that the new government in Tehran is speeding ahead on nuclear research and production and preparing new demands for the United States. The concerns are a reversal from just a month ago, when U.S. negotiators, based in part on assurances from the departing Iranian government, believed they were on the cusp of reaching a deal before Ebrahim Raisi, 60, a deeply conservative former head of the judiciary, takes office Thursday. In June, they were so confident that another round of talks was imminent that a leading U.S. negotiator left his clothes in storage at a hotel in Vienna, where the talks took place through European intermediaries for the past four months. That session never happened. International inspectors have been virtually blinded. At Irans major enrichment site at Natanz, centrifuges are spinning at supersonic speeds, beginning to enrich small amounts of nuclear fuel at near bomb-grade. Elsewhere, some uranium is being turned to metallic form for medical purposes, the Iranians insist, although the technology is also useful for forming warheads. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times It is unclear whether Raisi will retain the existing Iranian negotiating team or replace them with his own loyalists, who will presumably be determined to show they can drive a harder bargain, getting more sanctions relief in return for temporary limits on Irans nuclear activities. Theres a real risk here that they come back with unrealistic demands about what they can achieve in these talks, Robert Malley, the lead U.S. negotiator, said in an interview. Both sides have much to lose if the diplomacy fails. For President Joe Biden, getting the 2015 nuclear accord back on track is a top goal, in hopes of containing, once more, a nuclear program that has resumed with a vengeance three years after Trump withdrew from it. It is also critical to Bidens effort to restore damaged relations with European allies, who negotiated the original deal, along with the United States, Russia and China. Story continues Bidens aides make no secret of their concerns that the Iranians are learning so much from the work now underway that in the near future, perhaps as early as this fall, it may be impossible to return to the old accord. At that point, we will have to reassess the way forward, Malley said. We hope it doesnt come to that. For years, Raisi was an advocate of what Iranians call the resistance economy, based on the argument that Iran does not need trade with the world and had no need to open up. But during the campaign, he seemed to endorse restoring the deal, perhaps because he was under pressure to show that, unlike his predecessors, he has the skill and toughness to get rid of the American-led sanctions that have ravaged his countrys economy. Now the economic burdens worsened by a fifth wave of the coronavirus and water shortages that are partly the result of government mismanagement have set off violent protests. The new president will not be the final word on whether the deal is restored. That judgment still belongs to Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is believed to have lined up the support for Raisis election. And Wednesday, Khamenei echoed a key demand: that the United States provide a guarantee that it can never again walk away from the pact the way Trump did. They once violated the nuclear deal at no cost by exiting it, Khamenei said. Now they explicitly say that they cannot give guarantees that it would not happen again. In fact, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Malley have said that in a democracy, there is no way to tie the hands of a future president and that the best way to preserve the deal is to show that it is working for both sides. There is no such thing as a guarantee; thats not in the nature of diplomacy, Malley said. But we dont have any intent the president doesnt have any intent of spending all these months negotiating a return to the deal in order to then withdraw. But the Iranians have found some sympathy even among Americas European allies for their argument, especially among those who fear that if Biden does not run for a second term, or a Trump-like figure gets elected, the accord could be blown up again. If it happened once, it could happen again, one senior European diplomat involved in the negotiations said. The new pessimism is a sharp change from a month ago. The departing government, led by President Hassan Rouhani and the foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, knew their legacies were tied to the nuclear accord they negotiated for more than two years with President Barack Obama and the secretary of state at the time, John Kerry. In Vienna, the Iranians said they believed they had the authority to wrap up talks before Raisi was inaugurated, so that he could start afresh and blame anything that went wrong in enforcing the accord on the incompetence of the old government. They were wrong. The sixth round of negotiations, which ended with what one U.S. official called a near-complete agreement, was followed by silence and a refusal by the Iranians to return to Vienna. It is unclear when talks might resume. Meanwhile, what has happened on the ground in Natanz, and in small research labs around the country, has the United States worried. The most visible problem, though in some ways the easiest to reverse, is that Iran has ratcheted up its production of nuclear fuel over the past two years, and now possesses far more fuel than it did before Trump pulled out of the agreement. At the time, he declared that Iran would return to the table, begging for a new deal. It never did while Trump was in office, and by late last year, according to many reports, he was seeking options from the Pentagon to bomb the countrys nuclear facilities. The Pentagon resisted, and even the biggest Iran hawk in the administration, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, argued against military action. If the deal is restored, most of that newly enriched uranium could be shipped out of the country, which is what happened when the first accord was put together. Far more worrying, officials said, is the scientific knowledge that Iran is steadily gaining by building more advanced centrifuges and experimenting with enriching uranium to 60%, just shy of what is needed for a weapon. The longer the nonimplementation goes on, the more knowledge we will get, a senior Iranian official said. If the U.S. is concerned, the earlier it comes back the better. In 2015, the Obama administration was able to claim that if Iran raced to produce nuclear fuel for a bomb called a nuclear breakout it would take at least a year. That time frame, officials now concede, is down to a few months. The United States, for its part, has reportedly agreed that if Iran lives by the 2015 accord, more than 1,000 sanctions could be lifted including on the countrys central bank. Ali Vaez, who directs the Iran project at the International Crisis Group, said the United States still had some space to offer even more sanctions relief, including on some of Khameneis close associates, and on some members of the Revolutionary Guard, which the Trump administration declared a foreign terrorist organization in 2019. Working out the sequenced timing of limiting the Iranian centrifuges and American sanctions remains a sticking point, officials said as is Irans demand that the United States not resume sanctions for the duration of Bidens term, a guarantee that the Americans would not make. Vaez said Irans insistence that the Biden administration promise to not reimpose sanctions was somewhat understandable. Without it, he said, foreign banks and other businesses will not risk investing in Iran and thus Tehran would never receive the economic benefits it believes it was promised. But the Biden administration knows that whatever deal it strikes will be a political problem in Washington. In 2015, all Republicans and a good number of influential Democrats criticized the original accord as insufficiently tough. So there is no way, officials say, they could abandon the threat of snapping back sanctions if Iran fails to comply with its part of the bargain. The problem is, in reality the U.S. cannot disarm itself of one of the most powerful tools it has in its toolbox of statecraft, Vaez said. The Biden administration is confronting another reality: For the first time in years, international inspectors have very little idea of what is happening in the underground Natanz plant. The inspection teams have been barred from many facilities they once regularly visited, measuring enrichment levels and accounting for every gram of material produced. An agreement to keep cameras and sensors running lapsed in June. The Iranians suggest access to the equipment will be restored when an accord is reached, but there is no guarantee that inspectors will have access to the back footage. A month ago, Blinken said that the agreements lapse was a serious concern that needs to be resolved. The Iranians ignored the warning. 2021 The New York Times Company Jacques Nienaber has paid tribute to the imagination of his South Africa players in turning the British and Irish Lions series on its head. Head coach Nienaber took responsibility for the Springboks 22-17 first Test defeat to the Lions, admitting he had hung number eight Kwagga Smith out to dry. The Springboks recalibrated their high-ball defence to fine effect, dominated the set-piece and smashed the Lions 27-9 to win the second Test in some style on Saturday. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. And Boks boss Nienaber revealed his players were central to the analytical alterations ahead of the second encounter. I think were fortunate as coaches working with this group, said Nienaber. Everybody is currently coming into these milestone games, like 50th caps. Its unbelievable to have players like that with that amount of experience. For example last week we lost the kicking game in the second half. And the plans the players came up with to rectify it this week was unbelievable. And the creativity in handling that, I can just take my hat off. At one stage in the meeting I was thinking if we get a win bonus I should actually give it to them. They are creative. I feel more of a facilitator than a coach, because they come up with great ideas and its nice to work with a group like that. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am grabbed fine tries as the Springboks won the second half 21-0 in Cape Town, stunning Warren Gatlands Lions and squaring the series at one victory apiece. Now the whole Test endeavour will boil down to Saturdays final encounter, with Nienaber paying tribute to his players for shaking off the effects of a major Covid-19 outbreak to force their way back into the series. If you think about it we got as a group together on June 26, thats when we got together, said Nienaber. From then June 26, weve only had two full weeks of training. Story continues Are we at our best yet? No, were not. We are building towards that. The more continuity we can get, the more we can work on our systems. Theres still a lot we can improve on. Look at her, she's Sandra Lee! The celebrity lifestyle guru, 55, made her first red carpet appearance since her breakup with Andrew Cuomo and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery in Italy on Saturday. She dazzled on the red carpet at the LUISAVIAROMA and UNICEF Gala in Capri, wearing a chartreuse Maticevski gown, strappy, precious stone-encrusted Miu Miu stilettos, a fuchsia Amanda Pearl clutch, and an antique, 30-carat ruby cocktail ring. "I'm having the best summer of my life," Lee told PEOPLE at the star-studded event. RELATED: Katy Perry and John Legend Light Up the Night with 'Moon River' Duet at LUISAVIAROMA for UNICEF Gala in Italy Other notable attendees included performers Katy Perry and John Legend who wowed with their gorgeous "Moon River" duet Vanessa Hudgens, Maria Bakalova, Saweetie, Emily Ratajkowski, Olivia Culpo, and Heidi Klum. The Semi-Homemade Cooking star recently told her Instagram followers she had lost 25 lbs. since her 2019 breakup from the Governor of New York and recent bout with COVID-19. This year, Lee celebrates her 25th anniversary with UNICEF as a founding board member of the Los Angeles chapter, as well as serving as their sole International Emissary. "I'm here to support UNICEF and the amazing work they do for children around the world," she explained to PEOPLE at the Italian gala. Sandra Lee attends the LuisaViaRoma for Unicef event at La Certosa di San Giacomo on July 31, 2021 in Capri, Italy. Daniele Venturelli/Getty An auction at the fundraiser, conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby's, included several one-of-a-kind items: Steve McQueen's 1961 Cooper Formula Junior race car; art by Andy Warhol, Alex Israel, and Richard Orlinski; a notebook of drawings by Pablo Picasso; and the Yamaha grand piano played by Legend during his performance earlier in the evening. More than 5 million was raised in support of UNICEF's work to provide care and protection to vulnerable children across the globe. The UFC handed out four post-fight bonuses after Saturdays card, including one to a first-time UFC fighter. After UFC on ESPN 28, four fighters picked up an extra $50,000 for their performances in Las Vegas. Check out the winners below. Performance of the Night: Cheyanne Buys LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 31: (R-L) Cheyanne Buys punches Gloria de Paula of Brazil in a strawweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on July 31, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Cheyanne Buys (6-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) said she is broke after moving from Dallas to Las Vegas. But a 60-second knockout of Gloria de Paula (5-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC) got her an extra $50,000 that likely will help her financial woes in a big way. Buys landed a head kick a millisecond after de Paula's right hand came off the canvas. She thought she had a walkoff KO, but had to drop a couple punches in to get the finish. Performance of the Night: Melsik Baghdasaryan Melsik Baghdasaryan In his UFC debut, Melsik Baghdasaryan (6-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) delivered a highlight-reel TKO of fellow first-time UFC fighter Collin Anglin (8-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC). Baghdasaryan looked good on the feet in the first round, but in the second a left kick hit Anglin flush and dropped him to the canvas. One punch on the mat was all he needed for the finish. Fight of the Night: Jason Witt vs. Bryan Barberena LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 31: (R-L) Jason Witt punches Bryan Barberena in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on July 31, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) The third round between Jason Witt (19-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) and Bryan Barberena (15-8 MMA, 6-6 UFC) was bonkers, and from a statistical standpoint, things could have gone either way. Barberena nearly tripled up on Witt in the striking department, 96-36. But Witt landed eight takedowns and had more than four minutes of control time on the ground. One judge scored the fight a 28-28 draw. But two others had it for Witt to give him the majority nod. [vertical-gallery id=656972] [vertical-gallery id=656970] 1 1 New Delhi: Auto majors, including Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai and Tata Motors, on Sunday reported high double-digit growth in their domestic passenger vehicle sales in July riding on stabilisation of macro-economic factors and better consumer sentiments. Similarly, Honda, Nissan, MG Motor and Skoda also reported healthy growth in their sales last month leveraging on improved market mood amid prevailing lower coronavirus infection rate, despite supply constraints of semi-conductors. The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India's (MSI) domestic sales increased by 39 per cent to 1,41,238 units last month as against 1,01,307 units in July 2020, the company said in a statement. While sales of mini cars comprising Alto and WagonR stood at 19,685 units as compared to 17,258 units in the same month last year, those of compact segment, including models such as Swift, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno and Dzire, rose to 70,268 units as against 51,529 cars in July last year. MSI said its sales of its utility vehicles, including Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and Ertiga, stood at 32,272 units last month as compared to 19,177 in the year-ago month. Rival Hyundai Motor India reported 26 per cent jump in its domestic sales at 48,042 units as against 38,200 units in July 2020, driven by strong performance of newly launched model Alcazar and other products like Creta, i20 and Venue. "A positive growth momentum is clearly visible in the passenger vehicle industry with the stabilisation of macro-economic factors, good monsoons and increase in consumer shift towards personal mobility," Hyundai Motor India Ltd Director (Sales, Marketing & Service) Tarun Garg said. Homegrown auto major Tata Motors also continued its impressive growth momentum in the passenger vehicles segment posting domestic sales of 30,185 units in July, as compared to 15,012 units in the same month last year. Another player, MG Motor India reported a two-fold increase in retail sales at 4,225 units last month as compared to sold 2,105 units in July 2020. The company also recorded its highest-ever bookings and retail sales of ZS EV in July. "A lot of people ask about EV potential in India and my typical answer is: People are ready and they need good solutions/ options from OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). One proof point: We booked all-time high 600+ ZS EV in July alone!!," MG Motor India President and Managing Director Rajeev Chaba said in a tweet. Elaborating on the overall sales in July, MG Motor India Director (Sales) Rakesh Sidana said the Hector and ZS EV further gained momentum during the month. "However, the severe shortage of chips is expected to continue for some time and will lead to supply constraints. While we expect overall consumer demand to rise, we should also remain cautious of the potential threats posed by the third wave," he added. Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) also reported a 12 per cent rise in domestic sales at 6,055 units in July as against 5,383 units in the same month last year. "We achieved our production ramp-up from last week of July and have streamlined supplies in line with market activity. Barring few locations, dealer outlets were mostly operational last month, albeit with lesser capacity," HCIL Senior Vice-President and Director (Marketing & Sales) Rajesh Goel noted. He added that the market sentiment has improved amid prevailing lower coronavirus infection rate. "We expect the upcoming festive period will help the industry to maintain this momentum." Goel, however, said the company would keep a closer watch on the challenges related to the pandemic and rising cost of acquisition of cars due to price hike from this month. Nissan India also reported a multi-fold jump in its domestic sales at 4,259 units in July, up from 784 units in same month of last year. "Customer sentiments have improved with opening of most of the markets," Nissan Motor India Managing Director Rakesh Srivastava said, adding that in July the company achieved its highest sales in the past three years. "We have increased the production of Magnite with the plants starting third shift operations and are able to serve the pending bookings earlier," he said. Although the challenge of shortage of semi-conductors and components is continuing, the company's endeavour is to reduce the waiting period of Magnite further, he added. Skoda Auto India reported over three-fold increase in sales in July at 3,080 units compared to 922 units in July 2020, fuelled by its new compact SUV Kushaq, which was launched with the vision of substantially growing its volumes in India. "It is very encouraging to see our plan taking shape. Despite a challenging environment, we have managed to have a really successful launch, which is in line with our strategic focus and volume expectations," Skoda Auto India Brand Director Zac Hollis said in a statement. Also Read: Lost your Aadhaar card? Heres how to retrieve your Aadhaar card online The company is witnessing "a surge in dealership footfalls and customer enquiries", he said adding,"there is also a multi-fold increase in the requests for new dealerships from the dealer fraternity across India". Also Read: YouTube bans Sky News Australia for a week over Covid misinformation Live TV #mute New Delhi: Two-wheeler market Royal Enfield on Sunday reported a nine per cent rise in total sales to 44,038 units for July. The company had sold 40,334 units in the same month last year, Royal Enfield said in a statement. Domestic sales stood at 39,290 units last month, a growth of 4 per cent as against 37,925 in July 2020, it added. Exports grew 97 per cent last month to 4,748 units as compared with 2,409 units in the year-ago month, the company said. Meanwhile, the country's largest two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp on Sunday reported a 13 per cent dip in total sales at 4,54,398 units in July. The company had sold 5,20,104 units in the same month of the previous year, Hero MotoCorp said in a statement. In the domestic market, the company's wholesales dropped to 4,29,208 units last month from 5,12,541 units in July 2020. Exports, however, increased to 25,190 units last month as against 7,563 units in the year-ago period. Most of the retail touch-points of the company are operational across the country, although localised lockdowns imposed by certain states in the wake of sporadic coronavirus cases continue to restrict the customer movement, the two wheeler major noted. India's rural economy and semi-urban market is expected to bounce back on the hopes of good monsoon and customers' preference for personal mobility, it added. Also Read: Apple dominates global tablet market with 12.9 million shipments in Apr-Jun quarter The company continues to monitor the on-ground situation and remains optimistic about continuously improving consumer sentiment in the coming months with the onset of the festive season, it said. Also Read: Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata Motors post double-digit sales growth in July Live TV #mute New Delhi: Friendship Day is celebrated on August 1 and with time, has evolved into an opportunity to show some genuine love to those who extend unconditional support to us through life's ups and downs. With growing awareness about climate change and irresponsible consumption patterns, it seems but natural to not turn this day into another excuse to buy meaningless gifts. Why not instead show some love to your pals and mother earth with these eco-sensitive gestures? Here is our pick of five sustainable and eco-friendly ideas: Ethical beauty products: There are many high-profile and lesser-known brands in India today creating zero-cruelty and ethical beauty products and you can take your pick according to your budget and preferences. Check out sites where every product is genuinely handmade with certified organic ingredients. Look for ingredients where there is an organic certification to ensure that everything from the soil to the water used has no adulteration. And then choose from goodies for face, hair and body, spa treats and gifts for him and her to green home products like laundry and dishwashing bars and organic towels. You will for sure find something online that is just right for a friend who worries about environmental conservation and whether or not a gift is biodegradable. A thoughtfully made garment: Sustainable farming practices are the bedrock of slow fashion and green clothing brands. Such brands are responsive to the plight of Indian farmers who are struggling with debt, poverty, high costs of modern farming techniques, genetically modified seeds and weather irregularities. Support companies that swear by organic and fair trade farming practices. Many brands are also going not just vegan but carbon-neutral too. So pick up something special for a special someone and help the planet and a farmer in the bargain. Fast fashion is no longer in style. Thoughtfully created, eco-sensitive garments are the way forward so do a little research and you will find multiple options that are kinder to the planet. Greet with trees: Why not choose a living and breathing gift that significantly benefits the planet? Why not gift trees to honour a cause or a loved one? Surprise a friend with a green gesture and inspire others to do the same. Check out Grow-Trees.com which is a movement to expand green cover, nourish wildlife habitats as well as forests with afforestation drives. It engages and benefits local communities and involves corporates and individuals as well. Grow-Trees.com will carry your greetings via an eTreeCertificate to the person you are honouring to let them know about your heartfelt gesture. You can also gift trees to several people at once. This social initiative is pioneering a web-enabled, cost-effective service for individuals and companies so that they can easily plant trees globally. Go on, be a part of this mission while showing a friend that your love for them is evergreen. Earth-friendly utilities: Big changes begin with small gestures so why not initiate a friend into a more sustainable way of living by offering them a gift hamper packed with earth-friendly goodies like bamboo or a neem toothbrush, exfoliating loofahs and other zero waste and eco-friendly personal care products? Check out sites that offer guilt-free gifts and promote slow living, resource conservation, biodegradable packaging, fair trade, ethical sourcing, plant-based utilitarian products and a lot more. Eco-friendly stationery: If your friend likes to journal, visit sites that offer quirky, sustainable and upcycled stationery, notepads, diaries, pouches, newspaper pens and pencils. Make sure that the products are made with 90% upcycled materials and are handcrafted. Opt for reversible, washable and organic face masks, veggie bags and home accessories ranging from furnishings, glasses, planters, coasters and a lot more upcycled stuff. Support eco-friendly brands that use waste, offcuts and extra fabric and shop for a gift that is truly green. (Disclaimer: This is a featured content) New Delhi: As rains continue to batter Madhya Pradesh, at least six people were killed and four bore injuries in two incidents of house collapse in Rewa and Singrauli districts on Sunday (August 1), PTI cited officials as saying. As per the police, a 35-year-old man, his 60-year-old mother and two daughter (aged 7 and 8 years), died in Rewa when their mud house collapsed on Sunday morning. The incident took place in Ghuchiyari Bahera village under Garh police station area, about 50 km from the district headquarters, Rewa Collector Ilayaraja T said. Another minor daughter of the man received injuries and she was admitted to Gangev Hospital, he added. Eyewitnesses told PTI that the administration team failed to reach the spot timely due to lack of a proper road connecting the village. A motorable road is about three km away from the village, they told the news agency. While in Singrauli district, a 10-year-old boy and his 3-year-old sister lost their lives after their mud house caved in. This incident occurred at Sailo area under Vindhya Nagar police station limits at around 1 am, Jayant police post in-charge Abhimanyu Dwivedi said. Dwivedi added that the parents and another minor sister were also hurt in the collapse and are currtently undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday predicted very heavy to extremely heavy rains over the next 24 hours, prompting it to notify a 'red alert' for 10 districts in Madhya Pradesh. Heavy showers along with thunderstorms and lightning are expected at isolated places in Gwalior, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashok Nagar, Datia, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Neemuch and Mandsaur, P K Saha, senior meteorologist at the IMD's Bhopal office informed. The weather department has also issued an orange alert' till Monday morning in 16 other districts - Bhopal, Rewa, Sidhi, Satna, Singrauli, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Damoh, Panna, Tikamgarh, Raisen, Rajgarh, Sehore, Vidisha, Agar-Malwa. (With agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Uttar Pradeshs Mirzapur on Sunday (August 1) where he will lay the foundation stone of Rs 150 crore Vindhyachal Corridor Project (VCP). Shah will also inaugurate a ropeway that will cost Rs 16 crore in Vindhyachal. The minister will be accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Vindhyachal Corridor project is being built on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor project of Varanasi. Shah is expected to reach Devri airport in the afternoon after which he, along with the CM, will head to Vindhyachal temple for bhumi pujan. The Union Home Minister and Chief Minister will land at Devri airport around 2.40 p.m. From the helipad, they will go to Vindhyachal temple. After offering prayers at the temple, they will perform the rituals of `bhumi pujan`. They will then reach the Government Inter College ground to address a public meeting following inauguration of the ropeway for Vindhya circle and laying of foundation stone of other projects, Divisional Commissioner Mirzapur, Yogeshwar Ram Mishra was quoted as saying by IANS. Mishra added that the project will be started immediately after the bhumi pujan as removal of identified 92 buildings surrounding the temple, has already been done after their purchase. Under the project, a 50-ft-wide Parikrama (circumambulation) route will be created to allow the visitors to get a full view of the holy shrine, known as one of Shaktipeeths. The roads leading to the temple are also being widened as a part of the project. In addition to this, improvement of basic infrastructure and introducing modern facilities, including parking zones, guest houses, shopping complexes, retiring rooms for pilgrims, will also be undertaken. Shah and Yogi will inaugurate the ropeway for thousands of pilgrims who flock Ashtabhuja and Kali Khoh hills of holy Trikon of Vindhyachal. The ropeway, which will be first in east UP, will be started in two phases as the only one ropeway line connecting Kali Khoh and Ashtabhuja project is in finishing state. The second line from Ashtabhuja to the terminal (parking site) is still under construction and expected to be completed by December end. UP tourism joint director (Varanasi) Avinash Mishra said, "Under Rs 16 crore ropeway project, a 199-metre first line ropeway linking Kali Khoh and Ashtabhuja and other the 102-metre second line, which will take visitors from Ashtabhuja hill to terminal (parking point), has been created. Being initiated on a public private partnership (PPP) model, this project will enable visitors to enjoy the beauty of the forest area between two hills from the height of over 260 metres." The Union Home Minister is also expected to visit former Chief Minister Kalyan Singh who is hospitalised in Lucknow. Before proceeding to Mirzapur, the Union Home Minister will also lay the foundation of the state`s first-of-its-kind forensic institute in Lucknow on Sunday. Live TV New Delhi: Anuradha Chaudhary, who is also known as Rajasthan's Lady Don and Revolver Rani, has been held with Delhi's most wanted gangster Kala Jathedi. Anuradha Chaudhary has been accused in over 12 criminal cases and was arrested by Delhi Police's Special Cell from Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur on Friday (July 30, 2021). Chaudhary was also wanted in connection with two FIRs related to abduction, extortion and firing. Besides Lady Don and Revolver Rani, she was also known as 'Madam Minz'. Chaudhary, an associate of gangster Anandpal Singh, who was killed in a police encounter in 2017 in Rajasthan's Churu district, had a reward of Rs 10,000 over her arrest. Following Singh's encounter, she had reportedly joined the Jathedi gang. On Kala Jathedi's arrest, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell-Counter Intelligence) Manishi Chandra informed that for the last six months, various state police, especially Delhi Police's Special Cell and Crime Branch teams were tracing him. He further added that in the last 15 days, his team comprising over 30 police officials were on the ground, and covered a distance of around 10,000 km, switched multiple locations across different states like Goa, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Odisha to nab Jathedi. Partner in crime, wanted gangster and Lady Don, Revolver Rani Anuradha @ Madam Minz also in police net.. The accused were carrying cumulative reward of Rs. 6,10,000/- on their arrests.. An international criminal alliances back is broken.. pic.twitter.com/camSFNaVkO Special Cell, Delhi Police (@CellDelhi) July 31, 2021 "The team got some leads connected to Goa and started trailing him from there. The search led them to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand. "The team was finally able to grab footage which showed Kala Jathedi in a Sikh attire along with Chaudhary. Until he was caught, we did not have any positive identifiers nor mobile phone details to trace his exact location," the DCP said. Police said after escaping from the custody of Haryana Police in February 2020, Jathedi, a resident of Sonipat, was working to expand his network in the national capital and adjoining states. To divert the attention of the investigators, his associates had spread rumours that he is living abroad. The duo was produced before a court late Friday night which granted 14 days' police remand for further investigation. The gangster will also be questioned by the Crime Branch over his alleged links with two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar who is currently lodged in Delhi's Tihar jail for his alleged role in the murder of wrestler Sagar Rana. Jathedi was wanted in several cases registered in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The Delhi Police had also invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against him. Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana on Saturday rewarded Rs 7 lakh to the team of Special Cell who executed the operation to arrest Jathedi and his associates. Asthana also interacted with the 38 members who caught Kala Jathedi and Anuradha Chaudhary. Sh Rakesh Asthana @CPDelhi interacted with #DelhiPolice Special @CellDelhi team of 38 personnel that trailed & arrested wanted interstate gangster Kala Jathedi and associate Anuradha in #OperationChakravyuh across 10 states. Praised the action, sanctioned 7 lakh reward to team. pic.twitter.com/9MmdYKmAjD #DilKiPolice Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) July 31, 2021 (With agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: Amid tensions at the border region, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that his government will go to the Supreme Court to resolve the border conflict. On Mizoram police registering a case against Sarma, he said that if an FIR against him will resolve the border dispute, he is ready to appear before any police station. I'm happy if filing an FIR against me resolves the issue, I'll go and appear before any police station. But I will not allow our officers to be investigated. We will go to SC to resolve boundary dispute, ANI quoted the Assam CM as saying. I'm happy if filing an FIR against me resolves the issue, I'll go & appear before any police station. But I will not allow our officers to be investigated. We will go to SC to resolve boundary dispute: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pic.twitter.com/qwUtMCXth4 ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2021 Mizoram police have filed criminal cases against Assam CM, four senior officers of the state police, and two more officials, after tensions escalated at the border, ANI reported. Further, Sarma took to Twitter and wrote that Mizoram CM Zoramthanga has promised to call him for a discussion on the border dispute. Our main focus is on keeping the spirit of North-East alive. What happened along the Assam-Mizoram border is unacceptable to the people of both states. Honble CM @ZoramthangaCM had promised to call me post his quarantine. Border disputes can only be resolved through discussion, the Assam CM tweeted on Sunday (August 1). Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuango on Sunday said the state government is ready to withdraw the FIR filed against Assam CM Sarma and asserted that CM Zoramthanga did not approve the inclusion of Sarma's name in the FIR. "In fact, our chief minister did not really approve of mentioning the name of the Assam chief minister in the FIR. He suggested to me that we should look into it, PTI quoted Chuango as saying. The development comes days after a fierce gun battle between the forces of Assam and Mizoram resulted in the death of five Assam police personnel and one civilian. At least 50 people were injured in the conflict. Centre is engaged in efforts to settle the dispute between the two states. Chief secretaries and DGPs of both states attended the meeting called by Union Home Ministry on July 28. The row and the violence earlier this week are likely to be raised in parliament by BJP MPs from Assam on Monday. (With agency inputs) Live TV Mumbai: A Maharashtra BJP legislator's reported remark about the Shiv Sena headquarters has sparked off a verbal duel between the two parties, with Sena leader Sanjay Raut saying on Sunday that Marathi 'manoos' (person) would not spare the "drug-addict politicians", while former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis asserting that if anyone attacks the BJP, it knows how to counter it. Prasad Lad, a member of the state Legislative Council, had said during a BJP function on Saturday that the Shiv Sena Bhavan, the party's headquarters at Dadar in central Mumbai would be demolished if needed. He had later expressed regret saying that his statement was presented out of context by the media. He also withdrew the remarks. In his clarification, Lad had later said in a video statement, "I have the highest regard for the late Balasaheb Thackeray and I consider Sena Bhavan as a sacred abode. How can I speak against the Sena Bhavan" What I meant was that the BJP is a major power and it will prove its might against political rival Sena in the upcoming BMC polls. Last month, the Sena had attacked our activists outside the Sena Bhavan. So it was a political reply. It was certainly not directed at the Sena supremo or the Bhavan". However, the remarks led to a verbal duel between leaders from the two parties, which were once ruling allies. Raut, who is Shiv Sena's chief spokesperson and a Rajya Sabha member, took a dig at the BJP saying there was an "urgent need to undertake a drug de-addiction programme" in Maharashtra. "Otherwise, Marathi manoos on the footpath of Shiv Sena Bhavan will not spare these drug-addict politicians. Shiv Sena Bhavan is a shining symbol of Marathi identity"Samajhne walo ko ishara kafi hai (A hint is enough for the one who understands)," he said. Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena president and state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, while speaking during a function in Mumbai, said that the language of intimidation will not be tolerated and a befitting reply will be given to those speaking it. "Nobody should speak the language of slapping us as we will give back such a tight slap that the other person will not be able to get back on his feet," he said during a speech made at the event. Thackeray's predecessor Fadnavis, who is the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, said that the BJP does not believe in "tod-phod" (vandalism) and "destructive politics" was not its culture. "We don't attack anybody first. But if somebody attacks us, we don't take it lying down. It is countered effectively," he said. BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, son of Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane, targeted Raut on Twitter. "You are right Raut saheb". Maharashtra needs to be drugs-free"and this should start from Kalanagar," he said in a tweet. Thackeray's private residence "Matoshree" is located in Kalanagar area of Mumbai's Bandra. In June this year, clashes had broken out between Shiv Sena and BJP workers in Dadar area after the youth wing of the BJP had taken out a protest march against "offensive" remarks in the Sena mouthpiece "Saamana' about the land deal controversy in Ayodhya. The Shiv Sena, which was one of the oldest allies of the BJP, had forged an unlikely alliance with the NCP and the Congress after the 2019 state elections to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, after parting ways with the BJP over the issue of sharing the chief minister's post. After a month-long political crisis, Uddhav Thackeray had taken oath as the chief minister in November 2019, while the BJP sat in the opposition. Elections to the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is currently ruled by the Shiv Sena, will be held next year. New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has set a target to train as many as 4 lakh of its party workers who will be deployed to 2 lakh villages and help people fight the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tarun Chugh, National General Secretary, BJP. "Volunteers have stood up in such large numbers for the first time in a political party. BJP will be training 4 lakh workers who will visit 2 lakh villages to curtail the spread of the virus. The initiative was flagged off on July 28 by BJP National President JP Nadda," he said in an interview with ANI. Within three days of the initiative, we have successfully achieved the first step in which 103,872 workers have registered with the health volunteers` portal, informed the national general secretary. Amid the fear of a possible third wave after witnessing the second wave of COVID-19 that created havoc, BJP is gearing up for any unforeseen circumstances. Tarun Chugh told ANI that BJP has planned to hold workshops in 952 districts and by August 31 the party plans to train 4 lakh volunteers. "As a humanitarian cause, the BJP will form a voluntary health force to fight the pandemic," Chugh said. "So far, 5,000 doctors have associated with us. Our health volunteers will educate and aware people. Helpline numbers will also be started," he added. According to Chugh, this will bridge the gap between people in need and healthcare workers. India reported 41,649 fresh COVID-19 infections, 37,291 recoveries, and 593 deaths on Saturday, said the Union Health Ministry. With this, the total cases in the country mounted to 3,16,13,993 including 4,08,920 active cases. The active cases constitute 1.29 per cent of the total cases reported. The recovery rate currently stands at 97.37 per cent while daily positivity rate stands at 2.34 per cent, according to reports by the Health Ministry. The death toll has climbed to 4,23,810 including the 593 new deaths.In its battle with the pandemic, India has substantially ramped up its COVID-19 testing capacity wherein 46.64 crore tests have been conducted so far. As a part of the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive in the country, India has administered over 46 crores vaccine doses so far. (With inputs from news agencies) Live TV Lucknow: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the BJP would return to power with a massive majority in the 2022 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and asked the opposition leaders to prepare for their defeat. Speaking at the `bhumi pujan` ceremony of the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) that is coming up in Sarojini Nagar locality in Lucknow, Shah said that under the leadership of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has emerged as a leader. "Yogi Adityanath has turned Uttar Pradesh into a number one state in implementation of 44 welfare schemes. He has improved the law-and-order situation that is now inviting investments and has also checked corruption. During the Covid pandemic, Yogi ji and his team did excellent work. Opposition leaders will now come out because elections are approaching but people must not be misled by them. Where were they when there was the land mafia, riots were taking place, crime against women was at a high and families did not have toilets?" he asked. The union minister said that the BJP does not work for any particular caste or family but works for the poorest of the poor. ALSO READ | UP Assembly polls: BJP will win more than 300 seats, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath Talking about the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science, Amit Shah said that this would be affiliated to the forensic institute in Gandhinagar in Gujarat. "This institute will not only enable youth to get a new career for themselves but will help in improving law and order. The institute will have a DNA centre for which Rs 15 crore has been earmarked. The conviction rate of criminals will also go up as investigations become more professional and scientific and the crime rate will automatically go down," he said. Foundation stone laying ceremony of Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Sciences in Lucknow. Watch live! https://t.co/NptESEIWNE Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 1, 2021 Shah said that policing had changed over the years with the advent of problems related to fake currency, cybercrime, narco-terrorism etc. The police force needs to be better trained and we need special manpower for investigations, he said. Amit Shah further pointed out that the police is blamed for either inaction or extreme action. "The police need to focus on just action," he added. Spread over 50 acres in the Piparsand locality of Sarojini Nagar, the institute will offer studies in the field of police administration and forensic science. A Centre of Excellence is being set up by NFSU to provide modern infrastructure and technology in scientific crime investigation, which will be a separate unit on 5-acre land on the campus. New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has granted time to the Central Board of Secondary Education to respond to a plea concerning the methodology of assessment of CBSE private class 10 students after the examination was cancelled on account of the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year. Justice Prateek Jalan, hearing a petition moved by the mother of a private class 10 student, passed the order after time was sought by the counsel for the Central Board of Secondary Education. Rupesh Kumar, learned counsel for the Central Board of Secondary Education, seeks ten days further time to take instructions on the methodology for assessment of private candidates for the class 10 examinations, the judge recorded in the order dated July 29 as he listed the matter for further hearing on August 23. The notice to CBSE in the petition was issued in June when the court granted six weeks time to the education body to clarify its stand. In her petition, Payal Bahl has submitted that while students have been declared as Pass after the announcement of the cancellation of examinations, CBSE has not issued any notification regarding its policy on how marks are to be awarded to private students. CBSEs attitude towards the students who are privately enrolled in the class 10 examination is prima facie violative of the Article 14 of the Constitution of India and takes away their equal opportunity of proceeding with further education, she contended. It should be noted that CBSE has already notified that the assessment of regular class 10 students was to be based on internal assessment. New Delhi: As India grapples with the threat of third COVID-19 wave, AIIMS Chief Dr Randeep Guleria has warned about the rising 'R-Value'. R-factor refers to the reproduction rate, i.e. the number of people contracting the virus by one infected person. In an interview to NDTV, Guleria raised concerns about the R-value of coronavirus spiking and stressed on the need to test, track and treat strategy in order to curb the spread. "Starting from .96, and going all the way up to 1, the rise in R-Value is a cause of concern. Simply put, this means that the chances of infection spreading from a person, who has Covid, to others have gone up. The areas which are witnessing this surge should bring in restrictions and employ "test, track, and treat" strategy to break the chain of transmission," he told the channel. Guleria said the surge in COVID-19 infections in Kerala, which has been reporting more than 20,000 COVID-19 cases for the past few days, needs to be evaluated. "In the beginning, Kerala had set a precedent for others by managing the pandemic well. They also had an aggressive vaccination drive. Yet despite that, are witnessing a spike in a way that's different from other parts of the country. This needs to be evaluated. Also, is there a variant behind the surge? Are containment strategies being aggressively followed - all this needs to be evaluated," the AIIMS chief said. Further, he suggested that neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should also adopt aggressive testing strategy in order to stem the transmission of the virus. Both these states have made negative RT-PCR report mandatory for people travelling from Kerala. Gulerias remarks come as India logged 41,831 fresh infections in the last 24 hours, as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data on Sunday. The weekly positivity rate stands at 2.42%, the ministry added. On Friday, with 44,230 new COVID-19 cases, India recorded its highest single-day surge in three weeks. Live TV Chennai: Negative RT-PCR report has been made mandatory for everyone coming from Kerala to Tamil Nadu from August 5, informed Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramaniyan on Sunday. "RT-PCR report is mandatory for people coming from Kerala to Tamil Nadu from August 5," he said. Earlier, On July 30, Subramaniyan has said that COVID-19 cases have been increasing in the state. "No of Covid cases has been increasing in the last three days. RT-PCR tests have increased. Many people are not wearing face masks. Vigilance in Tamil Nadu and Kerala is increased," said the minister. Kerala has been witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases. As per the Union Health Ministry, Kerala recorded 20,624 fresh cases in the last 24 hours. The total count of cases in the state has gone up to 33,90,761. Tamil Nadu has recorded 1,986 new cases of COVID-19 and the total cases in the state are 25,59,597, Ministry informed. Also Read: Planned campaign against Kerala, says state health minister, cites serosurvey data Live TV New Delhi: A Delhi court upheld Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe report that ruled out any foul play in the accident case of Unnao rape survivor. The District and Sessions Judge Dharmesh Sharma held that the objections of the complainant party read like an engrossing thrilling story but were based on mere surmises and conjectures, as per a PTI report. Further, the judge said that there are no grounds to suspect the fidelity, accuracy, and sincerity of the investigation conducted by the CBI and that the agency came out with a plausible version of the incident. Upholding the probe, the court stated: "I have no hesitation in holding the findings of the CBI in the chargesheet, that there is no case against the accused persons so as to take cognisance and proceed against them under Section 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) read with Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), cannot be faulted." The sessions judge framed charges against the truck driver for causing death by negligence and endangering human life, apart from framing charges of criminal intimidation against Kuldeep Sengar and his associates. In 2019, the rape survivor, members of her family, and lawyer were travelling in a car when it was hit by an overspeeding truck in Rae Bareli. Two of her aunts were killed while she and the advocate were left with critical injuries. Following this, a murder case was filed against expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was incarcerated for raping the minor survivor, and nine of her family members filed a complaint alleging "conspiracy" behind the accident. Live TV New Delhi: After postgraduate (PG) courses, Delhi University (DU) is all set to commence the registration process for undergraduate (UG) courses from Monday (August 2). As per university officials, the admission portal is expected to go live by 3 pm tomorrow, PTI reported. The admission drive will fill up to nearly 70,000 seats in UG courses. Earlier, DU started the registration process for postgraduate courses, MPhil and PhD courses on July 26. Like the portal for PG courses, UG courses portal will also be interactive and have an Artificial Intelligence-enabled chatbot to solve the students' queries. The last date to register for UG courses will be August 31. Candidates can expect the first cut-off list between September 7-10. While the university will open the window for updation of marks at a later stage. "While CBSE, ISC boards have declared results, there are many state boards that are yet to announce results. We will provide the students the option of updating their marks at a later stage and a special window will be opened for it," the news agency quoted a DU official as saying. Candidates will not be required to select their course or college while filling the form, like last year. Once a student fills the form, they will be eligible for admission to every college and course, provided they meet the eligibility criteria, officials said. It is to be noted that for colleges like St Stephen's and Jesus and Mary, candidates will have to fill separate forms in addition to the common form for the university. The admission in most of the courses will be merit-based while for some courses entrance exams will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) between September 26 and October 1. (With agency inputs) Live TV Lahaul-Spiti: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur conducts aerial survey of the flood-affected region of Lahaul-Spiti district on Sunday. Jairam Thakur said that the National Disaster Management team has also been moved towards the Lahaul-Spiti district.State Disaster Management Authority Director Sudesh Kumar Mokhta said, "So far, 211 people and 438 animals have died in incidents related to rain, cloudburst, and landslide in Himachal Pradesh during this monsoon season." Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has further informed that the estimated loss worth Rs 632 crores has occurred in the state due to rain, cloudburst, landslides. Meanwhile, a total of 221 people, comprising tourists from New Delhi, Punjab, Odisha and Maharashtra, were rescued by road from various places by Saturday. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the local administration have been deployed for the rescue operation. Earlier, the stranded people could not be airlifted owing to bad climatic conditions, a government official told IANS. The newly hired chopper had been stationed in Kullu town since its arrival on the direction of the Chief Minister so that it could be deployed in airlifting people as the weather got cleared, he added. Seven people were washed away in a flash flood in the Tozing rivulet in Udaipur subdivision, some 15 km from district headquarters Keylong, after a cloudburst on July 27. Three people are still missing. Live TV New York: India on Sunday (August 1) assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and will be hosting signature events related to maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism during this month. Ambassador of India to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti thanked the France Permanent Representative to the UN, Nicolas de Riviere with a Tweet. "Thank you Ambassador @NDeRiviere, PR of France for steering the UN #SecurityCouncil for the month of July. India takes over the Presidency for August," Tirumurti tweeted. Meanwhile, France said it is committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism. "Delighted that India is today taking over #UNSC presidency from France. We are committed to working with India on strategic issues as maritime security, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism, and upholding a rules-based, multilateral system to face today`s many ongoing crises," Ambassador of France to India Emmanuel Lenain tweeted. This is India`s first presidency in the UNSC during its 2021-22 tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC. The two-year tenure of India as a non-permanent member of the UNSC began on January 1, 2021. During the presidency of the powerful 15-nation UN body, India said it will be focusing on maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism. In a video message, India`s Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti on Friday talked about New Delhi`s agenda as it will take over the rotating presidency of the UNSC, according to news agency ANI. He said India will be organizing signature events in three key areas -- maritime security, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism.Ambassador Tirumurti further said that New Delhi will continue to keep the spotlight on counter-terrorism. "Further, as a country that has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, we will continue to keep the spotlight on counter-terrorism. I would like to thank Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) for counting to guide our permanent mission especially during our stint during the security council," he said. This is India's eighth tenure in the UNSC.The first working day of India's presidency will be on Monday, August 2 when Tirumurti will hold a hybrid press briefing in the UN headquarters on the Council's programme of work for the month. (With inputs from news agencies) Live TV New Delhi: The top commanders of the Indian and Chinese military held the 12th round of military talks in the Ladakh sector on Saturday to discuss issues to resolve the ongoing military standoff along the Eastern Ladakh sector. The talks between corps commander-ranked officers of the Indian Army and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) began at 10.30am at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and lasted for nearly nine hours, Army sources said. "12th round of Corps Commander level talks between India and China concluded at 7.30 pm in Oldi on the Chinese side of Line of Actual Control. In the nine-hour-long meetings, both sides discussed issues to resolve the ongoing military standoff along with the Eastern Ladakh sector," Army sources told PTI. Tensions rose between the two countries aftre a bitter military standoff which began last year. After extensive talks at both military and political levels led to disengagment of troops from the most contentious Pangong lake area last month. India and China have already disengaged from the banks of Pangong lake after extensive talks and the Gogra Heights and Hot Springs areas are left to be resolved as these friction points were created post-Chinese aggression last year, PTI reported. Earlier, India and China held 11 rounds of talks at the Corps Commander level to reach the arrangement to disengage from the Pangong lake area. Live TV Srinagar: Anybody found involved in stone-pelting and other subversive activities will be denied security clearance. A circular issued by the CID wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police stated on Saturday (July 31). The CID authorities, in the circular, have asked their field staff to corroborate antecedents with executive police. All the field units of CID SB-Kashmir are hereby directed to ensure that during verification related to passport, service and any other verification related to government services/schemes, the subject's involvement in law & order, stone-pelting cases and other crime prejudicial to the security of the state be specifically looked into and same must be corroborated from local police station records, reads the circular. Also, digital evidence like CCTV footage, photographs, videos and audio clips, quadcopter images available in the records of the police, security forces and security agencies be also referred, the circular reads adding that any subject found involved in any such cases must be denied the security clearance. Dubai: The Ministry of Education has announced new centers for the Gulf region in Dubai and Kuwait to conduct the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test smoothly. This massive step came as a huge relief for NRI parents and students from stress and chaos in planning for international travel to appear for the examination. Now, these students will not have to travel abroad to take the exam. With the efforts of Allen Career Institute Overseas and the support of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla along with various other stakeholders, NEET exam will be conducted in Kuwait and Dubai from this year.Keshav Maheshwari, Managing Director, Allen Overseas, said that many Indian families reside in Gulf countries, and thousands of students apply for Indian Medical Entrance Examination. A special quota is also allotted to these students. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide and the non-availability of examination centers of NEET-UG examinations, many students also requested ALLEN to find a solution in this regard. Listening to their request, Team ALLEN wrote a letter to the Union Education Minister and requested Om Birla to look into this matter of setting up NEET-UG Exam centers in the gulf region. As a result of cumulative efforts of all stakeholders including parents` community and Indian embassies in the Gulf, NTA announced new centers for the Gulf region to smoothly conduct the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). After this announcement, Team ALLEN visited Sh Om Birla at his office and thanked him for acknowledging the NRI students` and parents` needs and positively intervening into the same. This step will yield huge relief, making the NEET-UG exam more convenient for the NRI student community and encouraging many more students to participate in JEE and NEET exams in the future. Now the aspirations of coming back to India for quality and affordable higher education have become even more realistic. Students from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain will also get an opportunity to take the exam while living in the Gulf countries.ALLEN has constantly endeavoured to provide students with better opportunities and even better learning conditions, and it will continue making persistent efforts to benefit the student community. Live TV New Delhi: In a shocking new case, a woman working as domestic help in Greater Noida was arrested by the police for allegedly robbing valuables worth Rs 3 lakh from the houses in which she worked. The accused named Usha and her sister Suman were working together as domestic helpers in a house from which they allegedly managed to steal bits of jewelry over a certain period of time. The incident took place at Purvanchal Royal Park Society of Sector 137 located in the Kotwali Surajpur area. Sourav Kumar is a resident in the same society as the incident. His mother, who lives in another flat, was the victim of this theft. After finding out about the missing jewelry from his mother's house, he filed a complaint with the police. After investigating the matter the police arrested Usha and her sister and found around 3 lakh worth of jewellery in their possession of which some belonged to Sourav's mother. According to media reports, the police are still investigating the matter to find out if they can retrieve any more stolen jewelry or other valuable possessions. Also read: 13-year-old dies by suicide, was depressed over losing Rs 40,000 on online game. Live TV Lucknow: The New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida) in Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh is well on its way to become the new Information Technology (IT) hub of the country. CM Yogis progressive IT policy and consistent efforts to attract investments to this sector since he assumed charge over four years ago, has already started yielding results with the most illustrious industrialists of the country and abroad in this sector lining up to seize the opportunities before them in Noida. Multinational giants like Microsoft and US-based MAQ Software and Indias own Adani Group have bought lands in Noida to set up data centres while leading IT firms like HCL, Google and TCS have already established their units in this industrial town of UP bordering Delhi. Besides, Hiranandani Group, Netmagic Services, STT Pvt Ltd and Aggarwal Associate Ltd are in touch with the State Government to set up their own data centres. It is worth mentioning here that four years ago the same companies were not even ready to invest in UP. However, the concessions and relaxations announced by CM Yogi Adityanath in the Uttar Pradesh Electronics Manufacturing Policy-2017, coupled with his efforts to maintain law and order, dispelled prospective investors apprehensions about the state. As a result, initially 30 big investors came forward to invest Rs 20,000 crore in the IT sector in UP. Considering the increasing interest of investors in the IT sector, the Chief Minister decided to declare Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway areas located in the National Capital Region as Electronics Manufacturing Zones to boost investments further. With this decision of the Yogi government, many reputed companies of China, Taiwan and Korea came forward to set up their units in UP. Last year, Microsoft, Adani Group, MAQ, Hiranandani Group, Netmagic Services, STT Pvt Ltd and Agarwal Associate Ltd also submitted their investment proposals to the Government. Acting promptly on the companies proposals, the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority allotted 60,000 square metres to Microsoft in Sector 145. Microsoft will establish its software park and data centre on the land at an estimated cost of Rs 1,800 crore providing employment to more than 3,500 people. Similarly, the authority allotted a plot of 34,275 square metres to Adani Group at a prime location in Sector-62 of the city and 39,146 square metres to Adani Enterprises in Sector-80 of Noida itself. The group will set up a world class data centre on this plot at the cost of Rs 2,500 crore, which will provide jobs to 2,350 persons. Apart from this, Noida Authority has allotted a large plot of 16,350 square metres to MAQ India Pvt Ltd, which is one of the world's leading IT and ITES companies. The company will set up an IT project at the cost of Rs 250 crore on the land in Sector-145. Meanwhile, Hiranandani Group, SS Telemedia and Netmagic Services have proposed to invest Rs 6,000 crore, Rs 900 crore, and Rs 1,500 crore respectively to set up their data centres. STT Private Limited and Agarwal Associate Limited have also proposed to invest in IT sector in Noida and the Yogi Government will make lands available to them soon. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has directed officials to extend all possible help to the investors planing to set up data centres in Noida. New Delhi: To run the management and religious affairs of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Corridor, the Pakistan government has initiated a process of appointment of a Muslim head of yet to be operationalized Project Management Unit (PMU) which was created by the Pakistan government in November 2019. Pakistan government, in recent past, gave an advertisement for the appointment of staff for the PMU including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) which is likely to be a Muslim like that of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which manage the affairs of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and is headed by a Muslim Dr. Aamar Ahmad. The Economic Coordination Committee of Pakistans Federal Cabinet had in November 2019 approved the establishment of PMU. The advertisement specifically calls for Pakistani Sikh nationals to apply for the posts of ragi, granthi, pathi, kirtani but it has asked for any Pakistani citizens to apply for the remaining over one hundred jobs including the top post of CEO. A source informed Zee News that PMU whose senior positions would be held by Pakistani Muslims would manage the day-to-day management affairs of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib and would also guide Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) on taking appropriate religious decisions. PMU will look after the day-to-day affairs, management and accounts, etc. of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib and it has been specifically created so it could have its own dedicated funds for development and infrastructure, said sources. However, the sources didnt satisfactorily reply as to why the PSGPC was not handed over to the management of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. Sources here informed that the Pakistan government had given an advertisement for 126 posts for the PMU which could start functioning independently in near future. Pakistan government earns US$20 from every pilgrim arriving in Pakistan from India through the Kartarpur Corridor besides it has also given rise to several faith-based economical activities New Delhi/Chandigarh: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal met his party's MLAs from Punjab on Sunday and discusses matters related to next year's assembly polls and the ongoing farmers' protest. According to a statement issued by the Punjab unit of the AAP in Chandigarh, the meeting with the AAP MLAs at the chief minister's Delhi residence lasted for about three hours. Punjab AAP state president Bhagwant Mann, who is MP from Sangrur, and Leader of Opposition in Punjab, Harpal Singh Cheema, were present. After the meeting, Mann said the AAP's CM face for Punjab will be announced soon. Kejriwal met all the party MLAs from the state and discussed in detail how the AAP's policies could be taken to every voter in Punjab, he said. "Kejriwal discussed party strength at booth level and roadmap and strategy regarding assembly elections. We discussed what would be the blueprint for the polls," he told reporters in Delhi. According to the party statement, Kejriwal held discussion regarding the assembly elections and sought detailed suggestions for strengthening the farmers' movement. When contacted, a senior party leader from Punjab said one MLA said that the party should soon declare its chief ministerial candidate. During his Amritsar visit last month, Kejriwal had announced that the party's chief ministerial face for the 2022 polls will be from the Sikh community. Giving special directions to all the MLAs, Kejriwal said the farmers' movement should be supported at all levels, said the party statement. "He said today the 'annadatas' (farmers) of the country were forced to fight for their land and existence; but the Narendra Modi-led central government is not giving up its stubborn stance, which is reprehensible." "He reiterated that the Union government should immediately repeal the anti-agriculture "black" laws and should not introduce the Electricity Amendment Bill, 2021, in Parliament," said the party statement. During the meeting, the support given by the AAP government to the farmers' movement and the voice raised by Mann in favour of the farmers inside and outside Parliament was highly appreciated. Kejriwal said that everyone is well aware of various mafia which allegedly flourished during the rule of previous SAD-BJP and the present Congress regime. He said the people of Punjab were eagerly waiting for the polls to oust the Congress from power and keep the SAD and its erstwhile ally BJP at bay. In the meeting, Kejriwal advised the AAP Punjab MLAs and the entire leadership were advised to go door-to-door to tell the people about the development-oriented policies of the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi. If AAP comes to power in Punjab, it is committed to make Punjab a prosperous state again. Also, Kejriwal gave many examples of Delhi's development model to the Punjab leadership, said the statement. Party's Punjab affairs in-charge Jarnail Singh, co-incharge Raghav Chadha, Deputy Leader of Opposition in Punjab Saravjit Kaur Manuke, and MLAs Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Principal Budh Ram, Aman Arora, Baljinder Kaur, Jai Kishan Singh Rodi, Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Rupinder Kaur Ruby, Kulwant Singh Pandori, Master Baldev Singh Jaito, Amarjit Singh Sandoa were present in the meeting. New Delhi: A girl from Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad was left paralysed after a failed attempt at suicide. The girl allegedly jumped off a bridge on Tuesday evening because she was being blackmailed by her boyfriend and his friends. The girl complained to the police and in her statement she said that she was in a relationship for the past four months with a man Shadab and they both to used met at his cousins house. "He had taken objectionable photos and videos of me and shared them with three of his friends. Then suddenly he started blackmailing me. He asked me to either have sex with his friends or pay Rs 50,000 else he would upload her videos on the internet, she said in her statement as per a report by IANS. In a fit of desperation the girl jumped off a bridge in attempted suicide but has been left paraplegic instead. Taking action on the the girls statement and her familys complaint, Moradabad Superintendent of Police (rural), Vidya Sagar Mishra said an FIR has been registered against four accused Shadab and his three friends Saddam, Rashid and Arif for abetment to suicide. The police have set up teams to arrest the four accused who are absconding since the incident. As per the doctors, the girls upper lumbar vertebrae has collapsed, her legs are lifeless. New Delhi: Indian Navy is looking to hire for Sailor posts (Musician). The registration process will commence on Monday (August 2) and last till August 6, 2021. Interested candidates can apply through the official site of Indian Navy at joindiannavy.gov.in. This recruitment drive for the October 2021 batch will fill up to 33 Sailor (Musician) posts in the organization. Eligibility criteria: Candidates should have cleared the Matriculation Examination from the Boards of School Education recognized by the Ministry of Education, India. The candidates born between October 1, 1996, to September 30, 2004 can apply. There will be no age relaxation for these posts. Only unmarried male candidates can apply for the post. Selection criteria: In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 300 candidates will be shortlisted for Music Test and PFT. The selection will be based on the order of merit on their performance in the Music Screening Board and subject to clearing PFT at Kunjali and Enrolment Medicals examination at Chilka. It is to be noted that it is mandatory to submit a negative RT-PCR report by candidates at the time of the written examination. For further details, candidates are recommended to read the notification by the Indian Navy. Live TV New Delhi: The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has announced several vacancies for Executive and Senior Executive posts. The Indian government-owned electric utility company has informed that the interested candidates can apply through NTPC's official website at ntpc.co.in. Number of posts and qualifications: Executive (Commercial, 14 posts): Degree in Engineering (in any discipline) with at least 60% Marks from a recognized University and Post Graduate Diploma in Management/MBA or equivalent. Executive (Consultancy, 1 post) for O & M: BE/BTech in Mechanical or Power Engineering with at least 60 % marks from a recognized University. Executive (Consultancy) for Engineering (1 post): BE/BTech in Mechanical Engineering with at least 60 % marks from a recognized University. Executive (Consultancy) for Project Monitoring (1 post): BE/BTech in any discipline with at least 60% marks from a recognized University. Candidates having a diploma in Project Management/MBA will have an added advantage. Executive (Business Analyst, 1 post): Masters in Business Analytics/Business Administration with at least 60% marks from a recognized University. Executive (Clean Technologies, 1 post): Degree in Engineering/Technology in any discipline with at least 60% marks along with MTech/PhD in the energy domain will be preferred. Senior Executive (Solar, 1 post): Degree in Engineering in any discipline with at least 60% marks from a recognized University. Senior Executive (Company Secretary, 1 post): Member of Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Senior Executive (Corporate Communication, 1 post): Post Graduate Degree or Post Graduate Diploma in Communication Advertising & Communication Management/Public Relations/Mass Communication/Journalism from a recognized University/Institute. Here's how to apply: Interested and eligible candidates can visit NTPC's official website at www.ntpccareers.net or www.ntpc.co.in to apply online. Last date: The interested and eligible candidates can apply till August 6, 2021. Click here to check the official advertisement Live TV New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited applications for the posts of Assistant Director, Assistant Director (Weed Science), Research Officer (Implementation) and Senior Grade of Indian Information Service. The central recruiting agency said that the interested candidates can ONLY apply online through its official website http://www.upsconline.nic.in. Post: Assistant Director at the Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institute (CFQCTI), Faridabad Number of vacancies: 03 Pay Scale: Level- 10 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC Qualification: Master's Degree in Chemistry with specialization in Inorganic or Organic or Analytical Chemistry or MSc (Agriculture) with specialization in Soil Science or Agriculture Chemistry ALSO READ | NTPC Recruitment 2021: Vacancies available for Executive, Senior Executive posts, check last date and other details Post: Assistant Director (Weed Science) at the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, Faridabad Number of vacancies: 01 Pay Scale: Level-10 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC Qualification: MSc Degree in Agricultural (Agronomy) with specialization in Weed Science or MSc Degree in Botany with Weed Science as a subject from a recognized University or Institution Post: Research Officer (Implementation) at the Regional Implementation Offices, Department of Official Languages, Ministry of Home Affairs Number of vacancies: 08 Pay Scale: Level-07 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC Qualification: Master's degree in Hindi with English as a compulsory or elective subject or as the medium of examination at the degree level; or Master's degree in English with Hindi as a compulsory or elective subject or as the medium of examination at the degree level; or Master's degree in any subject other than Hindi or English with Hindi medium and English as a compulsory or elective subject or as the medium of an examination at the degree level; or Master's degree in any subject other than Hindi or English with English medium and Hindi as a compulsory or elective subject or as the medium of an examination at the degree level; or Master's degree in any subject other than Hindi or English with Hindi and English as a compulsory or elective subject or either of the two as a medium of an examination and the other as a compulsory or elective subject at the degree level. Post: Senior Grade of Indian Information Service at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Number of vacancies: 34 Pay Scale: Level-07 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC Qualification: A degree from a recognized University or Institute; Diploma/Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism/Mass Communication from a recognized University; or Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from a recognized University/Institute; Candidates must have studied concerned Indian language up to 10th Class. Last date: The last date for submission of the Online Recruitment Application (ORA) through the ORA website is August 12, 2021 (11:59 PM). Click here for the direct link to apply Click here to check the official job notification Live TV New Delhi: Actor Sooraj Pancholi who has been under investigation for charges of abetment in relation to his ex-girlfriend Jiah Khan's death, recently opened up on the sessions court's decision to transfer the case to a special CBI court. In an interview with a leading daily, he expressed that he is satisfied with this decision and hopes that there will be closure on this case. He told Bombay Times, "I am a little satisfied with this because my case should have been in the special CBI Court from the beginning. Now that the matter is in the CBI Court, I am hopeful that we will see closure to this. If the court finds me guilty, I should be penalised, but if it doesnt, I deserve to be set free from these charges." Pancholi reveals that the past few years have been difficult for him. Especially, he said, on his perception and reputation in the film industry. He feels that his reputation was ruined long ago and that he doesn't know how he survived the last 8 years. "This period has been tough for me. I trust that there will be light at the end of this tunnel. It has been tough on me because the industry and everything around it works on perception and the perception about me has not been what I would have liked it to be. It was ruined years ago. I dont know how I survived the last eight years; my familys support has seen me through it all. I have tried forgetting the experiences I have had through these years. My aim is to look ahead and move forward. My family is hopeful that the CBI Court will at least be expeditious with the case. " In the eight-year-old pending case of late Bollywood actress's Jiah Khan's death, it has been decided that the Central Bureau of Investigation court will now hear the case. Earlier, the sessions court was conducting a trial against her ex-boyfriend Sooraj Pancholi on charges of alleged abetment. However, the court authorities have said that the case should be moved to a special CBI court, according to an ANI report. For the unversed, actress Jiah Khan died on June 3, 2013, she was found dead at her home. The mysterious case of her death remained in news for the longest time and the investigation was led by CBI. Her mother Rabiya Khan and family members alleged that she was killed and not committed suicide as perceived. In 2018, actor and Jiah's then-boyfriend Sooraj Pancholi was charged by the Mumbai court with abetting Khan's suicide. New Delhi: Bollywood stunner Kriti Sanon recently spoke about the pay disparity between men and women in Bollywood. She also expressed that according to her, there is a patriarchal mindset in the industry that has become normalised. In an interview with a leading daily, the actress feels that it will take time for people to grow out of this mindset. She told ETimes, "The only thing that I had pointed out which happens is when a male and a female actor have a similar kind of role, I feel like men don't have to prove by having the film solely on them, to grow and to increase their price and somewhere females, sometimes have to prove it more by such kind of films, which is what I felt is a very weird difference. But I think we're slowly growing and things are changing. The patriarchal mindset is so normal that it will take a little time to change and to grow." The Mimi' actress added, "The day we'll stop saying female-centric because we never say male-centric. So, I think these small changes when they start coming and it kind of actually becomes equal in our heads when we don't have any difference, these other differences of pay parity will also somewhere start balancing." Kriti's latest film Mimi which was supposed to release on July 30 released 4 days in advance on Netflix and Jio Cinema. It tells the tale of a girl who wants to try her luck in Bollywood and ends up becoming a surrogate for a couple. Pankaj Tripathi plays an integral part in Mimi's journey and struggles. Helmed by Laxman Utekar, the film also stars Supriya Pathak and Manoj Pahwa in pivotal roles. New Delhi: Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is currently shooting for her upcoming show 'Citadel' in London, on Saturday, posted a stunning selfie flaunting her beautiful curls. Sharing the picture on her Instagram, she wrote, #selfiemode #citadel. In the picture, PeeCee sported a white top, along with nude make-up. While the world was drooling over her charm, it was her husband Nick Jonas who couldnt stop himself from commenting and wrote, Youre hot in the comment box. This wasn't it, the 39-year-old actor also shared a mesmerizing video on Instagram reels, riding a boat in London. She could be seen sporting a casual look, with a blue top, black shorts along with a hat and sunglasses. The video gave a glimpse of the gorgeous London sky on a sunny day. 'Citadel', a spy-thriller directed by The Russo Brothers, stars Priyanka and 'Game of Thrones' fame Richard Madden in lead roles. She recently launched an Indian restaurant called Sona in New York and also released her memoir titled 'Unfinished' earlier this year. She will next be seen in 'Text For You' which also features Celine Dion and Sam Heughan in the lead roles. Apart from that, she will also be seen in 'Matrix 4'. New Delhi: Actress Shilpa Shettys businessman husband Raj Kundra and his associate Ryan Thorpe were arrested as they were destroying evidence against themselves in porn creation and distribution case, said the police to Bombay High Court after Raj Kundras lawyer called his arrest illegal as there was no prior legal notice served to Kundra. The police prosecutor Aruna Pai, who was appearing on behalf of Mumbai Police told the Bombay High Court on Saturday (July 31) that Raj Kundra and Ryan Thorpe were indeed served notice under Section 41A of the CrPC act - mandating their appearance before a police officer, which Kundra denied. Thorpe accepted the notice. She further added that the police cannot be mute spectators while the accused destroy evidence. Instead of cooperating, they started deleting content from WhatsApp groups and chats. Thus, they started destroying evidence. When an accused starts destroying evidence, investigating authorities cannot be mute spectators, they have to prevent them. Therefore, in order to prevent them, they were arrested, Aruna Pai told the Bombay High Court. She further attested, Police has seized 51 movies under the Hotshot and Bolly Fame app during their search. Besides, more material was seized from Kundras personal laptop, mobile phone and Storage Area Network (SAN) device." Raj Kundra was arrested on July 19 for his involvement in porn creation and distribution racket. (With inputs from IANS) New Delhi: As we all know that Bollywood producer Karan Johar will be hosting the first six weeks of Bigg Boss OTT on Voot Select and so when asked how would he react if given a change to be part of the show as a contestant. KJo who himself is an avid follower of the Bigg Boss show was seen taking a backseat when it comes to being a conestant on this reality show. Sharing his views, he said, Six weeks inside the house? I cant stay without my phone for even an hour. Just imagine how many things I will miss out on in just one hour. Oh My Gosh, I dont even want to get started. For the unversed, as per the rules, no contestant can take any communication device with him/her into the house. So come what may, Karan will never be seen as a contestant in this reality show. KJo will anchor the drama for the six week run of "Bigg Boss OTT", which premieres on August 8. After the completion of the digital exclusive, the show will move seamlessly into Colors with the launch of Season 15 of 'Bigg Boss'. "Bigg Boss OTT", which will stream on Voot, will introduce a 'janta' factor. The new format will give the common man the uncommon powers of "Bigg Boss OTT" by enabling them to handpick contestants and the contestants' stay, tasks and exit from the show. London: We always come across stories where a person finds fortune out of nowhere. In a recent incident, a person's life was changed overnight. A man recently bought an old crumpled thin and long-handled spoon with just 90 paise from a car boot sale in the streets of London and later sold it for a whopping amount of Rs 2 lakhs during an online auction. The man found the spoon lying among Ikea-style cutlery which he bought for 90 paise, but he had a hunch that despite its battered look, it might be a rare Medieval spoon. Soon after, the unnamed man approached the Lawrences Auctioneers, of Crewkerne, Somerset, and registered the spoon for the auction and was awaiting confirmation from the Lawrences Auctioneers. Meanwhile, Lawrences Auctioneers silver expert Alex Butcher examined the 5-inch spoon and found it to be a silver spoon dating back to the late 13th century and put a value of Rs 51,712 by a conservative estimate. After this, he put up the spoon for an online auction, and gradually its bid kept increasing during the course. Bidding was done for lakhs of rupees and at the end of the bid, the spoon was finally sold for Rs 1,97,000. And, along with the taxes and extra charges, the value of the antique spoon crossed Rs 2 lakh. Speaking about the spoon, Butcher said, The finder is not a silver dealer but someone who goes to car boot sales as a hobby, clearly has a good eye. The vendor wrote me a lovely email saying he was watching the sale online with his daughter and couldnt believe it. I think he is planning to spend the money on a staycation holiday to the East of England, he further added. Islamabad: Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday (July 31) met prominent Afghan politicians and jihadists to discuss the ongoing volatile situation in the country. The discussion took place at a critical juncture as the Afghan government was being accused of not having an internal consensus to deal with the Taliban at the negotiating table. The meeting was held days after the follow-up meeting between the Afghan government and the Taliban, The Khaama Press reported citing a statement from the Afghan presidential palace. The participants in the meeting agreed upon several topics to control unrest in the country. The first consensus includes putting an end to the current war and embracing a durable peace. The second issue outlined in the statement referred to protecting territorial integrity, infrastructures, joint values, women and other people`s rights is the obligation of the Afghan government and added to defend the above-mentioned ones against any offense, The Khaama Press reported. Afghan security forces and people`s mobilization were also praised for their efforts in dealing with offenses and terror attacks in the country, and all the politicians and jihadists also expressed their support to Afghan National Defence and Security forces (ANDSF) and Afghan people`s mobilization. Recently, several Human Rights watchdogs have also blamed the Taliban for the death of dozens of civilians in Kandahar`s Spin-Boldak district. In another development, reports also informed that Human rights violations have been increasing in Afghanistan at a time when the withdrawal of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces from the war-torn country are about to be completed. Over the past few weeks, Afghanistan has witnessed a surge in violence as the Taliban has intensified its offensive with the complete pullback of foreign forces just a few weeks away. A few days back, a popular comedian in Afghanistan was killed by unidentified gunmen allegedly Taliban in Kandahar province of the country. Apart from it, there is the fury on social media against the Taliban group. Netizens are expressing outrage over the "barbarous" action of the Taliban.In various videos circulating on social media, in which Taliban terrorists are seen abducting girls forcefully from her home and killing civilians mercilessly. Live TV Nuristan: The death toll of last weeks flooding in Afghanistans Kamdish district has risen to 113 with dozens still missing, TOLO News reported quoting an official, adding that 70 more were injured. The floods happened on Wednesday due to heavy rains in the Kamdish district in Nuristan province. "Some are still missing... 12 kilometers of road has been destroyed, 173 houses were totally damaged," the State Minister on Natural Disaster Management Ghulam Bahauddin Jailani said, TOLO News reported. Some lawmakers from the province said the flood-affected residents need urgent assistance. The lawmakers claimed that the Taliban is obstructing the rescue operations of the victims. But the Taliban has said that it has prevented the infiltration of the government forces to flood-hit areas. "The people are in a critical situation. They need urgent help. They have lost everything," said Ismail Atikan, an MP from Nuristan. Nuristan governor Hafiz Abdul Qayum said some of the affected families have been provided support by the government. "Our teams that have been sent. Based on their assessment, the flood-affected people need tents, beds and kitchen kits as their basic needs," he said. Last month, at least 12 people were also killed as heavy rains and flash floods hit parts of Afghanistan`s western province of Herat. The floods also destroyed tens of residential houses and orchards in the districts and caused the closure of several district roads to traffic. Washington DC: Former President Donald Trump on Saturday (July 31) defended his comments to top Department of Justice (DOJ) officials about the 2020 election after notes from a call in December were released. The House Oversight and Reform Committee released notes former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen`s deputy, Richard Donoghue, took during a December 27 call between Donoghue, Rosen, and Trump. The notes showed Trump was pushing the officials to investigate election fraud claims with no evidence and allegedly told the officials to say the election was "corrupt," The Hill reported. The former President in a statement slammed the Oversight and Reform Committee for releasing the documents and said it was wrong to describe him as attempting to "overturn the election." "The corrupt and highly partisan House Democrats who run the House Oversight Committee yesterday released documents--including court filings dealing with the rigged election of 2020--that they dishonestly described as attempting to overturn the election," Trump said while repeating claims the election was "rigged" despite having no evidence for the assertion. "In fact, it is just the opposite. The documents were meant to uphold the integrity and honesty of elections and the sanctity of our vote," he added. "The American People want, and demand, that the President of the United States, its chief law enforcement officer in the country, stand with them to fight for Election Integrity and to investigate attempts to undermine our nation." The Hill further reported. Trump has been asserting for months that the election was rigged and even called on Congress to investigate his claims in his statement Saturday (July 31), more than eight months after the election. Live TV Batley: Six Pakistani men were sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering a 20-year-old man and attacking two of his friends on the streets of Batley in the UK`s West Yorkshire. Bradley Gledhill, 20, from Heckmondwike, died after being assaulted along with two friends on Park Croft in Batley on June 21 2020, NewsComWorld reported. The defendants were found guilty of the offences following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. The six has been identified as Usman Karolia, Ahmed Karolia, Nabeel Naseer, Raja Nawaz, Nikash Hussain and Irfan Hussain. In a statement on Friday (July 30), the West Yorkshire Police said that six males have been "given life sentences after a man was murdered and his two friends seriously injured in an attack on a Batley street". Gledhill and his friends were attacked by the six men with all three victims receiving significant knife injuries. Police and paramedics attended, but despite treatment including first aid from residents, Bradley did not survive his injuries. Detective Chief Inspector Vanessa Rolfe of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "This was a horrific offence in which a 20-year-old male has lost his life following an outbreak of violence in which knives were used." "All three victims were seriously injured with Bradley paying the ultimate price in an incident which vividly demonstrates the dreadful human cost of knife crime." "Those involved continued to attack Bradley even after he had been wounded and was laid defenceless on the floor. We welcome the sentences imposed on them today for their roles in the joint enterprise murder of a male who, at 20-years old, had his whole life ahead of him." Live TV Washington: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will take part in five online ministerial meetings within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to discuss regional and international issues. "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will participate in five virtual ministerial meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from August 2-6 EDT. These will be the U.S.-ASEAN, East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Mekong-U.S. Partnership, and Friends of the Mekong ministerial meetings," the US Department of State said in a statement. The department added that Blinken would discuss pressing regional and international with leaders from across the Indo-Pacific region during those meetings. "The Secretary will also raise the importance of taking bold action to address the climate crisis. He will reiterate that the United States stands with the international community in defense of freedom of the seas and international law, including UNCLOS," the department stated. Blinken is also expected to touch upon the situation in Myanmar and urge ASEAN to try to convince the country`s military to put an end to the violence, as well as release all people who were unjustly arrested and "restore Burma`s path to democracy." Live TV